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

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 CyberPowerPC Gamer Xtreme VR combines solid hardware that can handle photo editing tasks comfortably, although it is designed primarily as a gaming PC. Its Intel Core i5-13400F processor with 10 cores offers good speed and multiple cores, which helps run photo editing software efficiently. The 16GB of DDR5 RAM is a strong point, providing smooth multitasking and enough memory for handling large image files. Storage-wise, the 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD is fast and spacious, meaning quick file access and enough room for your photo libraries.

The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 graphics card is more powerful than usually needed for photo editing, which mainly relies on the CPU and RAM. However, this GPU can aid with certain software that supports GPU acceleration, speeding up some editing functions. The system includes a variety of ports, including USB-C and several USB-A ports, which is useful for connecting cameras, external storage, and other peripherals. Built-in WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 also improve connectivity options.

One downside is that the package does not include a monitor, and the max screen resolution listed is Full HD (1920x1080), which might not meet the color accuracy or resolution preferences of professional photo editors. You would likely need to invest in a high-quality monitor separately for best color representation and detail. The cooling system isn’t detailed but the tempered side panel and gaming-focused design suggest decent airflow, which helps during long editing sessions. This PC offers a powerful and fast setup suitable for enthusiastic or semi-professional photo editors who want reliable performance and the option to also enjoy gaming. However, if your main focus is color accuracy and display quality, consider adding a dedicated professional monitor. The extra gaming features and RGB lighting are nice but not essential for photo editing.

The HP Envy Desktop PC, equipped with an Intel Core i7-14700 processor and 32 GB of RAM, offers robust performance that is well-suited for photo editing tasks. This setup ensures smooth handling of demanding software and multitasking, which is essential for editing high-resolution images. The 1 TB SSD provides ample and fast storage, allowing quick access to your photo library and speeding up file transfers and software loading times.

The pre-installed Windows 11 Pro further enhances productivity with its intuitive interface and updated features, catering to creative work environments. However, the integrated Intel UHD Graphics 770 may not be ideal for professional photo editing, as it lacks the power and precision of dedicated graphics cards. Although it can handle basic 4K content and light gaming, a more powerful GPU would be beneficial for handling complex graphics tasks and ensuring color accuracy.

The PC also includes Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 for fast and reliable connectivity, which is a plus for transferring large files or using wireless peripherals. The 5.1 surround sound support and sleek design are nice additions but are less critical for photo editing. This desktop offers strong performance and storage capabilities, though those serious about photo editing might consider upgrading to a model with a dedicated graphics card to fully meet their needs.