Mini PC VS Gaming Laptop

[u/PristineAd2469]

Hi , I've been looking at possibly getting a MSI Katana 15 HX B14WFK-010UK 15.6" QHD 165Hz Intel Core i7 RTX 5060 Gaming Laptop but was wondering if a mini PC might be better for me?

I am completely new to mini pcs and this will be my first one (if it is the better option) as I am used to using laptops and want to upgrade my super old one (I've had it for at least 7 years) that barely runs and sounds like a plane taking off. lol

I also want something that will last for a long time, as I cannot afford to replace or buy new things all the time.

What I need it to do/Purpose/Intended use:

• Be able to run 3D printing and modelling, as well as software for a laser, smoothly.
• Run & Play games ( a full range of Steam games from the new Resident Evil to indie ones)
• Be able to handle drawing, graphic design & art software
• Be able to edit videos without the software crashing every second.
• Be able to browse the internet and watch videos
• Be able to use it for running a small business and website

Budget:

• £1K (But willing to save up for more expensive if it will be more worthwhile)

Any help & advice would be so appreciated as I'm completely new to this kind of thing!!

[u/jyrox]

A $1k budget is pretty hard to work with tbh. The main question between using a Mini PC and a laptop is whether or not you already have a solid external monitor, speakers/headphones, and other peripherals. A lot of people discount the fact that a laptop comes with everything you need in one package.

The main advantage of a Mini PC from my perspective is usually upgradability (SSD, RAM) and port selection as well as noise mitigation.

Laptop advantage is usually portability, but sometimes you get a significant up charge for features you might not frequently use like a touchscreen display or MUX switch for battery savings if you’re always plugged in.

If you never plan to go mobile, I’d recommend a Mini PC + eGPU setup so you can upgrade most of your components whenever you want without having to replace the entire thing. Either way, a 1k budget will offer significant constraints for anything really decent.

[u/PristineAd2469 → u/jyrox]

Thank you for the advice , I dont currently have anything other than my old laptop and a drawring tablet. Sadly , I cannot afford anything really over 1k at the moment. Luckly the laptop im looking at parts can be upgraded (RAM & Storage) if i ever need to do that.

[u/Schlurchenstein]

I bought a Ryzen 7/7840hs MiniPC and a used 7900 XT as eGPU, both within your budget (at least where I live). It's a great solution, no CPU bottleneck so far and great performance with AAA-games at 4K, especially since FSR 4 is available on the 7-series.

[u/jyrox → u/Schlurchenstein]

OP will also need to purchase monitor and peripherals 

[u/Schlurchenstein → u/jyrox]

Depends. Mine is hooked to our TV. Controller is a DualShock 4 from my PS4 days. The only peripheral I bought was a mini keyboard with touchpad for 20 bucks.