Launching your career can be equally exciting and daunting. You want to be sure you start on the right foot and make all the right moves so you can position yourself as a qualified expert. For those looking to become a successful graphic designer, it is a competitive field, so you need to do everything in your power to stand out. This means having the right tools at your fingertips so you can execute your job flawlessly.
So, let’s uncover the main features you’ll want to look for as you shop for your first desktop computer specifically meant for graphic design.
Set a Budget You are Comfortable With
The first step is to set a budget you’re comfortable with. Just as you may expect, you’ll find desktops that range in price from budget-friendly models to high-end professional offerings.
When you are just starting your career you don’t want to make the mistake of purchasing the budget-friendly model, as it likely won’t live up to your needs and expectations, but you also don’t need to go with the best of the best. You can work towards that desktop and purchase it in a few years, once you are more established in your career.
How Much Computing Power Will Be Necessary for You?
Now it’s time to think about computer processing power, and what you need to do your job. Think about the clients and jobs you’ll be doing as you start and what you hope to transition to as your build your reputation. The higher the computing power you require, the better the processor you will need.
And you can’t look at desktop computers for graphic design without factoring in what software you’ll be using. Some software requires very little processing power, whereas other programs allow for the rendering of graphics – which requires a lot of power.
How Much RAM Is Necessary?
This brings us to RAM, which can cause a lot of confusion. Generally speaking, the bare minimum should be 12GB of RAM and nothing less. That’s relatively simple to find, and it won’t impact the budget too much. If you find that the RAM isn’t enough you can always install more.
What’s the Graphics Card Like?
The graphics card in the desktop is important for many reasons, but for graphic designers, this is a feature you can’t overlook. It needs to be very high-end so you get the best quality and performance possible.
What About the Display/Monitor?
With so much talk about the inner workings of the desktop, the monitor may not get the attention it deserves. Here’s the thing, the display is just as important when you’re a graphic designer. You need a large screen with high resolution, which should be 4K. The monitor should also be anti-glare so you can see all details. You may also want to check out the touchscreen monitors, as they can offer a more intuitive experience.
You’re Ready to Get to Work
Keeping each of these factors in mind as you shop for the ideal desktop means you’ll be able to hit the road running and position yourself in the world of graphic design.
