which SFF pc would you buy for a budget build?

[PP Mguire]

General performance, depends. Big time limiting factor is still GPU support.

 

[Joe C]

How about a compromise? Something between a mid-tower and SFF so you can use a decent gpu with it at some point in time?
This set up is under $500. and you can get a good gpu later point in time?
https://pcpartpicker.com/list/Cz4v29
The case can be found at Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ID2FBU6/ref=psdc_572238_t1_B00M2UIY68?th=1
Measures 11"w x 8.1"h x 10.23" d
Just a suggestion to help....

 

[raverx3m]

sff is already pushing it
if I could I would go even smaller.
im ocd about compact and miniature stuff with big bang.

 

[raverx3m]

i mean honestly its about time to retire full size case.
everything is getting smaller.
if we can have a gaming laptop that runs the games almost as good as desktop we should be able to have an SFF case that has more options than basic stuff
my cellphone is 10-30 times faster than my first pc in every spec. i don't see the need for bulky computers at this point

 

[PP Mguire]

Laptops suffer from severe throttling when you try to actually compete with the performance of a full size desktop. I mean, a NUC provides like 90% of everything you'd need for a "gaming" machine if budget is there and high FPS/graphics aren't required. That will also fit in the palm of your hand with little to no thermal throttling at all. The argument against full sized PCs is moot though; just because you don't need it or require it doesn't mean it isn't needed. You won't fit my machine in SFF ever and I don't see my graphics requirements being done by a single card any time soon.