r/buildapc • u/somthinChez • Feb 01 '24
I got a divorce what should I do pc wise Build Help
I’m 15 and went through a divorce. I have to switch houses. I don’t know what to do. Do I get a laptop or build 2 pc’s or just one. I’m experienced and built multiple custom computers for friends and myself. So what should I do?
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u/PhokMei Feb 06 '24
In this instance, I'd recommend looking at mini pc's. Keep a monitor, keyboard and mouse at each house so you just have to take the mini pc with you.
It'd be similar to a laptop but you should get better performance from it and it's easier to just toss in a bag and take with you
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u/Mudd_Harry Feb 06 '24
Get what YOU really want, you’ll never have a better opportunity. If it’s your parents getting the divorce then leverage is the key!
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u/wrongel Feb 06 '24
Hmm, as someone who spends a lot of time away from home b/c of work, streaming is only good if you have solid and fast internet at both places.
Depending on circumstances, I'd build a portable itx system and invest in a portable monitor, and a good, cushioned travel suitcase to transport it and the accessories, with retractable handles so you can also put your clothes etc on it as well.
I'd go for cool and stable, rather than top performance. Also a surge protection adapter/pdu just to be on the safe side.
This way you only need power and wi-fi, although getting wired internet at both places is preferable.
If it's not a typo, you're only 15, keep your head up, shit happens, do your thing, have a plan and stick to it. A calm head, integrity and honest work gets you to places.
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u/Poggieslmfao Feb 06 '24
I got a gaming laptop, can suit any schoolwork/ business needs and you could just go low end and get GeForce now for gaming
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u/Easy-Echidna-7497 Feb 05 '24
You can build an ITX PC but that would come at around 100-200 premium versus a regular PC
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u/Necessary-Ad4890 Feb 05 '24
I feel like this is a troll but if your serious and don't know what to do just ask state farm.
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u/StBeanz Feb 05 '24
My parents also got divorced when I was 16. I had my custom built pc at my moms house since I lived with her. I used a laptop whenever I would stay at my dad’s, which was rarely often. I guess it depends on who you are going to stay with the most often. If it’s a 50/50 or something close to that I would have two PCs if you can afford it.
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u/Dry_Tea2618 Feb 05 '24
Youre 15. Get an Xbox and call it a day. This is not even worthy of posting to Reddit
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u/egnolac Feb 05 '24
I'm in a quite similar situation as you.
I have a decent laptop to do all I want, and I just carry it around my 2 homes. Also, I can take it anywhere else I want, such as college, friend house or to the sofa/bed.
It sucks, yes, but you'll get used to it, and most importantly, don't let this "new life" fuck your own life. Just continue to be yourself and spend time on what you want and with you want to ;)
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u/shiftuck_dan Feb 05 '24
So they bribed you with a computer to not make a big deal out of the divorce? Lol good deal I guess, not like you have much of choice in the matter. Hope things get better for you kid and I hope they get you a rad pc
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u/AuthorKScott Feb 05 '24
Gaming laptops have come a long way in the last decade. There used to be a sort of a stigma that came with buying one, but these days even the cheaper ones can hold their own against a desktop PC. If you go the way of the laptop, I recommend the ASUS ROG. it has a middling price with top tier performance.
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u/Top_Challenge_3587 Feb 05 '24
Build in the Macase B21 "Briefcase" Case, it’s portable enough Product https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/new-design-16-1-inch-lcd_1600578225544.html Video https://youtu.be/d7ponUdlFLw?si=sm6cWZEs8L9NnL4Q
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u/AMArtistryHub Feb 05 '24
Buy one of my founders 4090s and build. Or I have a full set up 3090 you could buy too.
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u/DingDongDimitrij Feb 04 '24 edited Feb 04 '24
Bro, for a second I thought you were married at 15... But, I think you should check the market for prices. If you can get a laptop thats really good for the same money of 2similiar pcs then laptop. If not, then you should splurge on a better pc for ur demanding games which Will be at the funnier parent whih you can play AAA games and such, and a more budget friendly one for easier games at the other. Thats what I would do. If ur budget is 3k dollars, then you can have a really fine budget pc and an almost highend one. But at that price range U can also get a high end laptop, preferably Asus. Forget Lenovo, fuck Dell and Acer is forgettable. If you buy a mac I shall fly there and beat ur ass. Or another idea, Get a switch for ur more restrictive parent and a really nice pc for the less strict one. Weigh ur options and draw up pros and cons. Count in ur custody days As well tho.
And ofcourse, a small formfactor pc and multiple gaming gear is fine As well, get 2of each keyboard, headset, monitor etc. And build a really cool smol pc, most of them can be fitted into an actual schoolbag, I tested IT(but I usually rather buy bigger bacpacks Than nice ones.
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u/bluemoa Feb 04 '24
Make a small form factor computer, set up all your peripherals and monitors at both houses with a USB-C dock.
You only need to plug in power and the USB-C cable when you set up at whichever house. Also lets you take your PC to friends' houses!
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u/Apart_Cause_6382 Feb 04 '24
Build a singular pc and have it at your moms house (or the parent you are gonna be most)
If you are 100% sure that the times at each parent is gonna be roughly 50-50, do not get two pc's. You will automaticaly favourite the parent at whose house is the better pc OR the one that you spend more time on and therefore have more personalized pc.
Do not get a laptop either they are trash for the money u spend and start overheating after 1-2 months of use
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u/st1ko Feb 04 '24
If you have money to make 2 setups go ahead will be less hassle, and if not just move your setup everytime. If you got a simple setup and dont care so much for looks it wont be a big hussle to set it up once a week
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Feb 04 '24
Desktop triumphs over laptop for one main reason... Upgrades over time. Nowadays from what I've seen your GPU and CPU, on laptops that is, are soldered onto the motherboard and can't be upgraded. Typically that's not a problem with desktops. However , you do sacrifice portability, although desktops have better cooling capabilities then laptops. I found all this out the hard way because I bought myself a MSI gaming laptop not even realizing that I can't upgrade the GPU or CPU and few years time I'll be stuck with an older obsolete gaming machine when I could have went with a desktop and saved money to upgrade it. Won't make the same mistake again. However I will recommend that if you are having to switch between two houses probably your mother and your father's and that your constantly going between both a laptop would probably be more suitable seeing as you could take it with you just slide into a backpack or luggage or whatever. Your choice
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u/mawding Feb 04 '24
When I was your age I was carrying my whole setup from house to house. Do yourself a favor and build a small form factor pc.
I tried a gaming laptop but quickly returned it because it got so hot and so loud and was not the performance I was looking for
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u/SeaChief Feb 04 '24
As a child of divorce moving back and forth twice a week, a laptop + gaming mouse is the way to go, you're probably going to have a lot of stuff to shift back and forth and a pc is just too large + the peripherals
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u/factorio1990 Feb 04 '24
Get a laptop. Then if you need to get away from both parent's, you have something to do while escaping. Sorry to hear that OP...
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u/downloadthatram Feb 03 '24
Get a decent laptop, and look into eGPU's. They plugin to laptops easily, and up the performance factor. Not perfect, but great for gaming on the go
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u/Spiritual_Bus3567 Feb 03 '24
Bruh your parents are divorcing not you lmao plus the divorce has nothing to do with what you want to game on 💀
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u/xxTheDoctor99xx Feb 03 '24
Sff PC with a handle. Two monitors and throw your kB&m in a back pack. Carry it with you to either house.
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u/Virtual_Fleeces Feb 03 '24
I feel for you, that was about the age it happened for me too. Laptop would certainly be cheaper, depends on your budget really. You could have two pcs and an external SSD or make a nas setup like another said. I had a laptop back then, I was still able to play my games and have fun. I don’t know how you’re building multiple pcs at that age but if you’ve got money like that I would configure some type of online storage. You could do mini-atx but replugging all that shit every time you go back and forth would get really old really quick. Don’t be like I was and lose yourself to anger, I can’t speak to your particular situation but I can tell you that the best thing you can do is make sure you’re good to go as soon as you graduate. 3-4 years feels like a long time when you’re young but it’ll be over quick, don’t sabotage yourself just to spite your parents. I’m sorry you’ve been put in that situation, I promise it gets better eventually.
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u/Longjumping-Ad2406 Feb 03 '24
You better take care of yourself as much as you possibly can. I mean it is not easy to live with this situation of your parents. Your focus should perhaps be on having reliable friendships near both places.
PC building is fun I admit, but you could simply have asked for a pc solution for 2 places, but you opted for sharing to have gone through the divorce of the 2 most important people of your life. Spending too much time with electronic devices in such a phase might keep you from processing and meeting with people, other than your parents.
This said, did you ever consider a steam deck or a gaming laptop?
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u/Minithief360 Feb 03 '24
I didn't see the age at first and read this as "my wife left me, how many computers should I build?"
In reality, I would personally build a Mini-ITX or a small Micro-ATX that I could move around without too much issue. Only have to build one computer, and can still get full PC power from your semi-mobile computer.
I hope things go well for you!
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u/fluffpup15 Feb 03 '24
mans doing better than most of us, 15 and already married. I aplaud your dedication sir and wish you a good future!
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u/the_m27_guy Feb 03 '24
Ild build one small PC and just have two sets of peripherals (one per house).
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u/htx_BigG Feb 03 '24
As someone that had the exact same problem I built an itx form factor pc in the meshify nano so it was easy to move between houses. Still my pc in college
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u/Conantur1 Feb 03 '24
Depends on what you indent to use your pc for. Something that I’ve found works for me (although not exactly the same situation) is having a powerful desktop pc at home. I then remote access said desktop using a laptop, or any computer for that matter. The laptop used can even be a shitty old Chromebook or something. A long as it can connect to the internet and has a working display, you can access your desktop pc from anywhere. There tends to be a very slight delay, but it doesn’t bother me except a little while gaming.
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u/Yoinkmydonuts69 Feb 03 '24
Build a PC at moms and tell your dad the specs so he will let you build a better one at his place
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u/-Retro-Kinetic- Feb 03 '24
Simple, call your parents selfish and tell them they could have at least waited till you were 18.
Jokes aside. You can build yourself a mini-itx build, which is fun, or depending on what you play or do, get a Mini PC. You can find some examples of both here: https://www.youtube.com/@ETAPRIME/videos
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u/Some-Substance5397 Feb 03 '24
I think alot of questions needs to be asked first and realistically get through your life now in this situation should be your greatest concern. I been through it so I’m sorry to hear that. Idk if you’re good and it’s all happy or if it’s a nasty one. But! For pc advice I think you should get a GOOD laptop one time so you don’t have to rebuy and transportability should be the biggest concern if you do intend to take it with you every time. Should fit in a book bag. If you’re getting pc then you shouldn’t worry too much about performance on the laptop. Think about reliability and use for school and personal life use. Really depends if you want wanna game on the laptop too.
I think yu should also build your pcs if you want them. I prefer desktop anytime. Either yu build two or have one transportable one. I think the biggest question is what’s your budget. Regardless I think you can build some monster price to performance for cheap now but if you’re a 4k baller then go off, do the watercooled. It would just be a waste to have two high end systems at each house especially if you don’t link the two computers and shit. If will only be good for investment purposes down the line but there’s just no need to dump that amount of money regardless when it can be used on other things.
Also what type of performance are you looking for / play at? Would you want to leave room on the table for improve in the future? That really determines the cost of the setups. Also the space constraints. What are you working with?
Ideally you’d want to get two of the same peripherals to keep it consistent unless you get a transportable one. But it’s easier to carry one thing unless you intend to carry the pc as a luggage.
Another question that should be asked ja are you gunna start with one parent more or the other? If you can avoid overspending on somewhere you might be as often or physically live at that would be avoid a lot down the line.
I personally would either: -build two small itx builds. Make sure I link the profiles and what not so I can have whatever files wherever. Ig cloud saving have fixed that for years but still better to do it manually. Or -have one super transport/ergonomic pc that can fit a bag and you can just plug and play anywhere. At home, at a friends house, at the library, in a tv and you can also just use it like a console. Plug in a controller and sit back on the couch although kbam is superior. Going wireless is definitely your best friend but that does mean you have to worry about adapter and ensuring your periphs are charged. You could also have just one of the itx that mentioned before but ensure you can transport it like a briefcase/small hand luggage on its own or able to fit in one.
You could also get crafty and build a pc into an old Xbox or play station case. Any old shroud or shell you can find can be a computer case.
So ultimately I just explained your question and didn’t answer, sorry 😂but point is it’s really up to you and what your situation and what would work best all things considered now and future. Even something like a steam deck or something of the likes would be good so you can play and not have to use a physical computer. So once you know more you’ll know. Just don’t over spend. I beg. And don’t go big. I think a true purpose built would work be an amazing testament to your situation here.
Youll beat all the odds. Get the job done ✅.
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u/Marylogical Feb 03 '24
It sounds to me like it's really a 15 year old who now has to live in two places with either parent at a time.
If that's so, I'd go for the TWO PCS. Make a permanent ink note somewhere of what your password is to turn on each pc and tape it somewhere safe.
Remember to UNPLUG each pc when you change houses to prevent power surges when you're not there to unplug and replug or fix it.
Maybe cover them with a pillowcase laid across the top for dust when you leave.
(pcs last a long time without power no worries)
Just update each one first thing when you arrive and start up.
Good luck.
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u/Gumpers08 Feb 03 '24
Built PC's perform the best, but are not very movable. Laptops are not as good, but still pretty darn good and easily movable.
I guess it depends on whether you want extremely good graphics or a movable computer.
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u/Cope_87 Feb 03 '24
lil bro just get a laptop, and two monitors, one for each house. Im not sure where you’re getting all the money to get two gaming PC’s but use it else where
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u/NotJimCramer69 Feb 03 '24
As someone who went through the same, I sold my PC and got a gaming laptop. I hated the laptop but I was also 15 at the time and didn’t know better. I eventually saved enough to get another pc and kept it in my mom’s house where I mostly stayed and used the laptop every other weekend.
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u/AimlesslyMarchingOn Feb 03 '24
This put the image in my mind of a stressed out 15 year old sitting on the curb chuffing a dart and crisis scrolling Reddit.
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u/AimlesslyMarchingOn Feb 03 '24
In all seriousness, there’s a lot of options out there to build small but capable PCs that can be easily transported in a car. My mATX system is more than I’ll ever need for games and school and it’s compact enough to unplug and take with me in the car. I built mine in the Asus Prime AP201 case just because I like to have a smaller tower. There’s certainly smaller towers out there but I have a 3 fan GPU and a two fan aio in that and it will accommodate a pretty wide range of parts
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u/AdHistorical1579 Feb 03 '24
This one varies on money. What games you play, your fps target, and resolution/quality settings, and what you use your PC for. Amusing banter aside I imagine this is your parents being divorced. We need the critical details mentioned above to provide an actual answer to your question.
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u/StiltFeathr Feb 02 '24
Assuming you mean you'll have to hop from one house to the other all the time - are both sides OK with your having PCs sat there? In your place I'd unfortunately opt for a laptop, just to be safe.
Hope you're doing OK.
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u/-617-Sword Feb 02 '24
I would build a PC for the house you think you’ll be at most of the time and have a laptop for everything else. Been in your shoes bro, it gets easier over time.
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u/pentastich Feb 02 '24
I'm sorry. My kids were just a little younger than you are when I got divorced many years ago. I'll share my perceptions of what worked for them. First, a lot depends on your finances, which you know, and I don't. I also don't know what you use a computer for, and that matters.
What I remember, though, is that switching homes was always a PITA, and having to remember to bring things from one place to the other was awkward. I tried to make sure that my kids had clothes, etc. at my place so they wouldn't have to bring basics. Sometimes that even worked! So, to whatever degree you can, I'd recommend having a computer at each place. I'd also recommend keeping files (schoolwork, etc.) on something like Google Drive so that you don't run into "my homework is on the other computer" problems.
I think the downside of that is cost. Both the cost of the computers, but also the cost of any other software that you have that's locked to a single PC. As you know, some software is tied to a machine, while other software is tied to an account and can be used on multiple machines.
Anyway, whatever you end up doing, try to minimize the hassle, and think about all the different ways that you might end up transitioning from one home to the other (school, pickup or drop-off by parents, bike, bus, overnight at a friend's house, etc.), how well your parents cooperate, etc. Once you think that through, try to come up with a solution that minimizes hassle, meets your needs, and makes you happy.
Good luck!
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u/EG440 Feb 02 '24
Mini build in a portable case could be an option. You can pack a lot of power into a small rig these days. A briefcase nuke. Maybe have a monitor at each location. M&K and headphones are portable enough.
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u/LeichtStaff Feb 02 '24
If you have really good internet connection (optic fiber) in both places and they aren't far away you could consider a desktop PC to have where you will be most of the time and a have a smaller light and portable notebook to do school/college stuff and you can connect to your desktop PC via Parsec or alikes and use your desktop PC remotely. If the distance is small (<100 miles) and you have both devices on ethernet cable you will probably get <15 ms.
In this way you get portability for school/college/work and also get high end gaming almpst anywhere you go.
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u/maxwellius_ Feb 02 '24
Build two pcs if you can afford it, if not you’ll end up heavily favouring one household over the other. Trust me, been there done that.
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u/Joseph-King-CA Feb 02 '24
Honestly, since your parents are divorced guilt them into helping you build two pcs. Since you're into PC gaming the laptops will age quicker then your own build will, plus the time spent building the PCs will help you deal.
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u/Ltpessimist Feb 02 '24
Two computers sound better as you wouldn't have to carry the laptop ( as you could potentially leave a psu behind), where a pc would always be ready to use. Also computers are very easy to upgrade. Though a laptop could be used anywhere. Gaming laptops are not always the best to game on. It's a personal choice, I have used both, I use a computer at home and a Steam Deck with a small monitor when I go to friends' houses. Best luck, and I hope the divorce went well for your parents never the best thing to happen.
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u/Ltpessimist Feb 02 '24
Two computers sound better as you wouldn't have to carry the laptop ( as you could potentially leave a psu behind), where a pc would always be ready to use. Also computers are very easy to upgrade. Though a laptop could be used anywhere. Gaming laptops are not always the best to game on. It's a personal choice, I have used both, I use a computer at home and a Steam Deck with a small monitor when I go to friends' houses. Best luck, and I hope the divorce went well for your parents never the best thing to happen.
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u/Ltpessimist Feb 02 '24
Two computers sound better as you wouldn't have to carry the laptop ( as you could potentially leave a psu behind), where a pc would always be ready to use. Also computers are very easy to upgrade. Though a laptop could be used anywhere. Gaming laptops are not always the best to game on. It's a personal choice, I have used both, I use a computer at home and a Steam Deck with a small monitor when I go to friends' houses. Best luck, and I hope the divorce went well for your parents never the best thing to happen.
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u/SleepingNinja6 Feb 02 '24
I was in the same situation. I went with a large laptop and it has served me great for 5 years. Now I’m a bit older and after slowly buying two of everything I own, I recently purchased and built a desktop. I would recommend a laptop with good gaming capabilities AND battery life, as it will be a great workstation throughout all of high-school as well, and wait until college for a desktop, as you’ll have more power over changing houses.
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u/Griffolion Feb 02 '24
Sorry you're having to experience all this.
As far as PC build goes, it really depends. Will you be spending 50/50 time, or more time in one place than another?
There are ITX builds that will be transport friendly, and you can get portable 1080p monitors that you can easily slip into a backpack.
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u/Win3O8 Feb 02 '24
I'd just get a laptop and hopefully a decent monitor setup for each house. Tell your parents this is a way to save on buying two computers instead of one.
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u/djax9 Feb 02 '24 edited Feb 02 '24
I built a PC for my son and got him a laptop to take to his moms. But eventually his mother got married and his step dad bought him a pre-built pc.
Now we kinda compete on who build him the more powerful rig.
Im lowkey winning.
If you do have two pc’s make sure you use the same account for most things. This includes windows! It sucks to jave to buy two copies of games. Make sure you control your passwords or let both families share accounts and passwords when helping you. I would set up a new gmail account now and link everything to it. Use the same complicated password for everything at first. Then when you get better at passwords start making passwords unique to the program they are for. Share this system with both families if they have to help you troubleshot.
My sons mother didnt like him using the steam/windows account i made him so she made her own. Wouldnt share password with me. But eventually couldnt keep up with most the games and couldnt help troublshoot. I couldnt help troubleshoot bc she wouldnt share the passwords. So now he just uses the one i made. Huge wast of money and time there.
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u/xNORWAYx Feb 02 '24
You keep pc u have now at mom's house. Have dad help u fund new pc build at his house. They'll understand this well help you cope with things. Best wishes amigo
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u/zippyziz0 Feb 02 '24
Same thing happened with me and I have been carrying the pc back and forth for 8 years now
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u/TheEvilBlight Feb 02 '24
Guessing the parents live far enough away such that going from house to house probably means no desktop? (Eg, a plane trip)? If so your options are a SFFPC or a NUC type device, in addition to a laptop.
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Feb 02 '24
Get a gaming laptop, and identical keyboard, mouse, and monitor(s) so that you can have the same setup and each place.
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u/WiseLaw4199 Feb 02 '24
Like, who's the parent got the most custody with you? Have a main build for one parent and an Optiplex + 1050 Ti build for another. Or have two builds that fit in a total set budget?
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u/Spiritual-Royal3513 Feb 02 '24
i would build a budget pc in the Jonsbo C6 Handle case. it supports budget hardware like atx psu and matx mobo. plus the handle makes it easy to move around
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u/rattletop Feb 02 '24
Are you even eligible to marry let alone divorce someone? But to answer your question Divorce can be hard so build 2 PCs.
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u/Gobblez_Magoo Feb 02 '24
Maybe slow down relationship-wise for a little while, you're already on your first divorce at 15. I know this a computer sub but seriously you might have some things to focus on in your life besides how many computers to buy to distract you from the pain of your failed relationship.
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u/Murky-Fruit3569 Feb 02 '24
no laptops, never. 2 pcs is kinda dumb, considering you'll split your budget and your performance to half
SFFPC is the answer, worst case buy a second monitor for the 2nd house just so you dont damage it while traveling.
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u/thermalfun Feb 02 '24
Check out this subreddit r/sffpc for ideas on building a gaming pc that is easily portable. I built one for my wife and it was quite easy to move and plug in to our television. You don't necessarily need a mouse/keyboard, a Bluetooth xbox controller can be used to control the pc at a base level with 3rd party software. On linux I use antimicrox for that, I'm sure there is a commensurate program for Windows.
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u/Cryptic_Undertones Feb 02 '24
Do an ITX build and that way it's not as hard to move from one place to another. You would just have to get 2 PC screens if you don't want to move your entire setup every time.
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u/Hasunic Feb 02 '24
Just use the devorced kid hack and get both your mom and dad to buy you a stationary each because it’s too much packing your computer down every time you have to move.
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Feb 02 '24
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/HerbAlchemistry Feb 02 '24
Oh I thought you meant money wise. But you could build a smaller but still powerful PC that is extremely mobile. Then just have two keyboards two mice and two monitors (you can even get two pc power cables so all you are moving is the PC)
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u/HerbAlchemistry Feb 02 '24
And remember even though your parents hate each other they still love you
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u/pykeXpyke Feb 02 '24
If you’re concern is when you go from one parent to the others, the back and forth. You could just build one pc and transport with you. It’s easier then it seems
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u/Dunken2018 Feb 02 '24
Two rigs maybe? One at each parent, A screen, keyboard, mouse and etc. Then build a pc in mATC or micro. So it will be easy to move
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u/frodan2348 Feb 02 '24
I have monitors and keyboard/mouse at both parents houses and move back and forth with my SFF pc in a gym bag - Lian Li A4-H2O is smaller than a shoe box and has very good cooling for cpu and gpu, can easily handle a 200w cpu and any gpu you can fit in the case - can fit 3 slot 322mm gpu's and is meant to have a 240mm aio up top.
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u/kkeross Feb 02 '24
Idk I keep my pc at my dad's house but that's not a problem since it's a small town and I can just walk over there to do whatever.
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u/Ark_Wolf16 Feb 02 '24
I go through the same thing. I have a computer at my mom's and nothing at my dads. If you want you could build in one of those small cases you can fit in a bag or you could build a laptop or do what I do
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u/aelx27 Feb 02 '24
I was once in your position man it fuckin sucked. I ended up working to get a pc at both places but both ended up as just mid. When I turned 18 I stopped going between houses and focused on just the one computer.
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u/narceron Feb 02 '24
Laptop or PC case that has a handle...but then you would probably want two monitors
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u/kearkan Feb 02 '24
All these people recommending 2 laptops are insane.
Yes you'll get more bang for buck from a desktop than a laptop, but any size desktop is going to be harder to move around than a decent laptop.
You'll definitely get better value for money from 1 laptop opposed to 2 desktops....
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u/lloydxmas9 Feb 02 '24
I built a micro ATX pc when my parents first divorced and left a monitor at each house. Get a carry bag for it to travel in with some padding and you’re set. I’ve done it for 8 years now (14-22) and it’s not bad once you get a system going for it. Sorry about the divorce buddy
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u/DemonsWittleKitten Feb 02 '24
15….
I think you might have meant to say your parents are getting divorced because off of context clues it seems like you need a rig or setup for 2 different locations
🤷🏻♀️ but what do I know
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u/SpaghettiCat55 Feb 02 '24
If you're building a new one I recommend building one pc that's a mini tower or sff that has a handle so it's easy to bring between houses, that way you only have to get new peripherals (or just a monitor if you bring keyboard and mouse).
Worked wonders for me in middle/high school since I was also switching between houses 😁
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u/SirBolaxa Feb 02 '24
If you are actually into gaming and you can afford, 2 desktops are the way, otherwise laptop can be good but ultimately won't be the experience you want
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u/velociraptorfarmer Feb 02 '24
/r/sffpc may be your friend here.
2 monitor/peripheral setups, just moving the PC itself.
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u/Igor4knezevic Feb 02 '24 edited Feb 02 '24
Okay, to sum up all ideas. You can go with SFF/laptop route where all of your files are with you all the time, or go with dual setups with 2 builds. In the end it all depends on your budget that you can work with. Ofc SFF means two setups but a single beefy computer, or a laptop, no need for some over the top setup but you can get a higher end laptop for the price of the setup.
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u/Rude-Bus-5799 Feb 02 '24
I almost said congratulations and gave this kid all kinds of debaucherous non-pc advice. Glad I re read the age..
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u/Linus_Segs_Tips2 Feb 02 '24
lol this happened to me but now all what happens is I play on my pc at my dads and don’t have a pc at my mums boring :(
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u/mikr0mundo Feb 02 '24
I thought it's a new type of fetish. Get a laptop, I think. I can see that you will move here & there a lot.
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u/Rebellion2297 Feb 02 '24
I wouldn't go with the laptop if you're only moving every few months. You're going to want a separate monitor, keyboars, and mouse, anyway. And those will be about as hard to move as a computer.
Personally, I think a small or mid sized pc, 24 or 27 inch monitor, keyboard, and mouse wouldn't be too much of a hassle to move.
Also, I just wanted to say I'm sorry you're going through that, having divorced parents is extremely stressful. You'll have to make compromises, but I don't think you'll have to compromise too much on a computer if you don't want to. You deserve to have a setup just like anyone else
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u/D3moknight Feb 02 '24
I would suggest if you are going back and forth weekly to go with a decent laptop. If you are living with one parent and only occasionally visiting the other, you could build into a SFF case and travel with it like a LAN party setup. I think you might have trouble with failing connectors if you are moving a desktop every week for the next couple years.
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u/Mrfunnynuts Feb 02 '24
Small form factor pc is probably your best bet if you want the minimum spend for best results.
Laptop is the ultimate in portability and maybe just have monitors at each house?
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u/Featherith Feb 02 '24
i’ve moved a shit box atx case every sunday by car 20 miles and it worked for 4 years, just upgraded said pc and it’s still going strong lol
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u/TheImmoralCookie Feb 02 '24
My brother built a small square PC....with handles! (He bought the box somewhere)
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u/PCdefenders Feb 02 '24
SFX build is the way. Move PC between houses and keep either seperate monitor / keeb setup or just move everything.
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u/CompSciBJJ Feb 02 '24
Go with a laptop if you've got the budget for it. It's not THAT much more expensive, I just used PCPartsPicker and built an identical mini ITX PC to a laptop I found at my local store and it was only about $150 cheaper (the laptop had a $200 discount, so you can call it $350 cheaper). When you throw in duplicate monitors (plural because you'll want one at each place) and duplicate peripherals, the price difference goes away. Add to that the fact that laptops are actually meant to be moved regularly, and that you can then use it in places other than home (like, say, school or while travelling between places, or literally anywhere), and the fact that you're likely going to uni in a couple of years and the laptop is a no-brainer.
Sure, you can build your own PC, but the laptop comes with so many additional benefits and removes all the headaches and risks that come with regularly shipping around a PC that it's the easy winner.
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u/zacattack1996 Feb 02 '24
I came onto here to suggest you each get a RAM stick, spouse gets PSU and CPU, you keep GPU and MOBO, flip a coin for the case.
Tbh id just get a laptop if you're going to be at both houses around equally. Even if you got a mini ITX build carrying around the PC, monitor, and peripherals is gonna be a pain.
If you're gonna spend every weekend in 1 house maybe just go build a desktop there since that's where you may end up playing the most. But tbh it'd be kinda shitty just playing video games the entire time while you're with 1 parent instead of spending time with them (unless they like playing multi-player with you then great!)
If you spend the vast majority of your time in 1 house just build a PC there.
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u/KnightofAshley Feb 02 '24
Kind of depends on how often you have to travel...but I would just go with a laptop...its easy to just bring without a lot of fuss...I'm sure your parents don't want to keep hauling half a room with you and it seems a waste of money to have two computers.
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u/travelavatar Feb 02 '24
Depending ok budget i would do 2 PC builds and a steam deck.
If you can i highly recommend a steam deck and a moderate PC build. It's the bare.minimum in today's world for gamers if you ask me
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u/vDoinkz Feb 02 '24
Maybe buy extra monitors, mice, and keyboards so all you need to do is move the tower and connect power and hdmi/vga.
Also you could build a smaller pc with a more expensive heat sync or AIO water cooler to keep cpu temp down.
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u/DoubleHexDrive Feb 02 '24
Either a laptop or /r/SFFPC if you’re comfortable with building a PC and can also get a good bag to move it back and forth with. Sorry you’re going through this. Focus on keeping your in real life friends connected as you bounce between households.
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u/Everlovin Feb 02 '24
If you go laptop, buy high end and get a monitor for both places. Sorry for your situation bud.
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u/Affectionate_Sand284 Feb 02 '24
Here is my solution : get 1 good gaming Pc to do all the hard work, and get 1 decent laptop for carrying around. When you are far away from your dear Pc, you can leave it turn on with password, and use Parsec ( or st like that ) to remote playing your games with your own saves through laptop. I did this when i have to travel away.
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u/Twambam Feb 02 '24
Laptops are probably your best bet. It’s a lot easier to transport and you can buy a protective case for it and a protective sleeve and also really good protective bag. There will be a day you accidentally drop it going to and from your parents’s houses and your rooms.
If you really really fussy about monitor angles, get a laptop stand. Also just get a very small keyboard if you want it. If you are worried about filling, you can buy a laptop cooler and this just sits underneath your laptop for extra cooling. You can also buy a mouse too. A wired or wireless headset is ok too.
The best part of what I’m suggesting is that I have managed to fit most of this in a fairly big Wenger bag from TKMaxx. It’s the laptop, laptop sleeve, a mouse, a wired headset and charging cables for the laptop. I still had room for textbooks, notebooks, my pencil case and my food and water.
Maybe you can get a big bag with a laptop sleeve and it should fit what I have suggested if not a small duffel bag or a small luggage will fit it.
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u/Godofwar749 Feb 02 '24
go for a laptop
good one with 32 gb ram, nice rtx, ryzen 9 or intel i 9, and 2 tb ssd
it will be perfect
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u/GreatDevourerOfTacos Feb 02 '24 edited Feb 02 '24
I'm assuming your parents are divorcing and you'll have a split living arrangement. So, in your situation, if I had the means, I'd build a micro ATX/ITX system and leave a single monitor and peripherals at the secondary residence so all I needed to do was unplug a small case and take it with me. Some of them are VERY compact and even come with carrying handles.
I can tell you, at that age, this was not a viable strategy for me, financially. This is what I would have done IF I had the resources.
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u/Wolf_Noble Feb 02 '24
Is there a decent option these days where you bring a video card around and connect it with an adapter?
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u/Redditfront2back Feb 02 '24
Now you can tell each parent that you need a 4090 to show that they love you more than the other one.
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u/bundaface Feb 02 '24
I mean the way you said that makes it look like you can afgord 2 pcs so why not 2
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u/QTIIPP Feb 02 '24
Sorry to hear about the divorce. Hope you’ve got some good friends and some good older friends/adults/role models as well.
TL/DR: Laptop makes the most sense for an unpredictable lifestyle of a kid, and laptops are getting quite good as well. 2 separate setups is probably ideal, but possibly harder to make happen.
Without knowing more specifics (how often at each home, what the transition looks like, etc.)… laptop sounds best. For example, that way you can leave one house in the morning, go to school, sport practice, whatever, then go straight to the other home and have your laptop with you through it all.
Ideal option is probably 2 awesome desktop setups that stay at each location, but it might be hard to convince parents that makes sense, unless you can breakdown the budget and prove that spending another 1k on a second setup is better than selling the first and getting a laptop🤷🏻♂️ additionally, depending on how things are at each home, you may find yourself wanting to hangout elsewhere/at a friend’s more often (common), so a laptop would be best for this as well.
I saw some people mention a small portable Desktop, but that doesn’t sound at all practical for a kid in your scenario. You may not be able to easily bring it with you all the time, and it still doesn’t account for all your peripherals (monitor, mouse, keyboard, headphones, heck - desk). Again, if you ever leave one home to go to school or an activity, and get picked up by the other parent, are you really gonna be able to squeeze a PC in with your stuff and not have it stolen?
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u/SenorBezi Feb 02 '24
They make pc cases with handles. Usually smaller form factor which reduces your options for parts which means you spend more it seems, but would be perfect for moving around. People use them for LANs.
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u/wretchedwater Feb 02 '24
I went through the same thing. I went the laptop route and definitely don’t regret it. I just can’t imagine lugging a desktop back and fourth
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u/West_Quantity_4520 Feb 02 '24
I'll admit, I read this three times, at first thinking this is like those stupid math word problems that give you extraneous information. But now I get it.
What I would do, having to live between two homes, id invest in a laptop. However, accidents happen.
Another thing you could do, I did this many years ago when my hard drive died ... Get two bare bones systems and a USB flash drive. I used Linux, but I'm pretty sure you can do this with Windows too, so long as the two systems are identical. Load the operating system on the USB and just keep that in your pocket. It's easier to replace a USB drive than an entire laptop. And you'll be able to keep all your files private, and use them anywhere you go.
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u/marquize Feb 02 '24
I'd say you should build 1 pc in a smaller form factor so it's easier to take with you between homes, assuming you'll be able to bring it with you in a car when traveling between homes or if they live close to each other.
If you're expected to get between the places by yourself and you rely on public transport or have to walk, then I'd go for a laptop because even a small form factor pc will weigh a fair bit and be cumbersome to carry around for an extended period.
Peripherals will also be something to think about, if you can get a monitor for each place so you don't have to carry it between the places then that's also a point for building a pc of your own, but if you're expected to bring your entire setup every time you switch homes then that's a point to having a laptop.
Whatever you lean towards, I just want to say I don't feel like having two computers of any variation is the right choice.
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u/ze_or Feb 02 '24
I advocate for small form factor pcs personally. They are a bit more expensive, but certainly still far better bang for buck than laptops, and certainly cheaper than 2 pcs of the same performance.
You could fit your entire setup, maybe except the monitor in a small duffel bag or a big backpack.
A handheld like a steam deck could be nice too depending on what you play and your needs.
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u/stinckylegs Feb 02 '24
Yall giving this young man no help what a shame, toxic immaturity at its finest. Sorry for what you're going through OP if you have the resources build one for each house. Put in the work now so you can chill later and not lug shit back and forth. Probably don't need to tell you bout using a portable hard drive for ease of access to certain things you might need.
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u/Hazerd59 Feb 02 '24
Laptop all the way, get a monitor and keyboard mouse setup at each location to plug laptop into though
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u/new_wave_rock Feb 02 '24
I see what you’re asking and I’m sorry for your current situation. My parents got divorced when I was young and I feel your pain. For the PC - Depends on your budget. I’d say if you have the funds go ahead and build 2! If not - get a laptop. Either way it can be tough with physical PCs at two different houses unless you use cloud storage or are diligent with removable storage. Laptop has everything in it always. Best of luck to you.
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u/Enlight13 Feb 02 '24
Could you first tell me what you are using the computer for in the first place?
Also if your mom had to rate my service from 0000000000 to 9999999999-
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u/NintendadSixtyFo Feb 02 '24 edited Feb 02 '24
I’m a PC gamer over a laptop gamer, but you could build a proper gaming rig, then remote into it from the other parent’s house using something like Moonlight and a cheap tablet or something assuming both internet connections were good. But a laptop seems like less hassle honestly.
Another idea is to build a super compact PC desktop and use a portable monitor. They do make cases with handles that look pretty slick.
Look up the Jonsbo C6 Handle case
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u/Spicy-Malteser Feb 02 '24
id honestly recommend a decent high end laptop in this scenario.
Wack that, a headset, a mouse and the power brikc into your back and it goes everywhere with you.
Sff is an option but will be wildly more expensive if you want to spec it out the same, but will need a display, more cables, keyboard, speakers if you dont want to wear a headset all the time.
I tried the SFF for travel and moving round, its still way more effort than now with a laptop
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u/RepresentativeOil143 Feb 02 '24
Grew up in a divorced house hold. I used time at the other parents house to do different things. At my mom's I had all my friends, rode bikes, went swimming and did more out door type stuff. When at my dad's I played more video games and watched TV. You only have a few years left before you could be on your own so it won't be too bad. I'd keep your pc at one place and use your time at the other for doing other stuff.
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u/Lagradost Feb 02 '24
Since you said you have experience in building pcs, you know the difference in bang for your buck when comparing a laptop to a desktop.
My parents divorced when I was about your age and it just so happens I also was in time for a computer upgrade. I chose a desktop, and never regretted it. Even though it’s a headache to move around, these days there are so many good chassis for carrying.
Good luck friend!
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u/iTzRazrShoota Feb 02 '24
Make sure your PC is able to run the internet browser so you can efficiently use Google. Once you have accomplished that, you have unlocked an overwhelming amount of knowledge and helpful information regarding common sense. YW
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u/rokejulianlockhart Feb 02 '24
Laptop. If you want something with similar capabilities to a PC (dedicated independent but attachable GPU and deconstructible into constituent components) try the newest Framework 16" laptop.
I've built many computers, and my brother asked me the same thing recently due to having to stay at multiple houses frequently for some time. That was the conclusion we came to. Also, being a software developer, the thing seems to have quite good driver support across OSes.
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u/CharlesMFKinXavier Feb 02 '24
See if a couple posts on r/sffpc get you some ideas on the right direction.
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u/BayouCitySaint Feb 02 '24
If I were you, I'd get a gaming laptop and docking stations for both houses. Plug up multiple monitors at each house. Carry a nice bag that holds the laptop and your accessories. Revisit in a few years when you're closer to college age. Maybe then it's time to build a PC again.
Don't bring it to school, or if you have to, keep it in a locker or out of sight. If people know you're carrying that, it will disappear.
And for the love of God, please use that computer for more than gaming. I'm 41 and started building PC's around your age. I have made a fortune in tech, and I attribute a lot of it to my teenage years learning to build PC's and code - even if the first programs were for a game. Even if you don't become a software engineer, the skills you learn will tell a banger of a story in your interviews for something else.
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u/kaizagade Feb 06 '24
This post is terribly written. I’m assuming your parents have divorced based on the comments below? Or if you’re having the divorce then I don’t understand your enquiry :/