Build your own, or buy a Laptop for Gaming?

[forregacc02]

Hi guys,

I've been to mobile gaming for quite some time, and have thought it to be quite expensive. Needing the latest iPhone just to get constant 60 FPS on max settings on demanding titles. Top of the line Android phones don't get the level of experience as an iPhone for some reason, probably due to the Metal API.

Anyway, I'm planning to get back to PC gaming, but was shocked with the prices of GPUs and RAM. Even Pre-built PCs seem to be really expensive right now. I'm on a tight budget, but wants to get at least a GTX 1080. I don't have any computer peripherals anymore, even UPS/AVR or power strip, so I need to factor in the cost of that as well.

I came across this $1800 GTX 1080 laptop, and is one of my considerations now: https://www.amazon.com/GL702VI-Gaming-Laptop-2-8GHz-Processor/dp/B078HRSQLW/

I'm aware of the advantages of a laptop over a desktop, and vice versa. For my situation, they're equal to me. I just need the best bang for buck gaming experience right now.

My preferred specs are:
CPU: Any CPU that won't bottleneck the GPU. The i5-8400 looks good to me. I'm also not planning to do any overclocking.
CPU Cooler: Stock is fine. Very easy to install and saves money
Motherboard: Any cheap motherboard, or something with a built-in wifi, if that would save money than buying a separate WLAN Adapter
RAM: Any configuration of 16gb RAM for Intel build, or an adequate config for Ryzen
Storage: 500gb of SSD is my preference. I have no use for a hard drive since I won't be using the PC for anything other than gaming.
GPU: GTX 1080 for a laptop and 1080ti for desktop
PSU: Any reliable PSU. Doesn't have to be modular since I'll be losing the extra cables anyway.
Case: Smaller is better since I don't have much space. Doesn't matter much how it look, since I'll be looking at the screen 90% of the time anyway.
Peripherals: Keyboard, Mouse, Speaker, and Monitor/TV. I could also consider using the Monitor/TV audio if it has one. (I don't use headphones). UPS/AVR if needed. Or maybe just a power strip. I used to run my PC on just a power strip. Desktop, Monitor, and Speakers plugged in with no issues.

Any suggestions or comments from you guys would be appreciated. I'm wiling to consider any route to PC gaming, Pre-built, Custom Built, or a Laptop. Whichever is a good value

Thanks!

 

[feelinfroggy777]

Keyboard and mouse is really more of personal preference. So I left those off. This is a really good build.

PCPartPicker part list: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/wGM9r6
Price breakdown by merchant: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/wGM9r6/by_merchant/

CPU: Intel - Core i5-8400 2.8GHz 6-Core Processor ($178.89 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Gigabyte - B360M DS3H Micro ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($65.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: Crucial - Ballistix Sport LT 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-2666 Memory ($159.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Samsung - 850 EVO-Series 500GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($149.89 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Gigabyte - GeForce GTX 1080 8GB WINDFORCE OC 8G Video Card ($554.98 @ Newegg)
Case: Phanteks - ECLIPSE P400S TEMPERED GLASS ATX Mid Tower Case ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: SeaSonic - FOCUS Gold 550W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($59.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Monitor: Dell - S2716DGR 27.0" 2560x1440 144Hz Monitor ($479.99 @ Best Buy)
Total: $1709.71
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2018-05-18 11:07 EDT-0400

 

[toshibitsu]

I will admit, I got my laptop thinking "yes!!! ha ha ha ha ha ha!!!" and thought I would be taking it to all the Starbucks to show off... but nope. It just sits in the same place all the time.

Now I want to sell/trade it for a gaming desktop to put in it's place.