Can a Laptop replace a Desktop?

wildest_jjk

wildest_jjk

wildest_jjk

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Hi all,

I need a laptop but I also want to upgrade my desktop as well as it has now been almost 7 years since the last proper upgrade. However the dilemma I have is I don't really want to pay for both...

I am currently considering a high end laptop of some description and possibly an eGPU (which I know little about). From my understanding there is a performance drop with these eGPU's but is it possible to have a very good laptop that can perform on a similar level to a desktop?

To give an idea of the kind of performance I was looking at for my PC upgrade I was considering an Intel i7 (perhaps coffee lake), GTX 1080/1080Ti etc. Now I don't expect a laptop to match the performance but is there anything that would be close in laptop form, perhaps coupled with an eGPU?

Thanks! :)
 
Nothings going to match the performance of a gtx 1080ti and i7 desktop cpu, but you will still be able to play games at decent frames depending on the resolution your hoping to play at. I'd recommend just getting a gaming desktop and laptop for work?
 
In performance, yes. But noise, not so much. The higher performance laptops often get fairly noisy under load - talking from experience here.

It's best to work out what's most important to you, and go from there
 
Thanks both for the responses.

With the higher performance laptops do they get loud due to high end GPU's? If I went with the eGPU solution then the noise issue would only be when plugged up and playing games etc.?
 
breadturbo said:
Dont forget you will have to spend almost double the cash on a laptop for similar spec.
Click to expand...

This ^ is the main problem I think. For less than 1000 pound you can build a great PC, but for the same spec laptop you will probably spend almost double and get slightly less performance. And then there is screen size and refresh rate, laptop screens generally arent great for gaming compared to a standalone monitor. If you want to game then really a desktop is better.
 
I guess it depends what you're planning to do with it.

A few years back, the idea of replacing desktops with laptops was quite popular (I think Intel was making great claims for the Core i5 mobile processors), and I, lacking the space for a desktop, tried the laptop replacement for a desktop route with an 18" Acer laptop. It didn't cope very well with being on most of the day and the demands of my sessions on Civilization 4 or 5 (I forget which). After having to be returned 3 times in about 8 months, Acer gave me most of my money back.

I'm currently using an Ultrabook as a desktop replacement, and that's doing much better. But it's mainly used for web browsing/productivity and occasional gaming -I suspect if I used it for regular gaming it may suffer. The fact that it's designed to run cool for long periods and is sat on my original four fan cooling system probably helps.

Personally, I'd be inclined to try and find a reasonably priced laptop that isn't "bargain basement", and spend the rest on the desktop. I'm keeping my ultrabook for mobile duties and getting a new desktop as soon as I've sorted the specification.
 
Thanks for all of the responses guys.

I have been looking at the top end MacBook Pro's due to the CPU. Are we saying that these would run hot then? I would plan on combining it with perhaps a 1080Ti within an Akitio Node.
 
wildest_jjk said:
Thanks for all of the responses guys.

I have been looking at the top end MacBook Pro's due to the CPU. Are we saying that these would run hot then? I would plan on combining it with perhaps a 1080Ti within an Akitio Node.
Click to expand...

Assuming you are looking at the top 13" macbook pro and then the 1080ti and the dock that gives you a total spend in the £2750 region! For that money you could easily have a high end PC and a more "normal" laptop somewhat removing your concern about having to spend on both? See below for a PC spec.

My basket at Overclockers UK:

Total: £1,862.54
(includes shipping: £13.20)



​

This leaves you £900 to source a laptop. You could have something a bit like this one;

https://www.overclockers.co.uk/giga...-intel-i5-7300hq-gaming-laptop-lt-086-gi.html

Or go to some of the more mainstream sellers for a nice thin and light style laptop that simply gives you good battery life and poratbility rather than trying to be a dual purpose machine.

It may not fit your needs. But if your doing this to save cost than the Macbook solution looks to be about the most expensive way possible you could be doing this.
 
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