[M-rhodes]

Hi, I have always had an interest in Software Development and im currently studying a software engineering degree. So my question is this, With so much choice as to what we can use for a System spec. What would a developer use? Considering the application would be for software development, UDK and Games Development in my own time. I have spent along time searching for a few answers. I wondered if anyone who is currently employed as a Software developer and what their spec is?

Would love to hear your thoughts and Specs,

Matt

[wordswords]

I would have thought you'd want a gaming spec PC, if you're going to be developing games. A good keyboard and a large monitor are what I'd also recommend for coding, and possibly an ergonomic office chair. If you're going to spend a lot of time glued to the screen, they really help.

[RexGrammer]

wordswords, on 26 December 2011 - 05:54 PM, said:

A good keyboard and a large monitor are what I'd also recommend for coding

I think that it's better to have a low-profile keyboard because then you can type more quickly (keyboards to me are dispensable I buy a new one of the same model about every year (ware and tear, although it's not a bad quality keyboard)

Another thing is that you don't need ONE BIG monitor, but rather more smaller ones (or more bigger ones, if you have the cash), because that way you can organize your IDE better. So I always prefer more smaller ones rather than one big monitor.

wordswords, on 26 December 2011 - 05:54 PM, said:

...and possibly an ergonomic office chair. ... they really help.

I don't think so. I have a 'ergonomic' chair, but I find myself sitting in the most unusual positions (with my feet on the table), so rather buy an armchair with a flexible back, meaning you can swing in it and something that you can put your legs on.

But none of this is computer specs.

What I recommend: about 4GB ram, around 2.6 dual-core (or more cores) processor, good cooling (since it is going to be running all the time, if you have multiple monitors then have a good graphics card (or several of them) and that's that. This is what I recommend since you don't need to have a monster machine because you probably won't work on projects like Mass-Effect (well maybe you are, but then you would use a company computer)!

This post has been edited by RexGrammer: 26 December 2011 - 12:31 PM

[wordswords]

RexGrammer, on 26 December 2011 - 12:30 PM, said:

I think that it's better to have a low-profile keyboard because then you can type more quickly (keyboards to me are dispensable I buy a new one of the same model about every year (ware and tear, although it's not a bad quality keyboard)

I don't know what you mean by a 'low profile' keyboard, but I would recommend an expensive keyboard if you're going to be tapping away on it all day. It doesn't sound like you have ever used an expensive keyboard, so maybe you should try using one before you recommend otherwise.

This is a great resource for quality programmers keyboards: http://programmers.s...for-programming

RexGrammer, on 26 December 2011 - 12:30 PM, said:

Another thing is that you don't need ONE BIG monitor, but rather more smaller ones (or more bigger ones, if you have the cash), because that way you can organize your IDE better. So I always prefer more smaller ones rather than one big monitor.

This is a matter of opinion. However I will say that I have used multiple monitors for years, and have gone back to a single large monitor because I've found them better.

RexGrammer, on 26 December 2011 - 12:30 PM, said:

I don't think so. I have a 'ergonomic' chair, but I find myself sitting in the most unusual positions (with my feet on the table), so rather buy an armchair with a flexible back, meaning you can swing in it and something that you can put your legs on.

It doesn't sound like you're using your chair properly. If it is really ergonomic, then you should sit on it properly to gain the benefits. There are huge benefits to adopting proper posture and getting a decent ergonomic chair if you are going to be sitting on it all day, every day. Again, maybe you're too young to have experienced any back or wrist problems due to bad posture.

RexGrammer, on 26 December 2011 - 12:30 PM, said:

But none of this is computer specs.

That is because 'specs' are not as important as the other considerations I've mentioned. Any low budget gaming setup should be sufficient, as it is unlikely that the OP will be maxing out a machine like that in learning how to make simple computer games.

[RexGrammer]

I've got the feeling you've got offended somehow... This was not my intent if it's the case.

I've only listed my preferences here, not saying that any of that is better that the other thing.

Oh and about the chair... You're most likely right but I haven't ever considered posture, I'm just looking for the most comfortable option.

For the keyboards: I don't know what you consider expensive, I haven't ever had a keyboard more expensive than 100$ and I really don't see the need for it, since it isn't that much better (the differences are mostly minor in the range from 100-500$)
Take the http://www.kinesis-e...vantage_pro.htm for an example: I would never, never and never spend 350+$ on a keyboard

Oh and I mean a low-profile keyboard as a keyboard that has little height, it's buttons are nice and low, and when you press them they don't go much down.

This post has been edited by RexGrammer: 26 December 2011 - 02:40 PM

[wordswords]

Yes sorry, I sort of waded into that one and might have been a bit harsh in my reply. I wasn't offended, don't worry. Most of the things I mentioned are somewhat a matter of opinion, but they are definitely worth considering alongside the spec of the development machine.

[M-rhodes]

The keyboard and Chair replacements are a good area for consideration. I have always like the mac based keyboards, slim-line and nice feel to the keys. In terms of spec I was thinking of an i7 2600k,Asus Rampage III Extreme, 4/8gb ram, and a Coolermaster HAF X case are the replacements for my current build. Im running a dual core (e6600) with 4gb ddr2, but when Im running Visual Studio, Netbeans and photoshop/autodesk maya the lag is horrendous! The good thing about my considered build would be the overclocking element to it which can enable me to get more use from it in the long-term.

[RexGrammer]

WTF?! O.o You're running VS, Netbeans, PS/Maya all at the same time? Or have I misunderstood you?

You can run VS with a 2.2GHz processor and 2GB Ram easily, I know because I tried it on my old laptop. So I don't know what's the problem in your case.

[M-rhodes]

Yes I do run them at the same time, I like working on multiple projects for variation I guess. But my computer lags quite alot when I have these programs open. I agree with you, I never have problems when running VS on its own. But when it comes to around 4-5 programs things start getting laggy. Could be my ram capacity (4gb) and bus speed (800mhz).

[blackcompe]

Quote

So my question is this, With so much choice as to what we can use for a System spec. What would a developer use?

At the very least, a dual-core CPU (with good CPUMark scores) and 2 GB of RAM. That should allow your IDE's to run smoothly. I'd suggest a large monitor. At least 20 inches. And lastly, an ergonomic keyboard. The Microsoft Curve series keyboards are pretty nice and cheap.

Quote

Im running a dual core (e6600) with 4gb ddr2, but when Im running Visual Studio, Netbeans and photoshop/autodesk maya the lag is horrendous!

You need a graphics card to run that kind of stuff. Your putting all the heavy floating-point computation on the CPU, which it is absolutely not equipped to handle. If your creating game models, animations, etc., there's no way of getting around the need for a video card. Professional graphical cards do differ from gaming cards and do perform better in graphics software, but gaming cards should work OK up to a certain point. That's all hearsay though, I don't own a video card.

[M-rhodes]

Im running a Nvidia GT8500s 256mb DDR3. It runs UDK, but I would not be able to run many other programs aswell.

[RudiVisser]

If you're doing game development, you want to buy the lowest spec system you can that you would expect to run your game on. Optimise your game for that platform and you'll be pretty good to go

I'm mostly serious on what I just said, but in all honesty I'd go for a slightly above average machine with 4GB RAM (3GB is average these days) and a Quad Core proc (avg is DC ~2.4Ghz). Note that the QC proc you need doesn't have to be the best at all, I'm not talking about an i7, but a Core2Quad (if they still make those..) or perhaps even an i5 if you're on a serious budget.

[Oler1s]

> If you're doing game development, you want to buy the lowest spec system you can that you would expect to run your game on.

This is bad advice. Your development machine is not your test machine. Your development machine should fully facilitate your development. Also, matching the specs for your game is not sensible because you need to debug. That takes more memory and more CPU space. When you get a developer kit from console makers, they ship you hardware with more memory, and for a good reason...

[RudiVisser]

Oler1s, on 30 December 2011 - 12:04 AM, said:

This is bad advice. Your development machine is not your test machine. Your development machine should fully facilitate your development. Also, matching the specs for your game is not sensible because you need to debug. That takes more memory and more CPU space. When you get a developer kit from console makers, they ship you hardware with more memory, and for a good reason...

Indeed, but it doesn't seem like the OP has the budget to be buying multiple systems, yet at the same time is also why I suggested an above average machine.

Some middle ground seems perfect

Thing is that it's all completely dependant on what the user is doing. A netbook (or perhaps a tablet!) is a perfect machine for generic development.

[M-rhodes]

I wish there was a vb or java based IDE available for tablets. I currently use a Samsung Galaxy tab p1000, and I found an app called code-peak. Which from the screenshots seemed to work but for some reason the default search location for the code was in the music folder and it just wouldn't work :|

I'm thinking of a high-end cpu/mainboard because of the overclocking ability which can make me get more long-term use from the hardware e.g. I wouldnt need to upgrade for a while because I would be getting a good power/money ratio.