Best Desktop PCs for Programmers by Lenovo & HP

Programming is the most essential part of a developer’s work-life. This is a daunting job that requires the right tools and the best desktop computers. Especially, if you are to work on complex coding projects, you need powerful desktop PCs. Although you do not need a robust computer as a beginner, it is wise to consider your future requirements.

This article includes the best desktop PCs for programmers with intermediate needs. There are no guidelines for buying a programming PC. So, our collection includes desktop computers for beginner to medium-level programmers. We have picked one model from Lenovo PCs and one from HP PCs.

These are the best desktop for programming at their given prices, thanks to high-end components. Below we have reviewed each programming PC in detail from design to components to performance. Read the complete article to find out which one of these desktop PCs is right for your programming needs.

Lenovo ThinkStation P330 – Budget Choice from Lenovo PCs

• Processor: Intel Core i5-8400 / 2.8GHz Maximum Turbo Speed 4.0GHz
• Memory Size: 8 GB
• Storage Capacity: 128 GB SSD
• Graphics: Intel UHD 630
• OS: Windows 10
• Weight: About 2.91 lbs (1.32kg)

The ThinkStation P330 is our pick from Lenovo PCs. This is one of the best Core i5 desktop PCs that can nurture your programming needs.

Design & Body
It is a compact, lightweight computer with a tiny frame. Its dimensions are 7 x 7.2 x 1.5 inches while it weighs about 2.91 lbs (1.32kg). Lenovo ThinkStation P330 looks like a book that you can position vertically or horizontally. Thanks to its small chassis, you can easily place it anywhere you want. Hide it under your desk, place it behind the monitor, or mount it on your office wall.

Hardware Selection
The ThinkStation P330 features a Core i5-8400 processor along with a UHD 630 integrated GPU. You will get a 2.8GHz base frequency with a turbo speed of 4.0GHz. Plus, there is a DDR4 RAM of 8GB which bodes well with its SSD storage. The system runs on the Windows 10 OS so you will have a remote desktop connection with your team.

Lenovo PCs are famed for their price-to-productivity value and the ThinkStation P330 has once again proved it. This is a fairly balanced hardware selection that you can get at this price range.

Ports & Connectivity
The port selection on ThinkStation P330 makes it one of the best Lenovo PCs. It comes with future-ready ports that have covered all types of connectivity. On the front, there is the power button and below it are the audio and mic jacks. Then there is the USB-C port and a USB-A port.

On the back panel, there are four more USB-A ports. Also, there is an HDMI output, DisplayPort, and 1GbE port for networking. Modern desktop computers contain at least one USB-C port, so this is a future-ready port assortment.

Performance Review
The ThinkStation P330 delivers a reliable performance like other Lenovo PCs. If you are a developer in need of affordable yet speedy desktop computers, put your money on this one. It is a small, lightweight model that has the right components.

HP Compaq Elite 8300 – Affordable Pick from HP PCs

• Processor: Intel Core i5-3470 / 3.2GHz Max. Turbo Speed 3.6GHz
• Memory Size: 4 GB
• Storage Capacity: 1 TB HDD
• Graphics: Intel HD 2000
• OS: Windows 7 Pro
• Weight: About 16.7 lbs (7.6kg)
• The Compaq Elite 8300 is our affordable pick from HP PCs’ range. This is another cheap model for inexpensive Core i5 desktop computers.

Design & Body
HP Compaq Elite 8300 is a tower PC with a small form factor (SFF) chassis. The brand has tried to reduce the size like its tiny desktop PCs. It comes with dimensions (HWD) of 4 x 14.9 x 13.3 inches and weighs about 16.7 lbs (7.6kg). This is not the most compact chassis, but the extra space provides room for future upgrades.

It can be placed both vertically and horizontally, so you can place it as you wish. So, you can place it beside your computer monitor or under your desk to save space.

Hardware Selection
Hardware on the Elite 8300 is modest as compared to other Core i5 HP PCs. It features the Core i5-3470 CPU with HD 2000 integrated GPU that runs on the Windows 7 OS. The processor offers a 3.2GHz base frequency and can deliver up to 3.6GHz turbo speed. Additionally, there is 1TB hard drive storage to keep your data files in one place. The RAM size is 4 GB, which is low and can be upgraded as per your needs.

The hardware configuration on HP Compaq Elite 8300 is ideal for small to medium-size businesses. However, with a little up gradation, you can use it for programming.

Ports & Connectivity
The port selection on the Elite 8300 is upsetting even by HP PCs’ standard. This core i5 desktop PC features four USB-A 3.0 ports on the front panel. There is a DVDRW drive placed upfront while the power button sits beside it. Then there is a 3.5mm audio-mic jack for better communication and headphone attachment.

Its rear side features 6 more USB-A ports, four of which are 3.0 while the two are traditional 2.0. Unfortunately, it lacks eSATA and HDMI output connectors as well as s USB-C port. It does not fulfill modern-day standards, but it is good if all you need is basic level connectivity.

Performance Review
HP Compaq Elite 8300 is a modest choice from desktop PCs. It can run Office Suite and let you work on multiple files. You can accomplish common tasks such as word processing, spreadsheeting, browsing, and streaming. However, if you want to do some pro-level programming on it, you must upgrade its specs first.

Final Thoughts
Desktop PCs are often the first choice of developers when it comes to programming. Reliable performance, a smooth cooling system, and value-pack components give them an edge over laptops. Let us know what you think about these two desktop computers. In case you still want to explore more models, visit Laptop Outlet to discover more Lenovo and HP PCs.