Laptop or Desktop

I am overwhelmed by the present computer technology. Both laptop and desktops offer impressive computing power for Stockfish, gaming and video editing.

Did you build your desktop? Is it easy? What PC build would you recommend to be at least equal with the Laptop below?

ask Bill Gates

that price .. even with 1 digit off is still unobtainable

what is that in US dollars ?

It's in TWD. USD in 1523.

so $1,500.00

Yes. I think that price can build a desktop better than the laptop. That should include monitor keyboard and mouse.

30 x 30 monitor

Any PC Enthusiast among chess players?

Desktop

What parts do you suggest?

I bought my Desktop PC from https://www.clxgaming.com/

You can change, add/remove different parts and see how the price changes.

Since they build the computer for you, it will cost more money than if you just buy the parts and build it yourself.

But the website will give you an idea of approximately what it will cost for all the parts and then you can go and buy the parts separate somewhere else and build it yourself if you want to save some money.

The website also helps with making sure you select all the compatible parts.

For running a chess engine like Stockfish, prioritize a powerful, multi-core processor to get the most out of the engine's capabilities. Having a decent amount of RAM is also beneficial, but it’s the CPU that will have the most significant impact on your ability to run deep analyses quickly.

With a budget of $1,600, you can build a very capable desktop PC that will run Stockfish efficiently, along with handling many other demanding tasks. Here’s a list of components you’d typically need, prioritizing a strong CPU and adequate RAM for chess analysis:

CPU (Processor)
Priority: High performance for deep calculations.
Suggestion: AMD Ryzen 7 5800X or Intel Core i7-12700K. These processors offer excellent multi-threaded performance, which is beneficial for running Stockfish effectively.

Motherboard
Priority: Compatibility with the CPU, future expandability.
Suggestion: Choose a motherboard that matches the socket type of your chosen CPU (e.g., AM4 for Ryzen, LGA 1700 for Intel 12th Gen). Ensure it has enough RAM slots and supports PCIe 4.0 for future upgrades.

RAM (Memory)
Priority: Enough capacity to support multitasking and complex analyses.
Suggestion: 16GB-32GB DDR4. For Stockfish, 16GB is usually sufficient, but 32GB can offer a more future-proof setup and allow for intensive multitasking.

Storage
Priority: Fast boot times, quick loading of applications.
Suggestion: 500GB-1TB NVMe SSD for your operating system and frequently used applications or files, with an additional 1-2TB HDD for extra storage if needed.

GPU (Graphics Card)
Priority: Dependent on other uses beyond Stockfish.
Suggestion: If you’re primarily running Stockfish, a high-end GPU isn’t necessary. A mid-range card like the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 or even integrated graphics could suffice, unless you plan on gaming or using graphic-intensive applications.

Power Supply Unit (PSU)
Priority: Reliable power delivery, efficiency.
Suggestion: At least a 550W-650W PSU with an 80+ Bronze certification or higher. Ensure it offers enough power for all components, especially if you opt for a more powerful GPU.

Case
Priority: Adequate space, cooling capabilities.
Suggestion: Mid-tower case with good airflow. Look for ones with included fans or the option to add more.

Cooling System
Priority: Keeping the CPU temperature in check for sustained performance.
Suggestion: If not satisfied with the stock cooler, consider an aftermarket air cooler or a basic AIO liquid cooler, especially if you plan on overclocking.

Optional Components
Monitor, Keyboard, and Mouse: Depends on personal preference and whether you already have these peripherals.
Operating System: Windows is popular, but Linux can be a cost-effective (free) option and runs Stockfish well.

Budget Allocation Tips
Spend more on the CPU and RAM, as they are crucial for running Stockfish effectively.
Storage, GPU, and cooling solutions can be adjusted based on your additional needs beyond chess analysis.
This setup provides a solid foundation not only for running Stockfish but also for a wide range of computing tasks. Prices fluctuate, and deals appear often, so keep an eye out for sales or bundles to maximize your budget.

Thanks #12

I have used Droidfish for 4 years on midrange phone.with Hiarcs 14X as Opening Book. It can easily solve very difficult puzzles in less than 5 seconds. My dissatisfaction is it takes a few minutes to analyze Depth 40 while most PC take less than a minute. I also installed Database program SCID on the GO with Kingbase 2018.

True. And a laptop will always throttle the CPU when under stress for cooling reasons.

Cooling Pads solve heating issues of laptops. Thanks for the information.

Please give opinion on my planned build

8490 MSI Tomahawk X670E WiFi 
14650 Ryzen 7800X3D
15990 MSI 4060ti 16gb Ventus
 4222. 32gb ddr5/6000 Kingston Fury
 6000. Samsung 2 TB 990 pro
 3615. Noctua NH-D 15 
 5590. Asus 850w plus casing 
59547 TWD Total 
1822. USD

This laptop is perfect for Stockfish. It has 16 Cores/ 32 Threads.

Don't go with ryzen processors if you will use it for stockfish and other cpu intensive works.