Question 2 Part Problem - AIO PC Build/prebuilt questions with cloud NAS and a laptop kicker to boot.

[AniseCookiesSuck]

Hello!

I'm a little stuck. My problem is two-fold. I'm trying to help my mom get her home office set up. She's in real estate and handles a crazy amount of pdfs and web based software programs. Whatever my solution is - I have to be able to help her over the phone if something isn't working right. She is NOT patient when it comes to any hardware errors and I live three states away.

1st problem - She currently has a 2 year old Microsoft Surface laptop that just started making some terrifying noises - kinda like shorted electronics noise, some popping. I've pulled up the task manager and she's operating at 80-88% memory (she has 7.5 GB total and yes she has a lot of tabs open but I can't close them because she literally is using them hourly) but her CPU, Disc, and GPU are all low.

I heard this sound for the first time the other day when I was creating templates in one of her programs. It didn't do it for very long so I couldn't troubleshoot anything but I had it plugged in charging at the time so I unplugged it. Today, I had the laptop charging and I hardwired it to a second monitor (the monitor has it's own power source). It started making the noises again- I think it got warm but I don't use it normally so it could be how it always runs. I have cooling fans for my laptop so I put it under hers (it pulls power from the laptop) and the noises didn't go away. The only thing I could think of was that the second monitor was creating too much of a drag on the laptop and maybe there is an issue with the battery or fans. I unplugged everything and after a little while it stopped. Eventually I plugged the charger back in but noticed after a little while it started making noises again. I disconnected the charger and the noise stopped after a little bit.

Next, I just plugged in the other monitor. I had no noise for quite a while but then I plugged the charger in and the noise came back within a few minutes. I have been using the laptop connected to the second monitor but not plugged in to the charger for about an hour now and no noise- plug the charger back in and the noise starts again, kinda like a white noise maybe vinyl record pops. She just told me this is a replacement charger but I'm not sure yet if it's the correct wattage. I did just notice that her GPU temp goes up about 10degC, from 40-42deg C to 50+degC, when I plug the charger in.

Since she doesn't have a second computer I don't want to open up the laptop to see if it's just a simple fix, and I also don't want to take it to geek squad and have them mess with it because she doesn't have a back up. Do these have known battery issues or connector failures? She lives in FL and she takes this thing everywhere, and I do mean everywhere - even the beach. The lovely thing about working from home/real estate is that she can do her job from almost anywhere so as long as she has her laptop with her she can do her work. This leads in to the second part of my problem.

2nd - I would like to set her up with a home desktop that back ups into a cloud NAS so that she can access it from anywhere. She is more interested in the cheaper side while I will pay a bit more for her to have everything set up like we want. I like the idea of the AIO computers because she doesn't have tons of space for a tower. I have entertained the SFF and even a mini tower build but ideally the AIO works better - her desk is 15" deep. I have built a performance PC so if I can build an AIO that would be awesome but I'm having a hard time finding out build information. And if it is similar to normal PC builds, then I can get better performance for the same price as a prebuilt.

She needs:
-16GB RAM
-Minimum 512gb storage but a 1 tb would be nice (She doesn't have to store the pdfs on her computer long term - just until the contracts close so tons of storage isn't needed but I would like it to have a bit more - also would an HDD be smarter since she writes and rewrites with all the documents - I used both an HDD and an SSD in the gaming PC but I put the OS on the SSD. The laptop has an SSD, which makes sense since it gets moved around so much.)
-WiFi and bluetooth compatible
-HDMI or USB ports for a second monitor (I currently have an USB-C source to HDMI input cable)
-Powerful processor.

I've looked a bit into the Synology NAS hardware but I don't know too much about that side. A long time ago I had looked into it for myself but I never got around to doing it and now just have multiple external hard drives. The cloud bit is key. I'm a little leery of using Microsoft/Apple/Google cloud programs and would prefer something more secure. She does handle sensitive financial information so preferably encrypted but half the time the other RE professionals she's dealing with literally send a lot of sensitive info over unsecured texts or even Facebook (I died a little when she told me that - she doesn't understand why these people do that) so it may not be the most important thing if it increase the running cost of it a lot.

Hopefully this wasn't too long-winded. Thank you if you read all the way through!
- Megan
Edit 1 - I will pay more for her to actually have this set up the way she likes it.

 

[Aeacus]

That was a long read.

#1

I heard this sound

In laptops (PCs in general), there are only 3 things that can make noise.
1. Fans
2. HDD
3. Coil whine

For that laptop, it sounds like bad fan bearing or another internal fan issue, making the noise. I suspect this the most, since i have a good feeling the laptop hasn't seen any maintenance during it's lifespan (e.g internal dust cleaning). And moisture (humidity in Florida) can do all sorts of interesting things.

HDDs do their read/write noises. So, if laptop has HDD, i'd look towards it as well. If not, this option can be ruled out.

Coil whine is mostly heard from desktop PCs and either from PSU, GPU or sometimes from MoBo. Laptop also has all these components and it wouldn't be unheard of, getting coil whine from laptop as well.

To get to the bottom of this, you should need to remove the back plastic cover of the laptop and power it on, just to locate from where exactly the noise is coming from. When laptop is opened, don't poke into it while it is powered. You can zap laptop into afterlife.

#2

I like the idea of the AIO computers

That is a niche of PC building and all-in-one PC can't be built on your own. Since AIO PC essentially means, that entire PC is inside the monitor.

Apple iMac is prime example of AIO PC. And if you really want to go with AIO PC route, i suggest you buy one ready made.
Best AIO PCs: https://www.pcmag.com/picks/the-best-all-in-one-computers?test_uuid=06VbILP0gGfqWI6STznyr7F

However, if you're thinking to DIY one, then you need the know-how of monitor's inner workings, so that you can connect the MoBo to monitor, add other hardware (GPU, RAM, SSD, CPU/GPU cooling etc), while fitting all that inside the monitor housing. End result may look like CRT monitor. Big and bulky (especially when you go with standard mini-ITX MoBo).


Another step up (size wise) from AIO PCs are mini PCs,
further reading: https://www.pcmag.com/picks/the-best-windows-mini-pcs?test_uuid=06VbILP0gGfqWI6STznyr7F

Mini PCs can have more "oomph" and in a way, are more portable than AIO PCs (given that you don't lug monitor around). Also, depending on which one you get, you may get the convenience of replacing some of it's components (more freedom in component replacement than in AIO PCs and laptops).


Step up (size wise) from mini PCs are standard SFF and HTPC builds, usually housing standard mini-ITX MoBo.

With these, component replacement freedom is absolute and you can easily replace individual components (just with regular desktop PCs). Also, their performance can get quite high, which is only restricted to the dimensions of the PC case and cooling solution (e.g fan mounts).


So, give a good look on which of the three you'd pick and we can go from there. With SFF/HTPC assembly (component selection), we can help you further.

also would an HDD be smarter since she writes and rewrites with all the documents

I'd say No.

HDD is only viable for bulk data storage. Since HDD is slow, it's read/write speeds are the worst, compared to 2.5" SATA SSD and M.2 NVMe PCI-E SSD.

For small read/write files, i'd actually suggest going with M.2 NVMe PCI-E SSD. It can house OS and all other data, while being blazingly fast.

 

[AniseCookiesSuck]

Thank you for reading!

In laptops (PCs in general), there are only 3 things that can make noise.
1. Fans
2. HDD
3. Coil whine

I don't think this laptop has an HDD - I have never heard any disc noises . I was an auto mechanic and I'm an aircraft mechanic so bearing noise, and electrical noise, is something I know well. It doesn't sound like a failed bearing, or any other fan noise I've heard. It's only making that noise when the charger is plugged in and has a popping noise. Like a vinyl record. I'm super susceptible to electrical whine - even if I can't hear it, I get agitated so it's pretty easy for me to tell if that's what it is. For example, my mom plugs her phone into a USB outlet - it drives me up a wall, but if I plug that cord into an adapter and into a normal 110V outlet the noise is gone. The noise doesn't start immediately when I plug the charger in; it takes a few minutes.

I would love to be able to open it up but it's her only computer, otherwise I would. :\

For small read/write files, i'd actually suggest going with M.2 NVMe PCI-E SSD. It can house OS and all other data, while being blazingly fast.

That sounds good. I used the Samsung 970 EVO Plus M.2 NVMe in the last build paired with a Seagate BaraCuda 2TB HDD 3.5" SATA. It works really well.

So, give a good look on which of the three you'd pick and we can go from there. With SFF/HTPC assembly (component selection), we can help you further.

I'm definitely going to look through that AIO PC list - maybe get a cheap one for the time being. I figured it was pretty niche but thought someone might have a build listed somewhere.
More than likely, if I build, I'll probably go with a mini tower.

It would be amazing if I could get the parts in the next few days because we're leaving on the first but I don't think that is even possible. I may have to build it at home and bring it down to her.

So if we go the build route the tower needs to be small. I can mount it on the side of her desk but a thin square or rectangle would be the best. I've looked up some cases, I have a fractal meshify on my build so I pulled them up but the Node 202 isn't available so idk the price but their ridge is like $130...
I'd like a case under $100 if I can.
Then we get into mini-ITX vs micro-ATX mobo. I did months of research before I built mine but I don't have the time right now to go that deep, plus mine's for gaming and she doesn't need all that.
Is there any build recommendations you have for a quality PC where the tower doesn't take up much of a footprint? If I can build it for under $800 that would be awesome.

Also, are you familiar with the NAS stuff?

THANK YOU so much for your reply!
-Megan

 

[USAFRet]

1. Fix ONE problem at a time.
2. Is there a known good daily backup of ALL data, incl the OS?

 

[AniseCookiesSuck]

1. Fix ONE problem at a time.
2. Is there a known good daily backup of ALL data, incl the OS?

1. Lol the fix is to buy/build a second computer prior to opening the laptop!
2. I can almost guarantee that there is not. Thankfully, since all the software she uses is web based, a copy of most every document is in her emails or the programs themselves.

I will be making a backup today - thank you for that reminder!

 

[Aeacus]

The noise doesn't start immediately when I plug the charger in; it takes a few minutes.

This then would relate to thermals. Whereby when device gets to certain degree of hotness, the noise (most likely coil whine or similar), starts.

Though, with laptops, they have batteries in it and it could be noise from damaged battery. Lithium-ion batteries, when damaged, start to make cracking and hissing noises when charged. Eventually leading to a "BOOM".
Lead-acid batteries (e.g car battery) also make noises (usually bubbling ones) when charged, but those are normal for those batteries. Also, i don't think that laptop would have lead-acid battery in it.

You could try to record a vid of the noise and upload it to the net (e.g Youtube) and share the vid with us. Since without actually hearing the noise, it is a wild goose chase of what it may be.

That sounds good. I used the Samsung 970 EVO Plus M.2 NVMe in the last build paired with a Seagate BaraCuda 2TB HDD 3.5" SATA. It works really well.

👍

In our builds we have M.2 paired with SATA SSD. E.g;
Skylake build - 970 Evo Plus 2TB (OS) + 870 Evo 2TB (data).
Haswell build - 980 1TB (OS) + 870 Evo 2TB (data).
I've phased out all HDDs from our builds.
(Full specs with pics in my sig.)

It would be amazing if I could get the parts in the next few days because we're leaving on the first but I don't think that is even possible. I may have to build it at home and bring it down to her.

Well, component selection alone takes a week or two, especially when you have to consider dimension clearances and component availability.

Then, the hardest part - assembly. Mini-ITX builds are the worst to assemble due to their compact size. I actually doesn't suggest building one for average user, since often than not, clearances will be an issue, without solid groundwork in component choosing. And even then, there can be aspects that one didn't consider but show itself during assembly.

So if we go the build route the tower needs to be small. I can mount it on the side of her desk but a thin square or rectangle would be the best. I've looked up some cases, I have a fractal meshify on my build so I pulled them up but the Node 202 isn't available so idk the price but their ridge is like $130...
I'd like a case under $100 if I can.

Here is the list of smallest min-ITX cases out there,
pcpp: https://pcpartpicker.com/forums/topic/55093-list-of-cases-for-steam-machinebox

List should be, more-or-less, up-to-the-date. Still, it gives nice selection of cases. Though, case availability could be major issue.

Best course of action of building any such mini-ITX build, is:
1st to buy the PC case.
And then, once you have the case, buy the components that fit into there.

Doing it vice-versa, e.g getting everything at once or leaving PC case as last one, usually leads into clearance issues.

So, pick the PC case 1st. And we can go from there, if you want to experience the ordeal of building mini-ITX build, that is.

Then we get into mini-ITX vs micro-ATX mobo.

If idea is small footprint, then mini-ITX MoBo would be only option.

As of how the build could look like, here's a guideline:

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 8500G 4.1 GHz 6-Core Processor ($142.97 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock B650I Lightning Wifi Mini ITX AM5 Motherboard ($199.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Patriot Signature Line 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-4800 CL40 Memory ($68.98 @ Amazon)
Storage: Samsung 990 Pro 1 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive ($99.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $511.93

Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2025-03-28 13:44 EDT-0400

Note: build is guideline and misses PC case and PSU. Those must be selected before the rest of the components. 1st the PC case and then the PSU.

Few words;
One idea would be the one above, where CPU is R5 8500G APU. This build doesn't need dedicated GPU and monitor hooks to MoBo. CPU cooler is included. RAM is a bit more, 32GB in total, but just in case the office build needs it. SSD is M.2 PCI-E 4.0 one and SSD slots onto MoBo. Whereby entire build is just as big as mini-ITX MoBo is. MoBo also has 2nd M.2 slot at the back side of it.

This would give build very small footprint. PSU wise, 550W unit is more than enough. Even 300W unit could do, if no dedicated GPU is used.

Again, PSU depends on PC case choosed. Could be where you can't use SFX PSU (let alone ATX PSU), but instead have to use Flex-ATX PSU, since PC case is that small. And flex-ATX PSUs doesn't go high wattage capacity wise.

Also, are you familiar with the NAS stuff?

Nope. NAS is outside of my ballpark. However, USAFRet is our resident expert in NAS and anything to do with data backups. So, you can discuss that part with him.

 

[AniseCookiesSuck]

Lithium-ion batteries, when damaged, start to make cracking and hissing noises when charged. Eventually leading to a "BOOM"

Yeahhhhh The battery going bad is what I have been thinking. I was just hoping it wasn't. This dang laptop has an integrated battery so I can't even remove it and swap it without opening everything up. She doesn't leave the computer plugged in all the time; normally, she only charges it when it's low- closes it, plugs it in, then unplugs it to use in like 20-30 minutes. She does charge it overnight, especially if she knows she won't be home that morning and needs to take it with her. It has a very long battery life but she uses it most of the day and it's 2 years old. None of this stuff is made to last anymore.

Nope. NAS is outside of my ballpark. However, USAFRet is our resident expert in NAS and anything to do with data backups. So, you can discuss that part with him.

Well I'm glad that he read my question then!

Then, the hardest part - assembly. Mini-ITX builds are the worst to assemble due to their compact size. I actually doesn't suggest building one for average user, since often than not, clearances will be an issue, without solid groundwork in component choosing. And even then, there can be aspects that one didn't consider but show itself during assembly.

I'm very familiar with tolerance-specific building. Aircraft repair is one of the most detail-oriented and tolerance- specific things out there. Good note about buying the case first. Thankfully I didn't run into any of those issues with my atx build but I also did a LOT of research beforehand. I'll open that build in pcpicker and see what else we can get. I like the high RAM... but again, I use my computer for way more than she does. I'll probably always go with the higher PSU. Plus gold - I much rather prefer having too much power available than not having enough.
Thanks again!

 

[Aeacus]

None of this stuff is made to last anymore.

Planned obsolescence. Sadly, very much a thing nowadays.
Further reading if interested: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Planned_obsolescence

I like the high RAM... but again, I use my computer for way more than she does.

High RAM? As in tall heatsinks on RAM? Or high capacity?

Heatsinks on RAM are only for eyecandy. I don't think she cares if RAM has unicorn puke on it or not.

As for capacity, more is better, usually. Now, going with way too much, e.g 64GB would only be waste of money, since that much is needed for 3D render and the like. Gaming builds today, do fine with 16GB (or 32GB when playing latest AAA titles). Whereby, for office build, 8-16GB is enough. For guideline build, i put in 32GB, just in case for bloatware, that may end up eating up much RAM. (Which could be the case with current laptop.)

I'll probably always go with the higher PSU.

Over-provisioning with wattage doesn't hurt when it's 100W or 200W extra. I always also suggest 100W to 200W extra PSU for anyone, just in case. Now, 300+W extra is waste of money and it will eat into PSU's efficiency as well. Since when e.g max load on build is ~200W and one buys 1kW (1000W) unit, then PSU ever sees max 20% load on it. This makes PSU very inefficient, since PSUs are most efficient when max load on them is 50% to 80% of their rated wattage capacity.

Plus gold

Do you mean PSU's efficiency? 80+ Gold? If so, this isn't a sign of PSUs quality. It just means that PSU is somewhat efficient but build quality wise, can be complete crap. Especially when you cheap out on PSU.

Efficiency wise;
80+ (White) PSUs, today, are all essentially crap quality units. ~15 years ago, there were some decent units.
80+ Bronze PSUs were the norm ~15 years ago. Back then, most PSUs were 80+ Bronze.
80+ Silver PSUs are rare sight. There were rare back then and today, i haven't seen any modern PSU to be 80+ Silver. (Outside of crap quality units that fake the efficiency badge, e.g 85+ Silver or 90+ Gold.)
80+ Gold PSUs are currently the norm. Good enough efficiency for most people. There are good units in that segment, but also bad ones. So, need to do your research and read PSU reviews.
80+ Platinum units used to be rare, but are getting more common. There are some good units in that segment. Also, you can find SFX PSUs in that efficiency.
80+ Titanium is the highest efficiency there is. Now, just because PSU is so efficient, doesn't instantly mean it's great PSU. E.g Silverstone managed to produce one 80+ Titanium PSU that was complete crap. Though, most 80+ Titanium units are good (or even great). Like the two Seasonic PRIME TX-650 units i have powering my builds.

Still, with PSU, any PSU, do read the review. If there is no PSU review, there's little reason to buy it.

 

[AniseCookiesSuck]

High RAM? As in tall heatsinks on RAM? Or high capacity?

High capacity. I do think that her RAM is limiting right now. The web programs eat a lot of memory.

Yeah, I meant 80+gold. I did a corsair. I like to have a wattage cushion that isn't too big. No sense in not having a component working as efficiently as possible.

Now it's just seeing what all is available! With the releases of the new GPUs I think a lot of thing have become a little bit harder to find/ more expensive!

Thank you for your help!!!

 

[Aeacus]

With the releases of the new GPUs I think a lot of thing have become a little bit harder to find/ more expensive!

Unless you want to go with RTX 50-series or RX 9000 series GPUs, i see no indication of component shortages. All other hardware is still in ample supply.

Yeah, I meant 80+gold. I did a corsair.

From Corsair, solid options are: RMx, RMi, HXi and AXi. The rest are best not to be bought. RM, HX and AX are old. TX and TXm are also old but with so many different SKUs, that you can't make sense which OEM PSU you'd get. RMe is mediocre quality but would suffice for office build without dedicated GPU. CX and CXm are also mediocre quality. Only good for office builds. CV, CSm, VS are low quality. Waste of money.
Oh, Corsair SF-series is good quality (SFX PSU). Same with Seasonic Focus SGX (also SFX PSU).

 

[AniseCookiesSuck]

Sorry for the late reply!

Oh, Corsair SF-series is good quality (SFX PSU). Same with Seasonic Focus SGX (also SFX PSU).

Thank you for the advice! I had looked at both of those via pcpartpicker but I'll look into them a bit more.

My only issue is going to be remembering what she needs vs the more expensive/powerful things that I would want if it was mine lol.

I really appreciate all the help!! I'm going to close the thread but if/when I start building I might come and throw my build list on here for you to look at, if that's alright. I'll pick USAFRet's brain about the NAS when I get to building that as well.
Thanks!
Megan

 

[Aeacus]

I had looked at both of those via pcpartpicker but I'll look into them a bit more.

👍

Corsair SF-series reputable review: https://www.tomshardware.com/pc-components/power-supplies/corsair-sf750-sfx-psu-review
Seasonic SGX-series reputable review: https://www.kitguru.net/components/zardon/seasonic-sgx-750-sfx-modular-psu-review/all/1/

Further options regarding great SFX and SFX-L PSUs (ATX 3.x versions),
link: https://hwbusters.com/best_picks/best-atxv3-pcie5-ready-psus-picks-hardware-busters/8/

Each of them also have reputable review just under that table of PSUs, that you can further read.

My only issue is going to be remembering what she needs vs the more expensive/powerful things that I would want if it was mine lol.

One option is getting the budget fixed and sticking to it.

Could be that AIO PC and/or mini PC may end up cheaper, than you DIY mini-ITX build.

if/when I start building I might come and throw my build list on here for you to look at, if that's alright. I'll pick USAFRet's brain about the NAS when I get to building that as well.

👍