I‘ve never been much of a PC gamer.
Right now I’m still using this setup:
Thinkpad X220 (2011 lol) in a Dock/port replicator, outputting to
24" Samsung LED smart TV (2013)
... So anything would be a step up from that. I don't game on it at all. A new Pc would solve some problems I have with using X220 as my main setup, and may as well get something that can play super mario 64 PC port and Dark Souls with mods, as well as stuff like FF7 Re-Mako, and maybe even some contemporary PC games.... Dragon Quest XI maybe?
Because I'm living off grid, unlike 99% of PC users, I not only prefer external PSUs, I basically require them. The reason is I have a highly efficient DC 20v power supply already coming off my solar battery setup. So this basically limits me to Laptops or Mini PCs that have a DC input and use an external power supply. It's been working beautifully for my X220, just sipping power!
That said, here's the stuff I'm looking at. I desperately need to replace my monitor, it's probably really bad for my eyes to be using this crappy hdtv. I decided to go with IPS screens at 144hz.
[LG 24GN650-B 24” Ultragear Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS Display Gaming Monitor with 144Hz Refresh Rate with 1ms (GtG) AMD FreeSync Premium ](https://www.amazon.com/LG-24GN650-B-Ultragear-FreeSync-Adjustable/dp/B08V85XBFZ/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=lg+24+ips&qid=1617576640&s=electronics&sr=1-4)
I'm leaning more towards this one, because it uses external PSU, meaning using my computer all day every day will be highly efficient power consumption, making it even possible on days with little sun.
The other thing that will be **totally irrelevant** is the monitor stand. I use a gas-spring adjustable arm to mount my monitor. Pretty certain 90% of monitors have mounts for just such a thing.
I only need a 24" since the screen will be right in my face, only a couple feet away. What I really like, again, in that this has DC input for an external PSU, so I can use my own highly efficient power supply. While this monitor would be fine, I could spend another $50 or so to get something slightly better?... Down the line, I may end up with a PS5 or an Xbox for the most hi-end gaming, and I'd want to connect it to my pc monitor.
I'm seeing that 240hz 24" stuff is getting cheaper, so that's an option I need to look into, send suggestions!
So here's the PC I'm probably going with:
[Minis Forum Elite Mini](https://store.minisforum.com/products/minisforum-elitemini-h31g?variant=36244354826401)
This is basically ideal. I would go with one of the build-your own low profile towers that are all the rage these days, but internal PSU, plus graphics card availability has me here. I can live with this slightly above average PC for the next few years. It's the best gaming mini PC on the market right now for the price.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_HmuEL7_Aug
I was also looking at this one, it's way more expensive though:
[Nuc Phantom Canyon](https://simplynuc.com/phantom-canyon/)
I'm going to use it as my main home setup with my laptop on the side. I have huge ROM/ISO libraries so I'm looking at putting a 2.5" "4TB SDD inside as well.
https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/727393089647280209/757441996485951568/image1.jpg
So yeah. There's a photo of the old setup. I've already replaced both input devices.
I also should really consider putting together a streaming setup..