Workstations

Hardware Essentials for Software Developers A good hardware setup quietly supports daily coding, testing, and debugging. When the gear fits your workflow, you waste less time tweaking connections or waiting for builds. The goal is reliability and comfort, not the flashiest specs. Start with a solid base you can improve over time. A practical workstation balances memory, speed, and storage. For most projects today, aim for these baselines: RAM: 16 GB as a comfortable minimum; 32 GB helps with large codebases, virtual machines, or data work. Storage: a fast NVMe SSD (512 GB or larger) for the OS and apps; add another SSD or HDD for projects and archives. CPU: a modern multi-core processor; at least 4 cores, preferably 6–8 for smoother builds and multitasking. GPU: integrated graphics are enough for typical development; a dedicated GPU only matters for ML or graphics-heavy tasks. Cooling and reliability: a quiet cooling system and a stable power supply prevent throttling and surprises. Displays and ergonomics greatly affect comfort. A good monitor setup saves neck and eye strain. Dual monitors or a wide 27–34 inch panel can help you view code, docs, and terminals at once. Pair with an adjustable stand, a supportive chair, and proper lighting to reduce fatigue during long sessions. ...

Computer Hardware Essentials for Software Developers For software developers, hardware is a tool. A fast, reliable PC reduces wasteful waiting during builds, tests, and debugging. This guide focuses on practical parts and sensible choices, without hype or excess. CPU Choose a modern multi-core CPU with solid single-thread speed. IDEs, compilers, and local containers benefit from more cores, especially during parallel tasks. A typical starting point is 6–12 cores; for large builds or many virtual machines, 16 cores or more can help. Watch thermals—quiet, steady performance beats short, loud bursts. If you use virtualization or emulation, extra cores and better turbo performance pay off during builds and tests. ...