PC Hardware Components Every Programmer Should Upgrade

Written by

Walter G.

Published on

April 15 2021

Modified on

January 07 2024

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.

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