To be the next big thing in gaming or app development, you need to have the latest hardware. Getting new components is relatively easy, and it is usually a painless process. Just know what components need to be replaced and proceed with the process.
But what PC hardware components should a software development company needs to upgrade? Most assume that bigger hard drives and faster processors are necessary for storing code assets. However, there is more beyond that.
For example, new students often look to experienced pros for inspiration when upgrading their hardware. This is because they have already learned what kinds of upgrades are needed.
In the course materials, anyone entering a coding program will likely find that they must have minimum laptop specs. Although your distinctive needs may vary depending on the operating system and programming language, these guidelines should give you a good idea of the hardware requirements you need to work with.
Overview
Generally, most programming tasks require a minimum of the following:
- Intel i5 (recommended: i7 CPU)
- 8GB (recommended: 16GB to 32GB RAM)
- 1920 x 1080 resolution display
And some components are essential for a coding-work laptop, such as:
- a USB hub
- an HDMI port
- a card reader
All of which are used to transfer data or connect additional devices. But, there are more critical components that you need to consider.Â
4 Main Hardware Components That Every Developer Should Upgrade
1. The monitor setup needs to be upgraded.
Monitor setup is very important in coding or programming. You should opt for a high-resolution display to clearly preview the system or program you’re developing.Â
The higher resolution requirement is not because you need to stream high-definition videos. Instead, you need a wider viewing area to simultaneously accommodate multiple applications and programs.
Although upgrading the desktop PC’s display is a snap, upgrading the laptop’s display is not an option either. Doing so will involve replacing the entire screen and video cables.
2. The hard drive and SSD should be upgraded.
In addition to the processor and physical memory, switching to a solid-state drive can improve the computer’s speed. It is worth noting that a boost in performance can be achieved by replacing your hard disk drive with an SSD (Solid State Drive).
Although it is excellent for the average user to have fast boot-up and data retrieval, it is also important for programmers to have an SSD to keep their systems running smoothly. An SSD can help minimize downtime while waiting for Windows updates and restarts.
A Solid State Drive is simple to install and can be used on almost any computer. It has a single nut to remove and can be installed on any operating system. If you have a larger hard disk drive, you can add a cheap secondary one for additional storage.
3. You need to upgrade the RAM.
The most apparent upgrade is to add a lot of memory to your system. Doing so will allow you to keep running smoothly while keeping track of all your programs.
If you have difficulty debugging or compiling, add some extra RAM to your system. This will allow you to get through the various issues that can occur.
Although 16GB is the ideal amount for most advanced user applications, it is recommended to upgrade to 32GB if your motherboard can handle it.
4. Upgrade the CPU and GPU.
Even though you have more RAM and increased processor speed, your computer still seems slow. The main reason is that older CPUs cannot perform well with some tools you may need, such as image editing software.
On the other hand, upgrading GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) is only necessary for programmers working with applications heavily dependent on graphics, such as Windows games and video editing tools. Unfortunately, there is a workaround for laptop users.
Even though connecting an external graphics card can reduce your device’s portability, it can still provide exceptional performance when coding complex programs.
Bottom Line
Having ideal hardware components is one of the keys to successful programming and software development. While you can opt for the minimum, upgrading to the maximum capacity is highly recommended.
Your monitor setup, SSD and hard drive, RAM, CPU, and GPU play an essential role in programming and developing software. And that’s the main reason why they need to be upgraded.