The Best Hardware Setup for Software Engineers
Summary
For maximum productivity, I recommend:
- A 32" 4K IPS center monitor
- Two 16:18 ratio side monitors (LG 28MQ780-B)
- High-performance MacBook Pro
- Standing Uplift Desk V2 or similar
- Ergonomic Herman Miller Aeron chair
- Quality peripherals (Apple keyboard, Logitech MX Master 3)
Total investment: ~$8,700 (pays for itself with just a 1% productivity increase)
A proper hardware setup can make a huge difference to a software engineer's productivity. Here are my recommended hardware items to maximize productivity and comfort.
When writing software, I typically have multiple windows open simultaneously - code editors, browsers, terminals, and chat windows. Tabbing between windows destroys productivity, so I've spent time optimizing a hardware setup that lets me see everything at once.
My current desk setup: A 32" 4k screen flanked by 2x 16:18 ratio screens. Laptop stowed beneath.
Recommended Hardware
If I was starting from scratch, here's what I'd recommend, which happens to be my current setup:
| Item | Product | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Laptop | 14" MacBook Pro M3 Max, 64Gb RAM, 1Tb SSD | $3,899 |
| Desk | Uplift Desk V2 - 80" Walnut | $2,000 |
| Chair | Aeron (refurbished) | $600 |
| 2x side screens | LG 28MQ780-B 28 Inch SDQHD (2560 x 2880) | $1,254 |
| Center screen | 32" 4K IPS display | $499 |
| Keyboard | Apple Bluetooth keyboard | $178 |
| Mouse | Logitech MX Master 3 | $99 |
| 3x monitor mount | EVEO Monitor Mount | $180 |
| Total: | $8,709 |
Monitor Setup
The key to productivity is maximizing pixel real estate. My setup aims for around 20 million pixels of screen space, allowing multiple full-size windows to be visible simultaneously.
Center screen with VS Code and browser side-by-side
16:18 ratio side screen with tall browser window
Why 16:18 ratio side screens?
The 16:18 ratio screens are a game-changer, providing the same pixel count as two 1440p monitors stacked on top of each other. They allow for either a single ultra-tall window or two full-size windows stacked vertically.
Economic Justification
A good engineer costs hundreds of thousands of dollars per year. For the typical engineer, an increase in productivity of just 1% is worth about $10,000 per year.
I conservatively estimate that a setup like this is at least 10% more productive than standard one-monitor or laptop-plus-monitor setups. The marginal cost is just a few thousand dollars, making this investment a no-brainer for companies that want to maximize engineering productivity.
A typical tech firm's desk setup - significantly limiting productivity
Scaling engineering organizations become less efficient as they get bigger - equip your engineers with the best tools available and you'll get more done with fewer people.
Creature Comforts
If your office is comfortable, you'll want to spend more time in it. Consider these additional items:
- Philips Hue light bars for monitor backlighting
- Noise-cancelling headphones for focused work
- A quality microphone for clear communication in meetings
- Proper cable management for a clean desk aesthetic
Want more details?
This page is a condensed reference. Read the full blog post for more detailed explanations, additional images, and more in-depth analysis of productivity benefits.
Read the full blog post →