Computers design: The best computer for graphic design

7 Best Desktop Computers for Graphic Design in 2023

After days of research, consulting with several tech geeks, and more than 10 years of experience using graphic design software, I’ve picked out some desktop computers ideal for graphic design and I concluded some pros and cons of the options, all in this article.

Hi! My name is June. I’m a graphic designer and I’ve used different desktops for work. I find that using the same program on different devices can make a noticeable difference with different screens and specs. 

My favorite screen display is Apple’s Retina display and that’s one of the big reasons that it’s so hard for me to switch from Mac to PC. But of course, PC has its advantages as well, for example, you can get the same specs at a more affordable price.

Not a Mac fan? Don’t worry! I’ve got some other options for you as well. In this buying guide, I’m going to show you my favorite desktop computers for graphic design and explain what makes them stand out from the crowd.

You’ll find a beginner-friendly option, a budget option, the best options for illustrators or photo/video editors, an all-in-one option, and a desktop-only option.

Not familiar with the tech specs? Don’t worry, I’ll make it easier for you to understand 😉

Table of Contents

• Quick Summary
• Best Desktop Computer for Graphic Design: Top Choices
  • 1. Best for Professionals: iMac 27 inch
  • 2. Best for Beginners: iMac 24 inch
  • 3. Best Budget Option: Mac Mini (M1)
  • 4. Best for Illustrators: Microsoft Surface Studio 2
  • 5. Best for Photo/Video Editing: Mac Studio M1 Max
  • 6. Best All-in-One Option: HP ENVY 34″ All-in-One
  • 7. Best Tower Option: Dell G5 gaming desktop
• Best Desktop Computer for Graphic Design: What to Consider
  • Operating system
  • CPU
  • GPU
  • Screen display
  • RAM/Memory
  • Storage
  • Price
• FAQs
  • Do graphic designers prefer Mac or PC?
  • Is Core i3 good for graphic design?
  • Is SSD better for graphic design?
  • Are gaming desktops good for graphic design?
  • How much RAM do you need for graphic design?
  • Is a desktop or laptop better for graphic design? 
• Conclusion

Quick Summary

Shopping in a rush? Here’s a quick recap of my recommendations.

Best Desktop Computer for Graphic Design: Top Choices

There are many good desktop options out there, but which one is the best one for you? Depending on your workflow, workspace, budget, and of course, personal preference, here is the list that can help you decide.  

1. Best for Professionals: iMac 27 inch

• CPU/Processor: 10th generation Intel Core i5
• Screen Display: 27 inches 5K (5120 x 2880) Retina display
• GPU/Graphics: AMD Radeon Pro 5300 graphics
• RAM/Memory: 8GB
• Storage: 256GB SSD 

Check Current Price

The 27-inch iMac is designed for multi-purpose work, if you’re working on different types of projects on a day-to-day basis, this is the best option for you.

This all-in-one desktop is good for any graphic design task from basic image editing to high-end branding design or motion graphics. Yes, it’s the typical model you’ll see in advertising and design agencies. 

The super high-resolution screen display with its one billion colors and 500 nits of brightness shows accurate and sharp colors, which is essential for photo editing and coloring artwork because the color is one of the most important elements in graphic design.  

The entry-level option is affordable and it comes with the Core i5 CPU and AMD Radeon Pro graphics card that support your daily design workflow. It only comes with 8GB RAM but it’s configurable to 16GB, 32GB, 64GB, or 128GB if you use intensive graphic programs at the same time. 

If you’re a heavy user and creating videos is part of your job, you can get a really high-performance iMac 27-inch but it can get pricey. For example, a high-end model with an i9 processor, 64GB memory, and 4TB storage will cost you a ton.

2. Best for Beginners: iMac 24 inch

• CPU/Processor: Apple M1 chip with 8-core
• Screen Display: 24 inches 4.5K Retina display
• GPU/Graphics: Integrated 7-core
• RAM/Memory: 8GB
• Storage: Up to 512GB SSD

Check Current Price

The 24-inch iMac came out quite different from the classic iMac design and there are seven colors that you can choose from. Pretty stylish for designers, I like that. 

This is basically a replacement for the older version 21.5 inches iMac. Not a bad idea, because it’s true that a 21.5 inches screen size can be a bit small for a desktop and it’s already outdated. Besides that, the new 24-inch iMac has upgraded the display resolution by far. 

It’s really hard to say no to iMac’s amazing 4.5K Retina display and it’s ideal for photo editing or image manipulation. The M1 8-core processor is tested to run design programs like Adobe software and CorelDraw smoothly and it’s able to export images at a good speed. 

Surprisingly, the new iMac from Apple doesn’t come with an impressive GPU, this could be the main reason that would keep you considering whether to get it or not. If you’re a professional and need to use it for intensive high-end work, the iMac 27-inch should be a better option.  

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that the GPU isn’t good for professionals. If you mainly use Photoshop daily for graphic design, this desktop can handle the tasks perfectly fine.  

3. Best Budget Option: Mac Mini (M1)

• CPU/Processor: Apple M1 chip with 8-core
• GPU/Graphics: Integrated 8-core
• RAM/Memory: 8GB
• Storage: 256GB SSD 

Check Current Price

Although it looks tiny and cute, it still has a good 8-core graphics processor that’s essential for intensive graphic design tasks. Besides that, it has the same storage and memory as a regular iMac.  

Another reason I like Mac Mini is that it’s so compact and for example, if you want to show your work on another computer somewhere else, you can simply take the desktop with you and connect it to another monitor. 

The Mac Mini doesn’t come with a monitor, so you’ll need to get one. I actually like the idea because it gives you the flexibility to choose the screen display. You can use a monitor that you already have at home or get a monitor of the size you want.  

You can get a larger monitor screen than all-in-one desktop computers, and probably you’d still be paying less. It’s much better than getting a lower specs all-in-one desktop. That’s why I chose it as the best budget option. You can save money by getting a better screen (or using the one you have)!

4. Best for Illustrators: Microsoft Surface Studio 2

• CPU/Processor: Intel Core i7
• Screen Display: 28 inches PixelSense display
• GPU/Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060
• RAM/Memory: 16GB
• Storage: 1TB SSD

Check Current Price

What I like a lot about this desktop is its adjustable touchscreen display. Drawing digitally isn’t the easiest thing even with a tablet, because you have to constantly keep track of your tablet and screen back and forth. 

The Surface Studio 2 from Microsoft allows you to tilt and flexibly adjust the screen which makes it great for illustrators or graphic designers who do a lot of drawings in Adobe Illustrator or other software. You can even use it as a tablet to draw directly on the display screen with a Surface Pen. I’m quite an Apple fan but for me, this is a feature that beats iMacs.  

You probably already guessed that such a product isn’t going to be cheap, and you’re right. Microsoft Surface Studio 2 is pretty pricey for a Windows PC, especially when its processor isn’t the most up-to-date. 

Besides the price, another downside of this model is that it’s still using an older version of the quad-core processor from Intel. It’s good enough for using design software, but for paying this price, you might expect a higher-end processor. 

5. Best for Photo/Video Editing: Mac Studio M1 Max

• CPU/Processor: Apple M1 Max 10-core
• GPU/Graphics: 24-core
• RAM/Memory: 32GB
• Storage: 512GB SSD

Check Current Price

If you’re looking for a portable option but the Mac mini isn’t powerful enough for you, the Mac Studio can a great alternative, especially if you handle a lot of images and videos on a daily basis. Mac Studio comes with a powerful 24-core GPU that is perfect for 3D rendering, and photo and video editing.

Together with its large memory and storage, you can edit your photos or videos at a faster speed. You can If you do a lot of intensive work, you can choose to upgrade your GPU to 32-core. With all the powerful specs, Mac Studio can support up to five displays, creating the real studio experience.

The only factor that would stop me from getting a Mac Studio is the price. The desktop itself is already pretty expensive and it doesn’t come with a monitor. It’s not an affordable option for everyone.

6. Best All-in-One Option: HP ENVY 34″ All-in-One

• CPU/Processor: Intel Core i7
• Screen Display: 34 inches WUHD IPS display
• GPU/Graphics: Nvidia Ge Force Rtx 3060
• RAM/Memory: 32GB
• Storage: 1TB SSD

Check Current Price

If you’re not a Mac fan or find that Microsoft Surface Studio 2 is too expensive for you, the HP ENVY 34″ All-in-One is a great alternative to the Surface Studio 2 from Microsoft because it has similar (even more powerful) features and it’s more affordable.  

This all-in-one option has a large screen size with a maximum display resolution of 5120×2160 pixels that’s perfect for viewing and working on detailed designs.

HP ENVY 34″ All-in-One comes with a powerful Intel Core i7 -11700 processor and 32GB RAM that supports multitasking in different design software. Another good feature is its massive storage of 1TB for keeping design files on your computer. 

Surprisingly, this awesome large-screen display all-in-one option doesn’t support HDR. This is probably the only down-point that I can think of so far.

7. Best Tower Option: Dell G5 gaming desktop

• CPU/Processor: Intel Core i7-9700K
• GPU/Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060
• RAM/Memory: 16GB
• Storage: 1TB SSD

Check Current Price

If a computer is good for gaming, it’s good for graphic design because both require similar specs except that graphic design should have a higher standard for screen resolution. But since this is desktop-only, you can choose a monitor that suits your need. 

The basic G5 model comes with 16GB RAM, but it’s configurable. Together with its powerful 7-core processor, 16GB memory is already pretty good for running any design program but if multi-tasker or work on high-end professional graphics, you can get a better graphics card.    

Another good point of Dell G5 is its price advantage. Looking at the specifications, you’re probably thinking it’s going to be out of the budget, but it’s actually more affordable than you think compare to Apple Mac. 

The only down point for some of you might be that you need to get a separate monitor. I think it’s not such a big problem to get a monitor, for me, it’s more because having a desktop machine takes up more space in my workspace. If the size was smaller like Mac Mini, I would have no problem at all. 

Best Desktop Computer for Graphic Design: What to Consider

Depending on your workflow, there are different factors to consider when choosing the best desktop computer for your graphic design needs.  

For example, If your work routine is more photo editing, you probably want the best screen display. If you’re a heavy user running multiple design programs at the same time, a better processor is essential. 

Obviously, for professionals, there are higher requirements for the specs. On the other hand, if you’re new to graphic design and don’t have a generous budget, you can still find something affordable that does the job. 

Operating system

Most graphic design programs like Adobe and CorelDraw run on both Windows and macOS today, but it’s always a good idea to research and double-check whether a specific program works on the operating system you’re going to get. 

The only concern is that if you’ve been using the graphic design software on one system for a while, switching to a new one will require you to change some shortcut keys while using the program.  

Other than that, it’s really just a personal preference of which system interface you like more.  

CPU

CPU is the central processing unit of your computer and it’s responsible for the speed your software runs. Design programs are intensive, so you should be looking for a powerful CPU that enables the program to work smoothly. 

CPU speed is measured by Gigahertz (GHz) or Core. You’ll need at least 2 GHz or 4 core for daily graphic design work.

As a graphic design beginner, Intel Core i5 or Apple M1 will work just fine. If you create complex illustrations in a daily routine, you should get a faster processor (at least 6 cores), because every stroke and color requires the CPU to process. 

GPU

GPU is just as important as the CPU, it processes the graphics and shows the quality of the images on your screen. A powerful GPU shows your work the best it can.

Nvidia Geforce graphics cards or Apple’s integrated graphics work pretty well for graphic and image tasks. But if your work involves 3D rendering, video animations, high-end professional graphic design, or motion graphics, it’s highly recommended to get a powerful GPU.  

Not sure if you need it at the moment? You can always purchase a graphics card later.  

Screen display

Display determines the resolution of the image showing on your screen. Higher resolution shows more details on the screen. For graphic design, it’s recommended to have a monitor with a good screen resolution (at least 4k) that shows accurate color and brightness. 

In this case, iMac Pro’s 5k Retina display with 500 nits brightness is hard to beat. 

If you have enough space on your workstation and a good budget, get a large screen! No matter you’re manipulating photos, drawing, or making videos, working in a large space is much more comfortable.  

It allows you to work between apps like dragging files from Adobe Illustrator to Photoshop, or other apps without minimalizing or resizing the document, sound familiar? In a way, it improves productivity and avoids mistakes. 

RAM/Memory

Are you a multi-tasker? Ever run into situations when you copy something from one program to another and it took a while to show, or your app froze while working on a project with many windows open? 

Oops! You probably need more RAM for your next computer.  

RAM stands for Random Access Memory, which affects the number of programs running at a time. When you use multiple apps at the same time, the more RAM you have, the smoother the programs run. 

Design programs require at least 8 GB to run smoothly. If you only use one program for your daily workflow, getting the minimum requirement should be enough. For professionals who integrate different programs, 16 GB or more RAM is highly recommended. 

Storage

Photos and design files can take up a lot of space on your computer, so storage is an important factor to consider when choosing a graphic design desktop computer. 

When you look at storage, there are three types: SSD (Solid Disk Drive), HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or hybrids.  

Let’s skip the technical explanation, in short, HDD has larger storage space but SSD has the speed advantage. A computer that comes with SSD runs faster and it’s more expensive. If budget is your concern, you can start with an HDD and later get an upgrade whenever you can.  

Price

You get what you pay for. The expensive options have better screen display, more powerful processors, etc, but the budget-friendly options also have good features. 

Tight budget? It’s okay to start with a cheaper basic option and get an upgrade later. For example, if the display is more important than storage, you can get a desktop with less storage but a better monitor. 

If budget is not a problem for you, then, of course, go for the best ones 😉    

A good desktop computer for graphic design isn’t easy money. Consider it as a future investment and your quality work will pay off. 

FAQs

You might also be interested in the answers to some of the questions below that can help you choose a desktop for graphic design. 

Do graphic designers prefer Mac or PC?

Can’t speak for all but it seems like a large percentage of graphic designers prefer Mac over PC because of its simple operating system and design. Especially for designers who use several Apple devices because you can transfer files easily with Airdrop.  

Years ago, some CorelDraw users would choose a PC because the software wasn’t available for Mac, but today most design software is compatible with both systems. 

Is Core i3 good for graphic design?

Yes, i3 can support basic graphic design workflow, but if you do video editing it might not run super smoothly. It’s recommended to have at least an i5 CPU for professional graphic design projects especially if you use video editing software. 

Is SSD better for graphic design?

Yes, SSD storage is preferred for graphic design work because it works better in responding, meaning it will open your design program and load files faster. 

Are gaming desktops good for graphic design?

Yes, you can use gaming desktops for graphic design because usually, they have a pretty good CPU, graphics card, and RAM for running intensive gaming programs. If a desktop is good enough to handle video games, it can run design programs easily. 

How much RAM do you need for graphic design?

The minimum requirement for professional graphic design is 8GB RAM, but it’s recommended to get 16GB if you’re a heavy user or multi-taker. For learning graphic design or doing school projects, 4GB will work just fine.

Is a desktop or laptop better for graphic design? 

Generally, a desktop is better for professional graphic design, especially if you work in a stable work environment, office, or home. However, if you travel for work or work in different places often, obviously a laptop is more convenient. 

It’s more of a personal preference and work environment. Of course, a larger screen display will be more comfortable to work with.

Conclusion

The most important things to consider when buying a new desktop for graphic design are CPU, GPU, RAM, and screen resolution. Depending on which program you use more often specifically, choose the specs that support your workflow the best. 

For example, if you use Photoshop more often, you might want to get a pretty good display screen that shows true tone colors for editing photos. And if you’re an illustrator, an adjustable screen can be pretty helpful.  

If you’re doing all types of projects, a desktop that supports heavy-duty tasks is essential, so you should get the best specs possible. 

Are you currently using a desktop? Which model are you using? How do you like it? Feel free to share your thoughts below 🙂

About June Escalada

Graduated from Creative Advertising major, worked more than eight years as a graphic designer focusing in branding and Illustration. Yes, Adobe Illustrator is my best friend and I’m passionate about art and design.

Computer Designs – 1130+ Computer Design Ideas, Images & Inspiration In 2023

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More design tips

most bizarre mass-produced personal computers / Sudo Null IT News Let’s take a look at some weird computer design ideas from the recent past.

Personal computers have changed dramatically over the past five decades. Machines have gotten more powerful every year, titans of the PC industry have come and gone, software makers have won and lost wars for market dominance.

But one thing seemed to remain the same – the desire to be noticed. We have compiled for you a list of examples of the most bizarre personal computer designs.

Holborn 9100 (1981)

Holborn 9120 Terminal. Image source.

In the early days of personal computers in the late 70s and early 80s, there was no standard formula for computer design. PCs were still new, and the imagination ran wild. The device of the Dutch company Holborn (short for “ born at Holland”) just from that creative era.

Released in 1981, the 9100 looks like a frame from a retro-futuristic movie. The monitor, attached to the case on a long leg, resembles the eye of an alien. The machine was certainly different from what PC market leaders such as Commodore, Apple or TRS offered their customers then.

Equipped with a Z80 processor with 64 KB of address space, the 9100 and its older brother the 9200 did not stand out from the crowd. Holborn sold only 200 units, and 19The company went bankrupt in 1983.

IASIS ia-7301 (1976)

IASIS ia-7301 (1976) Image published by u/adx.

One of the most significant changes in the computer industry is the decrease in attempts to cross books and machines. However, this was not the case in the late 1970s. Thus, in 1976, IASIS ia-7301 appeared, or, as it was called, “the computer in the book.”

The

ia-7301 was an educational computer equipped with an Intel 8080 microprocessor, 1 KB of ROM and the same amount of RAM, and the programs were saved via a tape recorder.

However, the most interesting thing is that IASIS provided a device with 250 pages of programming course. The computer was built into the book.

SEIKO UC-2000 (1984)

SEIKO UC-2000. Image posted by u/redruM69.

Long before smartwatches became so commonplace, Japanese watch and electronics manufacturer Seiko introduced a hybrid: something between a calculator, a computer and a watch. The device looked like something out of a James Bond movie.

Seiko has created a pocket keyboard designed to communicate with the device. The watch ran through a terminal called the UC-2200 equipped with a custom-built “Transmission Circuit” that included a printer, 4 KB RAM, and 26 KB ROM via an application ROM plug-in package.

Packard Bell Corner Computer (1995)

Launched in 1995, the Packard Bell Corner Computer lives up to its name. This is a PC that should be in the corner!

A PC equipped with a Pentium processor, 64 MB of RAM, floppy and CD drives in every corner, is typical of the mid-90s. The device is not the cheapest, the basic version at the time of release cost more than $2,000.

However, the design, not the insides, is the main selling point, as Packard Bell said it was “the first desktop designed to fit in a corner.” A great idea that Packard Bell executed pretty badly.

Not surprisingly, to keep all cords from sticking out of the front of the device, all slots were placed on the back of the computer. This meant that it was not possible to neatly place it in the corner of the table, as the designers intended. Unless this table is in the middle of the room, there are no walls nearby.

Compaq Presario 3020 (1995)

Compaq Presario 3020. Image Source.

Released around the same time as “Corner Computer”, the 3020 designers seem to have been trying to achieve the same goal of breaking away from the conventional PC 9 design0’s. Instead of putting the computer in a corner, it was designed to fit everything on itself.

The PC case, monitor and sound system were crammed into a device very similar to the 90s themselves. The computer shipped with a 166 MHz Intel Pentium processor, Windows 95 pre-installed, and up to 128 MB of expandable RAM.

Intel Ottoman PC (1999)

Intel Ottoman PC. Image source.

Trying to combine furniture and computers without making them “smart” may seem like a strange idea. At the turn of the century, Intel developed a personal computer that also served as a piece of home furniture – a soft ottoman.

Oddly enough, the designers of the device didn’t foresee that the open “ottoman” becomes like… uh… another object. One that is designed to sit in a different place and for other purposes. Hoping that the new century would bring revolutionary changes to PC design, Intel decided that such a PC would serve as a multimedia system for every corner of the home.

The insides were equipped with an Intel Pentium III computer, 15-inch monitor, wireless keyboard, DVD, camcorder and other gadgets.

“Of course, we are very excited about the creative implementation of our revolutionary Pentium III processor in the world’s first Furniture PC,” said the vice president of Intel at the presentation of the Ottoman PC.

Maingear Prysma (2006)

Maingear Prysma (2006).

Released just 15 years ago, the Maingear Prysma falls into the category of devices designed to grab your attention. Since we are talking about this after a decade and a half, we admit that he did achieve some recognition.

At the time of release, Prysma was compared to a glitzy hotel in Las Vegas. The design statement of the time included a dual-core Pentium D 940 processor inside with a GeForce 7600GT, 2 GB of DDR2 RAM, and a 400 GB SATA hard drive.

Lenovo ThinkPad W700ds (2009)

Lenovo ThinkPad W700ds. Image posted by u/BeansNG.

Lenovo’s attempt to stand out from the crowd, but in a fierce battle for the ever-wider or better foldable screen of today, who can blame them now?

The W700ds had a retractable screen in addition to the default 17-inch screen. The additional one had a diagonal of 10.6 inches and a resolution of 768×1280. While it’s an impressive laptop screen, the display added a few pounds of extra weight to our hero. The device shipped with an Intel Core 2 Duo T9400 processor, from 512 MB to 4 GB of RAM.

Best Graphic Design Computers 2023

Author Dmitry Evseenkov Reading 18 min Views 12.1k.
Updated 01/19/2023

Finding the best computer for graphic design means sifting through a myriad of options. There are plenty of great designer cars out there, so it’s worth narrowing down your search by asking yourself a few questions. How much power do you really need – will you work with huge files in 3D programs or will you be fine with anything as long as Adobe Illustrator runs on it? Do you need an all-in-one computer with its own display, or do you already have a monitor? Also, very importantly, what is your budget?

To be on the safe side, we recommend choosing a computer with at least 12 GB of RAM so that it can handle the demands of graphic design. We have a lot to say on this subject, so if you need to get a little technical, scroll down to the bottom of the page where we’ve put together a FAQ on choosing the best computer for graphic design.

In this guide, we’ve focused on desktop computers because they provide the best processing power by allowing for more powerful cooling systems. However, if you need a more portable solution, we have a guide to the best laptops for graphic design. Some of the computers featured in this guide are all-in-one versions with built-in displays, while others need to be connected to monitors – our guide to the best monitors can help you with that.

We have included graphic design computers for all budgets in this guide. So, let’s get down to reviewing the best graphic design computers you can buy right now.

Contents

Top 10 Best PCs for Graphic Designers 2023

1. iMac (27-inch, 2020)

The best PC for graphic design right now.

Photo imac (27 inch, 2020)

Features:

Pros:

• Improved internals
• Large 5K retina display
• Can be set to very high power

Cons:

• Design looks a little dated
• Only two Thunderbolt ports
• No M1 Pro chip

While the iMac (27-inch, 2020) isn’t Apple’s newest generation of all-in-ones, we still think it’s the best choice for graphic designers. With a large screen and discrete graphics card, it has everything a graphic designer needs, and the subsequent introduction of newer models means it will be easier for you to acquire or buy at a good price.

iMacs are very popular among graphic designers – look into the office of a design agency and you will probably see several of these computers there. This 2020 version is one of the latest computers from Apple that doesn’t use its own M1 compute chips. Instead, it uses 10th generation Intel Core processors with a choice of 10-core processors. This is a huge amount of computing power, which is comfortably enough for all but the most resource-intensive design tasks. Graphically, the iMac 2020 uses an AMD Radeon Pro 5000 graphics card, which means content will look great on its impressive 5K Retina display.

When we reviewed the iMac 2020, we were impressed with both the display quality and speed. The computer booted up at an incredible speed, and we found that we could have a huge number of tabs and windows open and still have the iMac perform tasks without a hitch. This is very handy for any designer who likes to be able to keep working while their computer is doing something else.

The iMac’s (27-inch, 2020) slim, efficient, versatile design means it fits seamlessly into any office or home work environment, with minimal cable clutter or mess. It’s a fantastic graphic design computer and continues to be our #1 pick.

2. iMac (24-inch, 2021)

The iMac has received a long-awaited redesign.

Photo imac (24 inch, 2021)

Features:

Pros:

• Superb 4.5K retina display
• New, colorful design

Cons:

• No ports
• No discrete GPU
• Smaller display

Oh, that beautiful clean design. The 2021 24-inch iMac combines a timeless exterior design with powerful, modern internals. This is an iMac that uses Apple’s own M1 chips. This gives it tremendous processing power – however, it lacks a dedicated GPU.

In our review, the 2021 24-inch iMac made a huge impression on us. This is a great computer, fast for most applications. Eight cores and 16 GB of processing power is a lot, but for pros with intensive workloads, this may not be enough, especially in terms of GPU.

However, there is a lot to like here. The 4.5K Retina display means all your content will look great, especially when framed in a colorful design. While ultimately we still think the 27-inch iMac outperforms this one in its ability to really immerse itself in graphic design tasks, it’s hard to imagine many designers not being satisfied with this superb computer.

3. Microsoft Surface Studio 2

Incredible Windows PC for graphic design.

Photo microsoft surface studio 2

Features:

CPU	Intel Core i7-7820HQ
Video card	Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060 6GB -GTX 1070 8GB
RAM	16GB – 32GB
Memory	1TB – 2TB SSD
Monitor	28-inch PixelSense display, 4. 5K resolution

Benefits:

• Touch sensitivity, Surface Pen support
• Vertical hinge for viewing angle adjustment
• Powerful Graphics

Disadvantages:

• Cannot use modern Intel

processor

• Expensive for Windows PC

The Microsoft Surface Studio 2 is a fantastic all-in-one alternative to competing products like the Apple iMac, perfect for those who don’t like using the Apple ecosystem. What’s more, it even has some great features that iMacs don’t have.

When we got our hands on the Microsoft Surface Studio 2 in our review, we were impressed by a number of things. In particular, we liked the high-resolution 28-inch display and the fact that the touch sensitivity makes it possible to use the computer as a huge graphics tablet. The drawing feel is good, and the Surface Pen stylus bites nicely. We also appreciated the ability to instantly switch between color profiles, from sRGB to vivid and DCI-P3 modes.

However, there are a few caveats that mean Apple has won our hearts: Surface Studio 2 still uses the old quad-core processor from Intel, and despite the availability of more powerful discrete GPUs, it still features an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060 or 1070.

However, they should provide enough power for graphic design, and you can set up Surface Studio 2 with up to a 2TB SSD and 32GB of RAM.

4. Mac Studio

A powerful yet compact Apple computer ideal for professionals.

Photo mac studio

Features:

Benefits:

• Multiple power settings
• Multiple Ports

Drawbacks:

• More than needed.
• New, therefore expensive

Apple computers are hugely popular with creative professionals who need all the processing power, and the Mac Studio is the latest model aimed at that audience. Depending on the user’s preference, the Mac Studio can be equipped with either the Apple M1 Max chip or the latest M1 Ultra chip (essentially two M1 Mac chips welded together), making it one of the most powerful computers Apple has ever made.

When we looked at the Mac Studio, we were immediately struck by how little space it takes up thanks to its compact design – it essentially looks like a folded Mac Mini (see below). We were also extremely pleased to find how energy efficient it turned out to be. While the M1 Ultra delivers higher GPU performance than the highest performing PC GPU, it consumes 200W less power. This is mainly due to the efficient architecture of the M1 chips, but in the real world, in a period of rising electricity bills, this is likely to be very useful.

If you do intensive graphic design tasks, such as editing huge files in Photoshop, Mac Studio will work great. If you are not doing so much, then most likely there will be more power than you need. The Mac Studio M1 Max version costs $1,999, while the M1 Ultra version can offer twice the power, but it’s also priced twice as much at $3,999. Needless to say, if you don’t have to spend that much on a computer, you shouldn’t. . However, if you’re looking for the most powerful graphic design computer available today, this is it.

5. Mac mini (M1, 2020)

Great compact PC for graphic design.

Photo mac mini (m1, 2020)

Features:

Benefits:

• Same great design as
• Very good performance
• New M1 hardware has potential

Disadvantages:

• Unable to use eGPU
• Very little upgrade option

If you’re picky about using your own display and peripherals but love the Apple ecosystem, the Mac mini has been updated to feature the same M1 chip as the 24-inch iMac, making the performance of the two computers nearly identical, even though that the Mac mini costs a little less.

This miniature secret weapon runs on macOS like other Apple computers, which means all the graphic design apps you can use on your iMac can be used on your Mac mini, and it’s small enough to fit in your bag for portability, like a laptop.

Of course, you need to buy a monitor for it (or use an existing one), so it is not as neat on the table as the all-in-one, but this gives you some freedom in purchasing a display optimized for graphic design to further improve your projects.

Base model features Apple M1 chip with 8-core processor and 16-core neural engine, 256GB SSD, four rear expansion ports for USB or Thunderbolt external storage, plus HDMI 2.0 for simultaneous support of two displays.

6. HP Pavilion 590

The best budget computer for graphic design.

Photo hp pavilion 590

Features:

Benefits:

• More affordable than competitors
• Multiple Ports

Drawbacks:

• Will be difficult to work with huge files
• Storage is HDD, not SDD

Although the HP Pavilion 590 is a few years old, it has earned a reputation as a great budget desktop and is a good choice for budget-conscious designers.

With a surprisingly generous 12GB of RAM and an Intel Core i7-8700 processor, it’ll handle most graphic design tasks just fine, as long as you’re not trying to do too many things at once or deal with absolutely massive billboard-style files. The processor is equipped with an integrated Intel UHD Graphics 630 card, which is good enough for complex tasks like 3D modeling. In addition to what we really appreciate, Pavilion 590 has a plethora of ports including USB Type-C and Type-A, 3.1 and 2.0 ports, and HDMI and DVI.

The 1TB of memory is handy – the fact that it’s a hard drive and not an SSD slows things down a bit, but it’s an acceptable trade-off for getting a solid desktop at this price point.

7. Dell XPS Desktop

Accessibility and personalization.

Photo dell xps desktop

Features:

CPU	11th generation Intel Core i5 – i9
Video card	Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 – RTX 3070 Super
RAM	12GB DDR4
Memory	256GB – 1TB M. 2 PCIe NVME SSD + 2TB SATA 7200RPM HDD

Benefits:

• Great value for the specs
• Lots of power
• Plenty of configurations available

Drawbacks:

• One USB-C port
• Not very bright design

The Dell XPS line of desktop PCs is one of the few remaining desktop towers still in the non-gaming market, but thankfully it’s also one of the best. Choosing a Windows-based PC will likely give you more freedom to customize components, and it’s usually a much cheaper option than buying an iMac or Mac Pro when it comes to performance and affordability.

Even the smallest model is equipped with a dedicated Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 graphics card, so those who don’t have a lot of money to buy an iMac can get a powerful and capable machine for significantly less money. Even better, if you have some money to burn, then you can opt for an 11th gen Intel i9 processor and an RTX 3070 graphics card. a good array of ports on the front (meaning you don’t have to fiddle with the back), a built-in SD card slot, and the fact that Dell offers a lot of corporate discounts so you can save even more money thanks to your employer.

8. Alienware Aurora Ryzen Edition R10

Powerful personal computer.

Photo alienware aurora ryzen edition r10

Features:

Benefits:

• Powerful components
• Many specifications to choose from
• Stunning design

Drawbacks:

• Very expensive in the highest configurations

Gaming PCs are far more common than family desktop towers these days, but thanks to the powerful components inside, they’re also usually great PCs for graphic design. This Alienware example is one of the best, with a striking design and lots of RGB lighting.

The Alienware Aurora Ryzen Edition R10 features the latest AMD processors as well as the latest Nvidia RTX 3000 series graphics cards, making it an incredible performer when it comes to graphic design.

It also comes in a variety of configurations so you can easily choose the model that best suits your needs and budget. It’s also a great option for those looking to get an AMD-based desktop rather than Intel, which has become increasingly popular in recent years with AMD rising like a phoenix from the ashes.

Alienware products are usually quite expensive, but the Alienware Aurora Ryzen Edition R10 is very reasonably priced and has excellent build quality and design. This graphic design computer is well worth the investment.

9. Lenovo Yoga AIO 7

Great alternative to iMac or Surface Studio.

Photo lenovo yoga aio 7

Features:

CPU	Up to AMD Ryzen 7 4800H
Video card	to Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060
RAM	32 GB DDR4
Memory	up to 1TB M. 2 SSD + 2TB HDD
Monitor	27″ 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) IPS, DCI-P3 99%, Adobe RGB 99%

Pre property:

• Good price for the features and specifications of
• 4K display can be rotated to portrait mode
• Optional 99% coverage Adobe RGB

Drawbacks:

• Components are a little outdated
• Expensive for a non-Apple AIO

If you love the all-in-one idea but don’t want to pay for Apple, then the 27-inch Yoga AIO is an AMD-powered Windows PC perfect for creative professionals and hobbyists who want a product optimized for graphic design.

4K display available with optional 9 gamut9% Adobe RGB and 99% DCI-P3 color space, useful for those who need to optimize color fidelity. The screen can be fully rotated to portrait mode with the tap of a finger if you need a different viewing angle.

With the recent popularity of vertical platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels, many artists and graphic designers are exploring new formats to promote their work, so a rotating display can come in handy for more than just finding a better working angle.

You also get up to 1TB SSD and the option to install a 2TB HDD. Hard drives may be obsolete in gaming devices, but their available capacity gives you enough space to save projects. For demanding applications, the 27-inch Yoga AIO is equipped with 32 GB of RAM, allowing you to easily run almost any application from the Adobe Creative Suite.

10. Dell Inspiron 27 7000

Edge-to-edge display in a more affordable all-in-one.

Photo dell inspiron 27 7000

Features:

Benefits:

• 27″ 4K edge-to-edge display
• Tilt and Adjustable Stand
• HDMI input

Weaknesses:

• Uses low power laptop processor
• No Thunderbolt 3 port

Dell has already created some fantastic desktop solutions for the gaming and professional market, so it’s no surprise that this Dell Inspiron 27 7000 AIO has some impressive features that creative people should love.

For starters, you get a stunning 4K Infinity Edge display that makes iMac’s thick-bezeled 27-inch screen look dated. The tilt stand is also particularly useful for adjusting viewing angles and really helps confirm the high build quality of this device.

In terms of specifications, you have a lot of options, as with other Dell computers, which means you can get a configuration that offers exactly what you need. With 8-core AMD processors and powerful GPUs, it’s a great affordable iMac alternative that doesn’t compromise on quality.

And of course, because this is a Dell product, you can save some money by taking advantage of the Employer or School discount, and be sure that, being a Dell product, this is a reliable and high-quality computer.

What makes a computer good for graphic design?

Desktop computers may have fallen out of fashion in recent years among everyday home and office users, but they still play an important role in industries and markets where more power is required. While there are some great graphic design laptops that can help you with your graphic design work, they generally can’t offer the same level of performance as desktops because they need to be thin, light, and portable.

Desktop PCs don’t have to worry about this and are usually easier to customize to your needs. They can also be more affordable than a laptop of similar specs, but since the best graphic design computers require powerful components like the latest processors, graphics cards, don’t expect any of these PCs to be particularly cheap.

A desktop computer with a processor (CPU) with four, six or more cores will allow you to easily run applications such as Photoshop or Illustrator, and at least 8 GB of RAM, 256 GB SSD and fast memory will help you work on multi-layered high-resolution documents without slowing down the system.

A dedicated graphics card is also an advantage, but most graphic design applications will not be as demanding on the system as tasks such as 3D rendering. Choosing a gaming PC with a powerful Nvidia RTX 3080 GPU will certainly help (and allow you to use ray tracing features), but in a pinch, integrated graphics will do as well.

Many of the models shown here have built-in displays—these computers are called all-in-ones, often abbreviated as AIO—iMac is a great example of everything in one box. More PCs are moving to this form factor as well, but one downside is that they aren’t as easily upgradeable as standard tower desktops, so it’s still the best option in terms of flexibility and overall performance.

Is a Mac or PC better for graphic design?

The battle between Apple and PC fans has been going on for decades, but as far as which brand is “best” for graphic design, they each have their own strengths. There are very powerful Mac and PC based solutions on the market for a wide variety of requirements, but which brand you place yourself in ultimately comes down to a few personal preferences.

Microsoft PCs are usually much cheaper than Apple alternatives, and desktop towers are usually easy to upgrade, which can greatly extend the life of your machine.