Do I need to build a "gaming" computer?

[InbetweenDreams]

I never considered doing the docking station thing to be honest. It is a much cheaper alternative but I feel like a full blown desktop PC is best. I would hate for something to happen to my laptop and realize that both my laptop and my desktop PC are now gone. Having two separate things would be ideal but thanks for the suggestion, I didn't consider it before.

It is definitely best to not use a laptop for gaming at all in my opinion. I know they make gaming laptops but you're basically toting around a full blown desktop, they're bulkier, heavier, put out more heat and unfortunately cool laptops are likely to get stolen among everything. Think of it like having an exotic sports car, they're pretty cool until you have to have them serviced for a problem.

Anyway, I have speced out a "sample" computer, you don't have to do this exact build but this gives you an idea of what sort of specs you could have... First and foremost, this isn't the biggest powerhouse you could build...I could spec out a $3,000 gaming computer that would rock out practically any game. Even the system I speced out would play GTA V. I've attached a text file (19.5 KB isn't enough for Microsoft's garbage formatting...literally less than 1,000 characters and Microsoft adds 38

One thing though, there are things you can change, different case, different power supply. I tend to prefer having a higher end power supply, they simply last longer when you're drawing less than 50%.

I'll go through all the steps I take when I build a computer, you might consider getting some things like a power supply tester (to test prior to applying power to the system) and a grounding wrist strap -- pretty much needed if you're in a dry area or during the winter. Beyond that you just need a Phillips screw driver...possibly a band-aid. Also, some might say not to use a magnetic screw driver...I say use one unless you like trying to chase down screws that fall down in the case and get wedged only to fall out some time later and short out and ruin the motherboard.

Anyway, look over the list, let me know if you have any questions or want to make changes, like maybe you think the case it too ugly...too expensive, etc. I know some people who just mount the thing on a block of wood...but that's kind of extreme.