Best bang for my buck?

Hey guys. I’ve tried using the search function but having a hard time determining what will be my best way of going about this.

I’m needing a new laptop regardless. So I figured I get two birds stoned at once and get a lap top for Fusion and to run the table all in one. I’m a hobbyist and not looking to model wild 3D designs at the moment. My mind is literally spinning from looking at all the lap top options. Can anyone lend me a hand and let me know if this one may work and be powerful enough?

I don’t mean to be rude so if you are really looking for help, you spent less than a minute looking on the forum and then posted an outside link. Lots of times those two things suggest a gimmick to get people to click on the link.

If you are serious and want some answers this post discusses some processors to avoid as they seem to cause some hiccups with the programs. Try to find a computer that allows you to fully control the sleep time: in other words, stop the computer from turning off resources while on.

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Sorry. Wasn’t trying to cause any issues with a link. Was simply showing the computer I’m currently looking at. I saw that thread you shared but the computer is no longer available. Thanks for the insight on it.

Appreciate your response. I am not really a computer guy but to use some of the design programs, they really need a lot of computer power. Especially when/if you get into 3D modeling like is available with Fusion 360.

I see KwikFab is replying. He knows computers.

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Any chance you could be convinced to use a cheap, old computer for your table? Maybe even a mini-PC?

I too am a hobbyist, but let’s be honest, this is an economical table so it’s fair that over 90% of us are hobbyists.

With that said, a better option would be is to use a stupidly budget-friendly computer for your table since Firecontrol has the software-requirements equivalent to that of Minesweeper.

I would save any money you could and spend it on building/piecing together a computer for design work. There is nothing wrong with buying used parts as I’m often the one selling used parts with others building new PC’s with them.

You’d be upset when that new laptop you bought to dedicate to your table no longer allows you to jog -Y because the accumulation of metal dust has rendered it nearly inoperable. I’ve got a decent Lenovo Yoga on my table, and I basically wrote it off as a disposable laptop since incorporating it into my shop. The touchscreen works, but it has bits and pieces permanently embedded in its screen as well. A shame really considering its capability, but again it only serves a purpose that can be handled by a much cheaper computer/laptop.

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+1 @Kwikfab

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Thank you! That makes total sense. That was my first plan but then started getting in my own head and started making things harder than they had to be.

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@Bobsta Welcome to the forum.

When you get a project done come back and post.

The last two computers I bought have been discounted gaming machines. I go to newegg and search by more discounted . My desktop has been further upgraded as I needed/wanted .

https://www.newegg.com/p/pl?N=4226%20601394670%20100157995&d=gaming+laptop&Order=1

I am also not I fan of using the keyboard to control FireControl. Using the program like antimirco

and an USB wireless control ( SNES clone in my case ) to operate the Table is the way to go .

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If it’s just for the table, I’m really happy with the following setup:

Sansui monitor
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B49JWRBZ?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1
Wireless KB
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09KZGY5TK?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1
Adjustable arm monitor mount
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B081YBBXYL?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1
BeeLink mini PC
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09HC73GHS?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1
You can mount the mini PC to the backside of the monitor.
I also have a wireless X-Box controller I use sometimes.
This setup also leaves an open USB port that can be used to moves files from my design PC (Asus ROG laptop) in the house out to the garage on a USB drive.

Do note though that I have this on a separate table. That’s one of the Harbor Freight “welding tables”. I like to be mobile.


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If you want to do 3D modeling just make sure you get the highest individual core speed you can afford. 3D CAD software only uses 1 of your CPU core. So if you have 8 cores, 12 cores, dual cpu but they all run @ 2.10 Ghz is gonna suck at 3D modeling.

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I can’t wait to get something cut and post it. The controller idea is great.

Thank you, Wsidr1. I kind of mimicked this and put something together. Now just trying to figure out the specs for my lap top for Fusion.

I just got this laptop and so far its awesome.
It was marked down on newegg for $859
Lenovo Slim 7 Pro X Laptop: Ryzen 9 6900HS, RTX 3050, 32GB DDR5 RAM, 1TB SSD, 14.5’’ Touchscreen IPS 3K (3072x1920) 120Hz Display, Windows 11 Gray Amazon.com: Lenovo Slim 7 Pro X Laptop: Ryzen 9 6900HS, RTX 3050, 32GB DDR5 RAM, 1TB SSD, 14.5'' Touchscreen IPS 3K (3072x1920) 120Hz Display, Windows 11 Gray : Electronics

Its great for Fusion but the H behind the chip designation means power saver. I never use it or plan to power the table usb with it. Design work only. I use the mini beelink for the table.

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Here’s a semi-comparable one that’s just come up

https://www.newegg.com/black-hasee-t8-gaming/p/2WC-004U-00035?item=9SIBDT0JCD0893

That Newegg link I have up above will just search over a certain discount threshold and starting from the most inexpensive.

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