Consider what you need from a computer before making a decision.
Consider what you need from a computer before making a decision.
Hi! I’m using a Lenovo T550 right now and I’m trying to figure out what I need for my future laptop or desktop. I’m new to tech stuff, so I want some guidance. My main goals are:
- Work with Adobe Creative Cloud – photos, text, illustrations, and more, even if I later want to work in web dev or design.
- Handle big files and run multiple heavy programs smoothly without issues.
- Need a decent screen size and high resolution for long work sessions, but it should support an external monitor.
- Enjoy streaming YouTube and other services.
- Play games like Microsoft Flight Simulator.
Some questions I have:
- Should I go with 16 or 32GB of RAM?
- Is a desktop better than a laptop for me?
- What kind of processor should I pick?
- Are there other factors I should consider?
Thanks in advance for your help—I’m just starting out!
To enjoy a game similar to MSFS you’ll need a powerful GPU. A laptop may struggle at mid-to-high settings, so investing in a more capable card is wise—especially if you plan to use Creative Cloud. Aim for at least a 3070 Ti or better (40xx series cards are expected soon). Availability isn’t guaranteed, but it shouldn’t be a major issue based on your timing. For storage, consider a 1TB NVME drive and supplement with an HDD if you need extra space without breaking the bank. You’ll likely want around 32GB of RAM to handle demanding applications. A multi-core processor (8 cores or more) is best; otherwise you might be wasting money on a CPU that doesn’t deliver value. A desktop setup usually offers better performance and future flexibility, giving you room for upgrades later. You can also keep files online in the cloud for sharing with your laptop if needed. This should give you a solid starting point!
You can reduce your GPU needs—likely a 3060ti will work well and maintain solid performance for your creative cloud and other titles. RAM could be 16 GB, which should be sufficient; however, I’d opt for 32 GB to ensure better future compatibility.
You can find reasonably affordable 32GB kits at a low price. The one I own was quite budget-friendly. A solid setup is ready with just a case you like.
PCPartPicker
CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 5600 3.5 GHz 6-Core ($184.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Deepcool GAMMAXX 400 Blue (74.34 CFM) ($14.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: MSI MPG B550 GAMING PLUS ATX AM4 ($159.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws V 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR4-3200 CL16 ($108.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Samsung 970 Evo Plus 1 TB M.2-2280 NVME ($104.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Asus GeForce RTX 3070 Ti 8 GB TUF GAMING OC ($713.95 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Corsair RM (2021) 850 W, 80+ Gold Certified, Modular ATX ($119.99 @ Corsair)
OS: Microsoft Windows 11 Home OEM 64-bit ($119.98 @ Amazon)
Total: $1527.87
Includes shipping, taxes, and available discounts.
Created by PCPartPicker on 2022-06-14 12:49 EDT
You begin with a modest 16gb of RAM if desired, and can expand later as needed. If you’re not currently relying on Photoshop for income, 16gb should suffice. For CPU and GPU, reducing the specs works if you abandon the idea of MsFS. You can still enjoy MsFS by using a mid-range build, but avoid overloading graphics settings to achieve high FPS. Photoshop’s performance is limited by its core count and threading; the benchmarks show 5900x uses a 12-core, 24-thread CPU while 5600x uses a 6-core, 12-thread one. If budget is tight or you’re not yet monetizing software, focus on getting the most value from what you have. New processors and chipsets are coming soon—expect DDR5 RAM and motherboards to arrive. Just remember, today’s low-mid end PCs can likely handle demanding tasks like designing large banners, especially if you’re comfortable managing file sizes. Your old PC could even create a 3ft x 6ft banner with many elements and effects, though it would be slower, particularly during saving. What you need depends on how often you require a powerful machine for work outside your home.