So i have been collecting bits and pieces of what types of computers people use on the forums. Right now i have a budget of around $850 - 950. Would that even be close to enough money for a computer that would run smoothly? I’m thinking of a desktop but that can easily be changed. Thanks
If you’re in the US then you should have no problem finding a suitable system for that budget. I’m using an i5 notebook but have also used Core Duo’s and they worked fine. A faster GPU and CPU will always net better performance, but if you’re on a tight budget a reasonably fast system can be had for that budget that will work fine with Unity.
If you go AMD, you could even go quad core easily, while having a decent graphics card.
Do you have a preference for any company? That will make your decision for you.
I would go for an i5 or better for an Intel processor and an AMD triple core or higher.
Nvidia GT400 series card or higher or ATI Radeon 5000 series or higher with 1GB of RAM(with DDR5 preferential)
4GB or more of RAM with a front side bus that matches the CPU front side bus.
500GB or higher HDD with > 10,000 RPM speed and 32-64MB cache.
I know that’s general but I think that’s a good base list of parts to get a system that will last you for a while and you should be able to configure such a system with your budget if you are in the US.
Whatever you do, I’m sure it’ll be a good choice… as long as it’s not Apple.
you should be able to do a amd hex core at that price range or a fast quad. i wouldn’t go under a quad core. i would stick with nvidia cards. less compatibility problems from what i’ve heard.
Thanks for all the replies. emergence, why not apple. Isn’t it nessecary to make ipod games? or would you suggest hackintosh 
( Really never looked into it)
Technically, they’re all outside of your budget, except for a 2gb Mac Mini, and few people would recommend getting a machine with 2GB of ram these days.
Yes, but you never specified that this was a requirement. Perhaps you should mention your requirements in your first post, so that we know what you need.
Its actually not one, I was just asking. And since I’m not on a real tight budget I was just wondering if macs were harder to dev on than windows. I guess its all preference though
If you do decide that you want to develop for ipod down the road, either hackintosh it up, or look into vmware fusion.
With at most $1000 you can get a good PC (only case) with AMD products imo
A very good computer, from experience 
.
I suspect he’s trolling for an argument. If you want to develop for iPod, then get a Mac. No reason not to. If you want to develop for Windows / Web then get a Windows machine. You could use a Mac for this as well, but chances are you’ll save a bit of money with a Windows machine.
Yeah unless you develop for iphone, do not get a mac. Why? Because it costs twice as much and you get same specs as a cheaper pc.
For game dev you need a gaming computer. For 950 you can build a very good one. If you value your money and power, build your own not buy a prebuilt.
Also you can get good pc for that price with both either amd or intel.
Notebooks are not very good for game dev since they will be worse than a pc for the same price. So if you don’t need one, don’t get one.
Use newegg to buy parts, it’s the cheapest and best one in US.
Get a Mac only if you really prefer the OS over Windows and if you are ready to pay for it.
I bought an Apple iMac that deep-fried it’s GPU and went back to Windows because it was cheaper at that moment to re-buy the incompatible software than it was buing a Mac Pro. If Macs die (except for Pro) chances are that you need to replace the logic board which is pretty expensive. That’s from my experiences the big downside to any mac: the price.
I still do use Mac as a portable plattform, though (MacBook Pro 13").
If you need to get something with a little horsepower build an AMD Desktop system for that money. You can replace/upgrade old and defective hardware and you can still use Unity for Mac and Windows and Web.
If you like Apple and want to develop for Mobile Apple devices - go for apple. But save some more money and get something with more power, then. It’s more fun if your computer is faster. As I said - Apple is cool and fun but you’ll have to be able and willing to pay for it.
I know I’m not any more, at the moment.
If you plan to deploy in future apps for iPhone iPad or Mac App Store i suggest a Mac.
And you can also run Windows natively with bootcamp.
Thanks, that really clears it up!