Lightweight portable gaming rig

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sales.hosini

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Dec 7, 2017
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Hi guys,

please advice on a an lightweight portable gaming rig for me. Looking for something that i can carry inside a bag/backpack (kind of larger school bags) for carrying around. So MITX build or smaller.

budget: MAX $900

CPU: Ryzen 5 1600 / I5 - 8400
GPU: GTX 1060
SSD: 500gb probably another slot SSD for future expansion
RAM: 2x4gb

Can you guys suggest a case and possible cooling options for me so as to not run too hot? is this viable? I prefer air cooling as to liquid cooling as the risk for me to accidentally damage it is higher than normal due to carry it around. Case format have to be slim or less than 110mm for one of the dimension so it could slide into a bag.

 
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Went with the 1400 instead of 1600 due to budget and since the 1400s stock cooler fits the node 202 while 1600s doesn't.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD - Ryzen 5 1400 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($146.68 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: ASRock - AB350 Gaming-ITX/ac Mini ITX AM4 Motherboard ($108.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill - Ripjaws V Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR4-3000 Memory ($106.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung - 850 EVO-Series 500GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($139.99 @ B&H)
Video Card: EVGA - GeForce GTX 1060 6GB 6GB GAMING Video Card ($259.99 @ B&H)
Case: Fractal Design - Node 202 HTPC Case ($69.99 @...
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You could go for the Silverstone Milo series of cases listed here on Newegg:
SilverStone Milo Series ML08B-H Black http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=11-163-287

It is literally meant for the purposes you need it for. You would need to buy an SFX or SFX-L PSU as the case is so small.

As for cooling, you could throw in this one here: CRYORIG C7 - 47mm Tall, SFF Mini ITX CPU Heatsink http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA4UF39D5213

For an Intel board I would suggest this one: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=13-130-995
It comes with Wifi built in making it great for portability.
The same goes for this AMD board: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=13-157-780
 
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unfortunately, gaming laptop seems subpar to the cost of owning it. I can't game on long hours with high settings due to cpu/gpu overheat issues. Even worst is I do multi task where i do software development + multi tab chrome + gaming (mmos etc).
 
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So, what monitor did you find that you will be able to fit into a backpack?

Gaming Laptop with a good cooling pad I think would work out best for you.

Either way, please let us know what you selected and how it's working out. I'm kinda thinking of the same thing for when I go visit my kids.
 
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the idea of having to build a lightweight portable system is also due to possibility of well customized into my cpu/gpu needs as well instead of those manufactured build where mostly only gaming laptops have good gpu but cpu wise is subpar for me. After using few laptops i realize they are too rigid and cost a bunch to get new one on high specs if ever 1 of the major components fail me especially after the warranty period. I'm planning to get those portable 15 inch monitor to squeeze into the same laptop backpack. Since what I do is power hungry, I'm almost always need to stick to power outlet (otherwise i usually only last 30min except for doing light web browsing etc).

I have not have experience trying a good cooling pad. Does it solve the heating issue really?
 
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Well, there’s also the Fractal Design Node 202. It’s basically the same as the previous two that we have already covered.

To be honest, your options are limited to cases that size as they really only get larger from there. One other option would be to use an external GPU dock to link up to a laptop for gaming sessions.
 
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I'm afraid of damaging the GPU by leaving it unprotected in this setup. While there is those eGPU box as well but it would also looks like I'm carrying just another mini-itx + laptop just to achieve the gaming purpose and worse is they perform way poorer than their laptop built in versions.

I'm wondering if i could store my GPU in another small enclosure and plugin into my mobo using a pcie riser (or belt) when i need it for gaming. Getting static shock on the GPU in this setup is my another concern.
 
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In short, you have the following options:

1: Build a system in the smallest ITX case you want.

2: Buy a pre-built small form factor system.

3: Buy an external GPU dock and pair it with a laptop.

4: And finally, buy a gaming laptop.

From those 4 options you will find what works best for you. In my opinion, I would go with my initial suggestion of building in the Silverstone Milo case as it is small, can hold powerful components, and comes with a carrying handle (making it as portable as possible). This ensures future upgradeability and full customization when compared to pre-builts and gaming laptops. Do some research on other cases like the Node 202 and similar cases along with pre-built systems like the Skyreach or MSI Trident 3.

It sounds like you’re torn on what to do so the best thing you can do is take our suggestions and sort them in the order which works best for you to least.
 
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Yes I'm trying to work it out at the moment.

1. I am more on this at the moment and checking out what are the weights when cramping everything inside it. Weight perhaps 5-6kg?

2. This one is out as it is either too expensive to buy one and even worst is that they either have combination which i'm not fond of (maybe weaker cpu or way too strong etc). This option is most costly either if i buy a system far better than my needs or swap some components of weaker system.

3. This is unlikely case as well. As the GPU will perform worst than the under clocked version inside a gaming laptop.

4. Comparing this to no.1 - possible options if option 1 is not good enough for me.

5. Desktop + (laptop/lightweight laptop/ SFF using only integrated GPU (in mini-box case?). This is most expensive but best of both world. Lightweight portability + great stationary power house.

Desktop + monitor ($1200),
cheapest laptop that match my requirement of 256gb ssd, 8gb ram, good enough cpu - Dell Inspiron 13 5000 ($922+) / Acer Spin 5 ($820) < 2kg.
SFF + portable monitor etc, with Intel G4560 (Can't find cheap mitx MOBO in my area for this) total about $675 or matching spec with the shortlisted laptop then will need better CPU (though G4560 should do the job but just for comparing) $832. weight on 3-4kg?
Total Cost = $1875 - $2032. Which are kinda out of budget now.
 
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Not so true. The specifications allow for a dual slot “low profile” card meaning a smaller end GPU. Basically, a card like the 1070 or 1080 mini by Zotac will work just fine or one of the single fan models of the GTX 1060’s by EVGA. Galax sells a single slot version of the 1070 called the Katana. I’m not sure of availability, though.

Also, the ML08 (my suggestion) will support full size cards as long as they aren’t on the larger end such as the Strix 3 fan cards or the MSI cards.

 
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^ no its absolutely true - barring the ml08 (which he didnt list above my post anyway) all rhose cases only support low profile bracket cards - there are no such 1060/1070/1080 cards & never will be because the tdp is too high to be supported by a sub 80mm fan.

That includes the katana which is indeed an impressive card (but ultimately pointless) which still won't fit.
 
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Alternative case, Can these be better? Since these should be able to fit bigger gpu. Can always use riser card/belts. First timer so not sure if it works or not. Possibly in milo case as well?

https://www.logicsupply.com/mc500/#specs
https://www.logicsupply.com/mc600/#specs
https://www.logicsupply.com/557b/#specs
https://www.logicsupply.com/m350/#specs

I even saw a video that a youtuber uses the mc600g to built a pc.

https://www.inwin-style.com/en/computer-chassis/bp-series/APAC

these inWin case seems big enough as well but not sure why only support LP card if i could use riser? and I couldn't get TFX psu on my country.

http://www.minicase.net/itx-metal-case-g3.html

almost all itx cases in this site fits my dimension. Heck, even the micro atx steel case is!

I'm not sure if all these case can fit a at least a mini GPU even if it means using a riser or flex and a SFX psu.
These are the only options I have now after a thorough search.
 
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I can go with mini GPU as there are good options out there compare to LP GPU which are all low ends. the gtx 1070 has minis so I'm very satisfied with these options already. And seriously, not even riser card or flex riser can help put those in? How do I make sure it fits? from MOBO to the tip of flex card I just need 50mm space isn't it?
 
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Went with the 1400 instead of 1600 due to budget and since the 1400s stock cooler fits the node 202 while 1600s doesn't.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD - Ryzen 5 1400 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($146.68 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: ASRock - AB350 Gaming-ITX/ac Mini ITX AM4 Motherboard ($108.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill - Ripjaws V Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR4-3000 Memory ($106.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung - 850 EVO-Series 500GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($139.99 @ B&H)
Video Card: EVGA - GeForce GTX 1060 6GB 6GB GAMING Video Card ($259.99 @ B&H)
Case: Fractal Design - Node 202 HTPC Case ($69.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Silverstone - 450W 80+ Bronze Certified SFX Power Supply ($59.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Total: $892.62
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2017-12-21 04:09 EST-0500
 
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