Build for coding
Compiling large codebases (C++, Rust, Android, games), running several virtual machines or a local Kubernetes.
Budget
Goal: Quick builds, a couple of VMs
$1,378
- Compiles about 1.5× as fast as a typical entry gaming PC (Ryzen 5 7600 + RTX 5060)
- 32 GB of memory: enough for most several virtual machines
- 14C/20T processor
- Processor
- 14C/20T
- Graphics
- Built-in
- Memory
- 32 GB DDR5
- Storage
- 2 TB
- Peak power
- ~233 W
- ProcessorCore i5-14600K$354 at PC Case Gear (opens store in a new tab)
- MotherboardMSI PRO B760M-A WiFi$219 at Centre Com (opens store in a new tab)
- MemoryKingston Fury Beast 32GB (2×16) DDR5-6000$374 at Mwave (opens store in a new tab)
- StorageKingston NV3 2TB$184 at Amazon AU (opens store in a new tab)
- CPU coolerDeepCool AK400$44 at Amazon AU (opens store in a new tab)
- Power supplyMSI MAG A650BN$79 at Amazon AU (opens store in a new tab)
- CaseJonsbo D31 Mesh$124 at Centre Com (opens store in a new tab)
Mid-range
Best valueGoal: Big codebases, several VMs
$2,068
- Compiles about 2.0× as fast as a typical entry gaming PC (Ryzen 5 7600 + RTX 5060)
- 64 GB of memory: plenty for several virtual machines
- 20C/20T processor
- Processor
- 20C/20T
- Graphics
- Built-in
- Memory
- 64 GB DDR5
- Storage
- 2 TB
- Peak power
- ~302 W
- ProcessorCore Ultra 7 265K$499 at Amazon AU (opens store in a new tab)
- MotherboardGigabyte B860M Aorus Elite WiFi6E$259 at Amazon AU (opens store in a new tab)
- MemoryCorsair Vengeance 64GB (2×32) DDR5-6000$689 at Amazon AU (opens store in a new tab)
- StorageWD Black SN850X 2TB$249 at Centre Com (opens store in a new tab)
- CPU coolerThermalright Frozen Notte 280$124 at Mwave (opens store in a new tab)
- Power supplyCorsair RM750e (2023)$124 at Amazon AU (opens store in a new tab)
- CaseJonsbo D31 Mesh$124 at Centre Com (opens store in a new tab)
High-end
Goal: Fastest builds, lots of VMs
$2,328
- Compiles about 2.3× as fast as a typical entry gaming PC (Ryzen 5 7600 + RTX 5060)
- 64 GB of memory: plenty for several virtual machines
- 16C/32T processor
- Processor
- 16C/32T
- Graphics
- Built-in
- Memory
- 64 GB DDR5
- Storage
- 2 TB
- Peak power
- ~282 W
- ProcessorRyzen 9 9950X$819 at Amazon AU (opens store in a new tab)
- MotherboardASRock B650M Pro RS WiFi$199 at Amazon AU (opens store in a new tab)
- MemoryCorsair Vengeance 64GB (2×32) DDR5-6000$689 at Amazon AU (opens store in a new tab)
- StorageWD Black SN850X 2TB$249 at Centre Com (opens store in a new tab)
- CPU coolerThermalright Frozen Notte 280$124 at Mwave (opens store in a new tab)
- Power supplyCorsair RM750e (2023)$124 at Amazon AU (opens store in a new tab)
- CaseJonsbo D31 Mesh$124 at Centre Com (opens store in a new tab)
What matters
- Processor cores: compile time drops almost in step with core count.
- 64 GB of memory or more for virtual machines.
- A fast NVMe drive for builds and container images.
What to skip
- A graphics card, unless you need one for gaming, CUDA or Android emulation with GPU acceleration.
Good to know
- A Ryzen 9 with 16 cores is the sweet spot for compiling; Intel’s mix of fast and efficient cores works well too.
BUDGET_FINDERPro
The best build for your budget
For Big builds, VMs and Docker: set exactly what you want to spend and we find the complete, compatible build that suits it best at that price.
Sign in and upgrade to use the budget finderEach build is the cheapest complete, compatible PC from current parts that meets its goal, priced at the best Australian store prices as of 12/11/2026. Speed comparisons are Rigsmith estimates, not benchmarks. Open a build in the builder to swap parts or buy second-hand.