Time for a new PC – considering a Mini-PC (CSL / Lenovo)

[noiseresearch]

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[dellboy]

Hi there. It's time for me to get a new PC. My old laptop is still in good shape and is most of the time almost quiet, which is important for me. But nowadays, my laptop is quite often at the edge of performance with the latest software in use, and since I have an Ableton Push controller, the fan starts to run more often than usual (Push use the internal CPU/GPU to render the graphics).

Now I'm torn between two systems: Lenovo ThinkCentre M75q Gen 5 and CSL VenomBox. I probably would rather make some cut with the performance in favor of the less noisy of both. I would be happy to hear some general advice from users about mini-PCs. Especially if there is any experience with CSL Mini-PC's and/or Lenvovo ThinkCentre.

Here are the specifications of the systems, as well as those from my current laptop.

Lenovo ThinkCentre M75q Gen 5 – in the configuration I want costs are around 650€

• AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 8700GE 3.6 GHz, w/ Radeon 780M, 8 Cores, 16 threads

• 2x 16 GB DDR5-5200MHz

• 1 TB SSD, M.2 2280, PCIe 4.0, TLC, Opal

• AMD PRO 600 chipset

• https://www.lenovo.com/us/en/p/desktops ... en102c0051

CSL VenomBox – in the configuration I want costs are around 750€

• AMD Ryzen 7 8845 HS 3.8 GHz, w/ Radeon 780M, 8 Cores, 16 threads

• 2x 16 Kingston FURY Impact DDR5-5600MHz

• 1 TB SSD, M.2 2280, PCIe 4.0, Kingston, read 6000MB/s write 4000MB/s

• custom (?) mainboard

• https://www.csl-computer.com/en/pc-syst ... 2-ssd.html

Lenovo ThinkPad E595 (mid/late 2019)

• AMD Ryzen 7 3700U 2.3 GHz, w/ Radeon Vega Mobile Gfx, 4 Cores, 8 threads

• 1x 16 GB RAM 2400MHz

• SSD 500GB; SAMSUNG, M.2, PCIe 3.0; read 2200 MB/s write 1200 MB/s

Thanks

The fan on my Lenovo laptop got noisy, and nothing I tried would make it quieten down. So a few days ago I did a clean install of Win 11 and now its behaving itself. The best buy in quiet Mini computers at the moment is probably a base M4 Mac Mini. Every time I read reviews for PC Mini computers they always mention noise.

[noiseresearch]

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[dellboy]

Mac is not an option for me. Thanks.

Ok.

In that case the best I can do is point you to Amazon who have a MINISFORUM Venus UM790 Pro which appears to be the same as the CSL VenomBox but at a cheaper price.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/MINISFORUM-UM7 ... rce=1&th=1

[uOpt]

This is asking for trouble. I'd get a proper PC.

[dellboy]

This is asking for trouble. I'd get a proper PC.

What would you recommend?

[noiseresearch]

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[noiseresearch]

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[uOpt]

Sure. But there's also ways potential problems with proprietary parts (especially the power supply) and the BIOSes are usually not updated like they are for proper mainboards. Also, as you say, the noise can reach laptop levels.

[noiseresearch]

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[uOpt]

Sure. But there's also ways potential problems with proprietary parts (especially the power supply) and the BIOSes are usually not updated like they are for proper mainboards. Also, as you say, the noise can reach laptop levels.

I see. Maybe the Lenovo one is better in terms of replacement parts? Had four ThinkPads in my lifetime never had any issues. However, what you think about a Mini-ITX? Around 3 liter casing. Maybe self built. 65 tdp CPU. Could this be an alternative?

Yes, that's what I am thinking. But I haven't built one myself.

[Pictus]

I see. Maybe the Lenovo one is better in terms of replacement parts? Had four ThinkPads in my lifetime never had any issues. However, what you think about a Mini-ITX? Around 3 liter casing. Maybe self built. 65 tdp CPU. Could this be an alternative?

Go ITX!
And as you can fit a BIG cooler in some of the ITX cases, no need to limit to 65W TDP CPU.


The best PSUs
https://hwbusters.com/best_picks/best-a ... e-busters/

The best CPU cooling
https://hwbusters.com/best_picks/best-c ... e-busters/

Make sure the motherboard BIOS is updated and use the latest chipset drivers.

You can also create an installation ISO without the bloatware.
https://schneegans.de/windows/unattend-generator/
(Do not disable UAC and do not enable WDAC policy!)

The video guide


And do some tweaks.
viewtopic.php?p=8820694#p8820694
Good luck!

[noiseresearch]

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[Jim Roseberry]

If you go mini-ITX with a faster CPU, don't limit yourself to air-cooling.
That's like having a Ferrari and using skateboard wheels for tires.

Many small-form-factor PCs are running mobile CPUs (same as a laptop).
These aren't going to complete with the likes of the Core Ultra 9 285k and 9950x.