http://www.maingear.com/custom/desktops/alpha24/
This one’s no longer available - presumably for lack of demand.
All the other ones I see on the market are basically laptops - no upgradeability whatsoever, at least nothing above integrated graphics cpu’s.
Do I have any options for achieving what maingear did there? I want one of those…or something like that. All in one form factor with a large screen and replaceable components.
I know a few of the big makers followed the iMac model and built whole computers into what was basically a bulky flatscreen housing (saw an IBM one just yesterday, in an office) but as far as gaming-power ones with any sort of upgradeability… probably not. I suspect the power-laptop market has taken away niche markets such as this, and those of us who prefer real modularity at a reasonable cost are staying with boxed units.
Hmmmmmmmmmmm.
I don’t really see a reason to compromise on modular architecture by integrating a screen into a PC. True, the screen is usually the last thing that you upgrade, but affordable 1440p, 1600p and 4K displays are just around the corner (actually, 1440p and 1600p low latency ips screens are already here and some models are fairly cheap < $400). Why limit yourself in this one department, when you are specifically seeking upgradability in all others?
If space is a concern I’d just build a mini ITX setup in a small form factor, or purchase something similar. Here are a few examples:
Some of those are smaller than your average cable box and should fit alongside, or under your brand spanking new 4K monitor in 4 years.
Doesn’t Dell still sell user-serviceable AIOs?
Reason I want this specific form factor:
I love the simplicity - not just the space savings. It’s so much easier to tote around to lan parties.
Plug it into the wall, wireless keyboard/mouse, and bam, you’re in business with only one wire. So far Maingear is the only manufacturer to have done this, though on the really powerful units with mega graphics card you had multiple power cords, still very basic and clutter free though.
Ah. LAN parties. That does make sense - the key is “tote around”. If the system isn’t intended to be mobile, that factor doesn’t make much sense versus standard desktop formats IMO, or, at the other extreme, caseless arrangements.
I’m afraid that catering to convenience for LAN parties is a really niche market. Especially since a lot of LAN party goers are willing to drag around massive custom systems to show them off.
The intersection between an “anti clutter” aesthetic, and a concern for upgradeability is probably limited, too.
If it’s LAN parties that are the issue, get yourself a Shuttle SZ7R5 or SH87R6 system and the associated padded case. I used to go to LAN parties with my Shuttle SB51G. The case had compartments for keyboard, trackball, and a DVD or two. Monitor and power cables could be wrapped around the monitor base, though in practice they went in a separate box or bag which also contained my joystick, headphones, racing wheel and pedals, power strip, munchies, etc.
Zotac makes a few micro PCs that come with a VESA compatible holder. Thus, you can screw it on the back of most TFT monitors.
In terms of LAN portability with a screen, you can’t beat a gaming laptop. There are some that offer GPUs in SLI like Falcon Northwest:
A Lappy with 780m’s in SLI and a current i7, playing games at 1080p should last you a LONG while. It’s more powerful than a “next gen” console. And when it comes to playing on a LAN, graphics will probably take a back seat to other considerations, so who cares if you have to go medium-high settings in 3 years vs Ultra?
Of course, these things are monstrously expensive. You could get a desktop, even a small form factor one, that is twice as powerful for considerably less money.
Yeah…I’m not going the laptop route. Been there - didn’t like being stuck with the current hardware.
I’ve already got a modular PC case. I want it ALL-IN-ONE…as close to that Maingear Alpha 24 as I can get. Hell if one of those cases comes up for sale used on ebay I’m jumping on it.
I just don’t see any other manufacturers doing anything similar.
I hate to bump my own thread, but maybe there’s another doper on today who might have some input here?
I’m still searching for an All-In-One along the lines of the Maingear Alpha 24. Even just the case! I’ll build it myself… 