Replacing Desktop PC with Mini PC

[Gaghiel]

Due to overseas work posting, considering to sell my desktop and go for mini PC instead for portability. Main use for media (4K streaming / MKV), simple MS office work. Not into hardcore gaming, likely playing some old games in 1080P / 1440P and switch emulator.

Current desktop setup:
Ryzen 5 3600+stock fan
MSI B450 Gaming Plus Max
MSI Gaming X 1660 Super
Corsair Vengeance 2 x 8GB 3200Mhz
Corsair RM650x
NZXT H510 Black/Red

How much the market value for above system?

If I use the above budget to get mini PC (alright to top up $100-200 if really needed base on usage), what do you recommend to go with? Minisforum or Beelink seems quite affordable and reliable base on online feedback.
Re-use current mech data drives using external dock + Samsung 980 NVME. Intel 730 SSD will not fit likely, still keeping it or use as external drive.

Thanks in advance for all the recommendation and feedback.

 

[NightRaven49]

Current desktop setup:
Ryzen 5 3600+stock fan
MSI B450 Gaming Plus Max
MSI Gaming X 1660 Super
Corsair Vengeance 2 x 8GB 3200Mhz
Corsair RM650x
NZXT H510 Black/Red

How much the market value for above system?

not worth a lot anymore, most parts are 3-4 gens old at this point. the case and psu might be worth something, but if u want it gone quickly maybe $400 at best, though prepare to get lowballed to no end on carou.

If I use the above budget to get mini PC (alright to top up $100-200 if really needed base on usage), what do you recommend to go with? Minisforum or Beelink seems quite affordable and reliable base on online feedback.

probably cant go wrong with either, just get whichever is cheaper. or u can dig through this thread to get a feel of other bros thoughts on these mini pcs: https://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/threads/mini-pcs-2023-any-good.6859514/
minimally u can get a basic ryzen 5 5560u mini pc for the $400 or so u may recoup from ur current desktop.

 

[MangoCAT]

Also don't rule out ROG ally 2023 (749 on shopee before coupon)/Legion go cos it's cheaper already and slightly more use in terms of portability. getting one for my niece roblox and school work cos is local 2 years warranty.

You will need to buy a docking station to use like a minipc, which can be bought from taobao. Jsaux is one brand but depending on the ports you want can be 60 plus for a 6 in 1 to 100 plus for a 12 in 1 dock.

But some china brands will have local store warranty too. So yep treat buying mini pc like buying laptop can le cos is the same parts most of the time

 

[Gaghiel]

not worth a lot anymore, most parts are 3-4 gens old at this point. the case and psu might be worth something, but if u want it gone quickly maybe $400 at best, though prepare to get lowballed to no end on carou.

probably cant go wrong with either, just get whichever is cheaper. or u can dig through this thread to get a feel of other bros thoughts on these mini pcs: https://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/threads/mini-pcs-2023-any-good.6859514/
minimally u can get a basic ryzen 5 5560u mini pc for the $400 or so u may recoup from ur current desktop.

Thanks for the pointers. Good read with the old thread.

 

[Gaghiel]

Also don't rule out ROG ally 2023 (749 on shopee before coupon)/Legion go cos it's cheaper already and slightly more use in terms of portability. getting one for my niece roblox and school work cos is local 2 years warranty.

You will need to buy a docking station to use like a minipc, which can be bought from taobao. Jsaux is one brand but depending on the ports you want can be 100 plus for a 12 in 1 dock

But some china brands will have local store warranty too. So yep treat buying mini pc like buying laptop can le cos is the same parts most of the time

hmm...ROG Ally or Legion Go is handheld type with limited ports which I still intend to use with my 32" 4K monitor or link to TV depending on the apartment I am getting overseas, as well other accessories including USB DAC/Amp for the stereo system. Let me study the options. Thanks.

 

[MangoCAT]

hmm...ROG Ally or Legion Go is handheld type with limited ports which I still intend to use with my 32" 4K monitor or link to TV depending on the apartment I am getting overseas, as well other accessories including USB DAC/Amp for the stereo system. Let me study the options. Thanks.

that's why you will need a docking station for the ports. Most comes with hdmi 2.1 ports (4k 120hz) and at least 1x usb C port already.

 

[stanlawj]

Due to overseas work posting, considering to sell my desktop and go for mini PC instead for portability. Main use for media (4K streaming / MKV), simple MS office work. Not into hardcore gaming, likely playing some old games in 1080P / 1440P and switch emulator.

Current desktop setup:
Ryzen 5 3600+stock fan
MSI B450 Gaming Plus Max
MSI Gaming X 1660 Super
Corsair Vengeance 2 x 8GB 3200Mhz
Corsair RM650x
NZXT H510 Black/Red

How much the market value for above system?

If I use the above budget to get mini PC (alright to top up $100-200 if really needed base on usage), what do you recommend to go with? Minisforum or Beelink seems quite affordable and reliable base on online feedback.
Re-use current mech data drives using external dock + Samsung 980 NVME. Intel 730 SSD will not fit likely, still keeping it or use as external drive.

Thanks in advance for all the recommendation and feedback.

Just get a good laptop with international warranty.

FYI, in my previous job, I ran my company-issued Lenovo Thinkpad laptop almost 24 hours for 3 years plus (or 4 years plus?). When I was not using it after work, it was a VPN server in office.

All the mini PCs have significant issues. The reliable and good performance ones are about the same price as a laptop.
Warranty is a big issue.

However Mini-ITX is a different matter. I would suggest building a Mini-ITX at your overseas posting instead (or carry parts there), if you really want to save money and get the best performance and reliability.

 

[Gaghiel]

Just get a good laptop with international warranty.

FYI, in my previous job, I ran my company-issued Lenovo Thinkpad laptop almost 24 hours for 3 years plus (or 4 years plus?). When I was not using it after work, it was a VPN server in office.

All the mini PCs have significant issues. The reliable and good performance ones are about the same price as a laptop.
Warranty is a big issue.

However Mini-ITX is a different matter. I would suggest building a Mini-ITX at your overseas posting instead (or carry parts there), if you really want to save money and get the best performance and reliability.

Oh, I have no clue there is international warranty for laptop. Do you have any suggestions on specific brand or model? At least 1.5K?

 

[stanlawj]

Oh, I have no clue there is international warranty for laptop. Do you have any suggestions on specific brand or model? At least 1.5K?

Lenovo Thinkpads have this option called International Upgrade (IU). You first need to add Accidental Damage Protection in order to make this IU option show up. All this on the page where you choose the Premier Support number of years to add to your laptop purchase on their site.


International Upgrade

Extend your coverage to applicable optional services, including Sealed Battery Warranty, Keep Your Drive, and Accidental Damage Protection when traveling outside of your home country.

Travel internationally? Extend your Lenovo Add-On Services (Accidental Damage Protection, Sealed Battery, TICRU and Keep Your Drive) so they apply when traveling outside your home country.

International Upgrades only apply to Think machines, which come standard with International Warranties.

--------------
But if your budget only $1.7k, I think you can't get any laptop with international warranty. Is your new country that bad that you can't buy PC parts there to self-assemble a small mini-ITX?

 

[MangoCAT]

Used to sell asus at pc shows. If nothing changes, most of asus laptop comes with 2 international warranty (Cos is a good selling point) but their RMA is kinda under fire recently.
From myasus,Mini PC don't have.
Using a pn53 myself (I got my from dyna for 1.1 for the 6900hx+32gb+1tb wd black) but since you will be emulating, can check ETA Prime videos for emulation performance. Tho recently, way too many sponsor videos le
The main con is always whether does the mini pc have a good cooling system for it's size. I did have to update the bios to solve the flickering on my monitor

 

[stanlawj]

Used to sell asus at pc shows. If nothing changes, most of asus laptop comes with 2 international warranty (Cos is a good selling point) but their RMA is kinda under fire recently.
From myasus,Mini PC don't have.
Using a pn53 myself (I got my from dyna for 1.1 for the 6900hx+32gb+1tb wd black) but since you will be emulating, can check ETA Prime videos for emulation performance. Tho recently, way too many sponsor videos le
The main con is always whether does the mini pc have a good cooling system for it's size. I did have to update the bios to solve the flickering on my monitor

Asus warranty is very dependent on the local distributor or servicing agent appointed by Asus.
I believe SG side handled by Ban Leong is fine, but anyone else may be sh*tty.
US side, is gone case.
So whichever country you go to.... need to check what is the situation there.

 

[Gaghiel]

Lenovo Thinkpads have this option called International Upgrade (IU). You first need to add Accidental Damage Protection in order to make this IU option show up. All this on the page where you choose the Premier Support number of years to add to your laptop purchase on their site.


International Upgrade

Extend your coverage to applicable optional services, including Sealed Battery Warranty, Keep Your Drive, and Accidental Damage Protection when traveling outside of your home country.

Travel internationally? Extend your Lenovo Add-On Services (Accidental Damage Protection, Sealed Battery, TICRU and Keep Your Drive) so they apply when traveling outside your home country.

International Upgrades only apply to Think machines, which come standard with International Warranties.

--------------
But if your budget only $1.7k, I think you can't get any laptop with international warranty. Is your new country that bad that you can't buy PC parts there to self-assemble a small mini-ITX?

Did online search seems limited choices and pricing wise seems quite expensive. But the initial plan to go for Mini PC (or laptop) is to avoid having the 'desktop' casing even though the min-ITX is manageable in size, but still not idea to fit inside the bag / luggage.

 

[Gaghiel]

Used to sell asus at pc shows. If nothing changes, most of asus laptop comes with 2 international warranty (Cos is a good selling point) but their RMA is kinda under fire recently.
From myasus,Mini PC don't have.
Using a pn53 myself (I got my from dyna for 1.1 for the 6900hx+32gb+1tb wd black) but since you will be emulating, can check ETA Prime videos for emulation performance. Tho recently, way too many sponsor videos le
The main con is always whether does the mini pc have a good cooling system for it's size. I did have to update the bios to solve the flickering on my monitor

Ya, I did read feedback certain mini PC having intake from bottom, where SSD is installed and blocking the airflow. Bios / driver support also another common issues being discussed, but mostly those barebone system. But getting from reputable brand like Asus probably has little concern in terms of support.

 

[Kunkka]

Steam deck can since emulator high on your list. Can get the lcd version for very good price used.

 

[MangoCAT]

Ya, I did read feedback certain mini PC having intake from bottom, where SSD is installed and blocking the airflow. Bios / driver support also another common issues being discussed, but mostly those barebone system. But getting from reputable brand like Asus probably has little concern in terms of support.

Reputable mini pc is cheaper in Singapore as compared to USA pricing(Can go simple nuc). [usually, minipc reddit will reference singapore/asia pricing]
And yep asus bought over intel nuc so pretty much is buying asus product le.
There is a intel nuc i7 with rtx 2060 mobile. you can check it out [ i rmb few years back is 1.5k barebone]