Fully optimising workstation

 

Here's where I stand: I'm a modern-day guy dealing with a modern-day issue. I'm all about gaming, especially strategy and building games. But here's the kicker – I need serious computing power to make it happen. However, I'm not a fan of the incessant fan noise that usually accompanies it. My dream workspace? One that's as quiet as a whisper. Oh, and here's another twist – I like to work on one screen and keep a second screen for referencing documents and research. So, I'm a power user seeking the might of something like an Apple silicon chip like the ARM M series such as M1, M2 and coming soon M3.

But wait, there's more. I'm also frequently on the move, a bit of a traveller, and I need an ultrabook by my side. And honestly, I'm a minimalist at heart – I want a single machine that does it all. Work and play, that's the dream. So, the million-dollar question: Should I gear up with an eGPU, dive into a cloud gaming service like GeForce Now, or maybe even opt for a gaming desktop while holding onto my trusty ultrabook?

Let’s Chat About Desktop Gaming

Hey there, all you readers. Who here's into desktop gaming? Yeah, count me in – I'm all about it. I don't always have my nose to the grindstone, you know, being ultra-productive 24/7. Sometimes, I just wanna kick back and indulge in some gaming fun.

Now, back in the day – well, about 5 years ago – I ventured into the world of desktop gaming. Well, not literally 5 years ago, but you get the drift. I initially set up my rig for video editing, but guess what? Gaming ended up stealing the show. I mean, who can resist, right? But hey, that's all part of the journey.

Speaking of which, if you're a desktop gaming aficionado, you know the drill. It's all about decking out your setup – maybe splurging on a killer GPU or a top-notch PC to get that buttery-smooth performance in graphic-intensive games. And yes, that's also how GPU prices skyrocket. The joys of tech inflation, huh? The last GPU I purchased on the refurbished market was RTX 2060 and it did kind of burn a hole in the wallet.

Anyway, let's get into the gaming groove. Here's where I got caught in the loop. If you wanna game, you're stuck with either a hefty gaming laptop or committing to a desktop setup. But remember my trusty travel companion? That sleek Ultrabook, weighing in at a featherlight 1.1 KG, has been by my side throughout. And you know what? I'm digging it. It's got all my work needs covered.

But, and there's always a but, gaming while on the go isn't exactly the smoothest ride. So what's the deal? Do I compromise portability for a somewhat chunkier gaming laptop, or do I dive into my savings and craft a custom gaming laptop setup? Honestly, neither of those options screams "ideal" to me.

Picture this: three separate machines – a work laptop from my company, my trusted Ultrabook, and the gaming rig. It sounds like a recipe for chaos, doesn't it? Multiple devices, scattered settings, and files everywhere. Definitely not my idea of a good time.

So, the question begs: how do we tackle this conundrum? Any takers on solving this puzzle?

Getting the Lowdown on Cloud Gaming

So, here's a cool thought: cloud gaming. Ever heard of it? It's like gaming, but with a twist. Instead of having your gaming rig right in front of you, it's chilling up there in the cloud. You know, like an ethereal gaming realm. But hey, don't think you can just dive into it without an internet connection. There's more to this story.

With cloud gaming, it's like you're signing up for a VIP membership. You get to rent a slice of this cloud-based computer heaven, where all the gaming magic unfolds. The game runs up there, and all the action – the visuals, the thrills – gets streamed back to your loyal laptop or desktop. It's as if you're right there, playing away on your own machine.

And the icing on the cake? You don't have to break the bank for a mega-expensive gaming rig. Nope, all you need is a solid laptop, just like mine, and a sturdy internet connection. But hey, don't skimp on that connection quality – think fiber optic levels of reliability. Now, I can't vouch for 5G, since I'm not in its league.

Now, if your curious mind has wandered to cloud computing, kudos to you – you're on top of your tech game. But hold that thought for a second. Cloud computing is like a bigger cousin. It's Microsoft flexing its services muscles in a bigger arena. But for now, let's steer back on track and focus on cloud gaming.

So, back in the day – well, back in the pandemic craziness – I dipped my toes into cloud gaming. Unfortunately, my country wasn't quite ready for the party. But hey, the tides have turned. Malaysia's now got the red carpet out for cloud gaming, partnering with a telecom heavyweight. Now, why didn't I jump in headfirst? Simple, my reliable old gaming desktop was taking care of business.

Fast-forward to today – I'm all in. I hopped on the GeForce Now train, NVIDIA's gaming service. Signed up, linked it to my gaming profile, and voilà! Gaming on my Ultrabook was a revelation. The ping time was a dream, the graphics quality was jaw-dropping, and here's the kicker – my Ultrabook was as quiet as a sleeping baby. It was like watching a YouTube video, but with interactive awesomeness.

Oh, and guess what? GeForce Now isn't exactly putting a dent in my wallet. Especially when you compare it to shelling out big bucks for a full-blown gaming setup. We'll get to the nitty-gritty of eGPU later. But seriously, this subscription-based cloud gaming gig floored me. The value I'm getting for the money spent is beyond expectations. I'm dishing out around the same as my mobile plan, but this time, it's a hotline to gaming paradise. Mind officially blown.

Okay, time to dial down the enthusiasm. What's next on the agenda?

Decoding eGPU

Alright, listen up folks, 'cause we're diving headfirst into the realm of eGPU. What's eGPU, you ask? It's External Graphic Processing Unit. The "e" stands for external, and "GPU" stands for Graphic Processing Unit. Why's it a thing? Well, let me tell you, someone in the tech cosmos figured out a way to strap an external graphics card onto your faithful laptop or desktop. Why? To supercharge that graphics processing power, of course.

Here's the scoop: if you're even considering hopping onto the eGPU train, there are a couple of prerequisites. Basic hardware, naturally, and maybe a bit of cosmetic contemplation. Because let's be real – this setup won't win any beauty contests. You'll be plugging in something that looks more like a wiring experiment than a sleek setup. Anyway, to make eGPU work, you're gonna need a Thunderbolt 3 or 4, or maybe a PCIe card – those are the connecting

None of These 3 Topics Address Productivity and Personal Development

So, you've got your take, and I've got mine – we're both right and a little bit wrong. In our modern landscape, technology is the name of the game, revolutionizing our lives and catapulting us into a new era of sophistication, advancement, and efficiency. But let's face it, a significant part of this tech whirlwind is fueled by our insatiable hunger for entertainment and gaming. I mean, seriously, do we truly require 8K TVs and blazing-fast processors in our pocket-sized devices? That's a hard no from me. However, I can't help but marvel at the boundless progress technology has made. It's astounding, the feats we've achieved with it. And for those intrigued by all things tech, it's an ally that can be tremendously valuable. But amidst this digital frenzy, we ought to tread with caution – lest technology commandeers our lives. We must strike that delicate balance between efficiency and effectiveness, and ensure our pursuits of work and personal growth remain integral.

To wrap it up, let's talk optimization. Your workstation, your rules. The optimal path hinges on your specific needs and inclinations. Craving a powerhouse that effortlessly toggles between work and play? A gaming desktop or a laptop with an eGPU might be your ticket. Yearning for a travel companion that excels in both professional tasks and leisure jaunts? An ultrabook could be your match. And hey, cloud gaming's not to be discounted – a splendid solution for gamers who aren't keen on maxing out their hardware investment. But here's the grand takeaway: the ultimate approach to optimizing your workspace is about experimenting, venturing into different avenues, and discovering the one that aligns seamlessly with your unique rhythm. Anyway, this is a little secret of mine to keep my sanity from work by learning and exploring all the latest technology developments.