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5 Best HP Desktops for Photo Editing
Linsey Knerl
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May 17, 2022
Whether you’re a professional with a thriving photography business or a hobbyist experimenting with your first camera, nothing takes your photos to the next level like a good photo editing program. While there are many programs available to help you touch up your best shots, none of them will work well without the right computer for photo editing.
What specs does your computer need to make these programs work? And which HP PCs are preloaded with all the technology you need? Here are the best photo editing PCs you can buy today to make your photos brilliant tomorrow.
What PC requirements do you need to edit photos?
When it comes to using some of the more robust photo editing tools out there, such as Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom, the right desktop PC makes all the difference. You can technically get away with the bare minimum specs shown on the product description for the photo editing tool of your choice. But if you use the lowest processing power or graphics, you can waste a lot of time waiting for your photos to load and renders to complete.
For the absolute best experience with fewer lag times and more accurate colour depiction, go with these specs:
- High-speed processor, at least an AMD Ryzen™ 5 or Intel® Core™ i5
- At least 16GB of memory
- 256GB storage (or more)
- Robust graphics card
Other nice-to-haves include Windows Pro, a DVD-RW drive, and enhanced security features. These extras aren't mandatory, but they help streamline photo editing and keep your data safe. You can also save money by buying your photo editing tools at the same time you buy your PC as part of your personalized upgrades. This helps you get started with your photo work right out of the box.
Best computers for photo editing
HP® offers a wide range of desktop computers and All-in-One PCs (AiO) with the specs to make sure your photos look their best. Some come standard with high-end processors and graphics cards, while other models require you to customize them to get the right specs.
These 5 computers are great for anyone who wants to take their photography and photo editing to the next level. You’ll also enjoy the same HP support you’ve come to know from the brand. As a tip, consider adding an HP Care Pack to your purchase to extend the life of your PC and protect it against accidental damage or loss.
1. HP ENVY 34-inch All-in-One Desktop PC
Some PCs are made specifically with creators in mind, and this is definitely the case for the HP ENVY 34-inch All-in-One (AiO). It boasts an incredible 34-inch screen and has everything you need to do your best work.
You can forget about shopping for speakers, a monitor, and a keyboard. It's all included in this AiO. Plus, you can easily change the position of the integrated webcam, so you can collaborate with creative teams in the ways you work best. You'll also look great, thanks to the advanced sensors and enhanced lighting tech.
Enjoy the 5K colour display that requires no additional calibration and offers impeccable accuracy to represent colours just as they are. The blue-light mode and anti-reflection screen keep you working comfortably, even in low-light situations.
Key features:
- Windows 11 operating system
- HP Palette is included, giving you PhotoMatch, Duet, and QuickDrop for easier project management
- 11th Generation 8-core Intel Core i9 processor
- NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 3080 graphics
- More ports, including 2 Thunderbolt™ 4 with USB4™ Type-C®, USB-A, 2 SuperSpeed USB Type-A, USB-C, and Media Memory Card Reader
2. HP ENVY desktop PC
If you love the HP ENVY AiO perks but prefer a traditional PC setup, the HP ENVY desktop may be a better match. It features advanced thermal management technology, so it doesn’t overheat, even when handling multiple process-intensive tasks. It stays as quiet as a mouse, too.
It shares the same great features as the AiO, including Windows 11 operating system, HP Palette software suite, and eco-friendly, recycled design. The brushed metal-look finish is striking and modern, helping this minitower fit into any modern workstation.
Key features:
- Intel® Core™ i9-12900 (up to 5.1 GHz with Intel® Turbo Boost Technology)
- NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 3060 Ti Graphics
- 32 GB DDR4 Memory -3200 MHz RAM (2 x 16 GB)
- HP 3-in-1 memory card reader
- Up to 1TB SSD with expansion slots
- Intel® Wi-Fi 6 AX 201 (2x2) and Bluetooth® 5 combo
3. HP Pavilion desktop PC
A sleek silver case brings additional sophistication to the HP Pavilion desktop PC, offering multiple ports on the front of the tower to easily access USB drives, headset jacks, and more. The latest integrated Bluetooth tech pairs with your accessories quickly, giving you more ways to share photos and collaborate across your whole creative department.
Key features:
- Windows 11 operating system
- AMD Ryzen™ 7 5700G processor
- 16GB memory
- 512 GB PCIe SSD storage
- 512 GB PCIe® NVMe™ M.2 SSD
- 25GB free Dropbox cloud storage space for 1 year
- Dual channel memory for faster communication speed
- External storage compatible through SuperSpeed USB Type-C port with 5GBps signalling rate, SuperSpeed USB Type-A 10Gbps signalling rate, 2 SuperSpeed USB Type-A 5Gbps signalling rate
4. HP EliteOne 800 G6 All-In-One PC
The HP EliteOne 800 AiO is a beautifully designed AiO that weighs 10.36 kg. The clean desk cable management features reduce clutter, and the beveled-edge 23.8-inch diagonal display offers remarkable colour to help you do your best photo work. It’s also one of the few AiOs made for businesses and creatives, rivalling HP ENVY as the best PC for photo editing in an AiO design.
Key features:
- Windows 11 Pro or Home operating system
- 10th Generation Intel® Core™ i7 processor
- Intel® UHD Graphics 630
- 16 GB DDR4-2933 MHz RAM (1 x 16 GB)
- Up to 512 GB SSD
- Enhanced security features, including Power-on password, Self-healing BIOS, HP Secure Erase, and HP Sure Click
5. HP Z2 Tower G5 Workstation
When you need a powerful workstation right out of the box, the HP Z2 Tower G5 is ready to deliver. It's loaded with powerful components and designed for zero throttling, which reduces heat and keeps the lag to a minimum – if you experience it at all. It also comes with a 3-year warranty, providing full support when needed, and is considered HP's most secure workstation.
Key features:
- Windows Pro operating system, with additional security features
- Intel® Xeon® W processor
- Intel UHD Graphics 630
- 16GB DDR4-3200 MHz RAM, with up to 4 DIMM memory slots
- 512GB SSD
- 9.5 mm Slim DVD-Writer
- Self-healing BIOS to help protect your data and identity
Additional accessories for photo editing
The best photo editing computer is just the start of what you’ll need for your best work. Some photo editors also use compatible accessories, such as a stylus pen and drawing tablets that you can connect via USB. This makes light work of photo actions and gives you more control over the small detail work you may do with photographs, illustrations, and mixed media work.
Mouse and mousepad
Your PC will likely come with a mouse and keyboard, too. Upgrading to an HP 935 Creator Wireless Mouse may make sense to help reduce fatigue when performing multiple actions in a row. It can simplify your shortcut game, allowing you to click a button instead of scrolling and swiping, which comes in handy during long photo editing sessions.
This mouse is also more responsive, so you can do detailed work with more efficiency and accuracy. It connects to multiple devices easily, enabling you to take it from one computer to another without any headaches.
Be sure to pair your mouse with a mousepad that gives you lots of room to work and handles pressure well. The HP OMEN 300 mousepad is a solid pick.
Monitor
If you don’t choose an AiO, you need a separate display that accurately depicts the colours in your work and helps you see every brilliant detail. At a minimum, consider the HP M27fw FHD monitor, which features IPS technology, 178-degrees of viewing, and a 99% colour gamut that showcases your photos in their purest form. It's also made with 85% recycled materials.
Finding the best desktop for photo editing
Getting into photography can be expensive. By the time you buy a camera body, lenses, and accessories, it may seem difficult to justify buying a powerful PC. But when your computer can’t keep up with your editing needs, it can really slow you down and prevent you from seeing your photos in all their brilliance.
Buying the best PC for editing photos is more than just ideal for your workflow; it’s useful for a variety of other tasks, too. The computers in this article are ready to take on many high-processing duties, including gaming, video editing, and art. It makes for an incredible value for anyone who pursues more than one passion.
About the Author: Linsey Knerl is a contributing writer for HP Tech Takes. Linsey is a Midwest-based author, public speaker, and member of the ASJA. She has a passion for helping consumers and small business owners do more with their resources via the latest tech solutions.
