While you can find many quality PCs on the market, selecting the perfect fit for your graphic design needs isn’t easy. You should opt for a computer that can run all your design software seamlessly without going over budget. On top of that, it should match the speed of your creativity, allowing you to improve productivity.
So what kind of PC should you get? What are the top specifications that you should consider? In this guide, you can read more to find out what you should look for in your next PC for Graphic design.
Get a Clear Understanding of Your Needs
One of the common mistakes designers make is narrowing the decision down to mere specifications. You need first to assess your specific needs. Are you strictly working on logos, packaging, and infographics, or are you involved in more intensive tasks like 3D modeling and video editing?
If you’re doing basic designs, a mid-range PC with a good processor and optimal memory might be enough. But you'll need something with a little more power under the hood for high-resolution images and video.
What Are the Key Specs to Consider?
Your computer’s specifications can be the key difference in your graphic design career or apprenticeship. Some features are more critical than others, and you should focus on the key specs to ensure a smooth workflow.
Processing Power
This is the first thing you should look at. The processor (CPU) is the heartbeat of your graphic design PC. And when you have a powerful one, you handle heavy projects without overburdening your computer. Ideally, your processor should have at least four cores for optimal performance.
However, keep in mind that having a multi-core processor may not always improve performance. That’s because some graphic design programs run on only one core. Besides the number of cores, you should also look at the clock speed. It’s indicated in gigahertz and shows how fast a CPU can do its job. The higher the clock speed, the better.
Graphics Card (GPU)
The best PC for graphic design should have a high-end graphics card. Whether it’s integrated into the CPU or not, make sure your choice can ensure smooth rendering.
Look for one with at least 4GB of video memory if you’re into 3D design or video editing. Some top options include NVIDIA GeForce and AMD Radeon. Even if you only design 2D graphics, you should see improvements with a decent GPU.
With a larger RAM, you can run more programs simultaneously. It makes your PC faster and stops it from hanging when using resource-heavy programs like Adobe Photoshop CC.
Your RAM temporarily stores the files you’re working on, and 16GB RAM should be enough for standard graphic designs. But if you work with large files or run multiple applications simultaneously, you need more for a smoother experience.
When it comes to storage, a combination of SSD (Solid State Drive) and HDD (Hard Disk Drive) is ideal. It offers the right balance between performance and budget. While SSDs offer faster boot times and significantly improve workflow, they are not cheap. On the other hand, HDDs afford you considerably more space for storing your graphic design files.
Display
The quality of your monitor is crucial for graphic design. You need a high-resolution display and high color accuracy to ensure you match your client’s brand colors perfectly. This enables you to ensure consistency in both your digital and print work.
Additionally, you should look for a PC with a large screen to comfortably see the details in your designs. This will also go a long way in multitasking as you can split your screen and carry out multiple tasks at the same time.
Balancing Budget and Performance
One of the toughest things you’ll need to do is strike a balance between the performance you need and the budget you have. To do this well, you first need to clearly understand your goals as we mentioned. You can then outline the specific features you need, listing them in terms of priority.
Another way to do this is to opt for a desktop instead of a laptop if you don’t need to move around when working. Desktops generally offer more power and better value for money, and you’ll also have an easier time when upgrading various components.
