Hi pc-gaf. I've grown lazy in my old age, and don't keep up with hardware too well. I'm a software engineer (php, node, java, python) and my 2015 macbook is starting to show its age, most notably when I've got a lot of editors and vms running and the puny 8GB RAM gets taken to pound town. I've been shopping for macbooks (they just make everything "easier" in my world) but sifting through craigslist/ebay false ads and garbage is exhausting.
I'm at the point where I'm considering a dual-boot windows/linux desktop machine that I can occasionally game on. I don't game much any more, but I do play dota2 from time to time and I also love to buy the latest AAA game, play 10 minutes, and never touch it again, so something that runs dem new fangled games nice an purdy would be cool, too.
I only have a couple requirements:
at least 16GB ram and quad core. Softer, but still essential, requirements are that I don't have to fuss with it; every hour I spend fussing with it means fewer hours I can bill, and that it runs linux (most likely ubuntu) well. Budget is around 1800, but honestly it's a business expense so as long as I can get the office manager (old lady) to sign off, I think there's some flex there.
My strategy was going to be just picking the highest spec'd rig from the sticky, but figured I'd check in here to see if now is a good time to buy or if a processor refresh is right around the corner. I don't necessarily need the latest and greatest, but if a new gen is about to knock some of the cost off the current gen line I'd rather wait. Also, if anyone wants to spend my money I'd appreciate the help as I haven't built a PC in quite a few years.
Edit: figured I'd add some more context that I just don't have the energy to overclock anything, and while I don't need the bitchen-est screaminest fast rig, something that will last at least 5 years without shitting out, or something that can stay up to date with minimal upgrades is ideal.
Double edit: Here's a starting point. Any input is valued.
Thanks!
PCPartPicker part list /
Price breakdown by merchant
CPU: Intel - Core i5-8600K 3.6GHz 6-Core Processor ($249.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master - Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($27.89 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Asus - Prime Z370-P ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($109.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Corsair - Vengeance LPX 32GB (4 x 8GB) DDR4-3200 Memory ($330.98 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung - 850 EVO-Series 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($140.78 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Western Digital - Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($43.90 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: EVGA - GeForce GTX 1070 Ti 8GB SC GAMING ACX 3.0 Black Edition Video Card ($449.99 @ B&H)
Case: Fractal Design - Meshify C Dark TG ATX Mid Tower Case ($96.78 @ Walmart)
Power Supply: Corsair - RMx (2018) 650W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($92.99 @ Amazon)
Wired Network Adapter: TP-Link - TG-3468 PCI-Express x1 10/100/1000 Mbps Network Adapter ($9.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $1553.28
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2018-09-13 22:26 EDT-0400