New lap top: Doing a little research for a new/refurbished lap top. I currently have a HP with a 17'' screen, core I7 with Nividia GEFORCE and 16Gb of ram. Hard drive size is not a...

starlifter Loc: Towson, MD

Doing a little research for a new/refurbished lap top. I currently have a HP with a 17'' screen, core I7 with Nividia GEFORCE and 16Gb of ram. Hard drive size is not a major concern as I use an external drive , just speed and video performance. My main question is would a gamming computer be better for photo editing or a regular one. My current computer is currently ok but is at least 6 years old and was refurbished when I bought it. I use it almost daily and don't want to tempt fate.

R.G. Loc: Scotland

starlifter wrote:

.....My current computer is currently ok but is at least 6 years old and was refurbished when I bought it.....

The only thing that could be a real liability would be an old-style HDD. If it has SSDs there's not much to worry about.

A gaming computer wouldn't go wrong but if it has more than 32GB of RAM it would be overkill for photo editing.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Five months ago I just got an off-the-shelf HP at Costco to replace my 10 year old laptop. The HP seems to run lickety-split.
I suppose it depends on one's need for speed.
A gaming computer would definitely be faster.
But for me it wasn't necessary at all.
I'm always on my laptop.

starlifter Loc: Towson, MD

R.G. wrote:

The only thing that could be a real liability would be an old-style HDD. If it has SSDs there's not much to worry about.

A gaming computer wouldn't go wrong but if it has more than 32GB of RAM it would be overkill for photo editing.

Thanks for your reply.

jlg1000 Loc: Uruguay / South America

starlifter wrote:

Doing a little research for a new/refurbished lap top. I currently have a HP with a 17'' screen, core I7 with Nividia GEFORCE and 16Gb of ram. Hard drive size is not a major concern as I use an external drive , just speed and video performance. My main question is would a gamming computer be better for photo editing or a regular one. My current computer is currently ok but is at least 6 years old and was refurbished when I bought it. I use it almost daily and don't want to tempt fate.

A gaming laptop will have a good GPU which would help all those "AI" algothms that are baked into modern editing software. Also expectuch more AI in the coming years.

Also, a gaming laptop will have more RAM, faster CPU and SDD than a regular laptop.

Just one question: why a laptop and not a regular desktop/tower PC? Laptops cost twice as much for similar docs than desktops/towers.

If portability is not required, I don't like laptops: they are flimsy, difficult to impossible to repair/upgrade, have horrible keyboards and mice... have to attach a regular keyboard and mouse anyway... small screens (have to attach a regular monitor anyway)...
No advantage besides portability.

starlifter Loc: Towson, MD

Longshadow wrote:

Five months ago I just got an off-the-shelf HP at Costco to replace my 10 year old laptop. The HP seems to run lickety-split.
I suppose it depends on one's need for speed.
A gaming computer would definitely be faster.
But for me it wasn't necessary at all.
I'm always on my laptop.

Thank you for your reply.

starlifter Loc: Towson, MD

jlg1000 wrote:

A gaming laptop will have a good GPU which would help all those "AI" algothms that are baked into modern editing software. Also expectuch more AI in the coming years.

Also, a gaming laptop will have more RAM, faster CPU and SDD than a regular laptop.

Just one question: why a laptop and not a regular desktop/tower PC? Laptops cost twice as much for similar docs than desktops/towers.

I like the portability and convivence of a laptop. I had a desktop years ago and didn't like being confined to one room.

starlifter Loc: Towson, MD

jlg1000 wrote:

A gaming laptop will have a good GPU which would h... (show quote)

My current lap top has a very sharp 17'' sreen and a very nice bluetooth mouse. It was a refurbished one when I got it 6 or so years ago for $600. would not want to go back to a desk top.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

starlifter wrote:

I like the portability and convivence of a laptop. I had a desktop years ago and didn't like being confined to one room.

On our desktop in the office we have a scanner, All-in-One printer, dual bay external drive dock, dual monitors, ...
All things I don't want tethered to my laptop, which is basically only used in the family room and if I travel by car.
I'll keep our desktop.

Everyone works differently.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

starlifter wrote:

Doing a little research for a new/refurbished lap top. I currently have a HP with a 17'' screen, core I7 with Nividia GEFORCE and 16Gb of ram. Hard drive size is not a major concern as I use an external drive , just speed and video performance. My main question is would a gamming computer be better for photo editing or a regular one. My current computer is currently ok but is at least 6 years old and was refurbished when I bought it. I use it almost daily and don't want to tempt fate.

I see gaming computers recommended so often. Maybe after processing for a while, people like to take a break and play a game. You need certain specs to process photos, and you need certain specs to play games. Generally speaking, photo processing requires a fast enough processor, 16Gb or memory (or more), and a decent graphics card. I would concentrate on getting the specs I need for processing. Would you be paying for specs you don't need?

Yes, gaming computers are good for Photoshop. They have the power to handle the demands of photo editing software, and they’re built with features that make them ideal for gaming and other high-end applications. If you’re looking for a computer that can do it all, a gaming PC is a great choice.

No, gaming computers are not good for Photoshop. The reason is that gaming computers are designed for gaming and not for graphic design or other creative applications. They may have the power to run Photoshop, but they lack the features that are important for creative work. For example, gaming computers typically have poor color accuracy and limited display options.

Conclusion:
So, are gaming computers good for Photoshop? Yes, they are!

Also - https://www.culturedkiwi.com/best-computers-for-photo-editing/

What specifications should a photo editing laptop have?
Intel I7 or AMD Ryzen 7 processor
16Gb of Ram
1080 (Full HD) Monitor
500Gb SSD minimum
At least 2 USB ports
https://www.photographyacademy.com/should-i-buy-a-laptop-or-desktop-for-photo-editing/

starlifter Loc: Towson, MD

jerryc41 wrote:

I see gaming computers recommended so often. Mayb... (show quote)

Thank you for your input.

starlifter Loc: Towson, MD

jerryc41 wrote:

I see gaming computers recommended so often. Mayb... (show quote)

Thanks for your info.

Rongnongno Loc: FL

starlifter wrote:

Doing a little research for a new/refurbished lap top. I currently have a HP with a 17'' screen, core I7 with Nividia GEFORCE and 16Gb of ram. Hard drive size is not a major concern as I use an external drive , just speed and video performance. My main question is would a gamming computer be better for photo editing or a regular one. My current computer is currently ok but is at least 6 years old and was refurbished when I bought it. I use it almost daily and don't want to tempt fate.

I have a laptop that is older than that. It still works like a charm, but then again it was custom-made. If yours still works, there is no need to replace it, just a good back-up if you are leery about using it. Now, if you have an issue with some software, it is a different story (I do not except loading Windows 11).

Your best option, in my opinion, is to progressively save $$$ so that when it is time to use a new door stop you will not feel the pinch, except in your back if that thing is heavy.

In the meantime, keep an eye on what is going when it comes to new stuff coming out, just to be informed.

Oh, gaming laptop? Expensive, usually heavy, and really not worth the price difference. I purchased a Dell XPS 17 last year. It flies and the gamut is great. It is also user upgradable.

starlifter Loc: Towson, MD

Rongnongno wrote:

I have a laptop that is older than that. It still ... (show quote)

Thanks for your advice.

starlifter Loc: Towson, MD

Longshadow wrote:

Five months ago I just got an off-the-shelf HP at Costco to replace my 10 year old laptop. The HP seems to run lickety-split.
I suppose it depends on one's need for speed.
A gaming computer would definitely be faster.
But for me it wasn't necessary at all.
I'm always on my laptop.

I've always wondered how to spell lickety-split. Haven't heard it in a while. Thanks for the reply.