Recommend a development desktop

Mr Michael Mcguire

Mr Michael Mcguire

Mr Michael Mcguire

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Joined
23 Aug 2020
Posts
2
Been a good few years since I have built a pc, been using macbooks for too long. Can you help recommend some parts for a mid spec development box. Just coding so no need for a quadro etc.

Would like a reasonably quiet mid size tower. Not worried about cpu architecture, but an i7 or equivalent and I'd need 32gb ram, 512gb ssd and space for a backup drive. I'd like a mid level gpu to help with the odd bit of encoding, play a game etc and be able to drive 2-3 4k screens in desktop.

Many thanks

Highly appreciate the guidance as I find myself a bit overwhelmed by the choices.

Most importantly, not got much idea on price as I find pcs shocking since I bought a macbook Pro for 1200 in 2015 now they are more than double. So let's say 1500 but willing to be guided either way.
 
What sort of encoding we talking? Is it something that is NVENC compatible? If so I'd swap GPU to something like a Nvidia 2060, otherwise the AMD 5600 XT is best bang for buck in terms of gaming performance.

What sorta games do you play? Just be aware gaming at 4k res is very, very demanding... So I'd try play at 1080p or 1440p if you can. But always worth running 4k first see if you're comfortable with the frame rate. If you wanted a bit more powerful GPU, you could look at either 2070 Super or 5700 XT. Otherwise the 5600 XT is still a great card, especially if gaming isn't a big focus for you and you're not chasing for huge framerates @ ultra ultra settings lol. You could even drop to the 1660 Super for £200 region if you're not that bothered either.

This would be about my basket for a solid and fairly quiet system otherwise. Btw you can get a Windows 10 license key from the famous auction site for £5-10. :)

There is a windowed version of the case, but obviously decreases the sound dampening effectiveness a bit. Depends if you want to be able to see the system or not. :p

My basket at Overclockers UK:
Total: £1,156.84 (includes shipping: £0.00)
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Thanks sparx, much appreciate it. By encoding I was just meaning handling the odd bit of 4k drone and 4k footage, editing and colour matching etc. With regard to 4k I was just meaning for windows desktop usage, not so much for games. When I have time I tend to just game on the ps4 these days, but would like to occasionally play titles not available there. Have a fancy on flight sim 2020.

Again that's a massive help and seems quite good value so I could spend a bit more on the gpu.
 
Mr Michael Mcguire said:
Thanks sparx, much appreciate it. By encoding I was just meaning handling the odd bit of 4k drone and 4k footage, editing and colour matching etc. With regard to 4k I was just meaning for windows desktop usage, not so much for games. When I have time I tend to just game on the ps4 these days, but would like to occasionally play titles not available there. Have a fancy on flight sim 2020.

Again that's a massive help and seems quite good value so I could spend a bit more on the gpu.
Click to expand...

32GB fine for MS Sim 2020, at the moment doesn't use more the. 8 threads/4 cores but might change in future. But if encoding the. Ryzen 3700 is a good should .
You would need more then 6GB of VRam on the GPU...

2060S and RX5700xt or close to each other with AMD having the edge.. 2070S does pull ahead

My basket at Overclockers UK:
Total: £1,276.08 (includes shipping: £11.10)​
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Few pennies cash saving
https://www.overclockers.co.uk/gigabyte-b550-gaming-x-amd-am4-b550-atx-motherboard-mb-58w-gi.html
 
Mr Michael Mcguire said:
Thanks sparx, much appreciate it. By encoding I was just meaning handling the odd bit of 4k drone and 4k footage, editing and colour matching etc. With regard to 4k I was just meaning for windows desktop usage, not so much for games. When I have time I tend to just game on the ps4 these days, but would like to occasionally play titles not available there. Have a fancy on flight sim 2020.

Again that's a massive help and seems quite good value so I could spend a bit more on the gpu.
Click to expand...

No worries mate.

I'd go with the Asus 2070S then. Which is geared towards being a pretty good 1440p gaming GPU.

Or the Gigabyte 2070S orbital linked for another £35 if want 4yr over 3yr warranty, both similar otherwise. Gigabyte have a UK RMA centre though I believe which is a plus for any warranty issues.
 
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