Moving a Mini ITX pc

[gapple]

I want to build a mini itx pc and move it between the house of my mom

and dad weekly, I dont have a lot of money so i can't really get a laptop (im buying all the parts second hand) and if i managed to get a good laptop for cheap there is still no upgradeability. How can i make sure all my components are safe? And if i build a really tight mini Itx build and put some foam or bubble wrap in it will it be ok if i just put it in my bag and ride a bike with it? (i live in the Netherlands). Here is an example of something i will build (7L case).

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[SFFDesigns]

If you build in a Velka 3 or a K39 or another <= 4L case then you should be fine to just put it in a backpack since the hardware will be packed super tight.

[721831101]

8 minutes ago, gapple said:

How

you cant, accident happens , wrap it up carefully etc

drops , water , bumps

also parts may already be semi faulty from used

 

whats the purpose of pc in moms place?

 

can chromecast /phone do the work?

[gapple]

1 minute ago, 721831101 said:

you cant, accident happens , wrap it up carefully etc

drops , water , bumps

also parts may already be semi faulty from used

 

whats the purpose of pc in moms place?

 

can chromecast /phone do the work?

Nope, a chromecast wont do it, It's a gonna be a gaming pc,

[manikyath]

the biggest issues are mechanical drives, cpu cooler, and GPU.

 

try to go full SSD if possible, that eliminates hard drives getting shakes around.

past that, a low profile CPU cooler is a necessity in a small case, and will also avoid excessive stress on the motherboard when being carried around.

as for the GPU.. as long as it cant really jiggle about it's fine. if the case isnt already packing it tight between other components, just a brace of sorts will do miracles.

 

also, rain-proof backpack

[gapple]

2 minutes ago, manikyath said:

the biggest issues are mechanical drives, cpu cooler, and GPU.

 

try to go full SSD if possible, that eliminates hard drives getting shakes around.

past that, a low profile CPU cooler is a necessity in a small case, and will also avoid excessive stress on the motherboard when being carried around.

as for the GPU.. as long as it cant really jiggle about it's fine. if the case isnt already packing it tight between other components, just a brace of sorts will do miracles.

 

also, rain-proof backpack

Thanks for your help!

[IkeaGnome]

1 hour ago, gapple said:

Thanks for your help!

Another question I didn't see asked. What's your plan for monitor, mouse, keyboard and assuming there's a headset involved?

[gapple]

3 minutes ago, IkeaGnome said:

Another question I didn't see asked. What's your plan for monitor, mouse, keyboard and assuming there's a headset involved?

I will buy a small 60% keyboard to take with me, i will also take the mouse with me and i will have monitors at each house, i also have a foldable headset.

[Uttamattamakin]

I strongly suggest the following.  Get a laptop that has at least one Thunderbolt 3 port.  Then, when you can, get an EGPU.  If portability is a top priority that is the way to go.  

[Drek]

The above EGPU idea is worth pursuing IMO, and I think you're going to find it pretty hard to find parts second-hand for some of the smaller cases available so maybe pick the case last. But if you're sticking with mini-ITX you should be able to transport it without much issue, when you're putting it together take note of any parts that seem like they can move around easily, especially the CPU cooler and GPU. If there are any floppy parts you can either use bubble wrap, or create a support bracket out of wood to put in during transport. When you move between each house I would double check that no wires moved around and that nothing got unplugged but as long as you're careful not to drop it or get it wet (it's not powered on so you could theoretically get it wet without any issues, still would avoid that though lol) you should be good.

 

Have you thought about streaming? I'm not sure how the internet is between your parent's houses but if you set up the computer at one house you could use steam link to play games off of it when you're at the other house. You would need a tablet or some 2nd computer to do that but, you wouldn't have to stress about breaking the computer while moving it, and it wouldn't matter how big it is. 

[Uttamattamakin]

4 hours ago, Drek said:

Have you thought about streaming? I'm not sure how the internet is between your parent's houses but if you set up the computer at one house you could use steam link to play games off of it when you're at the other house. You would need a tablet or some 2nd computer to do that but, you wouldn't have to stress about breaking the computer while moving it, and it wouldn't matter how big it is. 

Am I wrong but would that even work via a phone or does it need a PC?

 

[LogicalDrm]

Buying second hand means you are with older hardware. Upgradebility is maybe.

 

As for moving. Your three biggest problems in normal ATX case would be GPU, CPU cooler and HDDs. In that order. And even those don't really move around while carrying or traveling by car or train. Saying this as someone who has both dropped a case and had case fall to its side couple of times. So as long as its not dropped from anywhere, or slammed hard, nothing will happen. And if that happens, then there's something seriously wrong with the way you are traveling.

 

For smaller cases, find suitcase that fits it. Use clothes to pad around it so it doesn't move. Thats it. ITX case doesn't have room for anything to move a lot anyway.

[Tom09]

Remove the wifi antenas, use only ssds. Another option depending on how much of a competitive gamer you are and how good your internet is you could make an ATX rig and leave it at one of the houses and then use a remote desktop service like parsec but your mileage may vary. BTW parsec was shown in this vid: