To capture the full features of Unreal Engine compared to jMonkeyEngine, you’ll need to consider the following equipment and costs:
Unreal Engine Requirements
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Computer Specifications:
- CPU: High-end multicore processor (e.g., Intel i7/i9 or AMD Ryzen 7/9)
- GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3060 or better (for ray tracing capabilities)
- RAM: At least 16 GB (32 GB recommended)
- Storage: SSD with at least 1 TB (for better load times)
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Peripherals:
- Monitor: 27-inch 1440p monitor (~$300)
- Keyboard/Mouse: Gaming keyboard/mouse (~$100)
- VR Equipment (optional): VR headset for VR development (~$400+)
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Software:
- Operating System: Windows 10/11 (if not already owned) (~$140)
- Additional Software: Visual Studio (free), other tools as needed
Estimated Total Cost for Unreal Engine
- Computer Build: ~$1,500 - $3,000 (depending on specs)
- Peripherals: ~$500
- Software: ~$140 (if OS is needed)
Total: Approximately $2,140 - $3,640
jMonkeyEngine Requirements
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Computer Specifications:
- CPU: Mid-range processor (e.g., Intel i5 or AMD Ryzen 5)
- GPU: NVIDIA GTX 1050 or better
- RAM: At least 8 GB (16 GB recommended)
- Storage: SSD with at least 512 GB
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Peripherals:
- Monitor: Similar to Unreal (~$300)
- Keyboard/Mouse: Similar (~$100)
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Software:
- Operating System: Windows, macOS, or Linux (free or already owned)
- IDE: Use any Java IDE (like IntelliJ or Eclipse, usually free)
Estimated Total Cost for jMonkeyEngine
- Computer Build: ~$800 - $1,500
- Peripherals: ~$400
Total: Approximately $1,200 - $1,900
Comparison Summary
- Unreal Engine Total Cost: $2,140 - $3,640
- jMonkeyEngine Total Cost: $1,200 - $1,900
Conclusion
Unreal Engine generally requires a more powerful and expensive setup to fully utilize its advanced features, especially for high-end graphics and VR development. In contrast, jMonkeyEngine can be run on more modest hardware, making it a more accessible option for indie developers or those on a budget.