OMG.
You itemized the whole damn thing. 👏😂
(Also, coming from a person who descends long stacktraces to track down obscure bugs in software, the problems you’ve run into during the build process would really try my patience. 
)
No preference. iGPU, soldered mobile GPU, GPU AIC are all fine. Although there’s the issue of:
I’m more leaning towards more integrated mini PCs since I handle electronics with dainty fingers rather than slinging or tossing them. Easier to pack and GTFO after a long afternoon and evening without worrying about how I’m holding the thing wrong. But if the case comes with a strap or handle, I’ll bite.
There is one more requirement: in less than a month. I don’t want to be waiting forever for separate parts to gather up. That makes a more integrated mini PC also more attractive.
I’ll probably build another entertainment system for my parents, and that can be on a longer time frame and be more flexible so I can cut the budget down to something more reasonable.
And opinion on whether Intel consumer CPUs get ruled out because of neutered AVX-512 post-Alder Lake? I’ve seen some mentions of it, but even among emulators, it doesn’t seem to be a drum their developers bang on often.
How hard is it for the completely uninitiated to make a first attempt, BTW? I’ve only done heat sink + fan builds.
Thanks! I’ll have a look at those too.