Laptop vs desktop? $2k to spend

I've got a clevo p170em 17' laptop that I use pretty much just at work. It's probably about 8 years old so I think it's time to upgrade. I've been thinking about it for a while but the current covid prices are just nuts.

Current specs are i7-3840qm, gtx680, 32gb ram. It's served me well but I'm looking around. Because I have other laptops I'm thinking of possibly having a desktop instead but is it worth it?

The techfast r5-3600 and 3070ti deal is good enough as an upgrade for the $2k budget, but are there any laptops that are as powerful for the same price? It seems they've not risen as much due to the miners.

Alternatively, does anyone recommend any system for $2k ish? I wouldn't mind a Radeon either but they don't seem to have any deals going or stock anywhere. Wanting to get before eofy if so otherwise should I just hold my current laptop and wait for prices to come down?

Comments

  • +1

    The techfast deal is one of the best around due to the GPU market at the time being. No idea what the future holds but I’m not waiting for a drop.

    Laptops will never come close to performance of a desktop for the same price, especially with gaming.

    However not sure if you have factored in a monitor to work with the new system. Given you’re on a GTX680 I can only assume your monitor is old AF. would be pointless spending money on a 3070Ti and not having a minimum 120hz monitor @ 1440p.

    • I have a monitor connected to my laptop, but I'll look at monitors later.

  • They are not as powerful. Even if the model name is the same.

  • I understand that, I guess are there any good laptops about $2k going right now or would it be best just to wait for GPUs to come back in stock.

  • -2

    Personally I have not much use for a laptop but wouldn't mind one but with upgrades happening so frequently I am just gonna get a new desktop when 3080 ti stock settles and the Ryzen 5 CPU's prices come down further.. but no rush as I don't have space to setup a 75 inch 4k TV yet and my current machine is barely still running so yeah.

    Good luck with whatever you decide to get.

  • +2

    If you don't require portability than desktops offer more for less.

  • -1

    Get a new M1 Mac. I was debating spending on a desktop but in the end got a base model Macbook Air M1 and think that was the right decision. Will use it in desktop mode 90% of the time but when I need portability i've got it. These machines are the most powerful in the market right now.

    • -1

      If this guy wants a 3070 it's pretty obvious he wants to play games!

  • Also depends how you want to upgrade in the future. Desktops are easier to upgrade / repair as the components are modular. Laptops are more limited in comparison as the parts may be proprietary or soldered on. If you don't upgrade components then either would suit but laptops tend to be pricier due to the added cost of miniaturisation and the GPUs not as powerful as the desktop equivalent.

  • I figure a desktop is the way to go, but does anyone know when they'll have some GPU availability at anything reaching MSRP?

  • Desktop every day of the week and twice on Sundays.
    I'd also recomend techfast at the moment as trying to find a GPU at rrp is non existent.

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