While it’s true that you can code with any working computer, you may run into
problems when running your applications or programs if your device is lacking in
specs. If you’re serious about coding and want to create the next big app or game,
you should make sure that your computer’s components fit the bill. Thankfully,
it’s easy to make the upgrade as long as you know which parts to swap out.
In this post, we take a look at the different PC hardware components you should
consider replacing to take your programming to the next level.
SSD
Does your computer need a quick speed boost? Upgrading to an SSD is the next
best step you can take. For programmers, quick boot-ups and fast data retrieval
means that you can accomplish so much more without having to wait around
because of lagging. With an SSD, you can expect less downtime while going
through an endless cycle of Windows updates and restarts. Rick’s Daily Tips notes that SSDs are significantly faster than conventional hard drives. This is because
they use non-volatile memory chips to store your computer’s data instead of
read/write heads and spinning platters. If you do decide to upgrade to an SSD,
don’t forget to add a more affordable secondary hard disk drive to store files that
you don’t need immediate access to.
RAM
Simply put, the RAM is the core of your computer. With a sufficient amount of
RAM, your computer will be able to run and support various programs smoothly.
Having enough RAM also means that you boost the speed and overall
performance of your computer. Unfortunately, most programming software
tends to consume every available byte. So if your RAM doesn't suffice, you will
definitely encounter lagging, stutters, and crashing while debugging or compiling
your coding project. An article on Internet Geeks advises that programmers need
at least 8 GB of RAM to fulfill their coding projects. However, developing games
will warrant more RAM, so be sure to assess your coding needs first before
upgrading your computer’s memory.
Monitor Setup
When you look at the computer specs recommendations for college programming
courses, you’ll often find that most schools recommend their students to use a
1920 x 1080 display. Programmers are notorious for multitasking, and a high
screen resolution provides them with a bigger viewing area for multiple
applications and programs. The list of programming monitors on Game Developer Tips also notes that the ideal monitor size for a developer is at least 27 inches.
Want a simple one without the bells and whistles, but still gets the job done?
Consider the Dell Ultrasharp U2518D, which can provide a superb coding
experience thanks to its adjustable viewing angle and IPS LED Panel.
GPU
For those who are working on graphics-intensive apps and programs, upgrading
the GPU is a must. Thankfully, this is a breeze if you own a desktop computer.
Simply purchase your choice of GPU and plug it into your computer’s
motherboard. If you want the best graphics experience for your coding and
gaming projects, the wide range of computer components on Adorama show how
many options you have when it comes to GPUs. For those who want cutting-edge
performance, the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 OC Edition 12GB GDDR6 Graphics
Card is a perfect candidate — thanks to its 2nd Generation RT Cores and 3rd
Generation Tensor Cores. Meanwhile, if you’re more budget-conscious, you can
still achieve a lot using the AMD RX 5500 XT 4GB — which comes with efficient
7nm tech and can handle most graphics-intensive games. Whichever you choose,
be sure to consider your budget first and look for one that can address your
needs.
Overall, it’s important to upgrade the PC hardware components we’ve listed
above if you plan on pursuing programming full-time. For more programming tips
and tricks, be sure to check our other posts here on The Software Dude.
Walter Guevara is a Computer Scientist, software engineer, startup founder and previous mentor for a coding bootcamp. He has been creating software for the past 20 years.
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