F5F Stay Refreshed Hardware Desktop Compare PC build and laptop for building advice video and photo editing needs.

Compare PC build and laptop for building advice video and photo editing needs.

Compare PC build and laptop for building advice video and photo editing needs.

M
MrScooter2
Member
198
03-13-2021, 02:18 AM
#1
Hello, I’m seeking your guidance on choosing between a custom PC and a ready gaming laptop for my requirements. I plan to use it for photo and video editing (including iPhone footage), not for gaming at the moment—just light gaming isn’t a priority. Based on my budget and current prices in my country, I’ve selected this configuration:

PC Parts:
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 5600X 3.7 GHz 6-core ($152.99 @ Amazon)
- Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 Spectrum V3 71.93 CFM ($25.98 @ Newegg)
- Motherboard: Asus TUF GAMING B550-PLUS WIFI II ATX AM4 ($140.99 @ Newegg)
- Memory: Patriot Viper Steel 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR4-3200 CL16 ($66.99 @ B&H)
- Storage: Western Digital Black SN850 500 GB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME ($79.20 @ Amazon)
- Graphics: Gigabyte OC GeForce GTX 1660 Ti 6 GB ($393.99 @ Amazon)
- Case: Aerocool Cylon ATX Mid Tower ($150 approx.)
- PSU: Segotep GM 750 W 80+ Gold Certified ($100 approx.)

Total: $860.14 (shipping, taxes, discounts included)

On the other hand, I discovered a gaming laptop in the same budget range that offers faster performance than my custom build. It features:
- 16" WUXGA display (1920 x 1200), IPS, 120 Hz refresh rate
- Intel Core i5-12500H up to 4.5 GHz, 18 MB cache
- 24 GB DDR4 memory
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2050 graphics card
- 512 GB NVMe SSD
- Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, multiple USB ports, HDMI 2.1

Considering your needs and budget, the gaming laptop seems to provide a more balanced experience, especially if you value speed and future-proofing. However, if you prioritize a fully customized setup with specific configurations and long-term control, your current build is solid. Ultimately, weigh your priorities—performance vs. flexibility—and decide accordingly.
M
MrScooter2
03-13-2021, 02:18 AM #1

Hello, I’m seeking your guidance on choosing between a custom PC and a ready gaming laptop for my requirements. I plan to use it for photo and video editing (including iPhone footage), not for gaming at the moment—just light gaming isn’t a priority. Based on my budget and current prices in my country, I’ve selected this configuration:

PC Parts:
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 5600X 3.7 GHz 6-core ($152.99 @ Amazon)
- Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 Spectrum V3 71.93 CFM ($25.98 @ Newegg)
- Motherboard: Asus TUF GAMING B550-PLUS WIFI II ATX AM4 ($140.99 @ Newegg)
- Memory: Patriot Viper Steel 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR4-3200 CL16 ($66.99 @ B&H)
- Storage: Western Digital Black SN850 500 GB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME ($79.20 @ Amazon)
- Graphics: Gigabyte OC GeForce GTX 1660 Ti 6 GB ($393.99 @ Amazon)
- Case: Aerocool Cylon ATX Mid Tower ($150 approx.)
- PSU: Segotep GM 750 W 80+ Gold Certified ($100 approx.)

Total: $860.14 (shipping, taxes, discounts included)

On the other hand, I discovered a gaming laptop in the same budget range that offers faster performance than my custom build. It features:
- 16" WUXGA display (1920 x 1200), IPS, 120 Hz refresh rate
- Intel Core i5-12500H up to 4.5 GHz, 18 MB cache
- 24 GB DDR4 memory
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2050 graphics card
- 512 GB NVMe SSD
- Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, multiple USB ports, HDMI 2.1

Considering your needs and budget, the gaming laptop seems to provide a more balanced experience, especially if you value speed and future-proofing. However, if you prioritize a fully customized setup with specific configurations and long-term control, your current build is solid. Ultimately, weigh your priorities—performance vs. flexibility—and decide accordingly.

R
Ramo612
Junior Member
48
03-19-2021, 07:36 AM
#2
Consider a laptop only when mobility is essential. Otherwise, a desktop performs adequately across all budgets and purposes.
R
Ramo612
03-19-2021, 07:36 AM #2

Consider a laptop only when mobility is essential. Otherwise, a desktop performs adequately across all budgets and purposes.

Y
ylyes4
Senior Member
572
03-19-2021, 10:43 AM
#3
I would consider a desktop since you can upgrade it later. For a laptop, if any components fail, apart from the cooler storage and memory, most parts would be specific to your SKU. I understand that certain areas have plenty of spare parts when they find salvaged laptops, while others may need to order from other places.
Y
ylyes4
03-19-2021, 10:43 AM #3

I would consider a desktop since you can upgrade it later. For a laptop, if any components fail, apart from the cooler storage and memory, most parts would be specific to your SKU. I understand that certain areas have plenty of spare parts when they find salvaged laptops, while others may need to order from other places.

Q
QuRzy
Member
149
03-20-2021, 07:03 AM
#4
I used to have two laptops before they became rare in my use, mainly for power at home rather than mobility. This made me think carefully about getting another one after my MacBook pro stopped working because the battery harmed the motherboard and I was always plugged in. Now I can’t repair it since I don’t have a motherboard and battery, and buying them elsewhere would cost almost as much as a new setup.
Q
QuRzy
03-20-2021, 07:03 AM #4

I used to have two laptops before they became rare in my use, mainly for power at home rather than mobility. This made me think carefully about getting another one after my MacBook pro stopped working because the battery harmed the motherboard and I was always plugged in. Now I can’t repair it since I don’t have a motherboard and battery, and buying them elsewhere would cost almost as much as a new setup.

H
HexoPic
Junior Member
5
03-21-2021, 04:41 PM
#5
A $1,000 desktop offers greater power compared to a $1,000 laptop.
Consider getting the laptop only if you require mobility.
H
HexoPic
03-21-2021, 04:41 PM #5

A $1,000 desktop offers greater power compared to a $1,000 laptop.
Consider getting the laptop only if you require mobility.