Selecting a suitable processor is the most important thing to build an ideal workstation when you want to develop a PC on your own.
Choosing the right CPU shouldn’t be meeting your budget only and the type of work you intend to do; it should be suitable for your needs and the job you are going to do.
For example, a beginner software developer who needs to work on a simple web application development requires a different CPU. Still, you need the best when working on more significant projects like game development or graphics designing.
Here you will find the best CPU for software development in 2021 that will suit the different levels of expertise. However, you need the most professional builds, and we won’t look at the entry-level processors but the best that will suit your work. We will be reviewing the high-performance processors in this guide. If you’re interested in exploring cutting-edge technology trends and how they impact software development, be sure to visit Jelvix.com, where you’ll find insightful articles and resources to keep you informed and inspired throughout your software development journey.
Quick Shopping Guide
Here are a few essential things you need to consider while choosing a processor for software development:
Processor Requirement
When it comes to the professional fields, the processor you will choose should meet your coding requirements.
However, even a single-core CPU would be enough to run a simple linear code, but processor requirements are different when working on complex and more extensive projects.
Work You Intend to Do
There isn’t any exact answer to what is the best CPU for software development while there are hundreds of choices on the market. When you want to build a PC for your work, you need to know your coding requirements to choose the right one.
For example, if you need to work on Data Science and work on larger data sets and compare the information with several data sets, you will surely need a robust system for your work.
In such cases, both excellent single and multiple core processors will be great. Likewise, if you need to work in game development, then the processor you should choose depends on the game you are building. You will need multiple cores to make a complex game, although a cool 6 to 8 CPU would be ideal for most intermediate requirements.
Single vs. Multi-Core Performance
If you need to deal with tools like Blender, Visual Studio, Browser tabs, VMWare, and SQL server simultaneously, then you should go for a powerful processor offering multiple core counts.
Moreover, if you need to focus on a single app, such as a web application, you should go for a Single Core performance offering higher clock speed.
Thus, there is no right choice, though we advise keeping a balance between single-core and multi-core performance at any given budget and avoiding entry-level CPUs if you don’t want any future frustration.
High-Performance CPUs
Many of the professional coding tasks need an excellent high-performance processor from the Intel Core i7, Core i9, or Ryzen 7 or Ryzen 9 series. The choice totally depends on your budget.
If you are a student who is still learning about the basics of coding and Computer Science, you can get the latest generation entry-level processor like Ryzen 3 and Core i3.
However, if you plan to build a decent PC for software development, it is ideal to choose Ryzen 5 or Core i5.
Our Recommendations of The 9 Best CPUs For Software Development In 2021:
AWARD | MODEL | RETAILER |
ONE OF THE BEST CPUS FOR SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT | AMD Ryzen 3 3200G Processor 4 Cores – YD3200C5FHBOX | |
BEAST PROCESSOR THAT COMES WITH 4 CORES AND 8 THREADS | AMD Ryzen 5 3400G Processor 4 Cores – YD3400C5FHBOX | |
IDEAL FOR HANDLING CPU-INTENSIVE TASKS EFFICIENTLY | AMD Ryzen 5 3600 Processor 6 Cores – 100-000000031 | |
EXCELLENT INVESTMENT FOR BUILDING A PC FOR SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT | Intel Core i5 Processor Six Cores – 10400F | |
MID-RANGE INTEL CPU THAT HAD LEFT MILLIONS OF SOFTWARE DEVELOPERS STUNNED WITH ITS OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE | Intel Core i5 10th Gen Processor Six Cores – 10600K | |
EXCELLENT CHOICE FOR MULTITASKING AND RUNNING HEAVY-THREADED APPLICATIONS | Intel Core i7 Processor 8 Cores – 10700K | |
OFFERS AN IDEAL BALANCE BETWEEN PERFORMANCE AND COST | Intel i5-11600K Processor | |
BUY THIS PROCESSOR TO ENJOY GREAT GAMING SESSIONS AND RUN SEVERAL APPLICATIONS SIMULTANEOUSLY | AMD Ryzen 7 3800XT Processor | |
INTERMEDIATE OPTION OFFERED BY INTEL | Intel Core i5-10400 Processor |
9 Best CPUs For Software Development In 2021
Key Features
- 4 Cores & 4 Threads
- 6 GHz / 4 GHz Base Frequency / Boost Frequency
- AM4 Socket
- 65 Watts
Overview
It is one of the best CPUs for software development. It is a pocket-friendly beast offered by AMD. It is equipped with 4 cores and 4 threads to provide excellent power and performance to the users. It provides a 3.6 GHz base clock speed, making this CPU a promising option for those looking for entry-level processors. It is a good choice for programmers and gamers.
This CPU comes with a 12-nanometer microprocessor to offer speedy performance. With the help of 12nm transistors embedded in this CPU’s body, you will get more efficiency and output. It provides fewer issues regarding heating up.
Furthermore, AMD also offers an in-box cooling solution. The cooling fan comes with the CPU helps keep the PC’s internal body calm and cool. Combining a 2 GB graphics card with this CPU will make it the best for gaming, and of course, it is an excellent CPU for software development. The graphics card helps to offer unmatched performance for gaming and coding.
It is a great deal within the price tag. However, if you want to go for it, you should keep in mind that AMD Ryzen 3 quad-core processor doesn’t offer support for multi-threading, which means you won’t be able to run multiple software instructions per core simultaneously. It provides unmatched performance, and the computing performance of this processor is quite decent.
Moreover, it is an excellent purchase as you will get a warranty of 3 years with this processor. It is the best investment, and you won’t regret buying this processor for your PC build.
PROS |
Offers Speedy Performance |
CONS |
Doesn’t Offer Multi-Threading |
Key Features
- 4 Cores & 8 Threads
- 7 GHz / 4.2 GHz Base Frequency / Boost Frequency
- AM4 Socket
- 65W TDP
Overview
AMD Ryzen 5 3400G is a great processor that takes the processing game of Ryzen to the next level. It is a beast processor that comes with 4 cores and 8 threads. Moreover, it also has multi-threading, which is a great feature for most programmers. The company has finally decided to offer multi-threading, which is a most-awaited feature for programmers. It is helpful for multi-tasking and provides efficiency and speed.
Each core of this processor is capable of processing two threads at once. It offers a boost frequency clock speed of 4.2 GHz and 4.0 GHz of the base frequency. It is a feature that many professionals in the software development industry prefer.
The fundamental architecture of this processor is also great, and it is one of the best processors you can expect at this price. It comes with the same old Zen+ 12nm architecture. However, the unmatched iGPU performance helps to balance and scale the performance of the CPU.
Moreover, if you are new to PC building and don’t know the difference between Ryzen 3 and Ryzen 5, then it will be helpful for you to see the difference. Ryzen 5 surpasses Ryzen 3 when it comes to frame rate processing. Likewise, Ryzen 3 offers support for a maximum of 4 cores, and Ryzen 5 can support up to six cores at a time.
Furthermore, the Ryzen 5 3400G offers a Radeon RX Vega 11 GPU, and the 11 cores for graphics are helpful to get an outstanding visual experience.
PROS |
Offers Impressive Clock Speed |
CONS |
Offers Average Thread Workflow |
Key Features
- 6 Cores & 12 Threads
- 6 GHz / 4.2 GHz Base Frequency / Boost Frequency
- AM4 Socket
- 95W TDP
Overview
It is one of our number pick for software development as it comes with a Hexacore processor. It is ideal for handling CPU-intensive tasks efficiently without any problem. Moreover, it is also known as the affordable PC On the market. The price of this processor is more than the processors mentioned above, but it still offers more features in its price range. This super-efficient CPU features a 7nm architecture, and it has smaller transistors that pack up more capability in minimal space.
It offers excellent performance than its predecessors as it offers increased memory in the cores that help improve the system’s responsiveness. It is a fantastic bonus for gamers and developers; the system won’t lag and waste valuable time and effort.
Furthermore, for maintaining a balance, AMD also offers the PBO feature with this processor. PBO is known as Precision Boost Drive, which is an automated overclocking tool. It helps to tune the processor to the maximum potential and keep it stable and cool while performing heavy workloads. It is helpful to prevent the system from getting overheated while performing CPU-intensive tasks.
According to the performance of this CPU, we believe it gives excellent competition to Intel Core i5-9600K, Intel Core i5-9400K, and Intel Core i7-9700K. As Intel offers them, so you can expect them to be expensive. Still, AMD Ryzen 5 3600 is available at a somewhat reduced cost.
It lacks integrated graphics that may need you to think twice before buying. However, it isn’t a priority; we suggest buying this beast to meet your software development requirements quickly.
PROS |
Powerful Processor |
CONS |
Lacks Integrated Graphics |
Key Features
- 6 Cores & 12 Threads
- 9 GHz / 4.3 GHz Base Frequency / Boost Frequency
- LGA1200 Socket
- 65W TDP
Overview
Intel is a popular brand among PC enthusiasts, and it has been around the industry since the revival of bulky PCs on the market. Today, the company is known to be manufacturing the tiniest and most compatible semiconductor chips.
This processor is one of the most outstanding offerings by Intel so far. We are reviewing the best CPUs for software development in 2021, and we can’t really miss it. It is a remarkable processor for software development.
Based on the Comet Lake architecture, It offers 6 cores and 12 threads. Moreover, it also supports hyperthreading which is helpful for the PC to work at the speed of a Flash. It provides ample energy for keeping the PC busy, occupied, and productive. The processor doesn’t sit idle and lets you wait if there are loads of work to do. Instead, it intelligently schedules multiple tasks for execution. You can buy this processor for every kind of job including, programming, gaming, video editing, 3D rendering, and more.
You can expect this processor to meet all of your requirements regarding graphics. It comes with Intel UHD Graphics 630 iGPU that may not offer attractive details, but it is helpful for smoothly running the visual material and current games.
However, it offers a base clock frequency of 2.9 GHz that may not compete with other processors available within this price range. It works pretty well, and by investing some more, you can also boost it up to 4.3 GHz, which helps to enhance the options provided by competitors. Overall, it is more or less the same when it comes to performance and pricing. It is an excellent investment for building a PC for software development.
PROS |
Offers Powerful Performance |
CONS |
Graphics are Average |
Key Features
- 6 Cores & 12 Threads
- 1 GHz / 4.8 GHz Base Frequency / Boost Frequency
- LGA 1200 Socket
- 125W TDP
Overview
It is known as the mid-range Intel CPU that had left millions of software developers stunned with its outstanding performance, and it is available at a reasonable price. If you are looking for something that offers high-quality without making holes in your pocket, it is ideal. Let’s take a look at its specs.
The Intel Core i5 – 10600K is a 10th generation processor offered by the company. It comes equipped with 6 cores and 12 threads to handle CPU-intensive tasks easily. Together, this CPU provides an excellent capacity for running multitasking smoothly.
You can get this CPU to experience the improved performance as a professional software developer. It offers minimal lagging while using system-intensive applications like Data Science, VS Code, and Xcode.
It offers a high unlocked clock speed of up to 4.1 GHz, ensuring the chips will work more efficiently. So, you won’t experience any reduction or disruptions in speed while coding. However, the system isn’t powerful enough to support complex techniques like overclocking.
This processor also offers 125Watts of TDP, which means the system will generate heat equivalent to 125Watts while using the system. Thus, it is risky to overclock the 125W TDP and 4.1 GHz systems, mainly if you are not using a high-quality cooler.
Moreover, the Intel Core i5 is simple enough for new and experienced coders, and it is also suitable for mid-range gaming. This processor is compatible with LGA 1200 socket. According to some reviews by users, you may need to buy a new motherboard and a cooler to use with this CPU. Overall, it is a great processor for programmers who are looking for a powerful CPU.
PROS |
Integrated Design |
CONS |
Not Ideal for Complex Applications Like Overclocking |
Key Features
- 8 Cores & 16 Threads
- Up to 5.1 GHz Unlocked
- LGA 1200 Socket
- 125W TDP
Overview
Previously, we have reviewed the mid-range CPUs that Intel also offers. Now, we are discussing the Intel Core i7 – 10700K.
The Intel Core i7 is a high-end premium series that comes with many outstanding features. It is integrated with 8 cores and 16 threads, and each core of this processor is capable of handling 2-threads. If you are looking for a processor for Data Science and Machine Learning, it is ideal.
As a result, this CPU is an excellent choice for multitasking and running heavy-threaded applications. It helps to smoothly operate CPU-intensive coding tasks and run multiple coding tools like Visual Studio and Android Studio.
This processor comes with Intel Optane Memory Support. It is a fabulous computer memory type that helps to increase the boot time, and thus, it is helpful to improve the system’s overall performance. Unlike some other coding CPUs, it won’t disappoint you with reduced loading time and lagging.
This processor offers up to 5.1 GHz unlocked clock speed, and the integrated chip will work at a greater rate than most modern CPUs. To increase the speed further, it also offers users Intel Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0 support.
In case you need to overclock your CPU, then it is ideal for your overclocking tasks. However, remember that the TDP of this CPU is 125W. Thus, ensure that you are using an excellent CPU cooler while overclocking. A cooler that helps to handle a greater amount of heat.
IT is compatible with LGA 1200 socket type, and if you don’t want to change your old motherboard, ensure your board is compatible with the processor.
However, if you have enough budget to spend on a new motherboard, Intel Core i7 is compatible with all 400 series motherboards. The high-end motherboards can be bought at a separate price.
Overall, the Intel Core i7 is an excellent CPU for software development and gaming, considering all the advanced technologies. This processor is available at a premium price, and before buying it, you need to ensure that all the other things that will work with the CPU are high-quality.
PROS |
Ideal for Coding |
CONS |
Expensive Than Competitors |
Key Features
- 6 Cores & 12 Threads
- 9 GHz / 4.9 GHz Base Frequency / Boost Frequency
- LGA 1200 Socket
- 125W TDP
Overview
When it comes to software development, you need a processor that can handle an extensive range of tasks. Intel Core i5 11600K is known as the most reliable option. This processor comes integrated with 6 cores and 12 cores, and it can efficiently perform different kinds of essential tasks. It offers a speed of 3.9 GHz, and it can reach up to 4.9 GHz. It provides a rich set of features for users.
One of the most noticeable features of this processor is that it supports LGA 1200 socket that is unlocked. This means that some expert users will get the chance of overclocking inside the processor. In such a case, you need a solid cooling source that can easily handle overclocking and rising temperatures.
This processor offers excellent compatibility with the Intel 500 series and is also compatible with the 400 series. The flexibility incompatibility of this processor allows users to get a processor that suits different situations.
It offers support for PCIe 4.0, which is complemented by Intel Optane memory support. So this is a processor suitable for a wide range of equipment that isn’t able to handle coding but other tasks.
Furthermore, it also comes with an Intel Smart Cache of 12M and a power of 125 watts. Overall, it is a great processor available on the market and can be used to handle multiple applications at a time. It is suitable for coding and many other tasks, and it is perfect for users who need to perform numerous tasks on their system simultaneously. It offers an ideal balance between performance and cost.
PROS |
Offers Excellent Clock Speed |
CONS |
Lacks Thermal Solution |
Key Features
- 8 Cores & 16 Threads
- 7 GHz Max Boost
- AM4 Socket
- 105W TDP
Overview
It is vital to have a piece of technology that is truly accurate and reliable for performing various important tasks. It is a processor known as the best processor for software development, and we need to notice that it is an unlocked processor. This processor comes integrated with 8 cores and 16 threads that are helpful to perform various tasks simultaneously.
According to the company, it is one of the fastest processors that helps enhance conventional desktop computers. This processor offers everything you need to get better performance while programming.
However, it cannot offer high-performance processing for programmers, but it also provides excellent performance for gaming. It has everything you need for gaming. You can play the most popular games on this processor, and it offers ultra-fast performance and supports more than 100 fps.
However, remember that the processor doesn’t come with a cooler. So it is better to get an excellent cooling system to avoid all the problems due to high temperatures. The manufacturers suggest using a liquid cooler having a 280 mm radiator or more.
Additionally, it is noteworthy that it comes with an advanced AM4 socket platform and supports PCIe 4.0. It is capable of B550 and X570 motherboards. Moreover, it also offers 105 watts and 36 MB of Game Cache. It provides excellent performance to users during programming and performing other activities. You can buy this processor to enjoy great gaming sessions and run several applications simultaneously.
PROS |
Great for Various Tasks Like Popular Games |
CONS |
Lacks Thermal Solution or Cooler to Prevent Temperature Issue |
Key Features
- 6 Cores & 12 Threads
- 9 GHz / 4.3 GHz Base Frequency / Boost Frequency
- LGA 1200 Socket
- 65W TDP
Overview
It is an intermediate option offered by Intel to make the life of users easier. Many users are delighted with the performance of this processor, and they found it reliable for performing different kinds of tasks, like software development and other essential activities.
One of the critical features of this processor is that it comes with 6 cores and 12 threads to offer better performance while multitasking. Additionally, this processor provides clock speed OF up to 4.3 GHz, and however, the base clock speed provided by this processor is 2.9 GHz.
Among other key features of this processor is the LGA 1200 socket compatibility. It is compatible with Intel 400 series chipset and supports a power rating of 65W. This shows that it is one of the most needed intermediate solutions for users on a medium budget.
Furthermore, the users will also enjoy Intel Turbo Boost Technology 2.0. This is an excellent feature of this processor, and all the features of this processor are helpful for the users to perform various tasks simultaneously without any trouble. Thus, it is a great unit to meet all the needs of beginner programmers who are just learning and looking for a great PC.
Intel Quick Sync Video technology is another notable feature of this processor. This feature is helpful for users in creating Ultra HD videos without wasting their time. This feature allows you to perform various tasks while programming.
Finally, keep in mind that this processor comes with a cooler. So users won’t need to spend money on other cooling systems. One of the apparent drawbacks of this processor is that it is not unlocked, and overclocking doesn’t look to be possible.
Every programmer can use this processor as it is one of the most efficient mid-range options available on the market. It comes at a great price and has excellent features that can be used in a wide range of projects. Thus, you don’t need a big budget for buying a good processor.
PROS |
Comes With a Cooling System to Handle High Temperatures |
CONS |
Locked Processor that Doesn’t Allow Overclocking |
Summary for The Best CPUs for Software Development in 2021:
AWARD | MODEL | RETAILER |
ONE OF THE BEST CPUS FOR SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT | AMD Ryzen 3 3200G Processor 4 Cores – YD3200C5FHBOX | |
BEAST PROCESSOR THAT COMES WITH 4 CORES AND 8 THREADS | AMD Ryzen 5 3400G Processor 4 Cores – YD3400C5FHBOX | |
IDEAL FOR HANDLING CPU-INTENSIVE TASKS EFFICIENTLY | AMD Ryzen 5 3600 Processor 6 Cores – 100-000000031 | |
EXCELLENT INVESTMENT FOR BUILDING A PC FOR SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT | Intel Core i5 Processor Six Cores – 10400F | |
MID-RANGE INTEL CPU THAT HAD LEFT MILLIONS OF SOFTWARE DEVELOPERS STUNNED WITH ITS OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE | Intel Core i5 10th Gen Processor Six Cores – 10600K | |
EXCELLENT CHOICE FOR MULTITASKING AND RUNNING HEAVY-THREADED APPLICATIONS | Intel Core i7 Processor 8 Cores – 10700K | |
OFFERS AN IDEAL BALANCE BETWEEN PERFORMANCE AND COST | Intel i5-11600K Processor | |
BUY THIS PROCESSOR TO ENJOY GREAT GAMING SESSIONS AND RUN SEVERAL APPLICATIONS SIMULTANEOUSLY | AMD Ryzen 7 3800XT Processor | |
INTERMEDIATE OPTION OFFERED BY INTEL | Intel Core i5-10400 Processor |
Conclusion
Software development is a vast field that relates to an extensive range of areas and projects sizes. Everything needs cooling, from writing complex codes to working on cutting-edge Data Science or AI projects.
However, the process of writing a simple code isn’t demanding, and any processor can let you write a block of code using a text editor. The process of compiling and running the code and its complexity defines the kind of hardware you need for your work.
If you have read this guide, you will be able to find a suitable processor for your needs. A sound processor doesn’t only allow you to code but also run multiple tools with ease.
Hence, the best CPUs for software development mentioned here are primarily high-end and high-performance processors usually designed for professional developers and coders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 4GM RAM good enough for coding?
While working as a programmer, you need to run heavy virtual machines and IDEs. This means that 4 GB isn’t enough to meet heavy projects requiring higher processing.
What computer specifications do I need for software development?
The basic specifications for software development are a Full HD 1920 x 1080p resolution, a quad-core processor, and 4 GB of RAM. This will be good enough if you just need to edit text files.
Do I need a powerful computer for editing?
An average user can save a lot of money because coding tasks need to edit text files. Other tasks need a powerful computer, but simple coding tasks don’t require a powerful PC. However, if you handle complex and more extensive projects, you surely need a powerful computer. You can choose any of the processors from the above list and efficiently perform your development tasks on these processors.
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