need a new rig
by kcpdad · in General Discussion · 08/04/2013 (6:25 am) · 4 replies
I'm in the market for a new desktop to develop my T3d tank game. I haven't purchased a computer in years and don't normally keep up with the hardware advances which is why I'm looking for advice(also because I'm lazy). I'm not looking for the optimal playing experience, I'm looking for something middle of the road that won't bust my bank account but won't hinder me while I develop. Maybe someone did this recently and won't mind sharing their experience.
I realized that I needed a new rig after I received my Oculus Rift and discovered my laptop which is my primary dev machine doesn't have a dvi or hdmi connection.
Thanks!
I realized that I needed a new rig after I received my Oculus Rift and discovered my laptop which is my primary dev machine doesn't have a dvi or hdmi connection.
Thanks!
About the author
Hobbyist working on a tank game when time allows. Play the prototype at => http://www.sytrept.com/60tons/
#2
08/04/2013 (8:12 am)
Raspberry Pi! Oh, wait.... 
#3
I recently did this for the specific reason of using T3D and the Rift.
In general you want to go for a decent video card and the specs being mid range for CPU and ram is usually ok.
Do you have a price range?
In general id go for a Nvidia 670 as a Min I went with a 680 personally but you could go a tad lower but i don't recommend it as it all depends on the game but you want a machine that will do most stuff for Deving.
Here is the most basic specs i would suggest are:
Video
At least 2gb
Ram
At least 8gb for Win 7 more for Win 8
CPU
At least i3 - 3240 - 3.40GHz
That's just a basic run down that should allow you to easily run almost all VR Demo's and easily Dev your game :)
I'm interested in the Tank game and would love to try it with the rift it sounds like a great experience.
08/04/2013 (6:03 pm)
Hi KcpdadI recently did this for the specific reason of using T3D and the Rift.
In general you want to go for a decent video card and the specs being mid range for CPU and ram is usually ok.
Do you have a price range?
In general id go for a Nvidia 670 as a Min I went with a 680 personally but you could go a tad lower but i don't recommend it as it all depends on the game but you want a machine that will do most stuff for Deving.
Here is the most basic specs i would suggest are:
Video
At least 2gb
Ram
At least 8gb for Win 7 more for Win 8
CPU
At least i3 - 3240 - 3.40GHz
That's just a basic run down that should allow you to easily run almost all VR Demo's and easily Dev your game :)
I'm interested in the Tank game and would love to try it with the rift it sounds like a great experience.
#4
Check new egg for deals on motherboards. I wanted to get an AMD 8 core so I went with an Asus 990FX board. It is a good board. I got a deal through new egg so I was able to save a little bit. If you go for a faster processor watch out for heat. I found my biggest issue with heat was the crappy case fans I got with my case. Try to pick up some case fans that are pwm and can move a lot of air. Also, if you can pick up an aluminum case.
Stay with Win 7 64 bit if you can. It is most like the older desktops in appearance and function.
I concur on the ram at least 8GB. If you go Intel try and get an i5 or i7. I use an i7 for my business machine and it is really fast.
Also, another possibility is going for an AMD processor that has the built in video core. Some of those chips are really impressive. They are full video cards attached to the processor card. This will affect what type of motherboard you get. Personally I stick with Asus motherboards.
Also make sure you get a decent power supply. I like looking at the New Egg review system for hardware too. I selected a 420W power supply (might be a bit underpowered for my machine), but it was the highest rated power supply in 2011 or 2012 and it has run just fine. So the rating system should help you avoid lemons.
Edit:
If you go Win 7 make sure it is the pro version. This will give you access to a copy of Windows XP on the MS virtual machine. So if older software refuses to work in 7 you have a fallback that is free, but only in the pro version (and above) of win 7.
08/06/2013 (1:36 pm)
Try to find video cards used. I paid $200 for my Geforce 460 brand new and then I picked up an older Geforce 9800 for $50 off Craigslist. Both cards are excellent. You should be able to pick up a decent card for under $100, especially used.Check new egg for deals on motherboards. I wanted to get an AMD 8 core so I went with an Asus 990FX board. It is a good board. I got a deal through new egg so I was able to save a little bit. If you go for a faster processor watch out for heat. I found my biggest issue with heat was the crappy case fans I got with my case. Try to pick up some case fans that are pwm and can move a lot of air. Also, if you can pick up an aluminum case.
Stay with Win 7 64 bit if you can. It is most like the older desktops in appearance and function.
I concur on the ram at least 8GB. If you go Intel try and get an i5 or i7. I use an i7 for my business machine and it is really fast.
Also, another possibility is going for an AMD processor that has the built in video core. Some of those chips are really impressive. They are full video cards attached to the processor card. This will affect what type of motherboard you get. Personally I stick with Asus motherboards.
Also make sure you get a decent power supply. I like looking at the New Egg review system for hardware too. I selected a 420W power supply (might be a bit underpowered for my machine), but it was the highest rated power supply in 2011 or 2012 and it has run just fine. So the rating system should help you avoid lemons.
Edit:
If you go Win 7 make sure it is the pro version. This will give you access to a copy of Windows XP on the MS virtual machine. So if older software refuses to work in 7 you have a fallback that is free, but only in the pro version (and above) of win 7.
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