How often you change the system

That’s a great question, and it’s something a lot of us are weighing now that Photoshop is leaning so heavily into AI.

The "sweet spot" for most creative professionals is usually every 3 to 5 years. However, with AI integration, the priority has shifted from just having a fast processor to having a powerful GPU (Graphics Card) and plenty of RAM (at least 32GB if you can).

Here’s a quick rule of thumb for when to pull the trigger on an upgrade:

• The "Lag" Test: If Generative Fill or high-res upscaling is consistently taking more than a few seconds or causing your fans to sound like a jet engine, your hardware is likely the bottleneck.

• Operating System Walls: When Adobe releases a new version of Photoshop that your current OS can't support, it’s definitely time.

• Cloud vs. Local: Keep in mind that many of Adobe's AI features are processed in the cloud, so sometimes a faster internet connection helps more than a new computer.

If your current system handles the latest PS updates without crashing or significant lag, you can probably hold off. But if you're still on a machine from 2019 or earlier, you'll see a massive difference in AI performance with a modern chip (like the Apple M-series or latest Nvidia RTX cards).

Like many other, I build my own PCs. I have been doing it for at least 30 years. By doing that, I can get exactly the components I want for my photo and video needs. My latest build is in my signature I built my newest Win 11 machine about a year ago retiring one that was 7 years old. Along the line, sometimes I upgrade only the GPU as newer apps require it. 

I keep both PCs running, using the recently retired one for a back up file server. The drives in the backup machine are exact copies of the drives in my newest PC. That way, if I have a drive failure, I can just pull the identical drive out of the backup and be going in no time at all. I also keep a set of identical drives externally for a second backup. 

My drive plan is B: Lightroom Classic catalog, C: system and programs, D: personal data, E: photos before 2016, F: photos 2016 and on, G: video. 

My work computer is a 2019 Intel MacBook Pro running Tahoe. Even being seven years old it is holding up surprisingly well although its due for replacement.

I have 3 years old computer with OS Windows 11. Specification as follows:

I use four Adobe app frequently [Ps, Ai, Ae and PPr]. I found computer freezes [not often] which will last for around 2 min only & I do not receive adobe reply notifications as well.

This is what I think to replace the system. Long ago someone said Windows system is not stable as like Mac.  

I’m at 7 years old as well. I do self build my own computers. I’ll plan to keep on this machine for the foreseeable future. You only really need to upgrade if you find your computer isn’t working for what you need, (Too slow, etc.) or if it becomes unsupported. 

Just replaced my 2015 mbp pro with a Citrus 512 GB Macbook Neo. Adobe Photoshop and other software was getting cut off from upgrades and it does run Photoshop without blinking. No regrets on this purchase. 

One problem I did run into was the Tahoe Finder dialogs locked on all my apps. On a guess, I replaced the User com.apple.finder.plist file that I modified for larger thumbnails and it replaced the frozen dialogs with my custom Finder dialogs.

File > Open dialog:

​@MahaB82A 

Usually how often you change your computer? 

Not very often. At the moment I use a Pc that I’ve build in 2019.  The specs are: CPU Intel i7-8700K, 64GB RAM, NVidia Geforce RTX 3060 (since 2024), system is on a NVMe drive, Lightroom catalog on a SSD, all other data (including all images) on “normal” SATA hard drives

It works well for all Adobe apps I need (Lightroom, Photoshop, Premiere). At the moment I don’t see any need to change something.

I can give you my answer which is approx 7 years. However, it really depends to what spec the PC is built. I tend to build to a good spec then it lasts. My current PC, which I built in 2021, still works well for Adobe apps and for 3D modelling, simulation and rendering, so there is no need to change it at present. 
CPU i9-10920X, RAM 256GB DDR4, GPU RTX3090 24GB. Storage is on NVMe drives and SSD drives (all internal).
When looking to spec a PC don’t forget to include decent monitor(s) and hardware calibration for the same, I use Eizo monitors. That will make a bigger difference to your images than a slightly faster CPU/GPU.


Dave 

​@MahaB82A 

@D Fosse builds his own PCs and can upgrade parts. I use Macs, which don’t lend themselves to replacing components.

For me it’s probably every seven years or so. ​From time to time Apple comes out with an upgrade that makes all current software obsolete and that’s when I buy a new system. I’ve lost count, but I think they’ve done that 5 or 6 times for me.

I’ve found that when I buy a better system than I currently need that it lasts longer. If you go with the minimum system requirements then upgrades will be more frequent. 

Jane

Not often. Last year, I purchased a new Win11 desktop PC.  My previous desktop was about 10 years old and started making a persistent buzzing sound which I took to mean that it was getting ready to fail. ☹️

I chose a new machine that well exceeds the minimum System Requirements to run Creative Cloud & Photoshop. This current PC should last for several years, I hope.

• https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/desktop/get-started/technical-requirements-installation/adobe-photoshop-on-desktop-technical-requirements.html
• https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/desktop/get-started/technical-requirements-installation/photoshop-and-graphics-processor-gpu-card-usage.html