Is it better to have a desktop than a laptop when it comes to these eye issues? The logic being that it’s easier to swap out parts and change the monitor.
If so, any recommendations on motherboards, PSUs, video cards, and monitors as I tend to build my own.
Using a desktop is better, like you said, you can find the best parts without eye strain.
People here had good results with intel ARC GPU's.
Monitors : Here are some recommendations in our wiki :
https://wiki.ledstrain.org/docs/review/hardware/desktop-monitor/
People had better results with display port interface.So GPU and monitor with both display port and HDMI are better.
Software: if you can find a PC that supports windows-10 it's better.Again, more options. And some older versions of windows 10 (1507 or Windows 10 enterprise iot LTSC 21H2[1]-v1809-which is supported until 2032) are much better regarding eye strain.
One thing i'm not sure about, is whether the Intel ARC is supported on windows 10 enterprise IOT.
[1]https://ledstrain.org/d/2964-windows-10-or-windows-11-post-here-your-safe-os-build/9
I agree with @autobot that desktops are better than laptops because they offer more configurability.
Moreover, a desktop typically has better cooling and less noise, especially if you invest in a good cooler.
I personally prefer PSU from bequiet. The power capacity depends on your build, but I recommend choosing a slightly higher wattage to allow for future upgrades and to keep things quiet. Many PSUs tend to get noisy when their power consumption approaches the maximum limit. Some manufacturers provide a noise level chart under load, and it's definitely worth checking out.
Choosing a motherboard, CPU, and RAM depends on your needs and budget.
My ASRock Intel Arc A770 Phantom Gaming D OC [A770 PG 16GO] doesn't dither by default in Windows 11 / Linux - I've checked. It's very likely that other Intel Arc cards also don't dither, although this might depend on the vendor. Just a heads-up: there have been some unsuccessful experiences with Intel Arc iGPUs mentioned on the forum. I'm not sure why, but it's something to keep in mind.
The minimum version of Windows 10 that supports Intel's Xe architecture (Intel Arc) is Windows 10 version 20H2 (October 2020 Update).
WhisperingWind Thank you! Great insights
WhisperingWind I personally prefer PSU from bequiet
As somebody who owned several High-End BeQuiet PSU's since over 20 years, I cannot recommend it.
Their PSU's are not having a quiet fan, and they cannot compete with a passive model.
They can absolutely not compete with FSP Hydro TI PRO.
Moreover, whenever I call their Hotline, they are VERY unfriendly.
Their PSU's are not having a quiet fan, and they cannot compete with a passive model.
Passive cooling is suitable for systems with low power consumption and heat output. Therefore, it may not be the solution in all cases. It all depends on the PC and its power consumption.
Regarding the noise level of a power supply with active cooling, I always look at the noise level chart under load and purchase a power supply with enough capacity so that it doesn't make noise under load. This may not be the best solution in terms of energy efficiency, but silence is more important to me.
As somebody who owned several High-End BeQuiet PSU's since over 20 years, I cannot recommend it.
I'm planning to upgrade my PC soon, and it might end up using more power. The local store near me has the Hydro Ti PRO for sale, and the reviews are good. I will take a closer look at it if I need to replace my current power supply.
WhisperingWind Passive cooling is suitable for systems with low power consumption and heat output. Therefore, it may not be the solution in all cases. It all depends on the PC and its power consumption.
About noise - this has the best result in the Cybernetics Database. https://www.cybenetics.com/index.php?option=power-supplies¶ms=1,0,37
Also heres some review with fan on
https://www.guru3d.com/review/fsp-hydro-ti-pro-1000w-1000w-atx30-psu-review/page-7/#sound-levels-dba
And if you turn ECO mode on, it won't make any sound until a certain amount of load - when it needs to cool.
Compare that what I had on various BeQuiet units, few of which were replaced by BeQuiet and not solved -
a rhythmic clacking noise, like on a old HDD. Not nice, and very noticeable.
bluetail If you want to laugh at some very questionable BeQuiet marketing material
a) Spikes in power usage causing rapid fan cycling shouldn't be an issue with proper capacity/efficency planning
b) The excuse of a (quiet) fan suppressing coil whine is bullshit. Best you can do involves getting a properly sized PSU (see above) with hopefully good components, feeding it clean input power and hoping for the best.
Proper sizing is important with other things too like a furnace or air conditioner.
If you get one that has too much capacity for the demand on it then they cycle on and off frequently and you end up with frequent fluctuations and more wear on the unit. It's better to get one sized for the space so that they run for a bit at a lower draw before shutting off.
For electronics, a larger fan running at a slower speed can move the same amount of air quieter than a small fan which needs to run at a higher-pitched RPM.