Best Desktop Computer for Programming and Coding
Whether you are an advanced programmer with years of experience or just beginning your career, it’s crucial that you have the proper tools for your job. And that starts with the right computer.
When choosing the right coding desktop computer for your needs, there are a handful of important factors to keep in mind, including the amount of RAM and type of storage. To help you find the best PC for programming, we’ll explain the essential components you’ll want to include, and then provide a list of the top available options from HP.
Note: If you are looking for the best laptop for coding, you can read more in our article: Best Laptops for Programming.
What to look for in a computer for programming
When evaluating the best coding desktop PCs out there, it’s important to understand the components you need as well as the level of power to prioritize.
1. CPU (central processing unit)
When selecting a CPU for your new desktop PC, you need one that can deliver serious computing power. For programming purposes, you want to start with at least an 8th Generation Intel® i7 processor or an AMD Ryzen™ 5000 series processor.
2. GPU (graphical processing unit)
Unless you use CUDA acceleration technology, your programming tasks won’t require a GPU at the level of a top-tier gaming PC. Instead, you can get the job done with a modern midrange GPU from the NVIDIA® GeForce® RTX series and AMD Radeon™ series.
3. SSD (solid-state drive)
When you’re working on complex tasks such as programming, you don’t want to worry about any part of your PC slowing you down – and that includes your storage. That’s why we recommend that you choose a solid-state drive (SSD) to keep your system nice and speedy. Using an SSD will make every operation on your PC faster, from compiling code to launching applications and projects.
You also want to make sure you have enough internal storage available. Consider investing in at least a 256GB SSD, though a 512GB SSD is even better. This will give you top-tier performance while guaranteeing you have enough room for coding projects. Also, consider a hybrid storage solution to get more bang for your buck.
4. RAM (random access memory)
Aim for at least 16GB of memory as a baseline. This offers a great amount of capacity and gives you the flexibility to run several applications at once without slowdown. However, if you need to run more heavy-duty applications specific to your work, you may want to upgrade to 32GB of RAM.
5 best desktops for programming
Once you know the specs you need, you can feel more confident about choosing a new desktop PC. To make your search a bit easier, we’ve put together this list of the 5 best computers for coding and programming from HP.
1. HP Z4 G5 Workstation
The HP Z4 G5 Workstation stands out as an exceptional choice for programming and coding professionals. Powered by Windows 11 Pro, it offers a seamless and intuitive user experience, essential for modern software development environments.
At its core, the HP Z4 G5 features the robust Intel® Xeon® W5-2445 processor. With speeds up to 4.4 GHz enabled by Intel® Turbo Boost Technology and an impressive 26.25MB L3 cache, its 10 cores and 20 threads deliver unparalleled multitasking capabilities. This makes it ideal for complex coding tasks, including compiling large codebases and running multiple virtual machines.
Memory and storage are critical for a smooth programming experience, and the HP Z4 G5 doesn't disappoint. It boasts 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD, ensuring quick access to frequently used files and applications, as well as ample space for larger projects.
Graphics performance is often overlooked in coding, but it's vital for UI/UX design and game development. The NVIDIA® T1000 with 8GB GDDR6 dedicated memory in this workstation supports these tasks effortlessly, providing smooth rendering of visual elements.
Additionally, the workstation’s design prioritizes expansion and ease of upgrade. With front accessible NVMe bays and multiple PCIe slots, it's built to adapt as your workflow evolves. The tool-less design is a boon for professionals who need to customize their setup without hassle.
2. HP OMEN 40L Desktop (GT21-1490xt)
For programming and coding enthusiasts seeking a desktop computer that combines power, speed, and future-proof technology, the OMEN 40L Desktop (GT21-1490xt) is a top-tier choice. This powerhouse, adorned with a sleek black color and a glass side panel featuring a dark chrome logo, is more than just visually appealing; it's a hub of high-end specifications tailored for the most demanding coding tasks.
Equipped with Windows 11 Home, it offers a user-friendly and efficient operating system, ideal for the latest software development tools. At its heart lies the 13th Generation Intel® Core™ i7 processor, providing high processing power essential for running complex code, virtual machines, and intensive development environments seamlessly.
The NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4070 Ti, with 12GB of GDDR6X dedicated memory, stands out in this configuration. It's not just for gamers; programmers working on graphically intensive applications, such as game development or 3D modeling, will find this feature particularly beneficial.
With 16GB of RAM and a substantial 1TB SSD storage, the OMEN 40L is well-equipped for multitasking and handling large datasets, ensuring that your programming and development workflows are smooth and lag-free.
The design of this desktop is focused on expandability and cooling efficiency. It's equipped with strategically placed fans to maintain optimal temperature even under heavy load, which is vital for long coding sessions. The tool-less design allows for easy upgrades, ensuring that the desktop can evolve with your changing needs.
3. HP Elite SFF 800 G9 Desktop
HP Elite SFF 800 G9 Desktop is an exemplary choice for programming and coding professionals seeking a robust, secure, and high-performance computing solution. This desktop, running on Windows 11 Pro, offers a user-friendly interface and a suite of productivity-enhancing features, making it an ideal platform for software development and coding tasks.
Powered by the Intel® Core™ i7-13700 processor with a turbo boost up to 5.2 GHz, it ensures swift and efficient performance, essential for compiling code, running complex algorithms, and multitasking across various development environments. The 30MB L3 cache, 16 cores, and 24 threads of this processor further enhance its capability to handle demanding programming tasks with ease.
The HP Elite SFF 800 G9 is equipped with 16GB of DDR5-4800 MHz RAM, providing ample memory for running multiple applications simultaneously without lag. Additionally, the 512GB PCIe® NVMe™ TLC SSD offers speedy storage, ensuring quick boot times and fast access to files and applications.
4. HP Z2 Small Form Factor G9 Workstation
The HP Z2 Small Form Factor G9 Workstation is a top-tier desktop computer for programming and coding, offering a perfect blend of power, security, and sustainability. This workstation is designed to cater to the demanding needs of modern programming environments, making it an ideal choice for developers, coders, and IT professionals.
Equipped with Windows 11 Pro, the Z2 SFF G9 provides a reliable and efficient operating system, enhancing productivity with its user-friendly interface and robust performance. The workstation is powered by an Intel® Core™ i7-13700 processor with a turbo boost up to 5.2 GHz, offering exceptional speed and responsiveness. This, coupled with 16 cores and 24 threads, ensures smooth multitasking and efficient handling of complex coding tasks.
For graphics, the workstation features integrated Intel® UHD Graphics and a discrete NVIDIA RTX™️ A4000 with 16GB GDDR6 dedicated memory, delivering excellent visual performance for tasks requiring graphical processing, such as game development and 3D modeling.
5. HP Pavilion Desktop (TP01-3025t)
The HP Pavilion Desktop (TP01-3025t), featuring Windows 11 Home and a 12th Generation Intel® Core™ i5 processor, is an ideal desktop computer for programming and coding enthusiasts.
The heart of this desktop, the Intel® Core™ i5-12400 processor with a turbo boost up to 4.4 GHz, 18MB L3 cache, 6 cores, and 12 threads, ensures efficient multitasking and smooth operation even with demanding development environments. This makes it suitable for a wide range of programming tasks, from simple script writing to complex software development.
Graphically, it is equipped with Intel® UHD Graphics 730, catering well to the needs of general coding and software development tasks. Although not designed for high-end graphic design or game development, it offers sufficient capability for standard programming requirements.
Summary
The best computer for programming is the one that meets your technical needs along with your budget. Whichever option you choose from our list, you can feel confident that it has the processor, GPU, RAM, and storage necessary to compute complex tasks without any slowdown for all your programming needs.
About the Author: Daniel Horowitz is a contributing writer for HP Tech Takes. Daniel is a New York-based author and has written for publications such as USA Today, Digital Trends, Unwinnable Magazine, and many other media outlets.
