F5F Stay Refreshed Hardware Desktop Mini PC vs ATX PC ?

Mini PC vs ATX PC ?

Mini PC vs ATX PC ?

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S
STQZ
Member
162
01-02-2021, 09:11 PM
#1
I aim to upgrade my 2016 Xidax gaming setup to a modern Windows 11 PC. Since I no longer play games, the newest graphics card isn’t a priority. My current build includes a 1 Tb SSD, a 6 Tb HDD and a 4 Tb HDD, an older Intel i7 CPU with water cooling, and 32 Gb of DDR4 RAM. Instead of investing another $2K+, I’m considering a compact mini PC such as the one listed here: https://www.lifewire.com/best-mini-pcs-11736355. I’m evaluating options like the i9 Beelink with a 1 Tb SSD and 32 Gb DDR5 RAM for $579, or the model with a 2 Tb SSD and 64 Gb DDR5 RAM for $729. I want to stay within budget but wonder if upgrading all components by about $150 could be worthwhile, especially since I value future-proofing.

To improve storage, I plan to replace my drives with a USB A/C 3.0 enclosure costing around $100 from Cenmate. I’ll also add a 4-port USB 3.2 hub for extra ports. My main concern is whether I’ll be leaving out any essential features or moving away from the desktop setup I’m familiar with.

Lastly, regarding selling my Xidax rig if I run Linux, it has an RTX 2060 Super GPU. Please let me know your thoughts.
S
STQZ
01-02-2021, 09:11 PM #1

I aim to upgrade my 2016 Xidax gaming setup to a modern Windows 11 PC. Since I no longer play games, the newest graphics card isn’t a priority. My current build includes a 1 Tb SSD, a 6 Tb HDD and a 4 Tb HDD, an older Intel i7 CPU with water cooling, and 32 Gb of DDR4 RAM. Instead of investing another $2K+, I’m considering a compact mini PC such as the one listed here: https://www.lifewire.com/best-mini-pcs-11736355. I’m evaluating options like the i9 Beelink with a 1 Tb SSD and 32 Gb DDR5 RAM for $579, or the model with a 2 Tb SSD and 64 Gb DDR5 RAM for $729. I want to stay within budget but wonder if upgrading all components by about $150 could be worthwhile, especially since I value future-proofing.

To improve storage, I plan to replace my drives with a USB A/C 3.0 enclosure costing around $100 from Cenmate. I’ll also add a 4-port USB 3.2 hub for extra ports. My main concern is whether I’ll be leaving out any essential features or moving away from the desktop setup I’m familiar with.

Lastly, regarding selling my Xidax rig if I run Linux, it has an RTX 2060 Super GPU. Please let me know your thoughts.

W
wouterretuow
Member
50
01-05-2021, 11:48 AM
#2
It really depends on your specific needs. If you're mainly browsing the internet, I'm using a GMKtec Pro M5 32GB 5700U mini PC that cost around $320 at purchase and it handles running multiple virtual machines smoothly.

You might consider repurposing an old computer as a DIY NAS, Windows or Linux-based system (such as TrueNAS or OpenMediaVault) provided it doesn't consume too much power.

Alternatively, you can sell your current rig or HDD and upgrade them with external NVMe drives.

The GMKtec Pro M5 supports two internal NVMe drives (it includes one).

My GMKtec has been upgraded but remains at the same price—though it's now an M5 Plus with a triple display.
https://www.amazon.com/-/zh_TW/GMKtec-M5...Y4C5Y?th=1

GMK 64GB mini PC with triple NVMe and quad display
https://www.amazon.com/GMKtec-Workstatio...D7CC9?th=1
W
wouterretuow
01-05-2021, 11:48 AM #2

It really depends on your specific needs. If you're mainly browsing the internet, I'm using a GMKtec Pro M5 32GB 5700U mini PC that cost around $320 at purchase and it handles running multiple virtual machines smoothly.

You might consider repurposing an old computer as a DIY NAS, Windows or Linux-based system (such as TrueNAS or OpenMediaVault) provided it doesn't consume too much power.

Alternatively, you can sell your current rig or HDD and upgrade them with external NVMe drives.

The GMKtec Pro M5 supports two internal NVMe drives (it includes one).

My GMKtec has been upgraded but remains at the same price—though it's now an M5 Plus with a triple display.
https://www.amazon.com/-/zh_TW/GMKtec-M5...Y4C5Y?th=1

GMK 64GB mini PC with triple NVMe and quad display
https://www.amazon.com/GMKtec-Workstatio...D7CC9?th=1

H
helenma0301
Senior Member
250
01-05-2021, 01:43 PM
#3
What is its actual purpose? If it's not for gaming, does it really require all that space?
H
helenma0301
01-05-2021, 01:43 PM #3

What is its actual purpose? If it's not for gaming, does it really require all that space?

G
Goljat12
Member
213
01-06-2021, 10:10 PM
#4
My media library occupies considerable storage. I mainly rely on the computer for everyday tasks. It's not heavily used. Office work, emails, browsing the web.
G
Goljat12
01-06-2021, 10:10 PM #4

My media library occupies considerable storage. I mainly rely on the computer for everyday tasks. It's not heavily used. Office work, emails, browsing the web.

J
JakeTheTiger
Member
216
01-08-2021, 04:48 AM
#5
And what's going on with your setup? It looks like it's functioning fine. Switching for Windows 11 support doesn't seem necessary.
J
JakeTheTiger
01-08-2021, 04:48 AM #5

And what's going on with your setup? It looks like it's functioning fine. Switching for Windows 11 support doesn't seem necessary.

D
DarkBoy__YT
Posting Freak
898
01-08-2021, 01:19 PM
#6
I'm not keen on skipping security updates. I'm still eligible until October 26, but it feels like it's only a matter of time before I need to take action. I'm considering updating my software now.
D
DarkBoy__YT
01-08-2021, 01:19 PM #6

I'm not keen on skipping security updates. I'm still eligible until October 26, but it feels like it's only a matter of time before I need to take action. I'm considering updating my software now.

D
dragonwaveking
Junior Member
14
01-08-2021, 02:21 PM
#7
Watch the videos at the provided links.
D
dragonwaveking
01-08-2021, 02:21 PM #7

Watch the videos at the provided links.

Y
YoYo7
Member
75
01-08-2021, 05:27 PM
#8
Explore the reasons some prefer sticking with older systems instead of moving to Windows 11. Discover insights from trusted tech sources and Microsoft support.
Y
YoYo7
01-08-2021, 05:27 PM #8

Explore the reasons some prefer sticking with older systems instead of moving to Windows 11. Discover insights from trusted tech sources and Microsoft support.

G
Gfiti
Member
103
01-08-2021, 11:06 PM
#9
Yes, that's the reason I mention until Oct 26. I earn another year by exchanging MSFT points.
G
Gfiti
01-08-2021, 11:06 PM #9

Yes, that's the reason I mention until Oct 26. I earn another year by exchanging MSFT points.

K
Kaaady
Member
171
01-09-2021, 12:55 AM
#10
I tried another YouTube hack that involved a command line instruction having to do with a server, and although I typed in the parameters exactly however it still wouldn't work. One of these hacks involves changes to my registry. As you can see below there is a lot of red. If the registry hack also fails is my registry screwed? Would either of these hacks really work considering all the red? Thanks.
K
Kaaady
01-09-2021, 12:55 AM #10

I tried another YouTube hack that involved a command line instruction having to do with a server, and although I typed in the parameters exactly however it still wouldn't work. One of these hacks involves changes to my registry. As you can see below there is a lot of red. If the registry hack also fails is my registry screwed? Would either of these hacks really work considering all the red? Thanks.

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