If you’re looking for a good desktop computer for coding, then you’re in the right place. Though the computer itself is not the most vital part of your coding setup, it still plays an important part in your capabilities and daily work.
But what really makes a good desktop computer? Well, there are a few things to look out for. Some people might prefer to opt for something more portable – if this is you, then you can check out my list of the best laptops for computer science. So, let’s take a look at some of the best models available if you’re looking for a desktop computer.
Best Desktop Computer for Coding
Acer Aspire TC-885-UA92
Many people think that coders have to have the best, most expensive computer out to do their job proficiently. The reality is that this couldn’t be further from the truth. You can code comfortable on pretty much any computer or laptop, so for people that don’t have thousands of dollars to spend, you shouldn’t be too worried. Of course, having a more powerful computer can make this easier, but they definitely aren’t a necessity.
A good example of a computer that would work well is this Acer model. It has 12GB of RAM, which is enough power for you to code. Plus, most computers will have the capability for you to upgrade your RAM later down the line if you really need to (but you shouldn’t need to at the start with this model). The computer also has 512GB of SSD, which is more than enough memory space. It has an i5 processor, too.
This desktop computer also has a wide range of different ports for you to use, so if you want to connect several monitors or accessories, you can easily. The cooling of this computer is fine for daily use, though you might want to add some fans to ensure that it doesn’t overheat. Overall, this is a perfect desktop for someone who’s just getting started with their coding career or studying.
iMac
Now, you could go ahead and opt for the iMac Pro, but this is only going to be a viable choice for someone who has cash to spend. If you’re looking for something reasonably priced, it’s probably a better idea to go for an older version of the iMac. Typically with Apple, you can buy the previous years model at a good discount price, and there isn’t enough of a difference between the old and new version to warrant a steeper price.
The main argument with a Mac is more about the operating system than anything else. Coders will have their preference of Mac or Windows, or Linux. Personally, I find a Mac good primarily for the better user experience. Plus, the machine itself is built to last and the appearance of a Mac is better than that of a Windows PC. In terms of operating systems, you’re probably going to end up using Windows OS and Linux on your Mac anyway as you get more knowledge.
This model will give you an awesome retina display along with 8GB of RAM, which is more than enough power for coding. Aesthetically the iMac looks awesome as well, with the slim 5mm thin monitor being one of the best on the market. So if you’re looking for a great desktop computer to get started, going for an iMac isn’t a bad idea.
Alienware Aurora Series
The Alienware Aurora series is pretty well known in the industry, as it’s many gamers PC’s of choice. However, gaming PC’s are suitable for other purposes too, and for coding, this is a good choice. The high power of the Aurora will be good for long hours of coding.
The aesthetic of the computer is pretty awesome – it’s inspired by other past Alienware laptops, which have created their own signature style within the computer industry. You can purchase the Aurora with 8, 16 or even 32GB of RAM if you want optimum performance. However, there are 4 different RAM slots in the motherboard, so you can easily upgrade your RAM later down the line when you need it.
It comes with a NVIDIA GeForce GTX graphics card installed, but again you can change this later down the line if needs be. The Aurora R9 comes with a i7 processor, but the R10 typically comes with a i9 processor – you can also change these if needs be too. However, most people don’t upgrade their CPU lightly, as it can be very costly.
Of course, the biggest drawback of this desktop computer is the price. It’s very expensive, and for most people this is definitely going to be overkill. There’s really no need to spend thousands of dollars on a computer, and in my opinion the money would be better spend elsewhere on monitors etc. However, this would be a good computer if you have ridiculous amounts of cash to spend and money isn’t a problem!
Other Accessories You Will Need
If you ask any coder programmer, then they’ll probably tell you that it doesn’t matter so much what computer you use to code. However, they wil all have their favorite coding setup, much of which will relying on other accessories which can help to make things more comfortable and ergonomic. Here are a few of the other products you’ll want to think about if you’re going to start taking your coding seriously.
Monitor
The majority of coders will use more than one coder. Some old school folk seem attached to using one monitor, which is fair enough. But nowadays, you can do things a lot quicker if you get used to using 2 or 3 monitors at the same time (some coders use even more than this!).
Keyboard
Another important part of your computer setup is the keyboard that you use. If you end up using a laptop, then you won’t need to worry about this. But many coders prefer to use a mechanical keyboard. This can allow you to type faster, as the individual keys are more responsive than a standard keyboard.
Chair & Desk
As well as the specs of your computer, it also pays to make sure that you’ve got a good set up at home as well. If you’re going to spend long hours sitting down working, then getting an ergonomic chair and a good height desk will definitely benefit you in the long run.
RAM
Now we’re talking about the specs of the computer itself, which is something to consider before making your purchase. The extra RAM will allow you to have a ton of different programs open at the same time, which is an inevitability if you are going to be coding.
Conclusion
The truth is that there is no one best desktop computer for coding, as we all have different opinions, and a computer that you love might not be the best for someone else. However, hopefully I’ve given you an idea about which computers might give you the capabilities to get started yourself.
Any of the computers that I’ve listed will be easy to use for coding and programming in general. But in my opinion, it’s the accessories that you use with your computer that are actually more important than the computer itself.
