Gatorcoach Loc: New Jersey

My friend is an excellent photographer but perhaps an even more skilled processor. She has a terrific eye and imagination in the pictures she makes - especially with filters.

She is in the process of buying a new laptop and it was suggested to her that a PC geared for gaming, with its speed and stronger graphics cards would be better for her needs.

Thoughts from those with experience using gaming computers for photographic use would be appreciated.

Revet Loc: Fairview Park, Ohio

Last September I built a high-end gaming computer using the best components at the time. I even forked out an insane amount of money for a GPU which is killing me now because I can purchase the same one at half of what I paid. Anyhow, I was concerned about how my photographs would look on a gaming monitor. As it turns out, I can not tell the difference between my IPS or 1-year-old VA monitor even when looking from the side or comparing colors side by side. If there is a difference, it is minimal. As far as performance, Lightroom, Photoshop, and other post-processing programs run like a dream. I use PS Premiere Elements at times and that is where a 12-core-24 thread processor really shines. Today, you can get a really nice IPS gaming monitor (I assume for laptops also) so it's a moot point. Performance-wise, she will love it. My older computer (2 1/2 years old) was no slouch but at times using Lightroom drove me insane with crashes, etc. I love my new rig.

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

I don't have a workstation where I can put a computer. I live in small spaces, including RVs. And, I like to take a computer when I travel so that I can process both photos and videos at the end of each day. I have to rely on laptops.

Most, at least "many" seem to need expensive Apple laptops for this. Instead I use a "sale priced" gaming laptop. The first was an Asus "Republic of Gamers" that I broke doing something dumb. I replaced it with a Lenovo "Legion". Both were about $1100 at Costco.

It may be that "gamers" are not as easy to calibrate for perfect, match the scene color. But for anyone with a "terrific eye and imagination in the pictures she makes - especially with filters.", that may not matter at all.

Would a "gamer" be better? I don't think so. But, because of the way they are marketed, their price/performance ratio can be better. If money matters, a gamer might be a good solution.

ClarkJohnson Loc: Fort Myers, FL and Cohasset, MA

For those who use Topaz software, be careful of the power of the GPU. Cheap gaming machines might not have the horsepower to run the latest versions. Topaz publishes their minimum and recommended system specs.

rlv567 Loc: Baguio City, Philippines

I do not know from my own experience, but a friend who is a graphic artist/computer expert told me that a GPU designed for gaming is not the best for photo processing - and, of course, GPU changes and upgrades come about as frequently as everything else in this business! I never have played a computer game (and never will), so I have no knowledge of that side of the question, much less the answer. It does seem, though, that gaming computers tend to be higher priced, so even less desirable.

Loren - in Beautiful Baguio City

In-lightened Loc: Kansas City

I use one for travel by ASUS. I get by with it but even with spec specs that meet both LR and Topaz requirement, it is slow. And it has a shorter shelf life. If she doesn't need it for travel, I wouldn't use that as primary. A desktop is upgradeable, and software continues to demand more and more power.

repleo Loc: Boston

I bought a gaming laptop because I wanted a dedicated GPU with more than 4GB of memory to run Skylum AI. My Lenovo Legion is more than capable of handling anything I can throw at it for photo processing. However, dedicated GPUs can be very power hungry which may mean heavy duty power cords and transformers. The power pack and cords on mine weigh over 2 lbs. Also, they need big fans. My wife complains about the blast of hot air coming out of it if I sit anywhere near her. Forget about any thoughts of packing it for a trip or using it on a plane. My gaming laptop is pretty well permanently installed on my desk now so I could have gone with a desktop instead.

Strodav Loc: Houston, Tx

Yes, a gaming laptop is a great idea. The important factors are processor speed, especially over clocked speed, a strong graphics card with 8GB video memory or greater, 16GB to 32GB of high speed main memory, and a couple of large SSDs, like 4GB each. It's also a good idea to have an external backup drive. Now you are getting into $5K territory. Don't forget the extended warranty.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

I agree.
Moved to a powerful gaming computer and made a huge difference.
I run REVT which needs power and photo programs are nothing by comparison.

rlv567 Loc: Baguio City, Philippines

Unless she needs it for portability, a desktop would be far better than a laptop. Just be sure to get a fairly recent NVIDIA GPU w/4 GB memory, 16 GB RAM, 500 GB SSD Drive C: and whatever size spinner HD fits her working requirements. Be sure the power supply is adequate for both current and possible additions/changes in hardware as time goes on. Note that a gaming GPU is not as good for photo processing!!!

As to the monitor, again, whatever meets her requirements. External backup is necessary, of course. But there is absolutely no need to spend a lot of money. My wife bought a Lenovo laptop a couple of years ago (for back and forth to the province); we paid around the equivalent of $500, and electronics are higher priced here than in the US! The computer handles the demands of the latest ON1 processing with good speed. We have not tried recent Lightroom or Topaz software with it, but that should be the same.

Again, if she wants to spend a lot of money, go for the biggest and "best" - but it is not necessary to get the job done - right!

Loren - in Beautiful Baguio City

Gatorcoach Loc: New Jersey

Thanks guys for the extensive advice BUT...... you've really strayed off the road. The question has nothing to do with portability, peripheral needs, or added components. Simply, for photographic work (Photoshop) is there a distinct advantage to using a laptop geared for gaming? Is it worth the extra cost?

Thanks again.

rlv567 Loc: Baguio City, Philippines

The answers are NO and NO!

Loren - in Beautiful Baguio City

Gatorcoach Loc: New Jersey

Thanks Loren, exactly what I was looking for.

repleo Loc: Boston

Photoshop runs on my 8-10 y.o. run-of-the-mill 8GB, integrated GPU laptop as well as it does on my 2y.o. 16GB RAM, dedicated 6GB GPU gaming laptop. However Skylum AI won’t even open on my older laptop but runs nicely on the new one.
Check the software manufacturer’s min recommendations for the software you intend running and give a little bit of headroom but don’t go crazy.
Talk to the ‘computer experts’ at B&H. They are photo processing savvy and can direct you to the best value/performance for your intended use without any up sell pressure.

Drbobcameraguy Loc: Eaton Ohio

The gaming computer system is great for processing graphics but the gaming monitor is not optimal for looking at photos. I have a gaming desktop that is GREAT FOR PROCESSING and a photo monitor instead of a gaming monitor. A gaming monitor refreshes fast but it doesn't have the ability to produce as much of the color space as a photo monitor