I'm a software developer currently working with a large codebase. My trusty MacBook Air M1 with 8GB of RAM has served me well for the last few years, but I'm really struggling with performance when it comes to managing a monorepo. Saving a file can take up to 2 minutes! I'm torn between upgrading to a MacBook Pro M5 or fulfilling my dream of building a custom PC. I've put together a potential build and would love to hear your thoughts on it:
- **CPU:** Ryzen 9 7900X ($342)
- **RAM:** Crucial Pro 16GB 6000MHz DDR5 (4x16GB, $400)
- **Motherboard:** MSI X870 Gaming Plus WiFi DDR5 ($267)
- **GPU:** Gigabyte Radeon AMD RX 9060 XT 16GB OC 3X ($482)
- **Storage:** Samsung 990 Pro 2TB ($185)
- **PSU:** Segotep 850W Gold PCIe 5.1 ($75)
- **Cooling:** Arctic 360 A-RGB ($167)
- **Case:** Gamdias Atlas P2 CG Black RGB ($100)
I'll mainly use the PC for development—running a couple of Docker containers, two instances of VSCode, working with a large codebase, and some occasional gaming on a 4K screen, though not necessarily at the highest settings. I'm located outside North America and Europe, so prices may vary. If any components are overpriced, I'd appreciate suggestions for alternatives!
3 Answers
I think you should look into a B850 motherboard instead; the X870 seems like overkill for your use case and can save you some cash. Overall, I think the build looks good, but don't overthink the components—focus on what you'll actually need!
If you're working with a large codebase, hot reload could help save some time when saving files instead of recompiling everything. You might also consider investing in a more powerful GPU if you ever plan on using AI tools locally. About the RAM, just be cautious with running four sticks on an AM5 motherboard; it might cause boot issues if not set up properly.
You might want to reconsider how much RAM you really need. 64GB is a lot, especially if your main focus is development; it may not be necessary unless you're running super heavy applications. Also, keep in mind that the RX 9060 XT might struggle with 4K gaming—you might want to aim for a stronger GPU if that's a priority. Lastly, I'd suggest ditching the Segotep PSU; it's better to invest in a more reputable brand for reliability.
Thanks for the feedback! I agreed that the RAM might be overkill, but I'm concerned about the heavy workloads at my job. As for the PSU, do you have any specific brands or models you recommend?
I appreciate the tip! I do use hot reload for my Angular projects, which helps a bit. And yeah, I was worried about the RAM setup—maybe I should just stick to 32GB to be safe.