Small Tech Nomad PC

[Tmt97]

Although not by choice, my girlfriend and I have been living mostly nomadically for the last several years: moving across the country, and from apartment to apartment every couple months, and only being able to bring with us a couple suitcases each. My girlfriends laptop recently died, so I set out to build her a replacement. The goal for the replacement was that it could easily be packed into a suitcase or backpack at a moments notice, and be powerful enough to run the few games my gf plays (fallout 4, world of warcraft, minecraft, etc...). One might ask why I didn't just buy another laptop. After all isn't that exactly what a laptop is for? The primary reason were avoiding laptops is they really can't be upgraded, and I can't typically repair them myself, or replace a dead part when needed like I can a desktop.

Parts List:

• Case: M350 Universal Mini-ITX PC Enclosure
• PSU: RGEEK 24pin DC ATX PSU 12V DC Input 250W
• Ram: OLOy DDR4 RAM 8GB (1x8GB) 2666 MHz
• Mobo: GIGABYTE B450 I AORUS PRO WIFI
• CPU: AMD Athlon 3000G
• CPU Cooler: SilverStone Technology Low Profile 95W
• Storage: 256gb M.2 SSD, 256gb 2.5" ssd (Both salvaged from original laptop)

I figured people might be interested in the build log, as it incorporates some rather unusual hardware, like the Pico Style power supply, and what might be the tiniest ITX case available. I've ordered a Nexdock to go with this, so that it can function as the monitor, keyboard, and mouse. So you do have to consider that on-the-go your packing up a DC power brick, and a Nexdock together with it, but that will still easily fit in a suitcase, and can be setup again later nearly anywhere. It's a small added inconvenience, but well worth it for the repair and upgradability that the setup provides for us.
(Note: The silverstone cooler hasn't arrived yet, thats why you see the stock cooler in the pics. I will update you guys when it gets here.)
 

[thedangerine]

What a cool small form factor build. Very interesting case and power supply

[Kilrah]

Nice, I wanted a GPU and hate external PSUs so I made the one in my signature

[Tmt97]

30 minutes ago, Kilrah said:

Nice, I wanted a GPU and hate external PSUs so I made the one in my signature

Yea, I prefer a discrete GPU as well, but when I was planning for my GFs rig, realistically it wasn't necessary for what she does and it was a lot cheaper to get an APU. My personal rig is also portable, but in a bigger console style case, with a full length video card, and an SFX power supply. I needed the extra power, but consequentially when we gotta get up and move it takes up a lot more space in my suitcase, which means I keep fewer belongings with me.