new computer required to run PS

Forum|Forum|7 months ago
August 6, 2025
3 replies
842 views

Looks like my 7 year old lap top doesn't have windows 11 nor a sufficient cpu so I guess it's time for a new computer purchase to run photoshop. Can you folks recommend a reasonably priced computer that will somewhat exceed minimum requirements? I don't need some crazy expensive model. Will my 4k monitor work with it? Any help is appreciated because I can't properly do my edits without photoshop that is now not useable.

Windows

Bojan Živković11378569

Community Expert

Beware that the same GPU, like the RTX 4060, is not the same on laptops as on desktop computers due to cooling issues. The same applies to CPUs. Another important aspect for Photoshop is the scratch disk, it should be an NVMe SSD with at least 500GB of free space for moderate work.

E

ExUSA

Legend

Also note that this is not an issue on Macs which have the same chips in both portable and desktop machines. On the PC side, the new ARM-based Windows laptops with Snapdragon processors are making inroads and run much cooler with better battery life than legacy Intel and AMD-based PCs.

E

ExUSA

Legend

In general, look for a computer with 32GB or more of RAM, and a discrete video card (not Intel graphics) if you plan to stay on Windows. Most current PCs will ship with Windows 11, USB-C ports, and SSD storage, and should work fine with a 4k display. On the Mac side, a current M4 desktop or portable will work great.

M

M-H

Inspiring

On Windows these days 32GB of RAM is quite conservative unless you are not planning to run anything else other than Photoshop at the same time and/or are always super aware of how much ram apps are using. In my case with additionally running Teams+Outlook+Chrome+Bridge+Spotify+some cloud storage clients and the 32GB runs out quick:/ There are also minimum requirements as to GPU spec for some of Photoshop functionality on Windows so you gotta make sure that your future intergrated/dedicated card is meeting them but its defo not like you need gaming pc for Photoshop. Some dell precisions decent specs and come with 3 yrs warranty, just don buy them directly from dell:P

In my opinion tho even M2-M3pro Macs are running smoother when working with like super hi res (50-100mpix) images so it might be more resonable price wise