Minimum specs for photo editing? (2020)

[RustyKnight]

Hi all,

I need a new desktop PC, but haven't been in the loop for a while so have no idea what's what.

I need a PC capable of running Photoshop and other photo editing software, a bit of video editing using OpenShot, and some light gaming.

I was going to buy a PC a few months ago but lockdown came along and the prices shot up.

Just looking for advice, and I'd prefer a ready made, or configurable system, as previously when I tried building my own I ran into compatibility issues.

Thanks in advance.

 

[KenB]

Hi,
Photoshop requirements are here - click here

Hard Drive
You have two choices with hard drives.
1. SATA drive - this is probably the most common.
2. SSD - solid state drive [ no moving parts]

The SSD is a much faster drive BUT it will be a case of compromise if you opt for this.
It processes data much faster than a SATA drive.
1. They are relatively expensive - the larger the capacity the more expensive
2. Because of this you would probably have to opt for a smaller capacity drive than you would get with a SATA machine for the same price.

If you don't want to store masses of data then consider the SSD.

[ you can always store data on an external drive ]

Most machines come with 64 bit Windows installed.
There is a 32 bit option.
This limits your processing capability - opt for a 64 bit system.

RAM
If you can get a machine with 8GB RAM or more then this is ample.
32 bit systems are limited to 4GB.

Graphics Card
If you are using Photo Shop then you will probably need something better than standard on-board graphics.
Take a look at the specs from the link I posted.

The machine you get is obviously limited by the price that you want to pay.

We are not gamers here - but I am sure that the above information holds true for "light gaming".

I hope that this helps

 

[RustyKnight]

Thanks, very helpful.

I have a 2Tb NAS with most of my photos stored on, but currently have a 1Tb hard drive in my PC, it's about half full, so I'm guessing a 1Tb hard drive would be what I need.

Might see if I can find something with both SSD for the OS and 1Tb HD for everything else.

 

[KenB]

both SSD for the OS and 1Tb HD for everything else

That would be ideal