Laptop upgradability

[MajorBriggs]

Hey,

I'm eyeballing some of the custom laptops available right now, and I was wondering which ones, if any, come with reasonably accesible RAM and/or M.2 slots for possible future upgrades. That's without the need of very specialized tools, or voiding the guarantee.

The intended purpose of the computer would be music production and I would like to know that I would be able to add more storage and RAM if needed in the future.

The models I'm looking at the moment are: LAFITE PRO IV 14", LAFITE PRO 16", IONICO IV 15" AND DEFIANCE 16"

Thanks!

 

[Ekans2011]

Hey,

I'm eyeballing some of the custom laptops available right now, and I was wondering which ones, if any, come with reasonably accesible RAM and/or M.2 slots for possible future upgrades. That's without the need of very specialized tools, or voiding the guarantee.

The intended purpose of the computer would be music production and I would like to know that I would be able to add more storage and RAM if needed in the future.

The models I'm looking at the moment are: LAFITE PRO IV 14", LAFITE PRO 16", IONICO IV 15" AND DEFIANCE 16"

Thanks!

Laptops are typically not the best choice for upgrades capability; laptops usually have two RAM slots and two M.2 slots.
The only chassis that can support three M.2 slots is the DEFIANCE 16 (Clevo V360SN), which is based on the INTEL 14th platform, and I wouldn't recommend at this time (https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/forums/threads/intel-13th-and-14th-gen-confirmed-defective.96599/).

What is your maximum budget? Are there any other requirements than music production?

 

[SpyderTracks]

For any audio work you absolutely do not want a dGPU in the system as it adds needless heat and therefor exponentially increased fan noise as well as needless expense.

 

[MajorBriggs]

based on the INTEL 14th platform, and I wouldn't recommend at this time (https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/forums/threads/intel-13th-and-14th-gen-confirmed-defective.96599/).

Yikes! That sucks to learn.

Personally, though, I wouldn't be so worried about games crashing here and there, as I would not be using it to play big titles. The main objective would be running DAWs like Avid Pro Tools and Ableton LIVE with as many tracks and plugins as possible in one session.

My first thought was to build my own desktop, which I have a fair idea of what I need to accomplish that goal, but then I realized that having a portable computer would be very convenient to work literally anywhere, plus the possibility to bring the computer and use it in live settings, like gigs. Yes, ideally I would have a desktop computer in my home studio, then a laptop for the other stuff, but my bank account thinks differently.

Regarding the expandability of the laptops, I was just wondering how easy or difficult it is on these models to access those M.2 and RAM slots. It's OK if they only have 2 slots for each component as long as they are easily accessible by just removing the bottom of the computer, or even using one of those "glory holes" that they use to have in older laptops.

About the budget, I was thinking something between the 800eu and the 1200eu, but I could stretch it a bit more if there is a big value improvement. Preferably Intel based (for software compatibility reasons), and with a good cooling solution for quiet operation under moderate stress.

Cheers

 

[SpyderTracks]

Personally, though, I wouldn't be so worried about games crashing here and there, as I would not be using it to play big titles.

It’s silicon degradation so irrelevant what software you’re running, eventually as the silicon degrades even just having windows on the desktop will lead to BSODs.

Intel is really poor for audio anyway because of latency issues switching from P to E cores

 

[MajorBriggs]

For any audio work you absolutely do not want a dGPU in the system as it adds needless heat and therefor exponentially increased fan noise as well as needless expense.

I agree. There are a couple of the mentioned models that come with iGPUs, but most of the ones I saw around with a decent CPU option come with dGPUs because they are usually marketed for gaming. Oddly, it seems like sometimes there is a price premium to pay if you want a powerful CPU/RAM configuration without a dGPU, as they are aimed for "professionals", and they think you will be able to pay whatever.

 

[SpyderTracks]

I agree. There are a couple of the mentioned models that come with iGPUs, but most of the ones I saw around with a decent CPU option come with dGPUs because they are usually marketed for gaming. Oddly, it seems like sometimes there is a price premium to pay if you want a powerful CPU/RAM configuration without a dGPU, as they are aimed for "professionals", and they think you will be able to pay whatever.

And I would strongly suggest you heed that line of thinking.

Audio work is heavily reliant on latency, so Intel cpus are out, plus gaming models are out (as they don’t have the kinds of motherboard required for low latency ports.

I would strongly recommend a you need a higher budget for something worthwhile, b it should be a professional system

 

[SpyderTracks]

Have sent you a PM