Counter to all the tests and reviews at Tom's Hardware and other places that review gaming computers, running multiple instances puts different demands on machines than running a single instance of a game with high graphics demands. I've played with different configurations for years but my current is my favorite... I used to try to be on the bleeding edge of hi-tech computers that I assembled. Now I try to be on the dull edge of corporate workstations.
My favorite machine at the moment is a Lenox Thinkstation 4229 sporting two 8 core hyperthreaded processors running at about 2.7 GHz. Their combined hyperthreaded cores yields 32 cores. (2 x 8 x 2). It has 124 GB of memory. This monster workstation has an R9 290x 8GB Sapphire video card. Tests on http://www.userbenchmark.com/ assess it as a UFO. The entire set up was purchased on Ebay for about $1500. As some components were bought last year, the seasoned Ebay dumpster diver could probably now shave off about $300.
There are several added advantages of this hardware. For example, during winter months you can use it to heat a room. It would make a reasonable anchor for a good sized ship if anyone were to tire of it as a computer.
This was a hot stuff enterprise computer back in 2013 that would have cost about 10 times what I paid for it ($15,000). This is the advantage of being on the dull edge of enterprise technology.
For years I put together my own computers but when I first started buying workstations (HPZ800s) I became convinced not to do that anymore. The quality of enterprise computers just is far too much superior to even the best gaming builds...cases designed by BMW, toolless removal and replacement of hard drives, etc. etc. They really are nice, as one would expect if purchased when they first came out for $15,000.
Anyway, I'm sure many people have attitudes, opinions, and etc. that are different than mine and would love to take issue with me so hey, that's what forums are for. Hope this kicks off fun discussion.
