Unity Micro Build

Alright everyone, one of our team members needs a computer capable of running Gimp and working on our 2D complex fighting game Super Smash Ponies.

https://www.facebook.com/supersmashponiesofficial/

This is what I've come up with so far. I have two requirements for the build.
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/9BQLWZ

1. It must be a small form factor.
2. It must be under $300 shipped, but the parts must have high ratings. No cheap crap that will break within one month.
3. It must be able to handle Unity for 2D game development.

Will this work, and can any of you do any better?

 

Two problems - ditch the optical drive unless it's absolutely necessary. Doesn't everybody have like 12 of those lying around?

Second problem - AMD, ah how I used to love them. Get an i3.

Edit: other thoughts - maybe a tb drive is too big in this case? Instead maybe opt for a small ssd for great improvement of performance. Might find a deal on 256ish gb ssd around 50 or 60 usd... Note that laptop sata drives connect fine to desktop machine!

 

Alright, so there's a couple of problems with this.

The case is there, it's the Xion. It's an AMD because I can't afford to buy a separate video card, and that turned out to be a pretty nice APU for the money. He does not have a bunch of computer parts laying about, and since he is a couple thousand miles away, being able to help him reload the OS if something goes wrong would be a big plus. So the optical drive is a definite.

Originally I went with an SSD, but ultimately storage won out considering the bus speed on that particular board would never take advantage of the increased r/w for an SSD.

 

I edited my post too late when I noticed the case, I must be tired haha.

Anyway as far as the optical drive, you can install Windows (and any other major os) from usb! It isn't any harder really, so maybe consider that.

And if you can't find an i3 that beats that price and uses one of the latest Intel gpu's (plenty for 2d and might outperform that AMD gpu, I'm not positive though) then I suppose the AMD will do.

I guess the ssd decision really depends on storage vrs speed, but I guarantee it would boot faster, launch applications faster... Anyway yeah other than that, it ain't a bad deal for under 300 bucks!

Edit: I'd base it off this - http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboBundleDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.1652095

 

I will look around at benchmarks for Intel vs. Radeon and see what comes out of it.

 

http://gpu.userbenchmark.com/Compar...e-115-GHz-vs-AMD-Radeon-HD-8470D/m7676vsm9693

 

Compared to the 4600 yes, but there is no APU in my price range with a 4600 integrated.

 

Gotcha, well that'll do then, that'll do.

I loved the AMD's of the past, prior to the i series intels that was what I'd always get. It's too bad the latest stuff from them is kinda behind in performance. Anyway, best of luck!

 

Check out the following motherboard. It comes with a soldered AMD A4-5000 CPU with integrated Radeon HD 8330. One aspect I really liked about it is the presence of all four video connectors - VGA, DVI-D, HDMI, and DisplayPort.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00Q5ZEOCO/

If you will be assembling his computer for him then you can simply load the installation media onto a flash drive. You can get one big enough for Windows (8GB will handle any release of Windows) for only a few dollars.

https://rufus.akeo.ie/

 

I've heard nice things about the AMD APU's. It's the only thing keeping them afloat. You can't beat AMD's price per performance.

Anyways, I also second ditching the optical drive. I also ordered one when I built my rig two years ago and I honestly wouldn't even know if I hooked it up right. It's never been used.

 

Only recently did I have need for mine and when I went to use it I discovered I had inserted it but never attached the cables.

 

Ease up guys. Optical drives are still relevant. Just look at what you can do with them.



However normally cup holders are only standard on more expensive models. If it's going to save you some money, then ditch it.