When it comes to content creation, artistry, and creating digital assets, finding the right desktop can be a bit challenging. Considering how many options and choices are out there, along with what you actually need, it's easy to get steered toward the wrong device. So today, we are taking a look at the most important features you should keep an eye on when considering a new creative desktop or workstation.
Processor
At the core of your system is the processor. It determines how everything else in your system will work. It manages the speed and general bandwidth of each component, as well as the devices you plug into your computer. So, the more you are doing, the more powerful processor you will need.
There are multiple companies out there that make powerful processors, including Intel and AMD. Keep an eye on the processor name and generation. When it comes to running photo editing software, an Intel Core Ultra 7 or an AMD Ryzen 7 would be a great starting point. They offer great flexibility and can easily handle your applications. If you are video editing, 3D rendering, or doing any sort of resource intensive task, then I would suggest kicking it up to either an Intel Core Ultra 9 or an AMD Ryzen 9 processor.
Memory
Random Access Memory, or RAM, is incredibly important to your desktop. The more you have, the faster you can render projects and multitask. Memory often comes in DDR4 or DDR5, which denotes the generation of the memory. No matter which type of memory you have, I would suggest at least 32GB to start with when it comes to photo editing. Video editors and modelers would find that the more memory you have, the better. You could stay with 32GB but the more memory you add, the faster your render time becomes. Starting with at least 64GB of memory would see a huge uplift in performance. If you are working with high-definition rendering software for 3D assets, then anything over that 64GB would be preferred.
Storage
Storage is relatively straight forward. It is mostly narrowed down to capacity and interface. You would want enough capacity to store any of your essential photos and video assets, so anything about 1TB is sufficient with 2TB being the optimal choice. Almost all modern desktops use what is called M.2 storage, which is the interface type of the main drive. Sometimes you might have additional drive bays for 2.5” and 3.5” SSDs and HDDs, but I would recommend an off-system storage solution like an external drive to save and backup your essential data.
Graphics
There are two types of graphic systems in a computer: integrated and dedicated. Integrated graphics work directly off the processor, while dedicated graphics are separated into their own isolated area in the form of a Graphics Processing Unit or GPU. Right away, I would suggest a system with a dedicated GPU.
Right now, most desktops with a dedicated graphics card use NVIDIA GeForce RTX graphics—I suggest the RTX 5060 or 5070 for lightweight tasks and the RTX 5080 or 5090 series for heavier workloads. The higher the series number, the more powerful graphics card you have. Additionally, these cards may have either 8GB or 16GB of GDDR memory, and I would go with the 16GB models if possible.
For extreme workloads, NVIDIA offers the RTX Ada series graphics cards, which offer multiple performance levels and memory profiles. While these could also be used for editing, they are often designed for resource-demanding tasks often found in workstations and developer-centric systems. So, if you are a developer, definitely keep an eye out for an RTX Ada card.
Connectivity
Ports are essential to your creative endeavors and can expand the capabilities of your system. The more ports you have, the more devices you can connect. Designers who use devices like external controllers, storage arrays, and more, need to have multiple ports. A few USB-C and USB-A ports on the front and back panels is a good start. Thunderbolt 4 and 5 ports are a great bonus, allowing you to use various high-powered devices.
Form Factor
Finally, I believe it is a good idea to note the form factor of the desktop. Larger towers might have more inside of them, giving you access to greater power. Meanwhile, a smaller system might fit your work area better while still delivering great performance, but it is important to ensure that the specifications meet your needs. You don’t want to get a small system and realize that it doesn’t run the software you need or takes long to render demanding projects. Small Form Factor (SFF) systems seem to be eye catching, but they often cannot keep up with the capabilities of larger workstation systems. So, keep that in mind when shopping around.
And there you have it—the most important features to consider when it comes to your next creative desktop or workstation purchase. If you are looking for some inspiration, we have a wide range of devices worth looking at with multiple price points to fit your creative needs.
