9 Best desktops for programming and coding
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Key notes
- As a programmer, it is essential to have the right set of tools to take on complex coding projects.
- We have listed the best desktops for programming and coding to help you find the best desktop PC in your budget.
- Explore more on programming and software development by visiting our dedicated Developer Tools hub.
- Find more computer review and laptops recommendations in our Laptops section.
Whether you are a software developer or web developer, programming is most likely at the core of your day to day job. At times, programming can be a daunting task, but having the right set of tools can make the coding life a bit easier.
Before you start looking at your options for the best desktops for programming and coding, it is important to understand your requirements.
If you are a beginner, you probably don’t need a high-end PC. However, if you tend to work on large and complex projects, it is wise to invest in something more robust.
In this article, we explore the best desktops for programming and coding for both beginner and expert level programmers.
What are the best desktops for programming and coding?
HP Pavilion TP01
- Good performance for the price
- Great built-quality and premium looks
- Plenty of storage and expansion option
- Optical drive included
- Only 180W power supply
With the latest and powerful Intel Core i7 processor at its core, the HP Pavilion TP01 is a well-built desktop PC with an attractive chassis giving it a premium look
The 10th gen CPU is paired with 16GB of RAM, 1TB of hard drive, 256GB of SSD storage for your Windows installation that comes installed out of the box.
It also features all the usual connectivity features, along with Bluetooth and WiFi.
Dell Alienware Aurora R12
- Speedy 10th Gen Intel processor
- Good customization option
- Good thermal performance under load
- Unique design
- The unique design makes it expensive for the specs
The Dell Alienware Aurora R11 is the upgraded version of its predecessor and starts at $1300. The starting configuration features the latest Intel Core i5 10th Gen CPU coupled with GTX GPU for gaming and coding needs.
While the storage is limited to 8 GB of RAM and 1TB of HDD, you can further expand the same by adding a RAM stick and an SSD drive.
The unique feature of this desktop is again the head-turning case that sets it apart from other gaming desktops in the market.
HP Envy TE01
- Good built quality with premium looks
- Powerful Intel 10th Gen CPU and RTX graphics
- Plenty of storage
- Built-in DVD writer
- No Thunderbolt 3 port
If you want a desktop that can also do gaming, the HP Envy TE01 is a good choice. While it features the same Intel Core i7 10th Gen CPU as the previous HP model, this one comes with RTX 2060 graphics for optimal gaming performance.
The HP Envy TE01 comes packed with 16 GB of RAM with an expansion slot, 1TB of SSD storage, and Windows 10 Home installed out of the box. For connectivity, it features HDMI, USB, and Display Ports on the front.
Acer Aspire TC-885-UA92
- Excellent value
- Great performance in its segment
- Optical drive, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth support
- USB Type-C support
- Intel integrated graphics
Acer Aspire TC-885-UA92 one of the best budget desktop for programming and coding as it offers excellent value for the price. The performance is handled by an Intel Core i5 9th Gen CPU with integrated Intel graphics.
Acer Aspire TC-885-UA92 also features 12 GB of RAM, 512GB of SSD storage, USB 3.1 and Type-C ports, WiFi, and Bluetooth connectivity. It runs on Windows 10 out of the box.
HP Slim S01
- Slim and compact desktop computer
- Good performance for the price
- Plenty of I/O ports
- DVD writer
- No USB Type-C
If you are a beginner looking for a desktop for home use, HP Slim S01 is a good choice. It is a budget desktop from HP with a premium-looking design in a compact chassis.
The HP Slim S01 features an AMD Athlon Gold 3140U CPU coupled with 8GB of RAM and 256 GB of SSD out of the box. It also features a DVD driver with plenty of USB ports and an SD card reader.
Acer Aspire TC-865-UR15
- Well built chassis
- Good performance for the category
- Optical Drive, WiFi, and Bluetooth
- USB Type-C port
- USB layout is too busy
The Acer Aspire TC-865-UR15 is another budget gaming PC from Acer that offers excellent value while delivering speedy performance in a well-built case.
Acer Aspire TC-865-UR15 features an Intel Core i5 processor, paired with 8GB of RAM, 512 GB SSD, and a DVD writer. Other features in the PC include Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity, USB Type-C, and HDMI port all powered by Windows 10 Home.
OMEN Obelisk 875
The OMEN Obelisk 875 is a compact gaming PC with a great design and top-notch performance. It is a high-end PC and comes loaded with impressive hardware to take on your complex coding projects and intensive gaming sessions.
It features an Intel Core i7 9th Gen CPU paired with RTX 2060 graphics. It also comes with 16GB of RAM, 512GB SSD storage and Windows 10 Home out of the box.
Pros:
- Tasteful and compact design
- Very easy access
- Excellent performance in the segment
- Plenty of I/O output options
Cons:
- Loud fans under full load
SkyTech Shiva Gaming PC
SkyTech Shiva is a custom-built gaming PC that comes with a minimal yet elegantly designed chassis. Under the hood, it features a Ryzen 5 2600 CPU paired with the mid-range RTX 2060 graphics.
For storage, SkyTech Shiva comes with 16GB of RAM, a 500GB SSD drive, and a full RGB fan configuration.
Pros:
- Good design
- Good performance in the segment
- Decent thermal performance
Cons:
- GPU does not support DVI
MSI MPG Trident AS
MSI MPG Trident AS is a gaming desktop from the popular gaming hardware manufacturer and packs enough power to meet your coding and gaming needs.
It features an Intel Core i7 10th CPU, NVIDIA RTX 2060 Super GPU, 16 GB of RAM, 1TB SSD and plenty of I/O ports on the front and back. It runs on Windows 10 Home out of the box.
Pros:
- Sleek and compact
- Quiet cooling fans
- Excellent performance in the segment
- Supports both Thunderbolt 3 and WiFi 6
Cons:
- Disassembly is complicated
HP Pavilion TG01
The HP Pavilion TG01 series desktops come in different configurations. The listed HP Pavilion TG01 machine is a budget gaming desktop with a sleek design and good performance.
Pavilion TG01 features a powerful Intel Core i5 9th Gen CPU, GTX 1660Ti graphics, 16GB of RAM and 256GB SSD + 1TB of HDD storage. The RAM and storage is expandable using the empty slots.
Pros:
- Good design and build quality
- Powerful i5 processor and NVIDIA graphics
- Fast 256 GB SSD
- DVD writer
Cons:
- Upgrade process is not easy
