How to choose a computer for graphic design work
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Before you go for a graphic design computer, here are some factors to consider. The trick is to find a computer that can multitask without hanging and at a great price. The below factors affect speed and, in turn, multitasking ability. The second factor, price, depends on your budget.
The tools you use in your workflow will greatly determine the kind of professional you will become in the future. I recommend you choose a computer that is a little higher in specs than you currently require to match up to your future needs as you grow.
Originally Posted: computers for graphic design work
Storage
The hard drive will either be a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD). You may be wondering what the difference is between SSD hard drives and HDDs and which one is best for your graphic design computer.
SSDs have no moving parts and replace them with memory chips. This makes them tolerant of adverse conditions like drops, unlike HDDs that have spinning parts. Although more costly, SDDs offer more speed and durability.
CPU – Central Processing Unit
The processor determines the speed at which your computer will make calculations, which will determine the overall speed. The processor’s speed is measured in GHz. 1 GHz simply means the number of calculations your computer makes per second; 1 GHz is 1 billion calculations in a second.
Most of the software you will run on your computer as a graphic designer will be quite CPU-intensive. Although the software will run at 1 GHz, we recommend 2 GHz and above if you do not want it to be slow and annoying while using it.
GPU: Graphic Processing Unit
Sometimes you will work with very heavy graphics, which may make your computer slow and difficult to operate. They are annoying, especially if you are working on 3D animation or on a timeline.
These types of files require a dedicated unit for processing graphics. This is called a graphics card. It will help you work smoothly across different software and renderings.
If you are using your computer for specific plugins, make sure to check whether the plugin is compatible with the one you have. For example, some plugins like Video Copilot’s Element 3D work on some graphics cards but not others.
RAM: Random Access Memory
Every time your computer needs to get files, it goes to the hard drive. To increase retrieval speed, computers have partial memory that they keep at the top of their heads instead of going to the hard drive all the time.
This is called RAM (Random Access Memory). If you want an upgrade and do not know which one to start with, then RAM is the best place to start.
You will need a computer with at least 8 GB of RAM as you start, but check the ability to expand because as you grow, you will need more RAM. Your ideal machine should at least allow expandability to 32 GB.
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Screennbsp;Display
For graphic design, you need a good display for your day-to-day work. You need a monitor that can achieve high brightness and resolution and be very accurate in color display. Please check out the good monitors for graphic design?you can buy.
Price
A computer for a graphic designer is a main tool of trade, so as you balance affordability and effectiveness, always treat it as an investment for future returns.
If you are running on a low budget and want a cheap computer, be very keen on the expandability of the features because you can improve them over time to upgrade a cheap, slow machine to a graphic design powerhouse.
If you prefer a laptop, watch out for our next article, where we discuss drawing laptops. They are also great for graphic designers. However, a desktop computer is preferable for graphic design because it is easy to upgrade to higher memory and almost any other specification, including graphic cards.
Operating System
For the longest time, debate among artists, graphic designers, and other professionals has been heated on whether to go for PC or Mac computers. Both Mac and PC brands have some very advanced machines that pack a lot of power. Which brand between Mac and PC is best for graphic design?
Mac vs PC for graphic design?
Apple or Mac computers have a sleek and cool look and come with a straightforward and easy-to-use OS. However, despite being considered industry standards, Mac computers are more expensive compared to PCs.
Sometimes you may be on a budget and wish to buy a cheap, low-spec computer you can upgrade later. If this is you, the PC is for you because upgradability is a little complicated with Macs. For graphic design PCs, you can easily upgrade and improve everything from RAM to storage space and end up with a powerful computer.
There is no clear-cut choice between the two, however, but budget and preference of the operating platform you want to make the difference. I prefer a PC because I have used it for so long.
Are gaming computers good for graphic design?
Gaming laptops can easily run graphic design software. The specs are great, but you need to be careful when choosing the screen size. We recommend a minimum of 15 inches of screen size and 17 inches for optimal performance on a graphic design laptop.
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