Best desktop computer for Game Art
Sup,
I'm looking to buy a pre assembled desktop computer that could handle software for Game Art (e.g. Ue4, Cryengine, Maya, Photoshop w/ Quixel etc).
Not really looking to purchase different parts and assemble it though. I was thinking of getting the latest iMac. It's also pretty convinient because iMac doesn't have all the wires a processing block.
Thoughts?
I'm looking to buy a pre assembled desktop computer that could handle software for Game Art (e.g. Ue4, Cryengine, Maya, Photoshop w/ Quixel etc).
Not really looking to purchase different parts and assemble it though. I was thinking of getting the latest iMac. It's also pretty convinient because iMac doesn't have all the wires a processing block.
Thoughts?
Replies
other then that, if that's the tpye of machine/OS you want to use and you're cool with being on the platform that receives support as a bit of an after-thought and being stuck with a manufacturer that cares less about being up to date with graphics technology, why not. it's the vastly preferable user experience on the desktop most definitely.
just make sure to factor apple care or some other type of extended insurance into the purchase. if the machine is prone to running hot, it may show defects pretty quickly. all that warming up and cooling down takes a toll on electronics.
you'd probably be better off with a mac pro and your choice of screens in the long run to be honest.
thanks for the reply. What other desktop computers do you recommend?
www.pcspecialist.co.uk is one example for a retailer i have used in the past with satisfying results.
you could also look at actual pc workstations comparable to the mac pro. made by boxx system, hp (z-eries), lenovo (thinkstation) and probably several others. these can get expensive pretty quickly but offer better support and certification to run relevant applications.
probably overkill though in your case.
If you want to go pre-built, it may be less expensive to get something mid-range and then upgrade the ram, SSD and GPU yourself, these components can cost 2x or more the retail price if you're adding them on with a customization widget on a builder's site.
iMac will be too whimpy, the GPU in that is pretty weak (R9 M290X - its an underpowered laptop GPU, good for a laptop, poor for a workstation) plus it has to power a 5K display so performance will be noticeably worse than with a standard monitor. Something like the mid-range Nvidia 960 is over 2x as fast and the 970 is about 3.5x as fast. GPU performance is really important for game engines like UE4.
MacPro is serious overkill. Its tuned for video production work, dual CPUS which is unnecessary for gamedev other than baking AO maps (and we have more and more GPU based bakers which make even that trivial), plus it has a FireGL GPU. FireGL/Quadros are tuned specifically for CAD work (they're good at drawing dense wireframe meshes and things like that) but offer very poor performance for money/value for game dev.
$300 extra to put where ever you want.
EQ: mac pro has dual GPU, not CPU. but you can get a 12-core xeon for it.
i just mentioned it as a system that runs cooler than the imac (and with more horsepower and upgrade-ability) and where the smaller machines should be about comparable to imac price-wise.
It might be worth having, but its not like once learned you don't have to invest anything more. I am working 40 hours in the office, followed by 40-50 hours at home, reducing sleep to 5-6 hours per day. I don't agree that it would pay off for me to put additional time each week in learning and keeping up to date with building my own PCs for me to save $300,- every now and then (basically I change PCs every 3-5 years).
Mind that I also made a very bad experience with Dell last fall (though it was the first in over a decade). It took them 1 month and the threat of a trail if they wouldn't have fixed it within the next 2 days to wake them up. The next time I know how to handle them, nevertheless I would buy again a pre-assembled laptop.
By the way don't underestimate the value of warrenties. Adding another retrailer to the list adds also another source that you can sue in the case of problems. This doesn't mean necessary that you have to actually sue them, but you have the option and it gives you someone who might have to cover your loses that you would have to stay put upon if you build the machine yourself.
Both things have advantages and disadvantages and everyone has to find the best option for themselves.
Derp, yeah I knew it had dual-something-or other.
Everyone must decide how valuable there time is, certainly, but building your own computer isn't something you need to spend time on every week to be able to accomplish. It can be done a couple hours a day, a few days, every 3-5 years when you actually go to upgrade. No need to be constantly up to date with hardware you have no interest in purchasing.
Now, if you end up spending 8-16 hours researching and setting it up yourself, and it's not something you enjoy doing (most people who build PCs tend to enjoy the build process), then yeah, its probably not worth your time if you're a busy guy.
in my experience that is actually a rare case. i've used pre-built systems for 10 years now and other than a bigger harddrive nothing has come up, really. you buy a decent system that isn't some bottomline-config initially and then you're set for 3-5 years. like they do in studios, too. also has a higher resale value usually.
on the upside i had no more shot power supplies, no motherboard that may have been cheap but turned out to be unstable, no faulty RAM that only shows it's flaws when rendering - and actually forgot where i put the screwdriver.
the extended/optional warranties are supposedly quite quick actually. probaby faster turnaround than if you yourself have to diagnose a problem and then arrange for exchange of parts.
never required any personally so far though. i've only ever been to the apple store on regular warranty once where they sorted me out pronto.
but to come back to the thread starter post - i do not exactly recommend a mac for game art but if the OP mentions exactly that i see no reason to push a home built-PC running redmond's newest worst idea about user interfaces.
For their price they seem to be too good to be true, anyone have any experience with buying workstations/servers like these?