Best CPU for Photoshop in 2024 - Our top picks (2024)

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In this article, we will dive into the key factors that determine thebest CPUs for Photoshop. We’ll examine the various aspects that impact performance, such as clock speed, core count, and cache size. Also, we’ll explore the latest processors on the market. Including those from leading brands like Intel and AMD, and assess their suitability for running Photoshop. Photoshop has become an indispensable tool for creative professionals, such as photographers, graphic designers, and digital artists.

However, running Photoshop can be quite demanding on a computer’s resources, especially the processor and dedicated graphics card. To ensure that you can efficiently run Photoshop and achieve the best possible performance, it’s essential to invest in a fast and efficient CPU.

Whether you’re a seasoned professional in the creative industry or a novice looking to hone your image editing skills, this article will help you choose the right CPU for your needs. By the end of this piece, you’ll have a solid understanding of what to look for when selecting a CPU for Photoshop. As well as, some recommendations based on our extensive research and testing. So, let’s dive in and explore the best CPUs for Photoshop.

How we selected the best CPU for Photoshop

When it comes to purchasing the best CPU for Photoshop, there are several features and considerations that you should keep in mind. These include:

• Clock Speed – The higher clock speed means you’ll get a faster processor
• Core Count- More cores mean better multitasking and handling complex tasks
• Processor Architecture- Choose the architecture that suits your needs (e.g. Intel for single-threaded tasks, AMD for multi-threaded tasks)
• Thermal Design Power (TDP) – Make sure the TDP is compatible with your system’s cooling system.
• Overclocking Capability- Look for CPUs designed for overclocking if you plan to do so.
• Budget – Balance your needs with your budget to get the best value

By taking these features and considerations into account, you can the best select system hardware that will provide the best performance and value for your Photoshop needs.

Best CPU for Photoshop

BEST CPU FOR PHOTOSHOP

When it comes to running Photoshop, having a powerful and efficient CPU is crucial for achieving optimal performance. Photoshop relies heavily on the CPU to execute complex image editing tasks. The right CPU can make a significant difference in processing speed and overall user experience.

The Intel Core i9-13900K is one of the top CPUs on the market for running Photoshop. Its 13th-generation technology, Intel 10nm lithography, and impressive 24 cores and 32 threads make it a powerhouse for handling even the most demanding image editing tasks. Additionally, it has 8 P-Cores and 16 E-Cores. These are specifically designed to boost performance in multi-threaded applications such as Photoshop.

The i9-13900K has a base frequency of 3 GHz and a boost frequency of 5.8 GHz, allowing it to process instructions at lightning-fast speeds. Its large 36 MB L3 cache size also means that frequently used data can be accessed quickly – further improving processing times. However, with a TDP of 125 W, it may produce more heat than other CPUs and require a more robust cooling system.

Overall, this AMD processor is a great choice for professionals who require high processing power and performance for Photoshop. It’s also worth noting that this chip comes at a slightly higher price point compared to some other options. So, it may not be the best choice for those on a tight budget. For more information on this product, check out our Intel Core i9-13900K review.

What users say

Unsurprisingly, the consensus online is also overwhelmingly positive for the i9-13900K. Most Amazon user reviews noted its impressive gaming performance, easy installation process, and versatility – perfect for creative endeavours. One user even stated “the Intel Core i9-13900K Gaming Desktop Processor has completely redefined my gaming and computing experience, offering a level of performance that’s truly in a league of its own”.

BEST MID-RANGE CPU FOR PHOTOSHOP

The Intel Core i7-14700K packs a punch for Photoshop users. Its 12 cores and high clock speeds allow for smooth sailing through demanding tasks like handling large images and complex filters. Plus, it supports the latest DDR5 memory for extra responsiveness. For creatives who want a perfect middle of the road CPU that makes a real differences, this is the one. As part of our review for this product, we found it to be incredibly versatile – delivering excellent benchmark scores for gaming too. While your priority may be Photoshop, you may as well get a CPU that can do both no?

However, this power comes at a cost. The i7-14700K consumes more power and generates more heat, requiring a potentially expensive cooling system. Additionally, the CPU itself isn’t exactly cheap. If you’re a casual user or on a budget, there might be better options that offer good Photoshop performance without breaking the bank. Consider your workflow and the rest of your system to determine if the i7-14700K is the right fit for your Photoshop needs. For more on this product, check out our comprehensive review of the Intel Core i7-14700K.

What users say

PC enthusiasts tend to praise this processor’s power for gaming and creatives tasks. Amazon users report significant performance gains while still keeping power consumption reasonable. Easy installation and a competitive price tag are also winning points. One happy user even noted that “choosing the Intel Core i7-14700KF was a decision filled with much deliberation and comparison. I weighed my options carefully, comparing various CPUs for their performance, price, and features. After much contemplation, I finally settled on the i7-14700KF, and I’m delighted to say it was a decision well made”.

BEST ENTRY-LEVEL CPU FOR PHOTOSHOP

The Intel Core i5-13600K is a mid-range budget processor that is ideal for running Photoshop. This CPU features a 13th-generation architecture and uses Intel’s 10nm lithography process. It has 14 cores and 20 threads, with a hybrid design that includes 6 performance cores and 8 efficiency cores.

The base frequency of this processor is 3.5 GHz. But, it can boost up to 5.1 GHz, making it fast enough to handle most tasks in Photoshop. It also has a 24MB L3 cache, which can help speed up processing times by allowing the CPU to quickly access frequently used data.

One important consideration when choosing a CPU for Photoshop is the thermal design power (TDP). This measures the amount of heat a CPU produces and how much power it requires to operate. The i5-13600K has a TDP of 125W, which is relatively high but manageable with a good cooling system.

Overall, the Intel Core i5-13600K is a great mid-range option for those looking for optimum Photoshop performance on a budget. It offers solid performance for most tasks and is a great value for its price point. However, if you plan on working with large files or performing complex editing tasks, you may want to consider a higher-end processor with more cores and a higher cache size. Check out our review of the Intel Core i5-13600K for more information.

What users say

When looking at Amazon user reviews, purchasers were impressed with this processor’s well-rounded performance, build quality, and attractive price. Reviewers commend its smooth operation, mention its user-friendly installation process, and highlight its strong multicore score. Additionally, they appreciate the seamless integration with the latest hardware, making future upgrades a breeze. One user said “I have this in my newest rig and it is performing pretty well, very happy with the purchase”.

BEST AMD RYZEN CPU FOR PHOTOSHOP

The AMD Ryzen 9 7950X is a powerful CPU that’s well-suited for running Photoshop. Its Zen 4 architecture, TSMC 5nm lithography, and 16 processor cores and 32 threads make it capable of handling complex image editing tasks with ease. The CPU also has a large 64 MB L3 cache. Allowing it to quickly access frequently used data and improving processing speeds.

With a base frequency of 4.5 GHz and a boost frequency of 5.7 GHz, the Ryzen 9 7950X can process instructions quickly and efficiently. However, with a TDP of 170 W, it may generate more heat than other CPUs and require a more powerful cooling system.

Overall, this AMD processor is a great choice for professionals who require high processing power and performance for Photoshop. It’s also worth noting that the CPU comes at a slightly higher price point compared to some other options. So, it may not be the best choice for those on a tight budget.

Considerations for the best CPU for Photoshop

When it comes to picking the best CPU for Photoshop, there are several factors to consider. We’ve discussed some of these factors in the previous section, including clock speed, core count, cache size, processor architecture, TDP, overclocking capability, and budget. However, how do we put all these factors together to make an informed decision?

First, it’s important to determine your specific needs and workflow in Photoshop. Do you primarily work with high-resolution images, complex layers, and filters? Will you often run multiple programs simultaneously while editing? Do you frequently export large files? Also, consider the Photoshop system requirements to ensure your PC components are up to scratch. The answers to these questions can help guide your CPU selection. The answers to these questions can help guide your CPU selection.

Next, you’ll want to research and compare CPUs that meet your needs. Check out benchmarks and reviews from reputable sources to see how different CPUs perform Photoshop tasks that are relevant to you. Look for CPUs that have a good balance of clock speed, core count, and cache size for your workflow.

You should also consider the compatibility of the CPU with other components in your system. Such as the motherboard, RAM, and graphics card. Ensure that your system can support the CPU you choose and that there are no bottlenecks that could limit its performance. If you are looking for more Photoshop recommendations, then head over to our Adobe Photoshop System Requirements guide. As well as, our Best GPU for Photoshop article.

Is i7 or i9 better for Photoshop?

The i9 is generally better for Photoshop than the i7. This is because the i9 has more cores and threads, which can help to improve performance in tasks that are CPU-intensive, such as photo editing.