Best Computers for Graphic Design: Top Picks for 2024
When your work is complex and depends heavily on your PC, choosing the best computer for graphic design is crucial. Whether you’re a creative pro, a graphic designer, engineer, 3D animator, or data analyst, you rely on resource-heavy programs for your work and creative output. To help you choose the right computer, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to the best performance PCs for graphic design and other complex tasks.
Important hardware specs to consider
Most professional graphic designers have hit a wall at some point due to inadequate technology. Sometimes it’s a mere inconvenience, but it can also become a real obstacle, potentially costing you time and money by preventing you from tackling important projects on your own.
For designers and professionals, you should opt for more power and speed compared to typical home computers. This applies to the display you choose as well, whether it’s part of an all-in-one device or a separate purchase. Additionally, a dedicated graphics card is essential for enhancing performance in graphic design software, particularly for tasks like real-time rendering and complex visual effects.
1. RAM Memory
For memory, 16GB to 32GB is a good starting point to accomplish your tasks, but you’ll find plenty of options to upgrade to more. The ability to expand RAM memory is crucial for future-proofing your system. Some high-end workstations even offer up to 128GB of RAM or more, which can be beneficial for complex 3D rendering or working with large datasets.
RAM allows your computer to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, which is essential for graphic designers who often work with several programs open at once. More RAM means smoother performance when switching between resource-intensive applications like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, especially when working on complex projects that require significant memory resources.
2. Processor and dedicated graphics card
You’ll want an up-to-date, fast processor to keep up with more complicated software and processes. Look for the latest generation Intel Core i7 or i9 processors, or AMD Ryzen 7 or 9 CPUs. These high-end processors offer multiple cores and threads, allowing for efficient multitasking and faster rendering times.
For graphics, a dedicated GPU is essential for most graphic design work. High-performance GPUs not only accelerate rendering and provide smooth performance in 3D applications but also support features like real-time ray tracing, which can be beneficial for certain types of design work. A dedicated graphics card with at least 2GB of VRAM is essential for running high-end graphic design software efficiently.
The importance of a powerful GPU cannot be overstated for graphic designers. Many design applications, including the Adobe Creative Suite, utilize GPU acceleration to improve performance. This means tasks like applying complex filters in Photoshop or rendering 3D models in applications like Blender can be significantly faster with a good GPU.
3. Storage space
Fast storage is crucial for graphic design work. Opt for a solid-state drive (SSD) with at least 512GB capacity. Ample storage space is essential for handling large design files and ensuring a smooth workflow, with a minimum of 512GB SSD recommended. Many professionals prefer 1TB or more to store large design files and assets. Consider a dual-drive setup with a smaller SSD for the operating system and applications, and a larger HDD for file storage.
SSDs offer several advantages over traditional hard drives. They provide much faster boot times, quicker application launches, and speedier file transfers. This can save valuable time when working with large design files or when you need to quickly access your asset library.
4. Display
A high-quality display is essential for graphic design work. Look for monitors with high resolution (at least 4K), wide color gamut coverage (100% sRGB, and preferably good Adobe RGB coverage), and color accuracy. When considering the best PCs for graphic design, ensure the monitor has a high resolution and is at least 24 inches for desktops or 15 inches for laptops to provide detailed visibility. If you’re opting for an all-in-one system, ensure the built-in display meets these criteria.
For graphic designers, color accuracy is paramount. Look for displays that are factory calibrated or that you can easily calibrate yourself. Some high-end displays even come with built-in colorimeters for maintaining accurate color over time.
Consider the size and aspect ratio of the display as well. Many designers prefer ultrawide monitors or dual-monitor setups for increased productivity. This allows for more screen real estate to view your designs and keep multiple applications visible simultaneously.
Top Computers for Graphic Design
Here are our top picks for the best computers for graphic design, including both laptops and workstations. Our selection includes the best computer models that excel in performance, display quality, and user needs for graphic design and video editing.
1. HP ENVY Laptop 17t-cw100
The HP ENVY Laptop 17t-cw100 is an excellent choice for graphic designers who need a powerful, portable workstation. This graphic design laptop offers a perfect balance of performance and portability, making it ideal for professional designers. Its large 17.3-inch display provides ample screen real estate for detailed design work.
- Intel® Core™ Ultra 5 125H processor
- Intel® Arc™ Graphics
- 16 GB DDR5-5600 MHz RAM
- 512 GB PCIe® NVMe™ M.2 SSD
This laptop offers a perfect balance of performance and portability. The Intel Core Ultra processor provides ample power for running demanding design software, while the large display ensures you can work comfortably without external monitors. Its slim design makes it easy to take your work on the go when needed.
The Intel Arc Graphics, while not as powerful as some dedicated GPUs, still offers good performance for most graphic design tasks. The 16GB of high-speed DDR5 RAM ensures smooth multitasking, and the 512GB NVMe SSD provides fast storage for your design files and applications.
2. HP Pavilion Plus Laptop 14-ey1067nr
For designers who prioritize portability without sacrificing performance, the HP Pavilion Plus Laptop 14-ey1067nr is an excellent choice. This laptop for graphic design is perfect for designers who need a compact yet powerful machine for their creative work. Its compact size makes it ideal for designers who work on-the-go or in various locations.
- AMD Ryzen™ 7 processor
- AMD Radeon™ Graphics
- 16 GB memory
- 512 GB SSD storage
- 14" diagonal 2.8K OLED display
The standout feature of this laptop is its 2.8K OLED display, which offers exceptional color accuracy and contrast - crucial for graphic design work. The AMD Ryzen 7 processor provides plenty of power for running design software, and the 16GB of RAM ensures smooth multitasking.
OLED technology offers perfect blacks and vibrant colors, making it an excellent choice for designers who need to work with highly accurate color representation. The compact 14-inch form factor makes this laptop highly portable, perfect for designers who need to work from different locations or present to clients on-site.
3. HP Laptop 15z-fc000
For graphic designers on a budget, the HP Laptop 15z-fc000 offers a great balance of performance and affordability. Among graphic design laptops, this model offers a great balance of performance and affordability for entry-level designers. It’s a versatile machine that can handle most graphic design tasks without breaking the bank.
- AMD Ryzen™ 5 7530U processor
- AMD Radeon™ Graphics
- 8 GB DDR4-3200 SDRAM
- 128 GB PCIe® NVMe™ M.2 SSD
While not as powerful as our other picks, this laptop still offers solid performance for entry-level graphic design work. The AMD Ryzen 5 processor and integrated Radeon graphics can handle most design software, though you may want to upgrade the RAM and storage for more demanding tasks.
This laptop is an excellent starting point for students or those just beginning their graphic design journey. The upgradeable RAM and storage mean you can enhance its performance as your needs grow, making it a cost-effective choice in the long run.
4. HP ZBook Studio Mobile Workstation
For designers who need maximum power in a portable package, the HP ZBook Studio Mobile Workstation is an excellent choice. This mobile workstation is designed for creative professionals who need maximum power and performance for their graphic design tasks. This powerful laptop offers uncompromising performance for the most demanding graphic design tasks.
- 13th Generation Intel® Core™ processor with optional vPro® support
- Optional high-performance GPU
- Up to 64GB RAM
- Up to 4TB PCIe® NVMe™ SSD
- 16" diagonal 4K WQUXGA or WUXGA display
This mobile workstation is highly customizable, allowing you to configure it to your exact needs. The 13th Gen Intel Core processors provide exceptional performance for demanding design software. The option for high-performance graphics ensures you have the power to handle complex 3D rendering and video editing tasks.
The ZBook Studio’s 16-inch display, available in 4K resolution, provides ample screen real estate and exceptional color accuracy for your design work. Despite its powerful components, this laptop maintains a relatively slim profile, making it a great choice for designers who need workstation-class performance on the go.
5. HP Z2 Workstation
For those who prefer a desktop solution with maximum upgradeability, the HP Z2 Workstation is an excellent choice. This desktop computer provides the performance and flexibility needed for complex graphic design tasks.
- Intel® 12th and 13th Generation Intel® Core™ processors
- High-performance graphics options available
- Up to 128GB RAM
- Multiple storage options, including high-capacity SSDs and HDDs
- Supports multiple high-resolution displays
The HP Z2 Workstation is designed to confidently tackle complex workloads like BIM and rendering. Its robust build quality and tool-less access make it easy to upgrade and maintain over time. This workstation can be configured with powerful graphics cards, making it ideal for graphic designers working with 3D models or complex visual effects.
One of the key advantages of a desktop workstation like the Z2 is its expandability. You can easily add more storage, upgrade the RAM, or even change the graphics card as your needs evolve. This makes it a great long-term investment for growing design studios or professionals whose work is becoming increasingly complex.
Conclusion
Choosing the right computer for graphic design depends on your specific needs, work environment, and budget. Whether you opt for a high-performance laptop like the HP ENVY 17t, a portable powerhouse like the Pavilion Plus 14, a budget-friendly option like the HP Laptop 15z, a mobile workstation like the ZBook Studio, or a desktop solution like the Z2 Workstation, make sure to consider the key specs we’ve outlined.
Remember, investing in the best graphic design computer will pay off in increased productivity and the ability to take on more complex design projects. Consider not just your current needs but also how your requirements might evolve in the near future. With the right computer, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle any graphic design challenge that comes your way.
Lastly, don’t forget about the importance of peripherals in your graphic design setup. A good quality mouse, a graphics tablet, and potentially a color-accurate external monitor can all contribute to a more efficient and enjoyable design process. With the right combination of computer and accessories, you’ll be well on your way to creating your best designs yet.
