Here's a separate question:
I'm thinking about getting a "mini-PC" for myself, but only one that can play games really well, especially "modern-day" video games.
What's a very powerful one that I can get?
I'm willing to spend up to $1,000 but maybe just mention anyone that's great or the best out there, idk.
You can change any part you want. The only real limitation is that typically if you replace the CPU you might need a new motherboard that has the right socket type for your new CPU.
CPU, Ram, Graphics card, you can add a lot of components with PCIE expansion like Wifi cards for faster wifi than onboard motherboard chips support. I have an expansion card for more USB C ports for example.
If you have any sympathy or inclination for the right to repair movement, building your own computer is worth looking into. Mini ATX builds can be very small and still fully capable
You can also get one to install the parts for you, right?
For sure. My first desktop computer was a pre-built and a couple years later I changed the graphics card myself but it didn’t have much modularity beyond that and ram because of the power supply and motherboard. My second computer I paid somebody that I knew to assembly it for me, but there are websites online that provide this service as well for an extra fee. That ship of Theseus computer is still running with only the case, motherboard, and power supply being original.
There are youtube tutorials that walk you through the whole process of building a PC, it’s essentially like legos so it’s pretty straight forward if you follow along. Connectors are shaped to only go a certain way, components like ram and the cpu are asymmetrical with notches to aid placement, and things like where usb headers and power connectors go is straight forward as well.
And hell, my next “desktop” will probably just be a steam deck with a dock depending on how the next version looks compared to my aging desktop. Tons of options out there!
Wait...
You can pay someone to assemble your own desktop or laptop?!
Yup! I found somebody local through connections at school, but I’ve seen craigslist posts offering the service and there are some websites online, NZXT for example. Custom built laptops used to be more popular, there was a brand called Sager, not sure if they’re still around offering custom laptops. I believe System 76 is doing something similar with their laptop modules.
So it's company-by-company, right?
Yeah, I believe so. NZXT started making computer cases and then offered custom PC building at some point. It’s generally extremely pricy which is why I went with finding a local nerd willing to help me for some money and weed.
Awesome. I'll check it out.