Planning my first PC build.

Jdellis6656

Hey everyone! I'm new to the Godot family. I recently started learning godot on a cheap $350 gaming pc. Im looking to main using godot for game development! so i want to build a decent low/midrange pc, that will have future upgradeability. Im looking to spend around 1200 dollars on it. What recommendations do you guys have?

Tomcat

Jdellis6656 Im looking to spend around 1200 dollars on it.

Is that with or without a monitor?
Which store do you prefer?

Jdellis6656

without. i might be able to talk my wife into going up to 1400-1500 range. i live in utah. so idk if we have any good stores, ill probably buy stuff off amazon and newegg probably.

Jesusemora

Jdellis6656 it depends on the type of game you want to make.

if you are just going to make 2D games, something slightly better than the minimum requirements will be enough.
for 3D you do need a better PC, but also depends on how much quality you will put into it, a ps1 graphics game doesn't need as much, while a quality game will require better hardware.

finally, what does matter is if you are going to make your own assets. for 2D pixel-art any pc will do. for something bigger like painted images, more memory is better.
and for 3D it also depends. simple 3D models can be made in any pc. sculpts WILL require a much more powerful PC, as well as PBR material making and cinematic rendering. but all of this takes a lot of work, specially for a solo dev.

so think of what games you are going to make, that will give you some minimum requirements. and THEN you can start looking around for some machine that fits your needs. don't fall into the 2048 terabytes of memory trap.

the godot minimum requiremens can be found here https://docs.godotengine.org/en/stable/about/system_requirements.html

CPU

Windows: x86_32 CPU with SSE2 instructions, x86_64 CPU, ARMv8 CPU

    Example: Intel Core 2 Duo E8200, AMD Athlon XE BE-2300, Snapdragon X Elite

macOS: x86_64 or ARM CPU (Apple Silicon)

    Example: Intel Core 2 Duo SU9400, Apple M1

Linux: x86_32 CPU with SSE2 instructions, x86_64 CPU, ARMv7 or ARMv8 CPU

    Example: Intel Core 2 Duo E8200, AMD Athlon XE BE-2300, Raspberry Pi 4

GPU

Forward+ rendering method: Integrated graphics with full Vulkan 1.0 support

    Example: Intel HD Graphics 5500 (Broadwell), AMD Radeon R5 Graphics (Kaveri)

Mobile rendering method: Integrated graphics with full Vulkan 1.0 support

    Example: Intel HD Graphics 5500 (Broadwell), AMD Radeon R5 Graphics (Kaveri)

Compatibility rendering method: Integrated graphics with full OpenGL 3.3 support

    Example: Intel HD Graphics 2500 (Ivy Bridge), AMD Radeon R5 Graphics (Kaveri)

RAM

Native editor: 4 GB

Web editor: 8 GB

Storage

200 MB (used for the executable, project files and cache). Exporting projects requires downloading export templates separately (1.3 GB after installation).

Operating system

Native editor: Windows 7, macOS 10.13 (Compatibility) or macOS 10.15 (Forward+/Mobile), Linux distribution released after 2016

Web editor: Firefox 79, Chrome 68, Edge 79, Safari 15.2, Opera 64

recommended:

CPU

Windows: x86_64 CPU with SSE4.2 instructions, with 4 physical cores or more, ARMv8 CPU

    Example: Intel Core i5-6600K, AMD Ryzen 5 1600, Snapdragon X Elite

macOS: x86_64 or ARM CPU (Apple Silicon)

    Example: Intel Core i5-8500, Apple M1

Linux: x86_32 CPU with SSE2 instructions, x86_64 CPU, ARMv7 or ARMv8 CPU

    Example: Intel Core i5-6600K, AMD Ryzen 5 1600, Raspberry Pi 5 with overclocking

GPU

Forward+ rendering method: Dedicated graphics with full Vulkan 1.2 support

    Example: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 (Pascal), AMD Radeon RX 460 (GCN 4.0)

Mobile rendering method: Dedicated graphics with full Vulkan 1.2 support

    Example: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 (Pascal), AMD Radeon RX 460 (GCN 4.0)

Compatibility rendering method: Dedicated graphics with full OpenGL 4.6 support

    Example: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 650 (Kepler), AMD Radeon HD 7750 (GCN 1.0)

RAM

Native editor: 8 GB

Web editor: 12 GB

Storage

1.5 GB (used for the executable, project files, all export templates and cache)

Operating system

Native editor: Windows 10, macOS 10.15, Linux distribution released after 2020

Web editor: Latest version of Firefox, Chrome, Edge, Safari, Opera

as you can see, the requirements and even the recommended are very low, so most computers could handle a godot project. the rest depends on your game and how much it adds on top of it.

Jdellis6656

Jesusemora Thank you! Id like to make 3D games for sure. I'm more interested in making a fun, well put together game. that has passable graphics, maybe something less demanding, but still visually pleasing. more borderlandsish. I'm kind of thinking an Americana, sailor jerry inspired style. or something based on the traditional Japanese tattoo style.

Jdellis6656

Jesusemora I'm not super artsy, so my skill will probably hold me back anyways.

Jdellis6656

So, my current specs are an intel i5-10400F with 16GB of ram, 1TB NVME, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 super, i just ordered a NZXT 750w 80+ gold psu. i only have a 400w psu right now.

Jesusemora

Jdellis6656 So, my current specs are an intel i5-10400F with 16GB of ram, 1TB NVME, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 super, i just ordered a NZXT 750w 80+ gold psu. i only have a 400w psu right now.

that sounds like a pretty good PC, at least to me. the GPU is maybe the weak part, and you could always do with some more RAM.

may I ask what is the reason for the upgrade? have you tried developing a game and hit a wall? or have you not done so yet?

unless this is a laptop, you could try upgrading the RAM, replacing the stick with a bigger one. and then getting a better graphics card and power supply.
you would have to open the case, look at the motherboard number, and look it up on the internet to see what memory is supported. or try to find the motherboard manual if it came with the PC.

Jdellis6656

https://pcpartpicker.com/user/Jdellis/saved/#view=f4wNyc

here is a rough build i put together, if anyone is willing to look and critique. i love the antec performance 1ft. idk why, its just my favorite case. everything else is optional.

kuligs2

Jdellis6656

LOL i just built 2 computers this year and am in process to build the last one, tho not for gaming, but homeassistant.

Either way, my parts,

the price is on the right side, totaling out at 684
No monitor.

The main takeaway is to make sure your RAM is supported by the CPU and motherrboard combo. You cant just put in any DDRx ram into it. This information is available on the motherboard support page.

1080ti is used because everything else is expensive, for 1080p gamiing on max settings its still a beast. Also for 3D modeling is a beast aswell.

The CPU is not the freshest because Intel bothched 13/14th gen CPUs with that garbage that on windows bluescreens or is underpowered or somehting.. So the last good intel CPU is 12th gen. Tho i wont be running windows on it 😃.

Another PC built this year (in Q2), monitor not included

This one is mainly for browsing web and mediaplayer. Had to find bigger case for it because GPU didnt fit. The GPU is this because of media transcoding when streaming. For media player very nice system.. Expensive Af.

My main system that ive built over many years (3-7 years or maybe). With minitors, no mice/kyb included.

I can say, once you go OLED, you dont want to go back. Not for the colors, but for the response times.. It feels like almost CRT but more vivid and clear. 🙂

That Asus monitor in red is garbage, i dont recommend for gaming.. It has ghosting because of VA panel. For gaming its better to have TN panel or OLED monitors.

Anyways, hope this gives you idea about the prices

Tomcat

Jdellis6656 First the basis:

The comp to make the game should be a level above the target platform (the comp that will be played on).

In fact, in general, @Jesusemora has already said everything I wanted to say.

First you need to decide what kind of games you are going to make and what their requirements will be.
Your comp is quite suitable for learning and creating simple prototypes.
If you really want, you can add memory. It will not be bad. And, most importantly … buy a disk for… 2-4 Tb. For the archive: sources, assets, training projects and prototypes. The volume is consumed very quickly.

Jdellis6656 here is a rough build i put together, if anyone is willing to look and critique.

A good set for games. But not for making them. But if you want to take it, then:

replace the WD 770 with an 850.
add memory.

Big case — good cooling. 👍️ 🌬️

Ah yeah, as is the tradition here, my configuration:

And, it makes deep sense to buy a good monitor instead of a computer.

My main monitor: AOC 27’’ QHD OLED gaming monitor AGON PRO AG276QZD

But you can get a big OLED TV instead of a monitor. I have an LG OLED42C2 (my 2^nd monitor).

Tomcat

kuligs2 like i said earlier, look it up at the motherboard manufuckers website, using the motherboard model, then go to support section or compatibility section, and there will be memory compatibility..

This is, if not the most damaging advice, then certainly one of the most damaging. Here's the reason.

The QVL-list is created when the board is released and is never updated again. If a company releases a new module that is fully compatible and has better features, it will not be included in this list.
It is hilarious to see memory from companies from “Uncle Liao's basement”, while serious companies are often poorly represented in such lists. That is, chips from Hynix and Samsung, but modules directly from them are not in the list! Really?

the pc part pickler and other websites just check if its DDR4 or DDR5 etc,

Yep, that's quite enough. When companies are held to a standard.

kuligs2 I can say, once you go OLED, you dont want to go back.

Well, yeah, that's true, but

It feels like almost CRT but more vivid and clear.

apparently you haven't dealt with top-of-the-line CRTs.

Jdellis6656 If you are going to build a workstation on server components, then you will have to study memory banks and rows - it is necessary for accessibility of large amounts of memory... but it is very different from building a household computer.

Jdellis6656

Okay here is a picture of the build. I apologize idk why it wouldn't let you see it.

kuligs2

Jdellis6656 did you check the ram compatibility? not just the DDR numbers..

Tomcat

Jdellis6656 Okay here is a picture of the build. I apologize idk why it wouldn't let you see it.

Perfectly displayed. There must be a problem with Linux.

kuligs2 and dont forget to buy thermal paste 😃 for the cpu

Usually cooler manufacturers add thermal paste. Good manufacturers put decent thermal paste.

Jdellis6656 My suggestion is to not rush into buying a new comp. I'll give you more details later.

Jdellis6656

kuligs2 As far as i can tell, lookin at the parts on pc part picker it should be compatible. am i missing something?

kuligs2

and dont forget to buy thermal paste 😃 for the cpu

kuligs2

Tomcat Usually cooler manufacturers add thermal paste. Good manufacturers put decent thermal paste.

that paste is already dry on arrival. better be safe to scrape that garabge off and put noc-tuah paste on it, or arctix. Dont use the liquid metal.

Tomcat My suggestion is to not rush into buying a new comp. I'll give you more details later.

i think blud already put up the order. you might be few hours too late

Megalomaniak

Tomcat Perfectly displayed. There must be a problem with Linux.

I can view it just fine under manjaro linux over here.

kuligs2 that paste is already dry on arrival. better be safe to scrape that garabge off and put noc-tuah paste on it, or arctix. Dont use the liquid metal.

No, the good ones include a tube or a sealed packet to apply by yourself. Usually a small one only tho.

Tomcat

kuligs2 this paste was already dry on arrival.

I'm embarrassed to ask, do you live on the outer reaches of the solar system? In my cooler they just put a tube of thermal paste and it would probably take a few years for it to dry. And it's not a top-of-the-line manufacturer (ID-COOLING).

Toxe

Not sure on RAM prices these days but I would always go for more RAM, especially if you want to do something productive with your machine. So 32 GB in this case.

kuligs2

Megalomaniak I can view it just fine under manjaro linux over here.

interesting, i was on binbows

Megalomaniak No, the good ones include a tube or a sealed packet to apply by yourself. Usually a small one only tho.

never had these, maybe with noctua. Im remembering right, yeah noctua pack is some grease. Thats why i got like 3 tubes of that sauce 😃. I just solved my year old question - why do i have so many sauce tubes? 😃

Jdellis6656

haha. sorry, I was at work. I'm not rushing into purchasing anything just yet. I'm all about feedback! This is the first time I've really tried picking out components, so I'm sure I made mistakes.

trizZzle

Jdellis6656 am i missing something?

A dedicated soundcard maybe 🙂

kuligs2

Jdellis6656 like i said earlier, look it up at the motherboard manufuckers website, using the motherboard model, then go to support section or compatibility section, and there will be memory compatibility.. the pc part pickler and other websites just check if its DDR4 or DDR5 etc, but that does not mean that its compatible with your CPU/motherboard combination. Each ram has its own serial number type key type, that you can look up and see if the one you selected matches the one you ordered.

As an eggzample

https://www.asus.com/bt/motherboards-components/motherboards/tuf-gaming/tuf-gaming-b550-plus/helpdesk_qvl_memory?model2Name=TUF-GAMING-B550-PLUS