What Is the Best Desktop Computer for School
The best desktop computer for photo editing – PCs and Macs for photographers
Included in this guide:
Looking for the best desktop computer for photo editing? This guide is here to help you to decide what is right for your photography – and find you the best prices.
While the best photo-editing laptops offer the ability to edit photos while maintaining on-the-go portability, a good-old desktop computer is still the preferred option for many who work in a home office. Picking the best desktop computer will give you the ability to add your own monitor; with typical sizes ranging from around 21 inches to well over 30 inches means, if you've got the desk space, you can work from home far more comfortably than if you were squinting at a laptop screen. Adding a full-size keyboard and comfy mouse further ups the ergonomic benefits over a laptop keyboard and trackpad.
Many of the best desktop computers on this page offer a level of power and performance that laptops can't match, and if you don't mind opening them up and tinkering with them, they can be upgraded down the line with more powerful components, which makes them far more future-proof than standard laptops.
If you're not too keen on the idea of upgrading a PC yourself, many of the best desktop computers for photo editing can be easily customized when you buy them, so you can pick a level of performance (and price) that best suits your needs.
The best desktop computers: What to look for
The size of a desktop computer also means manufacturers can fit in more powerful components than you'd usually find in a laptop. That means if you want to, you can get a desktop computer with a discrete graphics card (rather than one integrated into the central processor), which is useful if you're doing very intensive editing – including video editing.
Desktop computers with lots of RAM and a multi-core processor are great for multitasking. If you like to have multiple apps open at once, then keep an eye out for 4, 6 or 8 core processors.
Of course, you can always build your own desktop PC tower, but while that offers you more flexibility when it comes to power and price (as you source the components yourself), if you don't have the inclination or know-how to build your own PC, then buying one of the pre-built desktop computers on this list is the way to go.
Many desktop computer manufacturers offer a range of customization options anyway, which means you can tweak things such as processor power, graphics cards and storage space at the point of purchase to suit your needs.
Should I pick an all-in-one computer?
As well as traditional tower desktop computers, there are also all-in-one computers available. These have all the components built into a screen – the Apple iMac being a great example - and there are a number of advantages to this. First of all, they are stylish and space saving, as you do not need to have a big box sitting on your desk – just the screen, a mouse and a keyboard.
As the computer is built into the screen, it means you don't need to buy a monitor separately either, which can save money. Plus, with computer components getting thinner and more powerful than ever, all-in-one computers can be just as accomplished at photo editing as traditional computers.
There are a few downsides you need to consider with all-in-ones, however. First, all-in-one computers can't be easily upgraded like traditional PCs, as the components are usually specially designed to be fitted behind the screen – much like a laptop. They can also be more expensive, and you'll have to consider the screen quality as part of your purchase, rather than being able to take your pick from the best monitors for photographers. Still, they are worth considering, so we've included a few all-in-ones in this list.
The best desktop computer in 2021:
The best all-round desktop computer for photographers
Specifications
CPU: Apple M1 8-core
Graphics: 8-core integrated GPU
RAM: 8-16GB
Storage: 256GB-2TB SSD
Connectivity: 2x USB 4/Thunderbolt/DP, HDMI, headphone socket, Ethernet, WiFi, Bluetooth
Dimensions (WxDxH): 197 x 197 x 36mm
Reasons to buy
+Super-small and quiet +Stunning performance +Reasonable cost for such high speed
Reasons to avoid
-Only max 16GB memory -Fewer Thunderbolt ports than before -Not all apps fully optimized yet
The Mac Mini isn't an all-in-one computer like an iMac - you'll still need to add your own monitor, but the computer itself is tiny at 197 x 197 x 36mm, so should fit on any desk. This latest Mac Mini M1 differs from previous Minis by using Apple's own processor designed for computers. It's a similar construction to an iPhone/iPad processor, but beefed up for desktop computing. And boy, has Apple done a good job. The ultra-efficient M1 processor can outperform many current high-end Intel Core-series processors, while 16GB RAM is enough for serious image editing - just avoid the base 8GB model, as it's not really enough memory to ensure you're future-proofed. The only drawback compared to older Intel-powered Mac Mini's is you can't spec any more memory than 16GB, so ultra-intensive image or video editing may run into slowdowns.
2. Apple iMac M1 (24-inch, 4.5K, 2021)
A desktop computer that's stunning in -almost- every way
Specifications
CPU: 8-core Apple M1 chip
Graphics: 7-core or 8-core Apple M1 GPU
RAM: 8-16GB
Storage: 256GB-2TB SSD
Dimensions (HxWxD): 46.1 x 54.7 x 14.7cm
Reasons to buy
+Slim design with 7 color choices +Powerful and efficient M1 SoC +4.5K Retina display
Reasons to avoid
-Only 16GB max memory -23.5-inch screen can be restrictive -Expensive SSD upgrades
At the heart of the new 24-inch iMac is Apple's superb M1 System on a Chip, which combines pretty much all the core aspects of a computer onto a single chip, much like a phone or tablet. It's supremely fast and efficient, and has given traditional computer processor manufacturers like Intel and AMD a big worry.
The iMac M1 has the same 8-core processor as its MacBook cousins, but pairs it with a 23.5-inch Retina screen boasting a huge 4.5K (4480 x 2520) resolution and an eye-popping 500-nit brightness. Factor the DCI-P3 color space coverage, plus Apple's excellent True Tone technology, and this display is sure to be a huge hit with creatives wanting the best possible viewing experience.
While users who need seriously potent performance for hardcore image or video editing are still best advised to go for the Intel-based 27-inch iMac and its extra RAM capacity, the new 24-inch iMac packs enough power to satisfy the vast majority of image or video editing requirements. And it does so at a very fair price when you consider the stunning screen that you're getting as part of the product.
If that's too expensive, then consider a desktop PC specced with 32GB RAM, like the HP Pavilion Gaming Desktop.
Read more: Apple iMac M1 24-inch review
3. Acer Aspire TC
The best budget desktop PC for photographers
Specifications
CPU: Up to Intel Core i7-10700 (8 core, 2.9GHz)
RAM: 8GB DDR4
Storage: 1TB HDD, 256GB SSD
Connectivity: Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11ac Wi-Fi
Dimensions (WxDxH): 340 x 163 x 350mm
Reasons to buy
+Cheap +Compact
Reasons to avoid
-Limited RAM -No discrete GPU -Only 1TB hard drive or 256GB SSD
If you're looking for a cheap desktop PC for working on your photographs, then the Acer TC is a great budget pick. It's available in several spec configurations, and all are very well priced, though that does mean you'll have to make do with only 8GB of RAM, which is really the bare minimum for photo editing these days. The Aspire TC comes in a slimline case that won't dominate your desk space. You can still open it up and upgrade it when needed (it supports up to 32GB of RAM, for example), and it even features a built-in SD memory card reader. However, there's only integrated graphics and storage is limited to either a 1TB hard drive or a 512GB SSD, which will soon fill up if you're working with high-res raw files or 1080p video – although it's worth bearing in mind internal storage can be easily upgraded, or there's always our pick of the best external hard drives.
4. HP Pavilion Gaming Desktop
A great compromise between price and power
Specifications
CPU: Up to Intel Core i7-10700 (8 cores, 2.9GHz)
RAM: 8GB-32GB DDR4
Storage: 256GB-1TB SSD
Connectivity: Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11ac Wi-Fi
Dimensions (WxDxH): 13.28" x 6.12" x 12.09"
Reasons to buy
+Affordable +Nice design +Lots of performance options
Reasons to avoid
-Gets very pricey if you spec it up
The HP Pavilion Gaming Desktop PC is another affordable desktop computer with a gaming theme, but it's also great for photographers. It does a superb job of balancing price and features, with plenty of configurations available to suit your performance and budget requirements. It's also possible to spec a discreet graphics card to accelerate video editing and transcoding, but be careful, as its easy to get carried away and spend big bucks. The only upgrade you really need is to spec up the RAM from the standard 8GB to a more healthy 16GB, as this can remove a major potential performance bottleneck. The Pavilion Gaming PC also comes with a multi-card memory card reader, which makes it quick and easy to get your photos off your camera.
5. Apple iMac (27-inch, 5K, 2020)
The best all-in-one desktop computer
Specifications
CPU: 6-core 10th-gen Intel Core i5 – 8-core 10th-gen Intel Core i7
Graphics: AMD Radeon Pro 5300 - 5700 XT
RAM: 8-128GB
Storage: 256GB-8TB SSD
Dimensions (HxWxD): 51.6 x 65.0 x 20.3cm
Reasons to buy
+Stunning 5K display is built-in +Quiet under load
Reasons to avoid
-SSD upgrades are expensive
If you're looking for the best all-in-one desktop computer for photographers, then Apple has you covered with the latest 27-inch iMac. It comes with top-end tech, including 10th-generation Intel processors, powerful discrete graphics and plenty of RAM. You also get a decent number of storage options – though the higher capacity SSD choices are very pricey. Best of all, the built-in screen is simply stunning with a Retina 5K (5,120 x 2,880) resolution and Apple's True Tone technology for accurate color. Apple is very popular with creatives for a good reason, and its macOS software is compatible with the biggest names in photo editing.
What's more, with the iMac Pro having been discontinued, this is now the fastest, most powerful iMac in town. Let's see what the new super-slim M1 powered 2021 model brings, though – the M1 processor has already proved blazingly fast in the Mac Mini M1.
• See other iMacs for photo editing
6. Microsoft Surface Studio 2
A great Windows alternative to the iMac
Specifications
CPU: Intel Core i7- 7820HQ
Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1070
RAM: 32GB
Storage: 1TB SSD
Connectivity: Gigabit Ethernet
Dimensions (WxDxH): 25 x 22 x 3.22 cm
Reasons to buy
+Seamlessly transitions between modes +Best and biggest digital drawing board +Built-in touch-sensitive screen
Reasons to avoid
-Ports hard to reach -Pricey proposition for most
If you like the idea of a stylish and powerful all-in-one PC, but you don't want to use an Apple product like the iMac, then the Microsoft Surface Studio 2 is a brilliant choice. It's stylishly designed and comes with some excellent components that make it a great bit of hardware for photographers. Its screen is touch-capable, which gives you more options for interacting with it, and thanks to the special hinge that connects it to the base, the screen can pivot down almost flat so it can be used like a drawing board. However, the Surface Studio 2 is expensive. Very expensive.
7. Intel Frost Canyon NUC
A tiny PC that's brilliant for photo editing
Specifications
CPU: Up to 10th-gen Intel Core i7
Graphics: Intel UHD graphics
RAM: N/A
Storage: N/A
Reasons to buy
+Lots of ports +Flexible specification +Easy to upgrade
Reasons to avoid
-Requires some self-building -Limited graphics power
Next on our list of the best computers for photographers is the Intel Frost Canyon NUC. Intel's NUC devices are small yet powerful PCs that pack enough power to edit photos on, while also being tiny enough to hide away and not take up too much space on a desk. Part of their appeal is that they are barebones machines, which means you need to add RAM and a hard drive yourself. This makes them flexible (you can add the amount of storage space and memory you need) and affordable (you can shop around for the best prices for those components). You'll need to install Windows 10 separately, and while installing the RAM and hard drive is pretty straightforward, it might be a bit too fiddly for some people.
8. Lenovo IdeaCentre AIO (24")
A great value Windows all-in-one
Specifications
CPU: Up to 10th-gen Intel Core i7
Graphics: Integrated Intel® UHD Graphics
RAM: Up to 16GB
Storage: Up to 512GB SSD or 1TB HDD
Display: 23.8" FullHD (1920 x 1080) IPS Multi-touch
Reasons to buy
+Competitive price +Decent IPS touchscreen
Reasons to avoid
-Limited RAM and storage -CPU not the fastest
Lenovo's IdeaCentre AIO (all-in-one) range pf PCs prove you don't have to buy an Apple iMac if you want a stylish and powerful all-in-one desktop computer for photo editing. While it doesn't come with the most cutting-edge components, it still offers more than enough power for running Adobe Photoshop and other photo editing applications. It's a particularly good PC for photo editing thanks to its screen (several sizes are available - our size/price preference is the 24in version), which though 'only' 1080p resolution, uses IPS display tech for excellent contrast accuracy and viewing angles. Best of all, it's way more affordable than Apple's pricey iMac machines.
Read more:
The best photo-editing laptops
The best MacBooks for photo editing
Best external hard drives for photographers
The best NAS drives
Best internal SSDs
The best drawing tablets for photo editing
The best mouse for photo editing
The best monitors for photographers in 2021
The best photo-editing software
Best laptop stands
Ben is the Imaging Labs manager, responsible for all the testing on Digital Camera World and across the entire photography portfolio at Future. Whether he's in the lab testing the sharpness of new lenses, the resolution of the latest image sensors, the zoom range of monster bridge cameras or even the latest camera phones, Ben is our go-to guy for technical insight. He's also the team's man-at-arms when it comes to camera bags, filters, memory cards, and all manner of camera accessories – his lab is a bit like the Batcave of photography! With years of experience trialling and testing kit, he's a human encyclopedia of benchmarks when it comes to recommending the best buys.
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What Is the Best Desktop Computer for School
Source: https://www.digitalcameraworld.com/buying-guides/the-best-desktop-computer-for-photo-editing
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