Best Cpu for Coding

This entry has been published on June 10, 2021 and may be out of date.

Last Updated on November 15, 2022 by admin

Best Cpu for Coding – Coding is a vast umbrella term and relates to a multitude of fields and project sizes. From writing a “Hello World” code all the way to working on cutting edge AI or Data Science projects, all require coding.

The process of writing the code itself is not demanding at all. Any processor can allow you to write a block of code on a text editor. It is the process of compiling and running the code and its complexity that determines what kind of hardware you want.

If you have read this article, we can assume that you are looking for a well balanced processor that can allow you to not just code, but also run your sophisticated codes with ease.

ROUND UP

Hence the best CPU for coding mentioned here are mostly high performance, or high end processors generally meant for professional coders and developers.

1.Intel Core i9-10900K

Intel’s Core i9-10900K still doesn’t match AMD’s halo 16-core 32-thread Ryzen 9 3950X in terms of threaded performance. Instead, the 10900K competes with the 12-core 24-thread Ryzen 9 3900X in terms of both performance and price, but Intel’s chip has the highest power consumption we’ve seen recently on the mainstream desktop.

Intel pushes the 10900K’s TDP envelope up to 125W (a 30W gen-on-gen increase), but that’s only a measure of base power consumption. Intel rates the processor for 250W at peak performance, and we even measured peaks as high as 325W at out-of-the-box settings. Naturally, that results in a lot of heat.

2.Intel Core i7-11700K

To start off, if you’d prefer a deeper dive into all the 11th Generation goodness we’ve got to spare (including info on motherboard compatibility and cost of adoption), head on over to our review of the Core i9-11900K flagship for all the details.

For now, here’s how the various CPUs in the “Rocket Lake” lineup shake out. (Note that for legibility’s sake we’ve left out the low-power 35-watt “T” versions of these chips, which will be of interest mostly to OEMs.)

3.Intel Core i7-10700K

AMD isn’t sitting still, though. The company recently announced a new line of Ryzen XT processors that should bring slight performance improvements over the existing chips. Still, more importantly, the pending chips have resulted in lower pricing on the existing processors.

The competing $300 Ryzen 7 3700X isn’t as adept in gaming and only holds a slight edge in creativity applications, so it slots in as a lower-cost alternative. Meanwhile, the Ryzen 9 3900X retails for a fantastic $415, and its 12 cores offer far more performance in threaded workloads, making it the go-to productivity chip.

4.AMD Ryzen 9 3950X

The CPU upsets Intel’s positioning in mainstream desktops and disrupts it’s vaunted high-end desktop (HEDT) lineup in the process.

Aside from the deep dive on the CPU that we’re tackling here, we’ve also tested and reviewed they Ryzen 9 3950X in Alienware’s redesigned Aurora R10 gaming desktop. That system trounced competing high-end gaming rigs in many productivity tests.

But Dell did a questionable job on the cooling front, including a single intake fan and a small radiator with the AIO liquid cooler.

5.AMD Ryzen 9 5950X

Compare it to Intel’s closest options, such as the Core i9-10980XE Extreme Edition and others in the decidedly pricey, definitely HEDT Core X-Series, and the value contest isn’t even close. In the core wars at the close of 2020, AMD simply can’t be beat.

If you deal with demanding content-creation applications or need a workhorse CPU to handle the rigors of heavy-load, highly multithreaded productivity tasks day in and day out, look no further.

As AMD’s latest and greatest top-of-the-stack Zen 3 processor, the Ryzen 9 5950X delivers core-crushing power that bests an Intel chip meant to compete with AMD’s own “true HEDT” platform, Ryzen Threadripper. Most folks don’t need all the power the Ryzen 9 5950X packs, but few wouldn’t want it.

6.AMD Ryzen 7 3700X

It may not come close to surpassing the Ryzen 9 3900X, , especially in multi-threaded workloads, and it has inherited the Ryzen 7 2700X’s 8-core, 16-thread setup. However, it still brings to the table that raw performance for those who are on a limited budget.

With the AMD Ryzen 7 3700X, you’re getting a much more affordable processor that also needs less robust cooling, and it’s simply the best processor for most people. But, don’t take our word for it; read our review to find out exactly what it’s capable of.

7.AMD Ryzen 9 3900X

Still, though, there’s more than just core counts when it comes to a mainstream processor, as single-core performance needs to be on point, especially if you’re hoping to play the best PC games.

Now, we’re asking ourselves whether or not the AMD Ryzen 9 3900X finally dethrones the Intel Core i9-9900K as the de facto ruler of the mainstream processors. Ultimately, it depends: the 3900X doesn’t reach the same single-core performance as Intel, but we’re starting to see more games adopt multi-threaded CPUs, so that doesn’t matter as much.

And, now that people are going to be buying more CPUs for Black Friday, this will make for a more heated processor battle.

8.AMD Ryzen 7 3800XT

Ryzen 7 3700X. Even with AMD’s refinements to its 7-nanometer (7nm) manufacturing process in the XT line of chips, the 3800XT can’t quite find its way to a level of greatness that matches its price point. The chip adds up to a rare value misfire for AMD, in a year in which the company has seldom made a misstep.

Midrange content creators will see better returns on an investment in the Ryzen XT family with the Ryzen 5 3600XT, and the Editors’ Choice-winning Ryzen 7 3700X often scored so close to the Ryzen 7 3800XT in both content creation and gaming that, at times, it was hard to tell them apart.

With AMD’s next-generation Zen 3 around the corner (coming by the end of 2020, the company insists at the moment), the Ryzen 7 3800XT is a not a bad chip by itself, but it’s outclassed by other Ryzen family members.

9.Intel Core i5-10600K

And Intel’s Core i5 series could definitely use some help — the third-gen Ryzen processors, for all of their headline-stealing high core counts in the higher-end models, did the most damage in Intel’s mid-range due to their superior value and ultra-competitive gaming performance.

The Core i5 and Ryzen 5 segments comprise the bulk of sales to the ever-growing cadre of gamers and enthusiasts looking for the best bang for the buck, so success here is key.

10.Intel Core i5-9600K

But now, fast Ryzen 5 CPUs often prove superior. Intel did increase the core count of its Coffee Lake-based Core i5s by 50 percent to grapple with AMD’s first-gen Ryzen 5 chips. However, the latest round of Ryzen 5 models is even faster, particularly in threaded workloads, as you can see in our CPU Benchmark Hierarchy.

Intel’s ninth-gen Core i7 and Core i9 processors come with more cores, too. Unfortunately, the Core i5-9600K we’re reviewing today does not. It includes the same six cores as its predecessor, along with a price tag that lands between Ryzen 5 2600X and Ryzen 7 2700. Worse, both competing CPUs are bundled with coolers, while Intel makes you buy your own.

Best Cpu for Coding – BUYER’S GUIDE

There is no right answer to what the best processor for Coding is. PC builder will generally inquire what your coding requirements are if you ask them to recommend a CPU to you.

For instance, if your coding deals with Data Science where you have very very large data sets that you need to work with and correlate information with multiple data sets, then you will certainly need as powerful a system as you can get.

In such instances both excellent singe core performance (including clock speed) as well as a high core count would matter.

Similarly, if you are developing a game, then the type of processor you choose would also depend upon the complexity of the game you are building. The more complex the game, the more cores you will need, albeit a cool 6-8 cores CPU would be great for most intermediate requirements.

Single vs Multi Core Performance

If you have several instances of Visual Studio, Blender, Browser tabs, SQL server instance and VMWare operating at the same time, then well, you can already guess that you will need a powerful processor with a high Core count

On the other hand, if you working highly focused on a single app, like a web app, then you will benefit from a better Single Core performance, or a higher clockspeed.

So there is no right answer, albeit we would advice to keep a balance of single core / multi core performance at any given budget and also advice against entry level CPUs if you want to save yourself from future frustration.

We Recommend High Performance CPUs

Gauging your coding requirement is the first step to deciding what processor you need.

Most of the professional coding tasks require having a good high performance processor from the Intel Core i9, Core i7 or Ryzen 9, Ryzen 7 series. The choice would depend upon your budget.

If you are just a student learning the ropes of the Computer Science and coding basic programs, you can even get away with the latest gen entry level Core i3 and Ryzen 3 processors.

However, if you plan to build a decent coding PC, we recommend at least a mainstream Core i5 or Ryzen 5 CPU if budget is a concern.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Processor Requirement for Coding?

As is the case will all professional fields, the CPU that you get depends a lot upon your coding requirements.

The fact of the matter is that even a Single Core CPU would be quite sufficient for running a simple linear code, however, if you are reading this, then we can assume that you have at least a modest demand for a CPU.

WRAP UP

Best Cpu for Coding –  If you plan to build a rig of your own, the processor will most certainly be most integral part of your workstation.

The choice of the CPU would not only define your budget, but also the type of coding, its complexity and the level of your project.

For instance a beginner coder working on a simple web app would have a drastically different CPU requirements as compared to same working on a complex game development project.

-31% Intel Core i9-10900K
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-39% Intel Core i7-11700K
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-30% Intel Core i7-10700K
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-21% AMD Ryzen 9 3950X
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-42% AMD Ryzen 9 5950X
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-9% AMD Ryzen 7 3700X
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-17% AMD Ryzen 9 3900X
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AMD Ryzen 7 3800XT
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-31% Intel Core i5-10600K
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-4% Intel Core i5-9600K
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