Need help with new Photoshop (2022) version 23.1 build advice.

[Emily J]

I need some advice on where to start on my computer build. The programs I will be using include Photoshop, After Effects, and Blender. However, Photoshop is my main concern for this build. I am a huge multitasker so I tend to have all these programs opened simultaneously doing different jobs. I also have a lot of external equipment I use on a daily basis so USB ports and other connectivity options are paramount in my workflow.

I would like this build to be able to handle anything Photoshop (2022) version 23.1 can throw at it; whether that's a 100 layers, Smart filters, Extreme color grading effects etc... I also need the computer to handle large format printing files and an extensive library of RAW image files.

In After Effects I want to be able to do moderately intense motion graphics, 4K video editing and rendering without missing a beat. And as for Blender I will be doing a lot of sculpting work and/or models for my Photoshop composites.

I would really like not to go over $5000 for this build. However, I would like to remain budget conscious wherever possible reducing the cost without losing performance or production quality. As a side note, I do have a newly purchased Ben Q SW271 monitor I would like the computer to use it to its full potential so whatever parts I need for that would also have to be included in the build.

Thank you any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Alex Glawion]

Hi Emily,
That're quite some workloads you've got. Here's my recommendation:

CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 5950X 3.4GHz 16-Core Processor ($729.88)
CPU Cooler: be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4 ($89.90)
Motherboard: MSI X570 Unify ATX AM4 ($249.99)
GPU: Nvidia RTX 3080TI 8GB ($1549.99)
Memory: 128GB (4 x 32GB) G.Skill Trident Z Neo DDR4-3600 C16 ($664.99)
Storage PCIe-SSD: Seagate FireCuda 530 2TB NVMe Gen4 M.2 Solid State Drive ($359.99)
Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA G6 850 850W ATX 850W Power Supply ($111.56)
Case: Fractal Design Define R5 Black ATX Mid Tower Case ($148.60)
Total: $4054.90

It might very well be that you'll pay more for the GPU, as those are very price-inflated right now. But the build should still come in at under 5k$.

For PS you'll need high single-core performance, and the 5950X is great for that. An alternative would be the Intel 12900K and a z690 Motherboard, though those CPUs draw a lot of power.

For Blender you'll be able to do some high-end sculpting on this PC, and you should use Cycles GPU for Rendering on the 3080Ti. There is the possibility to even add a second GPU if need be, doubling your rendering performance. This won't help in PS or AE, though, just Blender.

For After Effects and especially 4K Motiondesign stuff you'll need a huge amount of RAM. 128GB is great, but also the limit of this mainstream x570 platform. The 5950X is great for AFter effects and the GPU will accelerate any gpu supported effects.

Let me know of any questions!

 

[Emily J]

Thank you so much Alex for the advice and your time. I will let you know if I have any questions. Have a great day!