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?
Planning my first PC build.
Jdellis6656 Im looking to spend around 1200 dollars on it.
- Is that with or without a monitor?
- Which store do you prefer?
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.
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 4GPU
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 GBStorage
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 overclockingGPU
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 GBStorage
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.
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.
Jesusemora I'm not super artsy, so my skill will probably hold me back anyways.
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.
- Edited
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.
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
Okay here is a picture of the build. I apologize idk why it wouldn't let you see it.
Jdellis6656 did you check the ram compatibility? not just the DDR numbers..
and dont forget to buy thermal paste for the cpu
- Edited
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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?
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.
kuligs2 As far as i can tell, lookin at the parts on pc part picker it should be compatible. am i missing something?
Jdellis6656 am i missing something?
A dedicated soundcard maybe
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
kuligs2 That's very helpful! Thank you!
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.
IMHO, for the price you want to drop vs what you can get used... for WAY less.... makes a used pc a good investment... I would search around for someone trying to part with one (Facebook market place etc). I would avoid used laptops as they are more "single use" internally and just poop the bed performance wise compared to their boxy brethren (as i"m typing this on my 12 year old laptop ;P).
People buy/build computers for TOP DOLLAR, and within a year or so realize they don't need it/cant use it.... and go and buy a console 99% of the time.
As long as you have a minimal understanding of computers, you can get something that can be upgraded/built up for pennies on the dollar. even if they were "crypto mining" with it and cooked something.... for "half" off the sticker price you could replace "x" component and still be under the original price.
As a side bonus... 9/10 times the person "throws" in their super fancy mouse, keyboard, monitor, and of course rgb lightsystem (bc thats essential).
Unless you just want the new box smell or NEED something spec specific..... source someone else's impulse buy.
I understand you live in the sticks.... but so do other people.... and if anything you'll get a good deal based off supply/demand.
- Edited
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.
- Edited
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 2nd monitor).
Tomcat When companies are held to a standard.
JEDEC
Jesusemora I'm actually going to give this computer to my wife. after I picked it up she tried playing on it and liked it. It plays everything she's into with ease. I'm wanting to build my own that's a little more optimized for productivity and getting as much out of Godot as I can afford to. id like something that has more futureproofing, I'm super new so I have no clue what I'm doing when it come to picking a build.
Tomcat Thank you! That's extremely helpful! Could i afford to build something that is a step or two up from my current? with a $1,200.00 USD budget? Honestly i was mostly picking stuff on the fly for that build. My aim is to make 3D games my current comp could handle.
What should I prioritize most? I know with the CPU I need the highest core and thread count I can reasonably get, GPU doesn't seem to be as high of a priority as lots of ram and storage. or do I have that wrong? Should I go with an older Socket? or are the newer ones better?
I swear YouTube build guides leave me with more questions then they answer.
Sorry everybody, I'm playing years of catch up. My comp right now is my first, that I got earlier this year. I'm also just barely beginning my journey into game development. I've always wanted to, just didn't know how to get started. You've all been amazing! I really appreciate all the input!
Tomcat 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?
this is not true.
this year i went and bought some ram, DDR was on point, manufacker was too, and yet the system didnt boot.
Go on and went to see the list of supported, dug out the ram serial number and low and behold it wasnt supported. wasted my life few more weeks on shipping.
Tomcat apparently you haven't dealt with top-of-the-line CRTs.
yes i have not, no room, no money.
Jdellis6656 to get started, you just have to start getting .
Just do it and see where it leads.
- Edited
Jdellis6656 What should I prioritize most?
Buying a computer… especially for work… well, it's a more philosophical and existential question…
I have Intel and NVidia, as you can see.
In general, yeah, it's better to do it and see what happens.
Everyone has his own experience. Here's an example. I had a situation similar to that of @kuligs2. I bought and assembled a computer and it wouldn't start. Then I went to the store where I bought the motherboard. I was shown there that it works with other memory. But Asus and GeIL cannot be incompatible! (At that time for sure, but how it is now — I don't know.) On the way back I went to the store where I took the memory and said that it didn't work. They looked at me with great surprise and without saying a word immediately changed the set. This memory worked for several years until it was replaced with a larger capacity. So, even the most reliable manufacturer can be defective. It's something to keep in mind. So, from a similar situation we found different ways out and made different conclusions.
Right now, you're taking a computer for studying. When you start working, it will most likely be very outdated.
Keep this in mind. I guess even @kuligs2 won't argue with this. The upgrade capabilities are severely limited by the motherboard.
Here is an example of an open 3D world in Godot. Compiled version for Windows.
You can look at this thread Godot 4 Demo Scenes.
But remember that the most tricked out comp will not make the game for you.
How are you with programming and, most importantly, with math?
I'm a complete beginner to programing. I've only followed along with a YouTube tutorial so far to start learning the basics.
math doesn't seem to be an issue.
kuligs2 That's been my mindset as well. I've only played around with some 2D so far, but I've had a blast!
Tomcat Id love to have a workstation like yours, but I don't think I should worry about that until I know what I'm doing more.
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Are these inland by microcenter bundles on amazon decent deals? I'm hoping to get settled on a build in time for the holiday deals. first one i was thinking of checking out was the prime day deals.