Coding computer

Scottcordery · 8 Apr 2016 at 18:24

Hi guys bit of a long shot but I'm after some advice,

I've got myself hooked on programming and I would like some advice on what would be the best setup and what components I would need for the build ie is a gpu really needed and concentrate on processing and memory power.

I did have a laptop that was running great but the child though it needed a cup of tea because it looked thirsty.

So all in all I'm looking at spending around 600-850 all in all with out operating system. But mainly advice I wouldn't need monitors just yet .

Many thanks

chroniclard · 8 Apr 2016 at 18:26

SSD drive, 16GB of memory, decent CPU. Dont really need a GPU(depending on what you are coding), my work machine uses the onboard GPU but I am only a web developer.

Two monitors or a big one are exceedingly useful.

Scottcordery · 8 Apr 2016 at 19:18

So would you suggest to go with amd to get more bang for buck

joeyjojo · 8 Apr 2016 at 19:31

What programming? If you're not doing frequent, long compilations then you'll get away with almost any CPU.

For example, we use 6-core Haswell Xeons (E5-1650 v3) for our proper C++ work just because it speeds up compilation, but I've used everything down to a little NUC box for Python/web programming with no trouble at all.

My personal workstation just has an Ivybridge i5 and it's fine. I wouldn't be at all surprised if an AMD Piledriver machine were just as good. Most important thing as chroniclard says is an SSD tbh.

chroniclard · 9 Apr 2016 at 07:06

Dunno about AMD, have not had one for years.

My priorities when coding are (primarily a Visual Studio/Visual Studio Code/IIS/Node user)
Screen real estate, dual or single large monitor. Swapping windows about constantly is annoying.
SSD, a pain when waiting for things to load/compile so a good quality SSD with a motherboard to make the most of it.
RAM, 8 GB, 16gb at home. 8GB has been close to being fully utilised at times.
Quickish CPU, 1 year old i7 of some sort at work(crappy dell bios wont overclock

), overclocked i5 2500k at home.

Expect any modern multi core CPU would be absolutely fine.