Sign in with
Sign up | Sign in
Your question
Solved

PC Build Questions

Tags:
  • Macbook Pro
  • Build
  • Systems
Last response: in Systems
Share
July 8, 2014 3:52:05 PM

Let me start by explaining the situation I am in fully.

In about 3 weeks, I will receive the latest and greatest Macbook Pro from Full Sail University for my Video Game Design Degree Program. It has the following specs:

Intel i7, 2.3Ghz, Quad-core
16GB 1600mhz RAM
512GB PCI-e based Flash Storage
Nvidia Geforce GT750M w/ 2GB of GDDR5

My first question is this: Why would my school want me to use this Macbook Pro? I initially thought that they just had a deal with Apple, but they use HP Workstations in other degree programs.

I was considering selling this MBP (they go for around $2000 on eBay) and building a PC from scratch with the proceeds that meets my needs and wants a little better. What would I have to do to make sure that I get the same level of functionality from a PC? Nothing about these specs seem particularly impressive, except perhaps the processor. Is there something about a Macbook Pro that I am missing with regard to running game engines and modeling programs that makes them preferable over a PC?

I have started a list on PCPartPicker, so that I can do research and refine the list until I am 100% satisfied that I am buying exactly what I want, but more importantly, what I may NEED. http://pcpartpicker.com/p/qLccGX

One thing I am still unsure of, when I am not using an APU, how does the frequency of system memory affect the performance of gaming?

I recently was comp'ed a copy of BF4 for PC due to all of the issues that the 360 version of the game has. My laptop can't play it. The MBP will only be able to play it at medium settings, ~45fps). I want to build something that meets the following criteria:

- Will work for school (meets and/or exceeds the ability of the MBP above)
- Will play newest games on 1080p resolution @ 60fps, with high to ultra settings
- Will not corner me into being unable to upgrade in the future

Please help me make the best, most informed decision about what would work out here, even if that means I should keep my Macbook.

More about : build questions

July 8, 2014 3:54:05 PM

the questin is whats your budget and do u need mobility or power first

m
0
l
July 8, 2014 3:56:33 PM

I really think that power is more important to me. I take online classes at home and on my own time. I don't need to cart my computer around.
m
0
l
Related resources
July 8, 2014 3:57:17 PM

so whats your budget mate?

m
0
l
July 8, 2014 3:59:42 PM

If I were to sell the MBP for about $1500-$2000, I was hoping to spend something like $1200 or less, if possible.

EDIT: Although, truthfully I would spend as much of what I gained from the sale as is necessary.
m
0
l
July 8, 2014 4:00:03 PM

I think the best thing to do is build a Hackintosh!!!
that way, you could try and get Mac OSX working on it and still have windows as well

even if the hackintosh attempt fails, you still have a PC that won;t cost anymore than a regular PC
all you ahve to do is select parts that are more compatible with OSX
m
0
l
July 8, 2014 4:01:41 PM

Well, the MBP does come with Windows 7 for Mac.....but that doesn't really answer the questions I have.

In your opinion, is there some reason why I may need OSX for video game design?

I will be primarily learning Unity and Unreal btw.
m
0
l
July 8, 2014 4:19:41 PM

maybe best u come back when u have the funds

m
0
l
July 8, 2014 4:24:24 PM

What do you mean? Why is that not enough? Did you read my post completely? You didn't even try to answer any of my questions. Also, the build I have comes up to about $850. It seems like it would be capable of meeting my requirements. Thanks for the "help".

I'm not asking you to create a build for me, but rather to help me address the issues that I described in my OP, with facts and reason.
m
0
l
July 8, 2014 4:26:44 PM

yes. but i talt u wanted to sell the mbp before u build a new pc?

m
0
l
July 8, 2014 4:28:46 PM

I want to do research first. I will NOT be spending over a thousand dollars on something that I throw together over the internet the day before. That's why I have asked for help on many forums now. So far, I haven't really gotten anywhere. I guess I'm gonna have to go to a local shop and talk to a pro.
m
0
l
July 8, 2014 4:29:53 PM

well im a pro at computers if thats what u mean, whats ur exact question?

m
0
l
July 8, 2014 4:31:47 PM

"My first question is this: Why would my school want me to use this Macbook Pro? I initially thought that they just had a deal with Apple, but they use HP Workstations in other degree programs."

"One thing I am still unsure of, when I am not using an APU, how does the frequency of system memory affect the performance of gaming?"

"What would I have to do to make sure that I get the same level of functionality from a PC?"

I just copy and pasted these from my OP.
m
0
l

Best solution

July 8, 2014 4:36:08 PM

1. i dont really know why ur school would make you use a macbook pro. but alot of video and music industry techs use apple products, i dont see any reason why not too.

all your specs are good enought and beyond for game development. and with bootcamp u can dual-boot linux with apple or windows as well.

ram frequency and latencies only affect system performance by a little percentage.

also if you were to build a pc wouldnt be wise to get a system with an apu.

4. u can build a faster and better pc for 1000 dollars.

Share
July 8, 2014 4:38:23 PM

1. Could be deal specific to the program/department?

2. Memory frequency affects a bit but not too much in most games. If you can get a bit faster ram for not too much more, sure, but if not don't worry about it too much

3.Build PC with at least the same specs. If you build a Hackintosh, you get the benefit of OSX as well without any downsides and save money over a Mac
m
0
l
July 8, 2014 4:38:42 PM

if you require more help feel free to pm me ill gladly help

m
0
l
July 8, 2014 4:40:11 PM

4. u can build a faster and better pc for 1000 dollars.

That's what I thinking. Will it be necessary to have 16GB of RAM, do you think? I will be running the Unreal SDK and the Unity SDK but that's all I can say with 100% certainty. It may also be necessary for me to use some 3-d modeling programs, but I am not sure as I am only just starting my 4th class out of a total of 32 classes.
m
0
l
July 8, 2014 4:41:28 PM

for programming and game development yes.

for 3d modeling alot of memory is important i never use a pc with less than 16 gigs

m
0
l
July 8, 2014 4:46:10 PM

Good to know. How far should I go as far as memory frequency is concerned? Is 1600mhz fast enough?
m
0
l
July 8, 2014 4:46:38 PM

depends if ur gonna overclock or not

m
0
l
July 8, 2014 4:49:32 PM

Overclock the memory, the GPU, or the CPU? I don't know enough about overclocking and the parts that overclock the best to make an informed decision about that. I don't expect you to spell it all out for me. I suspect it would take a ton of information, but if you could point me towards some reliable information on OC'ing, it would be greatly appreciated.
m
0
l
!