DEV Community

Cover image for Maximum Value PC Build for Software Engineering
QuanticDev
QuanticDev

Posted on

Maximum Value PC Build for Software Engineering

Today we will build a desktop computer from scratch with the maximum possible value for the money. I am a long time Mac and Linux user on the laptop side for my software engineering tasks, but I am tired of the fan noise. So, I decided to create a desktop build and get the maximum bang for my buck, while retaining great upgradability. I would like to remind you that this build is targeting mainly programming with lightweight photo/video/3D work. Below are the specs:

  • CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 3600: ~$200
    • Alternative: Ryzen 3 3100/3300X: ~$100
    • Future: Ryzen 4600/4300X/4100 when they are out.
  • GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 SUPER: ~$200
    • Alternative: GTX 1060 6GB: ~$100: (check out Ebay)
    • Future: GTX 3060 when it is out.
  • MOBO: MSI X570 Tomahawk WiFi: ~$200
    • Alternative: MSI B550 Gaming Carbon WiFi: ~$200
  • RAM: Corsair Vengeance LPX Black DDR4 3200MHz 2x16GB: ~$150
  • SSD Disk (NVMe): WD Blue SN550 M.2 2280 1TB: ~$100
  • Power Supply: Corsair RM750X V2 750W: ~$120
  • Chassis: Fractal Design Define 7: ~$150
    • Alternative: Fractal Design Meshify C: ~$90
  • Keyboard: HyperX Alloy FPS: ~$70
  • Mouse: Logitech G502: ~$50
  • Headset: Logitech G Pro
  • Desk Speaker: Creative Pebble V2
  • Total: ~$900 - ~$1200

Since it is physically impossible to copy that many images to dev.to, I'll just leave a link to my blog post on YT video if you want to follow the full guide:

Top comments (0)