Legion 5 Vs Custom PC Is Upgrading And Using An Old Laptop As Display Worth It

Upgrading your gaming setup can be an exciting but complex decision. Planning an upgrade often involves weighing different options, considering budgets, and assessing future needs. This article delves into a common dilemma faced by many gamers: whether to invest in a pre-built gaming laptop like the Legion 5 or build a custom PC while repurposing an old laptop as a display. We’ll explore the pros and cons of each approach, discuss the financial implications, and help you determine which path is the most worthwhile for your specific circumstances. Understanding the nuances of each option is critical in making an informed choice that aligns with your gaming aspirations and long-term goals. The decision-making process involves analyzing performance capabilities, portability needs, and the overall user experience to ensure the chosen upgrade provides the best value and satisfaction. Gamers often seek a balance between convenience, performance, and cost-effectiveness, making this decision a pivotal one in their gaming journey. By exploring these factors in detail, this guide aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the available options, empowering you to make the optimal choice for your gaming setup. Investing time in researching and comparing alternatives ultimately leads to a more satisfying gaming experience, tailored to your individual preferences and requirements. This comprehensive analysis will cover key aspects such as hardware specifications, upgrade potential, and the practicalities of using a laptop as a secondary display, ensuring you have all the necessary information to make a confident decision.

Legion 5: A Pre-Built Powerhouse

The Legion 5 is a popular gaming laptop known for its balance of performance and price. This section explores the benefits and drawbacks of choosing a pre-built gaming laptop like the Legion 5 as your next upgrade. Pre-built gaming laptops offer the convenience of an all-in-one solution, combining a powerful processor, dedicated graphics card, ample RAM, and a high-refresh-rate display into a single, portable package. This makes them an attractive option for gamers who value mobility and ease of setup. The Legion 5, in particular, has garnered praise for its robust performance, efficient cooling system, and comfortable keyboard, making it a strong contender in the mid-range gaming laptop market. One of the primary advantages of opting for a pre-built laptop is the hassle-free experience it provides. There’s no need to spend hours researching compatible components, assembling the system, or troubleshooting compatibility issues. Everything is pre-configured and tested by the manufacturer, ensuring a seamless out-of-the-box experience. This is especially beneficial for gamers who are less tech-savvy or simply prefer to avoid the complexities of building a custom PC. Furthermore, gaming laptops often come with pre-installed software and optimized drivers, further simplifying the setup process. The integrated nature of a pre-built laptop also means that the components are designed to work together efficiently, maximizing performance and minimizing the risk of bottlenecks. The Legion 5, for example, is engineered to deliver optimal cooling performance, preventing overheating during intense gaming sessions. However, there are also potential drawbacks to consider. Pre-built laptops typically offer less flexibility in terms of customization and upgrades compared to a custom PC. While you can upgrade the RAM and storage in many models, the CPU and GPU are usually soldered to the motherboard, limiting future upgrade options. This can be a significant consideration for gamers who plan to keep their system for several years and want the ability to upgrade components as newer technology becomes available. Another factor to weigh is the price. Pre-built gaming laptops often come at a premium compared to building a custom PC with equivalent specifications. The cost of portability and convenience is factored into the price, which can make them a less cost-effective option for budget-conscious gamers. Despite these limitations, the Legion 5 and other similar gaming laptops offer a compelling package for gamers who prioritize portability, ease of use, and reliable performance. The decision ultimately depends on your individual needs and priorities, weighing the benefits of convenience and mobility against the flexibility and potential cost savings of building a custom PC.

Pros of Legion 5

Investing in the pros of Legion 5 as a pre-built gaming laptop presents several key advantages that appeal to a wide range of gamers. The primary benefit is its portability. A gaming laptop allows you to take your gaming setup anywhere, whether it's to a friend's house, a gaming event, or simply from one room to another. This mobility is a significant advantage for individuals who frequently travel or have limited space for a dedicated gaming setup. The all-in-one nature of the Legion 5 eliminates the need for separate components like a monitor, keyboard, and mouse, further enhancing its portability. This makes it an ideal choice for students, professionals, and anyone who values the ability to game on the go. Another significant advantage is the ease of setup and use. Pre-built laptops come fully assembled and tested, saving you the time and effort of building a PC from scratch. The Legion 5, in particular, is known for its user-friendly interface and intuitive software, making it easy to get started right out of the box. This is a major benefit for gamers who are less experienced with PC hardware and software, as well as those who simply prefer a hassle-free gaming experience. Additionally, pre-built laptops often come with manufacturer warranties and technical support, providing peace of mind and assistance if any issues arise. The integrated design of the Legion 5 ensures that all components are optimized to work together, minimizing the risk of compatibility issues and maximizing performance. The cooling system is specifically designed to handle the heat generated by the high-performance CPU and GPU, ensuring stable performance during extended gaming sessions. The display, keyboard, and trackpad are also carefully chosen to provide a comfortable and immersive gaming experience. Furthermore, the Legion 5 typically comes with pre-installed software and drivers, further streamlining the setup process. This includes gaming-specific software that allows you to customize performance settings, monitor system temperatures, and optimize the gaming experience. In terms of performance, the Legion 5 offers a compelling balance of power and efficiency. It typically features a high-performance Intel Core or AMD Ryzen processor, a dedicated NVIDIA GeForce or AMD Radeon graphics card, ample RAM, and a fast SSD. This combination of hardware allows it to handle most modern games at high settings, delivering smooth frame rates and visually stunning graphics. The high-refresh-rate display further enhances the gaming experience, providing a more fluid and responsive visual experience. The Legion 5 also boasts a robust cooling system, which is essential for maintaining stable performance during intense gaming sessions. The efficient cooling design prevents thermal throttling, ensuring that the CPU and GPU can operate at their maximum clock speeds without overheating. This is a critical factor in maximizing gaming performance and preventing performance drops during extended play. In conclusion, the Legion 5 offers a compelling package for gamers who value portability, ease of use, and reliable performance. Its all-in-one design, optimized components, and hassle-free setup make it a strong contender in the gaming laptop market.

Cons of Legion 5

Despite the numerous advantages of the cons of Legion 5, it is important to consider the potential drawbacks before making a purchase decision. One of the primary limitations of pre-built gaming laptops like the Legion 5 is the limited upgradeability. While you can typically upgrade the RAM and storage, the CPU and GPU are usually soldered to the motherboard, making them difficult or impossible to upgrade. This means that the laptop's performance will eventually become outdated as newer games and software require more powerful hardware. This is a significant consideration for gamers who plan to keep their system for several years and want the ability to upgrade components to maintain optimal performance. The inability to upgrade the CPU and GPU can significantly shorten the lifespan of the laptop as a gaming machine. As newer games push the boundaries of hardware capabilities, the Legion 5 may struggle to deliver the same level of performance as it did when it was new. This can lead to the need for a complete system replacement sooner than if you had the option to upgrade individual components. Another factor to consider is the cost. Pre-built gaming laptops often come at a premium compared to building a custom PC with equivalent specifications. The cost of portability and convenience is factored into the price, which can make them a less cost-effective option for budget-conscious gamers. While the Legion 5 offers a competitive price point in the gaming laptop market, it may still be more expensive than building a custom PC with similar performance. The additional cost associated with a pre-built laptop can be a significant deterrent for gamers who are looking to maximize their budget and get the most performance for their money. Furthermore, pre-built laptops often come with a certain level of bloatware, which is pre-installed software that may not be necessary or desirable. This can consume system resources and impact performance, as well as take up valuable storage space. While bloatware can typically be removed, it adds an extra step to the setup process and can be frustrating for users who prefer a clean and streamlined system. The limited customization options are another drawback of pre-built gaming laptops. While you can customize certain settings and install your own software, you are generally limited to the components and configurations offered by the manufacturer. This can be a constraint for gamers who have specific preferences or requirements, such as a particular type of keyboard, display, or cooling system. Building a custom PC allows you to choose each component individually, ensuring that it meets your exact needs and specifications. Additionally, the performance of a gaming laptop may be limited by its thermal design. While the Legion 5 boasts an efficient cooling system, it may still struggle to dissipate heat as effectively as a desktop PC with a larger case and more robust cooling solutions. This can lead to thermal throttling, where the CPU and GPU reduce their clock speeds to prevent overheating, resulting in reduced performance. Thermal throttling can be a particular concern during extended gaming sessions or when running demanding applications. Finally, repairing a gaming laptop can be more complex and costly than repairing a desktop PC. The integrated design of laptops makes it more difficult to access and replace individual components, and specialized tools and expertise may be required. This can result in higher repair costs and longer turnaround times compared to a desktop PC, where components can be easily swapped out. In conclusion, while the Legion 5 offers many advantages as a pre-built gaming laptop, it is important to weigh the potential drawbacks, such as limited upgradeability, higher cost, bloatware, limited customization options, thermal constraints, and repair complexities, before making a decision.

Custom PC: Tailored Performance

Building a custom PC offers unparalleled flexibility and the ability to tailor your gaming rig to your exact specifications and budget. This section delves into the advantages and disadvantages of building a custom PC, providing a comprehensive overview of what's involved. The primary advantage of building a custom PC is the ability to choose each component individually, ensuring that it meets your specific needs and preferences. This level of customization allows you to optimize your system for the games you play, the applications you use, and your overall computing style. You can select the CPU, GPU, RAM, storage, motherboard, case, power supply, and cooling system that best suit your requirements and budget. This level of control is simply not possible with a pre-built system, where the components are pre-selected and configured by the manufacturer. Building a custom PC also allows you to stay up-to-date with the latest technology. As new components become available, you can easily upgrade your system to take advantage of the latest advancements in performance and features. This is particularly important for gamers who want to ensure that their system can handle the latest games at high settings. The modular nature of a custom PC makes it easy to swap out individual components as needed, extending the lifespan of your system and maximizing your investment. Furthermore, building a custom PC can be a more cost-effective option compared to purchasing a pre-built system with equivalent specifications. By carefully selecting components and taking advantage of sales and discounts, you can often build a higher-performing system for the same price or even less. This is particularly true for gamers who are willing to invest the time and effort to research components and assemble the system themselves. The cost savings can be substantial, allowing you to allocate your budget to the components that matter most to you, such as the GPU and CPU. However, building a custom PC also comes with its challenges. The process can be time-consuming and requires a certain level of technical knowledge. You need to research compatible components, assemble the system correctly, install the operating system and drivers, and troubleshoot any issues that may arise. This can be a daunting task for beginners, but there are many online resources and tutorials available to help guide you through the process. While the initial setup can be challenging, the long-term benefits of building a custom PC often outweigh the difficulties. The ability to customize, upgrade, and optimize your system to your exact needs makes it a worthwhile endeavor for many gamers and PC enthusiasts. The satisfaction of building your own gaming rig and knowing that it is tailored to your specific requirements is an added bonus. In conclusion, building a custom PC offers unparalleled flexibility, upgradeability, and cost savings compared to pre-built systems. While the process may require some time and effort, the end result is a gaming rig that is perfectly suited to your needs and budget. This level of control and customization makes it a compelling option for gamers who want to maximize their performance and enjoyment.

Pros of Custom PC

The pros of custom PC building are numerous and compelling for gamers and PC enthusiasts alike. The primary advantage lies in the unparalleled customization options. When you build your own PC, you have complete control over every component, from the CPU and GPU to the RAM, storage, motherboard, case, and cooling system. This allows you to tailor your system to your exact needs and preferences, ensuring that it performs optimally for the games you play and the applications you use. You can choose components that offer the best balance of performance, features, and price, maximizing your investment and creating a system that is perfectly suited to your requirements. This level of customization is simply not possible with a pre-built system, where the components are pre-selected and configured by the manufacturer. Another significant advantage of building a custom PC is the ability to upgrade individual components as needed. Unlike pre-built systems, where the components are often integrated and difficult to replace, a custom PC allows you to easily swap out individual components as newer technology becomes available. This means that you can upgrade your CPU, GPU, RAM, or storage without having to replace the entire system, extending the lifespan of your PC and saving you money in the long run. The ability to upgrade individual components is particularly important for gamers who want to stay up-to-date with the latest games and technologies. As new games push the boundaries of hardware capabilities, you can upgrade your GPU or CPU to ensure that your system can handle the demands of the latest titles. This level of flexibility is a major advantage of building a custom PC, allowing you to keep your system performing at its best for years to come. In addition to customization and upgradeability, building a custom PC can often be more cost-effective than purchasing a pre-built system with equivalent specifications. By carefully selecting components and taking advantage of sales and discounts, you can often build a higher-performing system for the same price or even less. This is particularly true for gamers who are willing to invest the time and effort to research components and assemble the system themselves. The cost savings can be substantial, allowing you to allocate your budget to the components that matter most to you, such as the GPU and CPU. Furthermore, building a custom PC can be a rewarding and educational experience. The process of researching components, assembling the system, and troubleshooting any issues can be a valuable learning opportunity. You will gain a deeper understanding of how PCs work and how the different components interact with each other. This knowledge can be helpful for future upgrades, repairs, and troubleshooting. The satisfaction of building your own gaming rig and knowing that it is tailored to your specific requirements is an added bonus. You will have a system that is uniquely yours, reflecting your personal style and preferences. In conclusion, the pros of building a custom PC are numerous and compelling. The unparalleled customization options, upgradeability, cost savings, and educational experience make it a worthwhile endeavor for gamers and PC enthusiasts alike. By building your own PC, you can create a system that is perfectly suited to your needs and budget, ensuring that you have the best possible gaming experience.

Cons of Custom PC

While the cons of custom PC building offers many advantages, it is essential to consider the potential drawbacks before embarking on this endeavor. One of the primary challenges is the time and effort required. Building a custom PC is not a quick and easy process; it requires a significant investment of time and effort to research components, assemble the system, install the operating system and drivers, and troubleshoot any issues that may arise. This can be a daunting task for beginners who are not familiar with PC hardware and software. The process of researching components can be particularly time-consuming, as you need to ensure that all the components are compatible with each other and that they meet your specific needs and budget. Assembling the system itself can also be challenging, especially if you are not experienced with PC building. It requires patience, attention to detail, and a good understanding of how the different components fit together. Installing the operating system and drivers can also be tricky, as you need to ensure that you have the correct drivers for each component and that they are installed correctly. Troubleshooting any issues that may arise can be the most time-consuming and frustrating part of the process. It requires a systematic approach and the ability to diagnose and resolve problems. If you are not comfortable with troubleshooting PC issues, you may need to seek assistance from a professional, which can add to the cost of building a custom PC. Another potential drawback of building a custom PC is the risk of compatibility issues. When you select components from different manufacturers, there is always a risk that they may not be fully compatible with each other. This can lead to a variety of problems, such as system instability, performance issues, and even hardware damage. To minimize the risk of compatibility issues, it is important to research components thoroughly and ensure that they are compatible with each other. You can also consult online resources and forums for advice and recommendations. However, even with careful planning, there is always a chance that compatibility issues may arise. The lack of a single warranty provider is another potential disadvantage of building a custom PC. When you purchase a pre-built system, you typically receive a single warranty from the manufacturer that covers the entire system. This means that if any problems arise, you can contact the manufacturer for support and repairs. However, when you build a custom PC, you purchase each component separately, which means that you have separate warranties for each component. This can make it more difficult to troubleshoot and resolve issues, as you may need to contact multiple manufacturers for support. It can also be more time-consuming to return and replace faulty components. In addition, building a custom PC may not always be the most cost-effective option, especially if you are not careful with your budget. While you can often build a higher-performing system for the same price as a pre-built system, it is easy to overspend on individual components or to make costly mistakes during the build process. It is important to set a budget and stick to it, and to research components carefully to ensure that you are getting the best value for your money. In conclusion, while building a custom PC offers many advantages, it is important to consider the potential drawbacks, such as the time and effort required, the risk of compatibility issues, the lack of a single warranty provider, and the potential for cost overruns. By carefully weighing these factors, you can make an informed decision about whether building a custom PC is the right choice for you.

Using an Old Laptop as a Display: Practicality and Limitations

Repurposing an old laptop as a display for your new gaming setup might seem like a cost-effective solution, but it comes with its own set of considerations. This section examines the practicality and limitations of using an old laptop as a display, helping you determine if it's a viable option for your needs. The primary appeal of using an old laptop as a display is the potential cost savings. Instead of purchasing a new monitor, you can utilize an existing device, reducing the overall cost of your upgrade. This can be particularly attractive for budget-conscious gamers who are looking to maximize their spending on other components, such as the CPU and GPU. However, it's essential to consider the limitations and potential drawbacks before making this decision. One of the main challenges is connecting the laptop to your new PC as an external display. Most laptops are not designed to function as standalone monitors, and they lack the necessary input ports (such as HDMI or DisplayPort) to receive video signals from an external source. While there are software solutions and hardware adapters available that can enable this functionality, they often come with performance limitations and compatibility issues. These solutions typically involve using a network connection or a USB-based adapter to transmit the video signal, which can introduce latency and reduce image quality. The refresh rate and resolution of the laptop's display are also important considerations. Older laptops may have lower refresh rates (such as 60Hz) and resolutions (such as 1366x768 or 1920x1080) compared to modern gaming monitors. This can impact the overall gaming experience, as a lower refresh rate can result in screen tearing and a less fluid visual experience. A lower resolution can also limit the level of detail and clarity in the game visuals. Furthermore, the color accuracy and brightness of the laptop's display may not be ideal for gaming. Laptop screens are often designed for general use and may not offer the same level of color accuracy and brightness as dedicated gaming monitors. This can affect the visual fidelity of the game and make it difficult to see details in dark or bright scenes. Another practical consideration is the physical setup. Using a laptop as a display requires you to position the laptop in a way that is comfortable and ergonomic. This may involve using a laptop stand or an external keyboard and mouse to ensure a comfortable viewing and gaming experience. The laptop's built-in keyboard and trackpad are unlikely to be suitable for gaming, so you will likely need to invest in external peripherals. Additionally, using a laptop as a display can consume more power than a dedicated monitor. Laptops are designed to be energy-efficient, but running the display continuously can still put a strain on the battery and require you to keep the laptop plugged in. This can limit the portability of the laptop and make it less convenient to use in other locations. In conclusion, while using an old laptop as a display can be a cost-effective solution, it comes with several limitations and practical considerations. The challenges of connecting the laptop to your PC, the limitations of the display's refresh rate and resolution, the potential for color accuracy and brightness issues, the physical setup requirements, and the power consumption are all factors that need to be carefully evaluated. Before deciding to use an old laptop as a display, it is essential to weigh these factors against the cost of purchasing a dedicated gaming monitor to determine if it is the right choice for your needs.

Practicality

The practicality of using an old laptop as a display hinges on several factors, making it a solution that may be suitable for some but not for others. One of the primary practical considerations is the connectivity. Most laptops are designed as standalone devices and lack the necessary input ports to function as an external monitor. Unlike desktop monitors, which typically have HDMI, DisplayPort, and other input options, laptops usually only have output ports. This means that directly connecting a laptop to your gaming PC as a secondary display is not straightforward. To overcome this limitation, you need to explore alternative connectivity methods. One option is to use software solutions that allow you to extend your desktop over a network connection. These programs essentially stream the display output from your PC to your laptop, which then displays it in a window. While this can be a functional solution, it often introduces latency, which can be a significant issue for gaming. Latency is the delay between an action on your PC and the corresponding display on the laptop screen. Even a small amount of latency can make fast-paced games feel sluggish and unresponsive. Another option is to use a USB-to-HDMI adapter. These adapters allow you to connect your gaming PC to your laptop via a USB port, which then converts the signal to HDMI for display on the laptop screen. However, these adapters can also introduce latency and may not support high refresh rates or resolutions. The performance of USB-to-HDMI adapters can vary depending on the quality of the adapter and the capabilities of your laptop's USB ports. Another practical consideration is the display quality of the old laptop. Laptop screens vary widely in terms of resolution, refresh rate, color accuracy, and brightness. Older laptops may have lower resolutions, such as 1366x768 or 1920x1080, which can limit the level of detail you can see in games. They may also have lower refresh rates, such as 60Hz, which can result in screen tearing and a less fluid visual experience. Color accuracy and brightness are also important factors to consider. If the laptop's display has poor color accuracy, the colors in games may not look as vibrant or accurate as they should. Low brightness can make it difficult to see details in dark scenes, which can be a disadvantage in many games. The physical setup is another practical consideration. Using a laptop as a display requires you to position it in a way that is comfortable and ergonomic. This may involve using a laptop stand or an external keyboard and mouse. The laptop's built-in keyboard and trackpad are unlikely to be suitable for gaming, so you will likely need to invest in external peripherals. You also need to consider the power requirements. Running a laptop as a display can consume more power than using a dedicated monitor. Laptops are designed to be energy-efficient, but running the display continuously can still put a strain on the battery and require you to keep the laptop plugged in. This can limit the portability of the laptop and make it less convenient to use in other locations. In conclusion, the practicality of using an old laptop as a display depends on various factors, including connectivity, display quality, physical setup, and power requirements. While it can be a cost-effective solution, it is essential to carefully consider these factors to ensure that it meets your needs and provides an acceptable gaming experience.

Limitations

Understanding the limitations of using an old laptop as a display is crucial before making a decision, as these constraints can significantly impact your gaming experience. One of the most significant limitations is the connectivity issue. As previously mentioned, most laptops are not designed to function as external displays and lack the necessary input ports. This means that connecting your gaming PC to your laptop as a secondary display requires workarounds that may introduce performance compromises. Software-based solutions, which stream the display output over a network connection, often introduce latency. This delay between your actions on the PC and their appearance on the laptop screen can be detrimental to gaming, especially in fast-paced genres where quick reflexes are essential. The added latency can make games feel sluggish and unresponsive, diminishing the overall gaming experience. USB-to-HDMI adapters offer an alternative, but they too have limitations. These adapters convert the video signal from your PC's USB port to HDMI, allowing it to be displayed on the laptop screen. However, the performance of these adapters can vary, and some may not support high refresh rates or resolutions. This means that you may be limited to a lower refresh rate or resolution than your gaming PC is capable of, which can result in a less visually appealing gaming experience. The display quality of the old laptop is another significant limitation. Older laptops may have screens with lower resolutions, such as 1366x768 or 1920x1080, which can limit the level of detail you can see in games. While 1080p is still a viable resolution for gaming, it may not provide the same level of sharpness and clarity as higher-resolution displays, such as 1440p or 4K. The refresh rate of the laptop's screen is another critical factor. Most older laptops have screens with a 60Hz refresh rate, which means that the screen can only update 60 times per second. This can result in screen tearing, a visual artifact that occurs when the display updates faster than the screen can refresh. Modern gaming monitors often have higher refresh rates, such as 144Hz or 240Hz, which provide a much smoother and more fluid gaming experience. The color accuracy and brightness of the laptop's display can also be limitations. Laptop screens are often designed for general use and may not offer the same level of color accuracy and brightness as dedicated gaming monitors. This can affect the visual fidelity of the game and make it difficult to see details in dark or bright scenes. Poor color accuracy can also make the game's colors look washed out or inaccurate, which can detract from the overall gaming experience. The physical setup can also present limitations. Using a laptop as a display may require you to position it in an awkward or uncomfortable way, especially if you are using an external keyboard and mouse. The laptop's built-in keyboard and trackpad are unlikely to be suitable for gaming, so you will likely need to invest in external peripherals. This can add to the overall cost of your gaming setup and may not be as convenient as using a dedicated monitor. In conclusion, using an old laptop as a display has several limitations that can significantly impact your gaming experience. These limitations include connectivity issues, display quality limitations, and physical setup constraints. Before deciding to use an old laptop as a display, it is essential to carefully consider these limitations and weigh them against the cost of purchasing a dedicated gaming monitor.

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice

In conclusion, deciding between a pre-built gaming laptop like the Legion 5 and building a custom PC, while considering the viability of using an old laptop as a display, requires careful consideration of your individual needs, budget, and priorities. Each option presents its own set of advantages and disadvantages, and the right choice ultimately depends on what you value most in your gaming experience. If portability and convenience are your primary concerns, the Legion 5 offers a compelling solution. Its all-in-one design, powerful components, and optimized cooling system make it an excellent choice for gamers who want to game on the go or have limited space for a dedicated gaming setup. The ease of setup and use is another significant advantage, as the Legion 5 comes fully assembled and tested, saving you the time and effort of building a PC from scratch. However, the limited upgradeability and higher cost compared to a custom PC are important factors to consider. If you value flexibility, customization, and the ability to upgrade your system over time, building a custom PC is the more suitable option. The ability to choose each component individually allows you to tailor your system to your exact needs and preferences, ensuring that it performs optimally for the games you play and the applications you use. The modular nature of a custom PC makes it easy to upgrade individual components as newer technology becomes available, extending the lifespan of your system and maximizing your investment. While the process of building a custom PC can be time-consuming and requires some technical knowledge, the end result is a gaming rig that is perfectly suited to your requirements. The cost savings compared to a pre-built system can also be substantial, allowing you to allocate your budget to the components that matter most to you. The practicality of using an old laptop as a display depends on several factors. While it can be a cost-effective solution, the limitations in connectivity, display quality, and physical setup need to be carefully considered. Software-based solutions and USB-to-HDMI adapters may introduce latency, which can be detrimental to gaming. The lower resolution, refresh rate, and color accuracy of an old laptop's display may also limit the visual fidelity of your gaming experience. Additionally, the physical setup may require you to use a laptop stand or external peripherals to ensure a comfortable viewing and gaming experience. Ultimately, the decision between a Legion 5, a custom PC, and using an old laptop as a display should be based on your individual circumstances and priorities. Consider your budget, your need for portability, your desire for customization and upgradeability, and your tolerance for potential limitations. By carefully weighing these factors, you can make an informed decision that will provide you with the best possible gaming experience. If portability and ease of use are paramount, the Legion 5 is a solid choice. If you crave customization and future-proofing, a custom PC is the way to go. And if you're on a tight budget, repurposing an old laptop as a display might work in the short term, but a dedicated gaming monitor is a worthwhile investment for the long haul.