Desktop Build for Programming

Johnnymac6

Reputable
Jun 22, 2015
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4,510
Hey everyone! I am looking for some advice on a new desktop build which will be used primarily for programming. I am working with anything from Javascript to VBA to Python all with different intentions. Some of the programming will be web-based and some will involve big data analysis. I would like to get some input on the entirety of a build including the motherboard, CPU, video card, storage, cases, and monitors (even a good keyboard and mouse combo if you have suggestions). I am looking for a triple monitor setup for starters with the ability to eventually upgrade to four. The computer will be dual booting between Windows and Linux. My budget is around $2,500 for everything including the monitors and a keyboard/ mouse etc. As of now I am looking at the following:

CPU: Intel Core i7-5820K
Motherboard: ASRock Z97 Extreme
Storage: Samsung 850 Pro 1 TB 2.5-Inch SATA III
RAM: G.Skill Ripjaws X (F3-2400C11Q-32GXM)

Obviously there are a lot more pieces to the puzzle but I wanted to get some ideas and be led in the right direction. I would like to have plenty of RAM preferably 32GB or more, a 1TB ssd and 4TB hard drive. I will need USB 3.0 capabilities and do not need some elaborate gaming graphics card since this computer will be for programming although I might occasionally use Photoshop. As for monitors, I would prefer something that isn't bulky and around 23". Thanks for the suggestions in advance!
 
Solution
Wait for Broadwell and buy a 5775C, if you can't wait and need something in the meantime a Pentium G3258 is $70 and that will get you by. Unless you're using MATLAB or some other similar software where you need to stress memory or have a need for error-correction you probably won't need more than 16GB for what you're doing. The Samsung 850 Pro is an incredible drive but consider an SM951 or Intel 750 Series if your budget is set that high as the sequential performance will improve compile times drastically if you're working with a large project or a project with several libraries or other external resources, also the low-queue depths can't be beat so you'll see improvements in speed everywhere else as well.

My recommendations for...
Wait for Broadwell and buy a 5775C, if you can't wait and need something in the meantime a Pentium G3258 is $70 and that will get you by. Unless you're using MATLAB or some other similar software where you need to stress memory or have a need for error-correction you probably won't need more than 16GB for what you're doing. The Samsung 850 Pro is an incredible drive but consider an SM951 or Intel 750 Series if your budget is set that high as the sequential performance will improve compile times drastically if you're working with a large project or a project with several libraries or other external resources, also the low-queue depths can't be beat so you'll see improvements in speed everywhere else as well.

My recommendations for DDR3-2133mhz Dual Channel (8GBx2/16GBx2) kits are are Corsair Dominator Platinum, Mushkin Redline, and G.Skill Sniper, in that order.

Buy this power supply: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151122

Lastly I'll recommend using Noctua fans for cooling, you won't even hear a whisper while doing your work, and LiteOn makes the most reliable DVD Reader/Writers in my opinion.

Get an IPS monitor for anti-glare and best picture quality, a 16x10 ratio will give you more work-space which is EXTREMELY nice for Visual Studio or other IDE, it also helps if you're doing web-editing or want your JS console open.
 
Solution