Portable Desktop Gaming Setup
I always loved the idea of (semi-)portable gaming desktops. I know that gaming laptops are a thing but they are usually expensive, quite crappy and hard to upgrade.
Besides that, where is the fun in buying everything ready-to-go?
This is obviously not portable as in put-it-in-a-backpack portable but portable enough for me to bring in on my bike to a vacation home or a Lan Party! Since I don't own a car, I also want to be able to transport my desktop by train.
Many components where either taken from my previous big ass computer or bought used on eBay/local marketplaces. Check the component list further below for more info.
Build
Everything I need for a gaming session packed up. Screen, Peripherals & Cables in a single sewing machine bag. I didn't weigh it really but it's light enough to carry around for me.
The pink color of the bag is not a bug, it's a feature. Doesn't really look like I'm transporting something valuable in there.
After setting up. Mouse, Keyboard and Headphones are all wireless and can be charged with a single magnetic charging cable.
Mac Gyvered some stuff together to get a good working screen mount. Pegboard hooks from my woodshop bent to hold a piece of wood I found in the garden which in turn connects with the tablet mount I got off Amazon.
Since my mainboard doesn't have USB-C video out I am forced to use USB for power and HDMI for the video signal. Wrapped the two cables with paracord to make it look like a single cable. Apparently this technique is called 'makramee'. Guide can be found here (German but looking at the pictures should be enough to figure it out)
Close up of the mount connection. Much more sturdy than it looks. I don't need to worry about the screen crashing down.
Here is some visual proof that I can even transport this setup by bike. Probably not the best for a computer but I drove carefully and not very far anyway. So far no issues!
Component List
| Component | Name | Price | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Case | NR200 | 53€ | ebay used |
| CPU | Ryzen 5 3600 | - | Prev. PC |
| GPU | 3060ti | - | Prev. PC |
| Motherboard | GIGABYTE B450 I AORUS PRO | 92€ | ebay used |
| RAM | 8GB 3200MHz Kingston FURY Beast | - | Prev. PC |
| Storage | Kingston KC3000 M.2 2TB | 100€ | amazon |
| CPU Cooler | Thermalright Assassin X 120 SE | 19€ | amazon |
| Power Supply | CoolerMaster V750 SFX Gold 750W | 75€ | ebay used |
| Monitor | Arzopa Z1FC Portable Gaming Monitor 144Hz 16.1'' FHD | 96€ | arzopa.com |
| Keyboard | Logitech G915 TKL | 70€ | ebay used |
| Mouse | Logitech G305 | 35€ | amazon |
| Headset | HyperX Cloud III Wireless | 108€ | hp store |
| Accessory | Tablet holder | 17€ | amazon |
| Carrying Case | Sewing machine bag | 15€ | ebay Kleinanzeigen (german craigslist) |