This might be a silly question, but is it possible to build a decent gaming PC in a small/slim case? Can this be done without breaking the bank? Also, would this be able to drive a high quality monitor, something akin to Apple's retina screens?
Originally, I was planning to buy the upcoming rMBP 13", but then I considered the following:
- The computer never leaves my apartment, and I own an iPad 4.
- The 13" rMBP will likely come with an iGPU (i.e., no gaming)
- Nothing is user upgradeable
- $$$
My only reservation is that I love OS X and the Apple ecosystem (iPad 4, iPhone 4S), and I generally despise Windows. I'm really conflicted about what to do...
One case that looks appealing is the BitFenix Prodigy. I'm thinking that I would install Ubuntu as the main OS, and then have a Windows 7 partition for gaming/music. I'd put in a small SSD for the OS, with a 2TB 7200 for media storage. Ideally, I'd like a really good GPU, lots of RAM, and cool/quiet operation. I'm not confident that I can achieve all of that without compromising on something, though. I've been out of the computer scene for quite some time, so this is all foreign to me.
What I love about notebook computers is the small footprint and lack of wires (I live in an apartment), so the small/slim case would be mandatory. I'm just concerned about the switch from OS X, and the stability of Ubuntu as the main OS. I installed Ubuntu years ago on a barebone Asus notebook, but it was so unreliable and the drivers for the wireless card kept crashing.
I would probably get an Apple wireless keyboard to match the aesthetics, and I haven't decided on the mouse or monitor. The monitor would have to be high quality, comparable to the retina screen or (preferably) better.
Do you think this can be done for ~$1500, and would you recommend it?
Thanks!
Originally, I was planning to buy the upcoming rMBP 13", but then I considered the following:
- The computer never leaves my apartment, and I own an iPad 4.
- The 13" rMBP will likely come with an iGPU (i.e., no gaming)
- Nothing is user upgradeable
- $$$
My only reservation is that I love OS X and the Apple ecosystem (iPad 4, iPhone 4S), and I generally despise Windows. I'm really conflicted about what to do...
One case that looks appealing is the BitFenix Prodigy. I'm thinking that I would install Ubuntu as the main OS, and then have a Windows 7 partition for gaming/music. I'd put in a small SSD for the OS, with a 2TB 7200 for media storage. Ideally, I'd like a really good GPU, lots of RAM, and cool/quiet operation. I'm not confident that I can achieve all of that without compromising on something, though. I've been out of the computer scene for quite some time, so this is all foreign to me.
What I love about notebook computers is the small footprint and lack of wires (I live in an apartment), so the small/slim case would be mandatory. I'm just concerned about the switch from OS X, and the stability of Ubuntu as the main OS. I installed Ubuntu years ago on a barebone Asus notebook, but it was so unreliable and the drivers for the wireless card kept crashing.
I would probably get an Apple wireless keyboard to match the aesthetics, and I haven't decided on the mouse or monitor. The monitor would have to be high quality, comparable to the retina screen or (preferably) better.
Do you think this can be done for ~$1500, and would you recommend it?
Thanks!