computer system

[smithbuilt]

Im looking at getting a new sequencing computer and would like to know what components will give the the best bang for my buck. How much RAM is optimal? Does a video card make much difference? Does more cores in the CPU add much performance? This computer will only be used for sequencing, so its not running a bunch of other applications.
 I've been looking at a number of refurbished computers, but the specs varry quite a bit and I'm not sure which features will help xLights the most.
Thank you

[Gilrock]

RAM is cheap....get 32GB and be done with it.
Video card is not as important.  It helps to have a decent one but doesn't need to be gamer quality.
CPU...more cores the better for rendering sequences.  I'd get an i7.  A CPU with hyperthreading will give you double the cores virtually.

[smithbuilt]

Thank you Gil. I cant quite get all you spec'd but trying to get as close as possible. I've got a couple of computer guys telling me that a good SSD will boost speed by quite a bit. Can xLights take advantage of an SSD as well?

thank you

[algerdes]

SSDs ramp up speed because there is no lag due to rotation of a disk.  SSDs are actually memory and can offload data to the CPU at tremendous speeds (compared to a spinning disk).  Only thing I would caution you for is if you put an SSD in your machine, get a good backup unit to save a "safety copy" of the drive and its contents.  SSDs have gotten better (read: more reliable) over the past couple of years, but why take chances.

This is not an attempt to wave you off of the SSD.  I have them in 5 of the 7 active computers here (including a Dell laptop and a Macbook Pro) and I love them.