Best Computer/Device for Casual Gaming?

sd9sdjfkl0 on 29/11/2024 - 15:19

What would people recommend for a good device (PC, laptop, other?) for gaming a few hours a week at most?

Looking to run some recent RPG and RTS type games (balder gate, total war), doesn't have to be top graphics. I don't need it for work as I have a work high spec laptop, but I can't load my own programs on it etc.

Seems silly to buy a big PC for a few hours a week, but I'm not sure what other options there might be? Handheld doesn't eppeal either small screen, but maybe you can plug it in?

Sub 1k preferred but can be flexible

Thanks!

Gaming Computer Desktop Computer

Comments

  • CrispyChrispy on 29/11/2024 - 15:44
    +4

    Seems silly to buy a big PC for a few hours a week,

    A $1K gaming PC will be infinitely better value than a $1K gaming laptop, or otherwise. Techfast and the rest all tend to have sub $1K builds available, so give them a look.

    Handheld doesn't eppeal either small screen, but maybe you can plug it in?

    Then you'd be paying a premium for a form factor you'll never take advantage of (if you're planning to keep it docked 24/7)

    Consider a console?

    • sd9sdjfkl0 on 29/11/2024 - 15:53

      I'd consider a console, but the titles I like are PC focussed I think? And I've never used a console controller so it'd be terrible, I guess I could get used to it if it save a bunch of money

    • sd9sdjfkl0 on 29/11/2024 - 15:55

      Only advantage to laptop would be if I set up a dock for work, so I could swap computers / screens easily. But harder with a pc I think unless the MB has a usb c video out to plug into dock?

      • ihfree on 29/11/2024 - 16:58
        +1

        You're unlikely to find a USB-C video out and it wouldn't be worth the premium for your purposes.

        You could consider a USB switch to swap between shared peripherals and change monitor input.

        https://www.amazon.com.au/UGREEN-Computers-Peripheral-Switch…

        • this is us on 29/11/2024 - 18:23

          I have this:
          https://amzn.asia/d/3O19P34

          It's quite nice and easy to switch computers as you only plug the USB C with HDMI and USB/Keyboard USB adaptors to the computer you want to use.

          I wouldn't recommend a laptop for gamers, unless there is a good reason for the laptop itself. If OP is planning on docking, that's probably not a good reason.

          • ihfree on 29/11/2024 - 23:47

            @this is us: You can also use that connected to one set of monitor inputs and connected to the switch for keyboard/mouse.

            That's basically my setup with my desktop pc and laptop connected to a Thunderbolt dock.

  • Mumbles on 29/11/2024 - 17:34

    If you want to play the older Baldur's Gate 1 and 2 they are available for Android tablets and phones in the Google Play store.

    The price of the Android game is going to be a lot cheaper than new hardware.

    • sd9sdjfkl0 on 29/11/2024 - 19:08

      Thanks, I meant #3, the latest

  • freefall101 on 29/11/2024 - 17:39
    +1

    IMO wait for Techfast to have an ITX system on sale again like this ones

    Enough for what you need, not a very big footprint.

    • jk82 on 29/11/2024 - 17:58

      Yep, this - wait for an ITX deal (and get ready to jump on it, they sell out fast)

      If you can’t wait, look for a pre-build deal with an mATX case, it’ll still be big, but not as big as a “normal” PC. Anything sub $1k will do you well

      • sd9sdjfkl0 on 29/11/2024 - 19:07

        Thanks both - would the best option be for me to just build my own? I'm comfortable doing that - have an old cade and maybe an SSD I could reuse

        • CrispyChrispy on 30/11/2024 - 00:08

          You won't get as good pricing, but I'd probably build myself anyway for the build experience/choosing my own parts

          Up to you though

  • Pecan on 29/11/2024 - 18:08
    +1

    What about a Fire TV Cube and an Xbox game pass?

  • AustriaBargain on 29/11/2024 - 18:11

    Steam Deck? It's a little underpowered for my liking, and WAY too big. But on a little stand it might be okay. It's also pretty expensive for what it is.

    • FireRunner on 29/11/2024 - 19:32
      +1

      You'd want to be using KB+M for RTS

      • AustriaBargain on 29/11/2024 - 19:44

        Can't you connect that to the Deck?

        • FireRunner on 29/11/2024 - 19:50
          +1

          Yes, with a dock, but it would defeat the purpose of getting a handheld.

          • AustriaBargain on 29/11/2024 - 19:54

            @FireRunner: It doesn't have bluetooth?

            • FireRunner on 29/11/2024 - 20:00
              +2

              @AustriaBargain: I’m not sure what sort of solution you’re proposing here. If you’re connecting to a KB/Mouse/Monitor setup then you may as well have bought a PC.
              If you mean to hunch over a tiny screen with an external keyboard and mouse, then you should just buy a laptop.

              Unless you plan on doing a bunch of handheld gaming, it wouldn’t make sense to buy a Steam Deck

  • kraigg on 30/11/2024 - 09:07
    +1

    You can get decent mini PCs from Minisforum and Beelink for under $1000. The Ryzen 7 and 9 have built-in GPU that aren't that powerful, but should be enough to handle less demanding games. Last year I played through all of Baldur's Gate 3 on my Beelink Ser6 Pro (Ryzen 7 7735HS 4.75GHz, 32GB RAM, Radeon 680M) without any hiccups. I also play X-Com 2, Phoenix Point, Starfield, Cities Skylines 1, and starting Dragon Age Veilguard

    • CrispyChrispy on 30/11/2024 - 22:16

      If OP doesn't need SFF then there are definitely better value options out there

  • BigBirdy on 30/11/2024 - 11:18

    Keep an eye on the regular mini-pc deals posted on OzB from Amazon. They are great if you don’t have a lot of plug-in stuff, small footprint, low power consumption and good value. Go for plenty of RAM (say 32gb), good size NVME SSD drive, decent CPU and graphics. I don’t game, but there’s usually some comment threads on the posts re gaming capability to help guide you.

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