If you're passionate about photography or work as a professional photographer, having the right PC can dramatically improve your editing experience. Photo editing software like Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, and other high-end applications require powerful hardware to ensure smooth performance, high image quality, and fast rendering times.

In this post, we will review some of the best PCs for photo editing, focusing on performance, display quality, and overall value. Let’s dive into the top recommendations and find the perfect machine for your creative needs!

Why a Powerful PC is Essential for Photo Editing?

Before we jump into the reviews, let's understand what makes a great PC for photo editing. Here are the critical components you should consider.

Processor (CPU): A fast, multi-core processor ensures smooth performance while handling complex tasks like editing RAW files or applying filters.

Graphics Card (GPU): A dedicated GPU can significantly speed up tasks like rendering and applying effects, especially in programs that use GPU acceleration. see some here

RAM: At least 16GB of RAM is recommended for photo editing; however, 32GB is ideal for handling larger files.

Storage (SSD vs. HDD): SSDs provide faster read/write speeds than traditional HDDs, which translates to faster load times for software and file transfers.

Display: A high-resolution, colour-accurate display is crucial for precision editing. Look for IPS panels with wide colour gamut coverage (like Adobe RGB or sRGB). see some here

Here’s a selection of PCs and an overview of their specs...

Dell XPS 8940 – Best All-Around PC for Photo Editing

The Dell XPS 8940 is a powerful yet affordable desktop that's great for photo editors who want high performance without breaking the bank. 

Processor: Intel Core i7-11700 (8-core), Graphics Card: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti, RAM: 32GB DDR4, Storage: 1TB SSD + 2TB HDD, Display Support: Up to 4K resolution, Connectivity: Multiple USB 3.0 ports, SD card reader

The Dell XPS 8940 combines high-end specs with affordability, making it ideal for photo editors working with large files or multitasking between editing software. The GTX 1660 Ti provides excellent GPU acceleration for Adobe software, and the large amount of RAM ensures smooth performance when working with multiple layers or RAW images.  

Apple Mac Studio – Best for Mac Users

For those who prefer macOS, the Apple Mac Studio is a beast of a machine, designed specifically for content creators, including photo editors.

Processor: Apple M1 Max or M1 Ultra Chip, Graphics: Integrated GPU with up to 64-core options, RAM: 32GB to 128GB unified memory, Storage: 512GB to 8TB SSD, Display Support: Up to 6 displays, 4K or 5K

The Mac Studio delivers unmatched performance thanks to Apple's new M1 Ultra chip. The unified memory architecture ensures fast access to high-res images and smooth application of complex filters. Plus, macOS is optimized for creative professionals, with excellent support for Adobe software and other editing tools.

HP Envy 32 All-in-One – Best Display for Photo Editing

The HP Envy 32 All-in-One is a sleek solution with a stunning display perfect for photo editors who value design and functionality.

Processor: Intel Core i7-10700, Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060, RAM: 32GB DDR4, Storage: 1TB SSD, Display: 32-inch 4K HDR, 98% DCI-P3 colour accuracy.

The HP Envy 32 features one of the best displays available on a PC, with a 4K resolution and impressive colour accuracy. This is ideal for photographers who need precision in their colour grading. Combined with the powerful RTX 2060 GPU and 32GB of RAM, this all-in-one is a solid choice for professional editors.

Microsoft Surface Studio 2 – Best PC for Versatility

Microsoft Surface Studio 2 is known for its flexibility and unique design, making it a favourite among artists and photo editors alike.

Processor: Intel Core i7-7820HQ, Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 1070, RAM: 32GB, Storage: 1TB SSD, Display: 28-inch PixelSense Display, 4500 x 3000 resolution, 100% sRGB.

The Surface Studio 2 offers a unique tilting display, making it highly versatile for editors who want to work directly on the screen. Its touchscreen and stylus support add a layer of interactivity, perfect for fine-tuning details or drawing.

Here are some additional tips to keep in mind while shopping...

Expandability: Ensure your PC has options to upgrade the RAM or add more storage in the future as your projects grow.

Cooling System: High-performance PCs can heat up, especially when working with heavy editing software. Look for systems with good ventilation and cooling solutions.

Software Compatibility: Make sure your machine is compatible with your editing software. Adobe Creative Cloud, Affinity Photo, and Corel PaintShop Pro all run well on both Windows and macOS.

Choosing the right PC for photo editing depends on your specific needs, whether you're a casual photographer or a professional editor. All the systems listed above offer great performance, but the best option will depend on your budget, preferred software, and desired features. Consider how future-proof the machine is in terms of upgradability and whether it supports the software and workflows you use.

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