latebloomer Loc: Topeka, KS

Need opinions and advice
I previously posted wanting a $700 (no longer the criterion ) desktop computer for Phoroshop. I have looked at options and would greatly appreciate advice on the following computers that all have 16 gb ram: Is there significant between those listed?
I apologize for my ignorance. I am getting my memory back by relearning after brain surgery. I am appreciative of any and all comments.

1. HP Slim S01-pF1048xt Desktop PC

https://www.hp.com/us-en/shop/pdp/hp-slim-desktop-s01-pf1048xt


2, HP - Pavilion Desktop - AMD Ryzen 7 - 16GB Memory - 1TB SSD - Natural Silver
https://www.bestbuy.com/site/hp-pavilion-desktop-amd-ryzen-7-16gb-memory-1tb-ssd-natural-silver/6477687.p?skuId=6477687

3, Dell OptiPlex 5090 SFF Desktop Computer
https://www.amazon.com/Dell-OptiPlex-5090-Desktop-Computer/dp/B09BC1HWSR

Dell OptiPlex 5000 5090 Desktop Computer - Intel Core i5 11th Gen i5-11500 Hexa-core (6 Core) 2.70 GHz - 16 GB RAM DDR4 SDRAM - 256 GB M.2 PCI Express NVMe 3.0 x4 SSD - Small Form Factor

Again, THANK YOU!

Terry Sandlin

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

If those are the choices, pick #2. Substantially faster CPU than the other choices. Good sized SSD although it may be SATA (not specified), but there are 2 m.2 expansion slots to add a fast m.2 nvme SSD in the future, another open memory slot to add another 16GB, and 2PCIe slots so you can add a seperate graphics card later. In other words, decent performance now with room to expand later.

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

#2, has no Graphics Card... for photo work an NVIDIA low end, $200 card with 4 gig of DDR 5 will make a big difference. " Photoshop, then we would suggest that you purchase a graphics card. There are a lot of advanced functions that Photoshop offers that can only be performed if you have a GPU. Here are some of the features, as stated by Adobe, that only work with a GPU:"
https://learn-photoshop.club/resources/free-tutorials/does-photoshop-require-a-graphics-card/

You can buy #2 and add a GPU, but of course, I being me, will advise you to build your own with gaming parts lowered in cost because they are 2 years old and gathering dust on retail shelf.

Easy to assemble new DIY computers... you can not screw a light bulb in wrong... no plug a plug in the wall wrong... Computers have everything foolproof in terms of the uniqueness of plug/socket combos.

If you search, Op systems are low cost from foreign down loads... perfectly legal. Same for programs like Word 2019 etc.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

Well, I would suggest building your own as well, but from the conversation, it doesn’t seem to me the OP has that in mind.

Completely agree on the graphics card BUT none of the 3 systems has a separate GPU, and you’re not going to get one at that price point. As I pointed out, the system has slots available for expansion, including an open memory card slot so he can add a second 16GB DIMM for $70-100, a 256-500 GB m.2 NVME for $50 (he would then clone the OS from the 1 TB SSD and use the larger drive for data), and a PCIe x16 slot for a graphics card. Hopefully by that time, graphics cards will be selling for somewhere near list. PS 2022 does support the internal Intel and AMD graphics on the CPU, but whether it will allow him to use the few tools requiring a separate GPU, I can’t say without testing. I can tell you that during my testing trying to get my AMD FirePro to be recognized, I removed the graphics card entirely, and PS2022 did recognize and utilize the internal Intel graphics on the CPU. BTW, we don’t know what PP aps the OP is going to run.

TucsonDave Loc: Tucson, Arizona

Terry,
I use Affinity Photo, not Photoshop, to do my post processing. But the issues are the same. It has been my experience in the past year, that to get these post processing programs to work well, you need a system that has at least a 11th gen chip, with two hard discs, both being SSD with at least a 1 to 4 TB capacity. Excluding a new monitor, in Tucson, AZ it costs about $1400 to $1,900 to get built and that was before the increase in chip costs. Other responses will suggest that you get some slightly older parts to reduce the costs. I'm sure thats true, but in the end you need to be happy with the performance and you won't be happy if the program is slow and occasionally crashes because of lack of capabilty. Good luck, though in your quest!

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

Btw, as pointed out in one review, the power supply is only 180w (HP is notorious for barely adequate power supplies), so if/when you add an external graphics card, the OP will need to upgrade the PS also. Obviously this is not the machine I would build or recommend for heavy photo processing, but given the 3 choices and the budget…

latebloomer Loc: Topeka, KS

Thank you for your opinions and advice. I am in great need of it. This is a great forum (It thankfully does not include political arguments in what I look at,)


At my relearning Photosop I don't know how much speed will be needed. Does the graphics card issue just make things slower or does it take so much time or not work that it doesn't have good use? Also, does a new graphics card void the warrantee? HP told me that a new REM card would void warrantee.

Thanks again for helping a slightly brain imbarred Hold Fart.

NickGee Loc: Pacific Northwest

Dell computers have done me well for decades. But I'd suggest the XPS line. You can stay under budget, get a powerful processor and graphics card, adequate memory (which you can augment later if you wish), and a great reputation.

https://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/desktop-computers/sr/desktops/xps-desktops

TucsonDave Loc: Tucson, Arizona

I am also a 77 year old Fart!! its OK. We get by with the help of our friends. As far as speed. You don' t want to have to wait 30 to 60 seconds for you photo to download and you don't want to wait 10 to 15 seconds every time you provide an adjustment to your layers. That will get old fast. As far as warrantee voiding you shoud read your contract or go on line to HP and read their general warranty. Anytime you go into a laptop within the warranty period you probably void the warranty. HP would have to do the work, I would guess.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

I don’t think warranty will be an issue. First, it’s a desktop and secondly, by the time he gets around to adding a graphics card and changing the supply, it will probably be out of warranty. If the thought is to do it sooner, then maybe preferable to buy a machine with a separate GPU up front.

PHRubin Loc: Nashville TN USA

If the OP can wait, he might be better served to save a bit more and increase the budget, then try again.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

Regarding the graphics card/GPU, it depends on what type of post processing you do. If what you do is simple adjustments such as brightness, contrast, color, white balance, cropping and spot healing, the you’ll probably never notice the need for it. On the other hand is you do lots of stacking, panoramas, 3D rendering or using products such as Topaz Sharpen/Denoise, etc. a GPU can make a big difference. If you look at the Adobe GPU FAQs, you’ll see a list of the commands that won’t work at all without a GPU and those that will work more slowly. If post processing is your thing, then I’d definitely recommend one. It was the time rendering Topaz products that caused me to buy a more powerful GPU. It is going to be a primary cost driver of your machine. Adding something like a 1060Ti is going to add ~$300 to the price of the machine, and something like an NVidia 3060 will bump it up $5-$600. At the moment, graphics cards are selling for over list price due to the high demand, so if that ever gets under control or the supply catches up, perhaps they will become more rational. At the moment, if you opt for a used card, expect to spend $200-$250 as a minimum to add one plus another $50-60 to upgrade the power supply in your machine.

TheShoe Loc: Lacey, WA

And if you get the AMD Ryzen CPU, you might even consider the AMD Radeon GPU choices.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

Indeed.

latebloomer Loc: Topeka, KS

To do this with ease, Does the following Dell get me started? Is it possible I might not nead to make masker upgrades?
https://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/desktop-computers/xps-desktop/spd/xps-8950-desktop/xd8950adl20h


https://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/desktop-computers/sr/desktops/xps-desktops


View Delivery Dates for 95101
12ᵗʰ Gen Intel® Core™ i5-12400
Windows 11 Home
NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 1650 SUPER™
16 GB Memory
256 GB SSD + 1 TB HDD


Do you have other suggestions?
This Dell will not arrive for a month. I wish I had the Dell a few weeks ago.

Thanks for all you are doing to help me. I appreciate your time.

Terry Sandlin