Recommended Hardware for Photo Editing

CPU (Processor)

• Lightroom and Photoshop respond really well to a modern, fast CPU — it speeds up exports, AI tools, and day-to-day editing.
• Most photographers don’t need a server-class CPU; they just need something snappy and consistent.
• We can help you choose Mac vs. PC based on your catalog workflow and what you’re used to.

Memory (RAM)

• Open catalogs, large PSDs, and running Lightroom + Photoshop together can use a good amount of memory.
• We size RAM so you can edit and export without the system slowing down.
• Because we build and refurbish in-store, we can upgrade memory later as your camera megapixels go up.

Storage

• Photo editors feel storage speed more than almost anyone — a fast SSD/NVMe makes imports, previews, and opening files much faster.
• We like to separate the OS/app drive from a working “Photos / Catalog” drive so Lightroom and Capture One stay quick.
• We can add larger SSDs or HDDs for long-term archives and client delivery.

Graphics & Displays

• Most photo apps don’t need a huge GPU, but a modern graphics solution helps with GPU-accelerated features and running high-res monitors.
• We can set up dual monitors or a single color-friendly display for print and retouching.
• If you work in 4K or use AI-heavy tools, we’ll size the GPU accordingly.