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Best computer for game development

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by Beau-The-Winner, Jan 19, 2013.

  1. Beau-The-Winner

    Beau-The-Winner

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    Hello Unity members, What is the best desktop or laptop for game development, I want i to be able to run these programs with minimal lag.

    Unity 3D (pro)
    3ds Max
    The Game (With similar graphics to Far Cry 3,Grand Theft Auto V)

    Thanks BeauTheWinner
     
  2. Ben-Massey

    Ben-Massey

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    Man we get so many of these posts...
    Minimal lag? Uhm..ok

    3ds Max, that crosses out any apple products and i would personally say Unity is best used with Mac. Whats your budget?
     
  3. AdrianC

    AdrianC

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    In before Mac vs PC.

    If this is a serious thread, an i7 with 8gb RAM and maybe a Nvidia GT 630 or higher should be decent enough. I'm sure someone else can give the AMD alternative.

    EDIT: was too late with the in b4, I guess.
     
  4. hippocoder

    hippocoder

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    it's called bootcamp or parallels (in native mode) which means 3dsmax runs fine on macs. People need to stop, now, about mac software compatibility. It runs everything.
     
  5. Beau-The-Winner

    Beau-The-Winner

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    @ben4views my budget is $2000 AUD also would a MacBook Pro be good
     
    Last edited: Jan 20, 2013
  6. Jaimi

    Jaimi

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    A Macbook Pro is the best notebook to run Unity, by far.
     
  7. TylerPerry

    TylerPerry

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    I'd be weary of the macbook pro for $2000 it is not *that* good.

    these are the specs:

    With this money you could build a high end desktop that would thump that and be up gradable in the future ... IMO there is no contest.
     
  8. npsf3000

    npsf3000

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    Err what? For that kind of money you're looking at a Retina MacBookPro - which when I go mine was one of the best value pc's around given the requirements [decent screen, thin light, long battery].

    OP needs to decide whether or not he/she needs Mac support, and wether or not portability is worth paying for.
     
  9. AdrianC

    AdrianC

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    Sure if those were your requirements this may be a good buy for you, but the OP is asking about best performance, not form factor, long battery life or "decent screen". Spec wise, its nothing special.
     
  10. UnknownProfile

    UnknownProfile

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    I also think the MacBook Pro is a good choice, as you can run Parallels or Boot Camp to run Windows. Just beware that the Retina model is more expensive, quite limited to upgrade (really only the SSD can be upgraded), and hard to fix. This means you are stuck with the amount of RAM with which you buy the laptop. You can get a bit more performance for your money with the non-Retina model. Remember, when buying a Mac AppleCare is a must. It doesn't cost that much and gives a three year warranty. For me it has proved very valuable, as Apple has replaced iPods and iPhones for free when something broke (not the glass, of course, but the headphone jack or battery). They have also done free repairs on many of my hosehold's computers.
     
  11. npsf3000

    npsf3000

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    You know that bit you quoted:

    It kinda already answered that point.
     
  12. TylerPerry

    TylerPerry

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  13. Jaimi

    Jaimi

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    The Retina MBP comes with an nvidia 650M.
     
  14. nipoco

    nipoco

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    I don't know but my Macbook Pro has a Nvidea 650M and that is quite a good GPU for mobile computers, running Far Cry 3 fine.

    Spec-wise, 8GB RAM, and a Intel i7 2,6 Ghz is decent enough for gaming and working with 3d apps. Plus the Macbook I own comes with a SSD which is blazing fast.

    Sure you get better specs for that money. This is out of question. It depends what kind of games you want to do. For iOS, a Mac is necessary. For high end games with DX11 features. I'd go with a powerful desktop PC tho.
     
  15. TylerPerry

    TylerPerry

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    Not one under $2k
     
  16. nipoco

    nipoco

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    There is one for $1,799. But that has only 512MB. That is a bit tight for games like FarCry3 and stuff if you want enjoy these games with best graphics.
    But it should run 3ds Max fine, as well as Unity Pro with decent games.
     
  17. TylerPerry

    TylerPerry

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  18. AdrianC

    AdrianC

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    Yeah if you don't get the retina display, it has it.
     
  19. nipoco

    nipoco

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  20. IcyPeak

    IcyPeak

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    Macs aren't a good value for the money, typically... since people have covered the options on that side of the fence already though, I'd recommend something like this: http://slickdeals.net/f/5800406 deal, which for $930 nets you the following, or http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834310661

    If you want a smaller or lighter unit, there are lots around. The only disadvantage of a much-better-specced laptop like this is it will have somewhat lower battery life (at a trade-off of much stronger GPU, much higher resolution screen 1920x1080 vs. 1440x900, etc.), but it should be sufficient for most uses, and you're going to be plugged-in 99% of the time anyway when working on game development (nothing's going to last very long at 100% CPU usage pegged doing modeling or high GPU usage while in Unity). For $1000 USD vs ~$2600 USD http://store.apple.com/au/configure/MD104X/A for that, the choice comes down to "brand name" versus 2.5x the cost. I think most of us aren't hung up on brand names, or at least I hope not.

    Unless you have extra money to throw around in your budget, you're probably best off using some cash that you'd otherwise spend for less specs on an Apple product, towards Unity/other licenses needed for game development. There's virtually no exclusive software to OSX nowadays that doesn't have an equal or better version on the PC (so there's no real software advantage), and if you want to compile for Unity iOS or Mac, you can buy a cheap $300 Mac Mini off eBay and still save a lot.
     
    Last edited: Jan 20, 2013
  21. SevenBits

    SevenBits

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    Unity is best used on Macs. 'nuff said.
     
  22. TylerPerry

    TylerPerry

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    + postage and maybe some tax.
     
  23. macdude2

    macdude2

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    I think it really depends what you are looking for. If you want a nice looking, long lasting computer with decent specs, go with the retina pro. If you want a desktop, then spend the 2k making the best desktop possible.
     
  24. hippocoder

    hippocoder

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    not sold on retina macs personally, heard a few fillrate issues with them (insane res) and some issues with scaling being blurry in unity and so forth. If you budget stretches, then it's a no brainer otherwise invest in a cheaper but bigger screen mac for better work environment.
     
  25. bngames

    bngames

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    MacBook Pro is great for Unity and iPhone development, but I would not waste money on 3D Max (over kill really) go with modo. Companies that use modo ID software, Epic, Valve, ILM, Sega Studios, Eden Games, Sanzaru Games, Pixar and modo wins Front Line Awards
     
    Last edited: Jan 20, 2013
  26. CharlieSamways

    CharlieSamways

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    100% mac if your using unity for all reasons said above. And honestly I'd get the MacBook Air unless you can afford to upgrade the pro to am SSD. It makes 10x difference in performance and I wouldn't skip it for the world. Get the MacBook and upgrade the ram and processor and you will still save some money. Shipping should be free from apple store also.

    Or get a Mac mini if you don't care about the display, they are best for value.
     
  27. Sir-Tiddlesworth

    Sir-Tiddlesworth

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    Don't listen to the crazy Apple supporters. Get a PC.
    Macs are very expensive for very little in my opinion.
     
  28. TylerPerry

    TylerPerry

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    A Macbook air? Good luck with the game needs that he stated.
     
  29. npsf3000

    npsf3000

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    Access to the iOS market - while arbitrary - is not 'very little' IMO.
     
  30. Sir-Tiddlesworth

    Sir-Tiddlesworth

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    True. But for the price it costs to get a base model Macbook pro, you could get a very decent PC or laptop.
     
  31. TylerPerry

    TylerPerry

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    Why not buy the oldest windows mac run unity on it(with the second install) and use it as a IOS build machine? this would still be less then the MBP.. i did:

    Buy $900(+ $100 for extended super warranty)
    + $300 Macbook(though for the price you could buy a brand new MacMini)
    = $1300 + $$ to partayyy!!!!(Or save for future investments :p)

    I then will just save my project on a network drive when it gets to the point I need to build then hit the build button... I haven't actually built yet but I think it should work.
     
    Last edited: Jan 20, 2013
  32. npsf3000

    npsf3000

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    That doesn't publish to iOS...

    + Monitor + KB/Mouse + Lost productivity due to slow mac + lost productivity due to swapping between machines + ...

    Do the proper maths.
     
    Last edited: Jan 20, 2013
  33. Sir-Tiddlesworth

    Sir-Tiddlesworth

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    No one here is going to like this, but here it goes...
    Virtualbox.
     
  34. TylerPerry

    TylerPerry

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    I get monitors free all the time, I'm sure he could to... or go with macbook, then he need not worry. If you save to a network drive the problem of swapping between machines is no longer existent.

    No problem with my maths only with your being used to throwing money were it need not be thrown.

    As a general rule we don't advise people to break rules here... maybe:

    1. Rob apple store steal macbook pro
    2. Save your money!!!!!!!!!
     
  35. npsf3000

    npsf3000

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    If your solution involves piracy, your solution is invalid.
     
  36. Sir-Tiddlesworth

    Sir-Tiddlesworth

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    No piracy is required, only a legal copy of OSX and a virtual machine. But it does break Apples licence agreement.
    So I suppose it is still invalid.
     
    Last edited: Jan 20, 2013
  37. TylerPerry

    TylerPerry

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    Wouldn't it be bad if apple locked your IOS developer account?
     
  38. Sir-Tiddlesworth

    Sir-Tiddlesworth

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    What if I don't have a developer account?
    Or OSX for that matter?
    They can't catch me if I haven't done it.
     
    Last edited: Jan 20, 2013
  39. TylerPerry

    TylerPerry

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    Then why have a Mac?
     
  40. Sir-Tiddlesworth

    Sir-Tiddlesworth

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    But I don't have a Mac.
    I am completely against them.
     
  41. TylerPerry

    TylerPerry

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    Have OSX is what I meant.
     
  42. Sir-Tiddlesworth

    Sir-Tiddlesworth

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    I don't have that either.
    I might know how to run OSX on a PC, but I don't do it myself.
    Too much effort.
     
  43. TylerPerry

    TylerPerry

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    Then why tell others to do it? it could end badly for them.
    like:
    1. Make app
    2. Sell app
    3. 2x1000000
    4. Apple finds out about your "hackintosh"
    5. Apple stops your account and app
    6. No more $$$$

    Or with a Mac:
    1.Make app
    2.Sell app
    3. 2x100000000
    4. 2x100000000
    5. 2x100000000
    6. More $$$$$
     
  44. CharlieSamways

    CharlieSamways

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    How can you be against a mac? Is it pointless hate? Is it the price tag? Or do you have a valid reason for being strongly against something you aren't forced to use. Also Tyler, mac book airs can be very fiesty machines, mine is an absolute angel with performance.
     
  45. Sir-Tiddlesworth

    Sir-Tiddlesworth

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    I didn't tell them to do it.
    It is merely an option. Or you could always target Android.
     
  46. Sir-Tiddlesworth

    Sir-Tiddlesworth

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    Pointless hate mostly. I used to like them once upon a time.
    It is also because every Mac I have used had serious reliability issues.

    For example. When I was in year six, we had a Mac in the classroom. In less then two months, it broke down no less then 7 time's. Each time it was replaced with a brand new one. A few days later,that one would stop working.

    My teacher also had a Mac book pro. That broke down after only a year.
     
    Last edited: Jan 20, 2013
  47. CharlieSamways

    CharlieSamways

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    But who with serious money prospects does that now? :) *snigger*
     
  48. TylerPerry

    TylerPerry

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    I run HD 4k graphics and a core i7 and no way would it run those... maybe for low poly modeling, texturing, vectors and programming but sculpting and gaming would be a no no.

    Haha, true... but still popular apps are money machines regardless.
     
  49. Sir-Tiddlesworth

    Sir-Tiddlesworth

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    People like me who want Google to take over the world someday.
     
  50. Wild-Factor

    Wild-Factor

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    I had an old macbook pro (don't work on battery anymore). But it's now too old of the lastest ios SDK (Apple drop the support). You can't even bought a compatible OS anymore.

    I bought a macbook air (I need to program urgently), and it broke after one year and a half (And I didn't do anything wrong, it just stop working).
    It cost me 700$ to fix it.
    It has only 2 USB...
    None of my low end PC/portable breaks before two years :)

    Mac installation ++ top notch simple. If there is a functionnality, it is pretty simple and well made.
    Ergonomie --. Windows has progress for some years now. Mac seams to have freezed in time.
    One button mouse!! They inverse the windows vertical slider movement! They sell it by telling you it's more natural :) Yes sure, it's also different from windows and it makes user more captive to mac (a Mac user will feel a disconfort if he want to switch to PC).

    Developpement: avoid the MAC!!
    PC is for power user, and developpement is a power user activity.
    On mac there isn't a simple file management tool enough strong for developpement.
    Mac miss the astronomical number of free tool that make a dev life easier, PC have. (Svn GUI, file compare, visual studio etc..)

    Developp on PC, and buy a low end MAC for ios.