10 Best desktop PC for photo editing 2025 in the United States

The Apple 2024 iMac with the M4 chip is a sleek all-in-one desktop that brings strong performance and a beautiful display, making it a solid choice for photo editing. Its 8-core CPU and GPU deliver smooth and efficient processing, which helps when working with large image files or running editing software like Adobe Creative Cloud. The 24-inch 4.5K Retina display is a standout feature, offering sharp, bright visuals with excellent color accuracy—something very important for photo editors who need to see true colors and fine details.

With 16GB of unified memory, the iMac handles multitasking and editing tasks comfortably, although power users working with very large projects might sometimes find it limiting compared to higher RAM options. The 256GB SSD storage is fast but may feel small if you store many high-resolution images locally; adding external drives might be necessary. The integrated Apple graphics are efficient and well-optimized for photo editing but aren't designed for heavy 3D work or advanced video editing, so users focusing mostly on photos will find it adequate.

Connectivity is excellent, with up to four Thunderbolt 4 ports for fast data transfer and multiple external monitors, plus Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 for wireless devices. Its slim design and quiet cooling system mean it fits well in any workspace without distractions. However, it’s not user-upgradable, so you’ll want to choose your specs carefully upfront. If you already use other Apple devices, the seamless ecosystem integration adds convenience. This iMac is an attractive, user-friendly option for photographers who want solid computing power paired with a stunning display, but those needing larger storage or discrete graphics might need to consider additional hardware.

The Apple 2024 iMac All-in-One Desktop Computer is a strong contender for anyone engaged in photo editing. Its M4 chip, with a 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU, ensures high-speed performance, which is essential for handling demanding editing software. The 16GB of unified memory allows for smooth multitasking, which is beneficial when running multiple applications simultaneously or working with large files.

The 512GB SSD storage provides fast access to your files and ample space for storing high-resolution images, though users with extensive photo libraries may eventually need external storage solutions. The 24-inch Retina display is a standout feature, offering 4.5K resolution, 500 nits of brightness, and support for up to 1 billion colors, making it ideal for detailed and color-accurate photo work.

The integrated graphics may not be as powerful as dedicated GPUs found in some other desktop PCs, but the M4 chip still delivers solid performance for most photo editing tasks. Connectivity options are robust, with up to four Thunderbolt 4 ports facilitating fast data transfers and the ability to connect to external 6K displays, expanding your workspace. Additionally, the inclusion of Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 ensures modern and fast wireless connectivity.

A potential drawback could be the cooling system, as all-in-one designs sometimes struggle with heat management under heavy loads, though Apple typically designs their systems to handle high performance efficiently. The all-in-one design is aesthetically pleasing and saves space, making it a good fit for both personal and professional environments. This iMac is especially suited for users who value integration with other Apple devices and a seamless macOS experience.

The Apple 2024 Mac mini with the M4 chip is a compact yet powerful desktop that fits well for photo editing tasks. Its 10-core CPU combined with a 10-core GPU and 16GB of unified memory offers fast, smooth performance when editing high-resolution photos or multitasking with apps like Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom. The integrated Apple graphics include hardware-accelerated ray tracing and a 16-core Neural Engine, which can speed up image processing and effects. With 512GB of SSD storage, it provides quick file access, though users working with large photo libraries may want to upgrade to 1TB or 2TB for more space.

The Mac mini supports up to three external displays with high resolutions, which is great for having your editing workspace spread out. Its variety of ports—including Thunderbolt 4, USB-C, HDMI, and Gigabit Ethernet—ensures easy connection to monitors, external drives, and fast networks. The small size and quiet cooling system make it convenient for desktop setups without generating much noise or heat. However, its integrated graphics, while strong for integrated solutions, may not match dedicated GPUs found in some PCs designed specifically for heavy graphics work. Also, while 16GB of memory is solid for most photo editing tasks, professionals handling massive files or complex projects might benefit from the optional 24GB or 32GB upgrades.

The Mac mini’s tight integration with other Apple devices and software will appeal to users already invested in the Apple ecosystem. This Mac mini is well suited for photographers seeking a sleek, efficient, and capable desktop with excellent software support, but those needing very large storage or extreme graphics power may want to consider upgraded configurations or alternative systems.