Top 10 Graphic Design Computers in 2022
With new technology being released every year, designers frequently wonder what is the best desktop computer for graphic design, so I reviewed them all to give my top picks.
Graphic design computer is one of the primary tools for creative professionals, so choose wisely.
In addition to laptops and tablets for on-the-go productivity:
Designers often use desktop computers for a complete workstation setup.
As a graphic designer, you want to have a smooth workflow, easy multitasking, and quick rendering, but without going overboard with specs or features that you might not use.
Choosing the best computer for graphic design comes down to what you’ll need to use it for, as well as your ideal desk configuration and budget.
Once you find the one you like, I recommend getting slightly higher specs than you need right now, so that it’s “future-proof” to some extent and it will be able to keep up as your programs and workloads become more intensive.
Also keep in mind that some of these computers come with a monitor as a package, but the rest won’t — so you’ll need to set aside a budget for a good monitor as well.
Here’s my list of the top 10 best computers for graphic design in 2022.
Best Computers for Graphic Design
- Apple iMac 27“ — Best overall
- Microsoft Surface Studio 2 — Most versatile
- Dell XPS 8930 — Best everyday computer
- Lenovo Yoga A940 27 — Best for pros
- HP Workstation Z2 Mini G5 — Best for WFH
- Lenovo Legion Tower 5 — Best for gaming
- Apple Mac Mini — budget-friendly
- Dell Inspiron 7000 — Most reliable
- Alienware Aurora R10 — Best for editing
- MSI Trident AS — Most powerful
How to choose the best computer for graphic design
There are a few things to look out for when choosing a computer for your graphic design needs.
When it comes to choosing the best computer for your specific graphic design needs, there are 7 factors to consider:
- Operating System (OS)
- Processor Power (CPU)
- Graphics Card
- RAM Memory
- Disk Storage
- Display
- Price
Don’t worry, there’s no need to be a tech expert, let me explain what these are and how they make a difference in graphic design work.
Below, you will find some requirements to look out for when choosing your next computer.
Operating System (OS)
First and foremost, you need to know if you’ll be working on Windows or MacOS, based on your personal preference and the programs you’ll be using.
I used Windows when I first started as a graphic designer, and then, after a few years, I eventually switched over to MacOS.
Processor Power (CPU)
The main thing to consider when deciding on which computer to get is how powerful it is.
Any serious graphic design software will require a powerful processor (CPU) to run all your tasks smoothly.
Find out what processor is required for certain software like Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, as well as any programs you plan to utilize.
Finding out what hardware your major software uses can help you make better decisions and save you money.
Graphics Card
As graphic designers, we often work with large, graphically intensive files, and these often require the help of a processing unit specially dedicated to handling graphics.
This is the graphics card, and its duty is to assist you to zooming in and out of Photoshop, scrubbing through a Premiere Pro project, rendering a 3D animation, or doing any other visual work rapidly.
RAM Memory
The next component to consider is RAM, which will determine how much multi-tasking you can do.
Plenty of system memory will enable you to not only run multiple programs at the same time but will also help in handling large, heavy files as projects progress.
You can never have too much RAM, so acquire the biggest you can afford so you can access all your apps and data without strangling your machine.
Graphic designers, especially those working with Adobe Creative Cloud, frequently bounce between apps and files and need lots of RAM.
Disk Storage
Our graphic design work often requires handling and storing many large files, and I’m sure you’ve seen designers walking around with multiple external hard drives in hand.
This is because as projects come in and more things are created, we need enough space for all past, present, and future files.
Beyond size, there’s speed: SSDs are faster than mechanical hard drives, but have smaller storage capacities, while HDDs are slower in reading and writing, but have significantly bigger storage capacities for the same price.
Display
For graphic designers, the monitor is not something to hold back on.
Have a screen that is bright enough to see your work, accurate enough to color match it, and big enough for your digital workspace.
Many of the computers on this list are all-in-one PCs, which means the components and monitor are all in one unit.
Since all of the other PCs on this list are stand-alone towers, you have more options when it comes to choosing the finest monitor for your graphic design needs.
Price
And finally, you’ll need to make sure the computer you want is affordable enough.
Unlike a new entertainment system, this computer will be a significant investment in your business.
That being said, you should determine your budget range first, then explore options within it, and with many cool new features out, just remember to be practical.
Now that you have an idea of what to look for, check out my guide for the best computers for graphic designers in 2022.
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1. Apple iMac 27“
It’s no secret that Apple products are often the preferred choice of graphic designers, and the same is true for their desktop line.
The best computer overall for graphic designers.
The 27-inch Apple iMac is an all-in-one PC that offers a solid combination of power, color accuracy, and elegant design.
One billion colors, 500 nits of brightness, True Tone technology, and excellent resolution make the Retina display of the iMac spectacular.
Behind the curtain is a powerful pair of processors and graphics, with up to an Intel Core i9 and Radeon Pro 5700XT to ensure a quick and responsive working experience.
At the top end of the variants, you can opt for up to 128GB of DDR4 RAM for maximum multi-tasking capability, and up to 8TB of fast SSD storage, but at a steep price.
Apple iMac 27“ is a great choice for creatives that are looking for the best overall computer for graphic design.
On top of its impressive hardware, the latest iMac also comes with an upgraded 1080p HD camera, fitted with a studio-quality triple microphone array.
The iMac comes with a matching Apple Magic Keyboard and Magic Mouse 2, which give your desk a wireless, minimalistic look that is hard to compete with.
With all variations featuring the same display, the 27“ Apple iMac offers a full package like no other, making it my choice for the best overall.
I was hesitant at first, but ever since I tried using an iMac, it’s hard to compare it with anything else.
Overall, the 27“ Apple iMac is the best desktop for graphic design in 2022.
Specifications:
Display: 27“ 5120x2880 Retina 5K Display
Processor: 3.1GHz 6-core 10th-generation Intel Core i5
Graphics: AMD Radeon Pro 5300 graphics
Memory: 8GB DDR4
Storage: 256GB SSD
Pros
- Stunning display
- Smooth operating system
- Fast storage drive
Cons
- Expensive
- Cannot be upgraded
2. Microsoft Surface Studio 2
Microsoft’s Surface line of products has recently discovered a niche in the graphic design field, and their latest desktop computers are unique.
The most versatile computer for graphic design.
The Microsoft Surface Studio 2 is an all-in-one computer that includes a full touchscreen with pen support, allowing it to double as a desktop drawing tablet.
The Surface Studio 2’s flexible monitor stand and flawless integration with the Surface Pen make it unique in the graphic design field.
The stand allows you to easily tilt down to 20 degrees for Studio Mode or upright in Desktop Mode, and the glass display features full 10-point multi-touch support.
With the new Surface Dial and Surface Pen, the overall combination is very pricy, but because it replaces numerous external devices, it’s up to you to determine if it’s worth it.
Microsoft Surface Studio 2 is an excellent choice for designers looking for the most advanced desktop computer.
If you’re a graphic designer who does a lot of digital drawing, write-ups, or art, you can’t go wrong with this machine.
The Microsoft Surface Studio 2 is sleek, versatile, and powerful enough to handle all your graphic design software, from creative apps to 3D simulators.
Specifications:
Display: 28“ 4500x3000 PixelSense Display
Processor: 1.3GHz Quad-Core Intel Core i7
Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060
Memory: 16GB RAM
Storage: 1TB SSD
Pros
- Large touchscreen
- Pen support
- Adjustable monitor
Cons
- Heats up under load
- Quiet speakers
Buy Microsoft Surface Studio 2 on Amazon
3. Dell XPS 8930
Dell’s XPS laptop made its way onto my list of best laptops for graphic design, and its desktop counterpart carries the same great reputation.
The best everyday graphic design computer for professionals.
The Dell XPS 8930 features some powerful components inside an office-friendly case design, making it a great choice for graphic design professionals.
Judging from its looks, you might never guess that there’s an octa-core processor and a GTX 1660ti inside.
The case would fit right into an office environment, and with the specs, you could easily game on it when you’re done working.
It still isn’t the most powerful out there, but it has a great combination of specs that should be able to handle all your creative software and more.
Dell XPS 8930 is a great choice if you’re a professional that is looking for the best graphic design computer for everyday use.
You won’t need to worry about storage with the 6GB dedicated 1660ti’s 512GB SSD and 1TB hard drive for extra source files and backups.
Once you pair it with the monitor and peripherals of your choice, the Dell XPS 8930 Desktop is a highly capable machine and an ideal choice for graphic design professionals.
Specifications:
Display: None
Processor: 3 GHz core_i7
Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics
Memory: 64 GB DDR4
Pros
- Great combination of specs
- Professional look
Cons
- No dedicated graphics card
- Small storage size
4. Lenovo Yoga A940 27
If you’re looking for a high-performance all-in-one desktop computer for your creative needs, then the Lenovo Yoga A940 27 is a must-buy for you.
The best graphic design computer for professionals.
This computer boasts a tilting 4K display with pen support, and it is designed to provide the ultimate workspace for your creativity.
Its innovative dual-hinge design makes it easier to slide into drafting mode with one hand- and palm-rejection technology.
It provides a pen-to-paper experience whether you’re sketching out your next project or tweaking details in Lightroom.
You can now scroll, calibrate, and make precise adjustments to your work with a twist of the Yoga A940’s content creation dial.
Lenovo Yoga A940 27 is a great choice for anyone who’s looking for the best professional graphic design computer.
Use it to assign settings and features in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and other creative software that you need.
It is one of the best desktop computers for graphic design today, so if you’re a professional artist, you must consider the Lenovo Yoga A940 27.
Specifications:
Display: 27 Inches
Processor: 4.7 GHz core_i7
Graphics: Up to 10GB of graphics RAM
Memory: 32 GB
Storage: 1 TB Solid State Hard Drive
Pros
- Great for gaming
- Plenty of system memory
Cons
- Large case
- Not the best processor
Buy Lenovo Yoga A940 27 on Amazon
5. HP Workstation Z2 Mini G5
If you’re currently doing a freelance job and want to have the best desktop that you can use at home, the HP Z2 Mini G5 is the best buy.
The best desktop computers for work from home designers.
This is a well-designed computer for creatives, and it offers great performance and durability at the same time.
Compared with other graphic design computers today, the HP Z2 Mini G5 is much cheaper, which makes it ideal for both beginners and pros.
It is an amazing mini pc from HP and it is also portable, allowing you to work anywhere you are comfortable.
HP Workstation Z2 Mini G5 is an excellent choice for freelance graphic designers that want to have a great everyday computer.
Additionally, it also has 16GB of RAM, which means you can run your creative software seamlessly and without lag.
So if you’re working from home and are looking for the best computer deal for you, then the HP Z2 Mini G5 is a go-to choice.
Specifications:
Display: None
Processor: Core_i7
Memory: 64 GB DDR4
Pros
- Affordable and practical
- Modern design
Cons
- Could be more powerful
- Wi-Fi sometimes slow
Buy HP Workstation Z2 Mini G5 on Amazon
6. Lenovo Legion Tower 5
The Legion lineup of products from Lenovo features a wide variety of tech, including laptops, computers, monitors, and even gaming phones.
The finest computer for gaming and graphic designing.
The Lenovo Legion Tower 5 is a solid PC with excellent performance in creative programs, 3D software, and, of course, gaming.
In terms of features and price, it’s a good gaming PC with a mid-range processor and a small GTX 1650 Super GPU.
You’ll easily get 60fps in AAA games, and that means SolidWorks or Cinema4D will work well, as long as you’re not attempting to reach 144fps on an 8K TV or whatever.
Lenovo Legion Tower 5 is a great choice for people that want to have the best desktop computer for gaming and design.
Despite its gaming highlights, the case’s design is nonetheless modern, elegant, and not too loud.
The Lenovo Legion Tower 5 would still be appropriate for an office environment, and it is more than capable of being a primary graphic design workstation.
Specifications:
Display: None
Processor: 6-core 2.90GHz Intel Core i5–10400F
Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Super
Memory: 32GB RAM
Storage: 1TB SSD + 2TB HDD
Pros
- Great for gaming
- Plenty of system memory
Cons
- Large case
- Not the best processor
Buy Lenovo Legion Tower 5 on Amazon
7. Apple Mac Mini
Apple’s latest refresh of the Mac Mini, with the introduction of the new Apple Silicon M1 Chip, packs some mighty strength in such a small package.
A budget-friendly Apple desktop for graphic designers.
The new Apple Mac Mini comes in the same little metal box as before, but with its biggest performance upgrade yet.
Apple created the M1 processor to be fully optimized for their computers, and I was simply blown away by how good they were able to make it.
However, the M1 chip outperforms CPUs costing several times as much in creative applications and video rendering times.
You will have to get yourself a monitor, keyboard, and mouse, but the Apple Mac Mini will allow you to work with all your MacOS-based programs with ease.
The negatives of getting it are that they’ll produce a newer, better one later and that programmers are currently tuning their software to use the new chip.
Nonetheless, I feel it’s the start of something great, and if you’re considering getting a Mac Mini for graphic design right now, it’s an easy recommendation from me.
Overall, if you’re looking for a budget graphic design computer — Apple Mac Mini is a great choice as it’s affordable and you can use it with any monitor you like.
Specifications:
Display: None
Processor: 8-core Apple M1 Chip
Graphics: 8-core Apple M1 GPU
Memory: 8GB RAM
Storage: 512GB SSD
Pros
- Small and fast
- Great new processor
- Compact form factor
Cons
- Limited ports
8. Dell Inspiron 7000
Dell offers such a wide range of products, they have something for almost everyone.
The most reliable Dell computer for graphic design and animation.
The Dell Inspiron 7000 is a beautiful all-in-one computer with a touchscreen display and decent specs for interactive productivity.
This computer’s design makes it look and feel like a luxury monitor or TV, even though it has a quad-core i5 processor and a built-in pop-up webcam.
It’s also touch-sensitive, so you can make creative modifications on the go with colleagues or clients.
The Dell Inspiron 7000 comes with a wireless keyboard and mouse, and the screen is coated with an anti-glare film to prevent distracting reflections when working.
If you’re a graphic designer who values touch support and appreciates modern minimalistic design, this computer should be great for you.
Overall, the Dell Inspiron 7000 is a great PC for graphic design to buy in 2022.
Specifications:
Display: 27“ 1920x1080 IPS Anti-Glare Touchscreen
Processor: 10th Gen Intel Core i5–10210U
Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics
Memory: 8GB RAM
Storage: 256GB SSD
Pros
- Beautiful design
- Touch display
Cons
- Not ideal for heavy workloads
- Small storage size
Buy Dell Inspiron 7000 on Amazon
9. Alienware Aurora R10
Since graphic design computers can also be used by other creatives like editors and photographers, I included the Alienware Aurora R10.
The best computer for photo and video editing.
It is definitely the best desktop computer for photo and video editing since it boasts an amazing display.
This computer can also run multiple creative applications, so it will be easier for you to work with your designs.
This Ryzen Edition desktop gives you the power to develop and explore new worlds with up to a 16-core 3rd generation AMD Ryzen processor.
It also has an amazing feature that doubles the bandwidth available to graphics cards for enhanced overall gaming performance.
Alienware Aurora R10 is a great choice for creatives that are looking for the best graphic design computer for photographers and editors.
Additionally, any component on your PCI-Express bus is given more bandwidth, so you can experience higher performance while creating, streaming, or recording.
Specifications:
Display: None
Processor: 4.4 GHz ryzen_7_3700x
Graphics: AMD RX 5700XT
Memory: 16 GB DDR4
Storage: 512 GB SSD + 1 TB
Pros
- Subtle gaming design
- Plenty of system memory
Cons
- The case has poor airflow
- Heats up under load
Buy Alienware Aurora R10 on Amazon
10. MSI Trident AS
The MSI Trident AS is a bonafide gaming computer, but it still manages to set itself apart from the rest.
The most powerful computer for gamers, video editors, and 3D artists.
You know it’s a gaming computer as soon as you see it, but you can’t help but notice it’s a unique powerhouse with an innovative design.
With edgy, angular geometry and a profile roughly the same size as an Xbox One or PS4, the Trident AS takes the console versus PC war to another level.
To maximize heat dissipation and create a thinner PC, MSI vertically mounted the big graphics card and drew air intake through the side panel.
This computer has an RTX 2060 Super graphics card capable of real-time raytracing, and higher configurations are also available.
MSI Trident AS is definitely a great choice for all kinds of creatives and gamers as well.
If you like the style, this computer could be an excellent portable workstation for graphic artists that travel a lot.
Because of the greater graphics power, a high-quality 4K monitor for graphic design should work nicely on the MSI Trident AS.
Specifications:
Display: None
Processor: 8-core Intel Core i7–10700F
Graphics: Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 Super
Memory: 16GB RAM
Storage: 1TB SSD
Pros
- Slim and compact
- Very powerful
Cons
- Gamer look
Conclusions
There you have it, my picks for the 10 best computers for graphic design in 2022.
With so many options, I hope this guide helped you narrow down your choices and that you benefited from my perspective as a fellow graphic designer.
Graphic design is a broad industry, and the particular programs you use will have their own hardware requirements to be able to run them smoothly.
In the end, a lot of it will come down to personal preference, and once you know what you want, it’s just about picking the right configuration.
Personally, I recommend the 27“ Apple iMac as the best overall computer for graphic designers, thanks to its large, high-resolution Retina display and excellent performance.
But as we saw here, there are many more brands out there, and different form factors that give you more flexibility with your workspace, and options to upgrade in the future.
Let me know what you think, what is your pick for the best computer for graphic design? — Leave a comment below.
