In the digital world, there is room for just about anything, and that includes art. But with the countless upgrades and new models and new (insert any upgradeable piece of tech here!), it can also mean that an artist, whether for hobby or profession, might not know exactly what to look for when choosing a computer for digital art. If you like you can take a peak on our liste of computers:What computers are best for graphic designers, artists and creatives.
Not all computers are created equally. When you know what to look for, finding what you want will be that much easier. Here I will help you understand what to look for when choosing a new computer.
How To Choose the Best Computer for Digital Art
Whether you’re a seasoned digital artist or just beginning your journey, finding the right laptop for your art can make all the difference. When trying to find the best laptop for you, there are several factors you’ll want to consider.
Processor
The more powerful the internal processor is on the computer, the more tasks it can perform at one time. This can also go hand-in-hand with RAM, which I will discuss next.
There are three main companies that manufacture processors: Intel, AMD, and Apple Silicone. Intel and Apple are the big competitors.
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The structure of the processor is made up of transistors. The more transistors it has, the more processing power. Transistors are measured by nanometers. Intel processors measure in at 10nm, Apple at 5nm. This is why Apple likes to tout that their processors are much more powerful and energy-efficient.
Intelhas the i3, i5, i7, i9, and the X series for their processors. For digital artists using programs requiring heavy computing power, I recommend going with at least an i5 processor. For heavy usage for programming,art, and gaming, I recommend at least i7.
As forApple,the Pro and Max chips offer heavy-duty computing power and a higher price tag. The M1 standard is more than sufficient unless you create complicated content.
Graphic cards
Graphics cards or graphics processing units (GPU) are responsible for image rendering on computers. A GPU frees up the processor or central processing unit (CPU) for regular computation tasks. Dedicated GPUs are more powerful than integrated graphics cards. They’re also faster and have more memory. Computers used for gaming, graphic design, and running resource-intensive enterprise software need dedicated GPUs for smooth performance.
RAM
RAM, or random access memory, is essentially the computer’s short-term memory. The more space you have to keep things within reach, the more you can do quickly. So, when art programs are using multiple, complicated layers or rendering, or you’re using multiple programs at once (multitasking), it can take up a lot of processing power.
RAM is measured in gigabytes (GB), and the higher the number, the more efficient the computing. It typically comes in 2GB, 4GB, 8GB, 16GB, or more. For graphics programs and multitasking that require extensive processing, I recommend at least 8GB of RAM, and the more, the better.
Depending upon the laptop model, you can also upgrade the RAM, but not all laptops are capable of user upgrades. User upgrades may also be a specific perk to look for in an artist’s laptop.
Internal Storage
Internal storage is the filing cabinet of your computer. The more room you have, the more you can store on it. While some artists may be fine with storing only some things on the laptop or using external storage, others may want to keep their entire portfolio in one place.
Depending on your needs, there are varying options for storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB, and 8TB. Like RAM, the internal storage can be user-upgraded, but it will depend on the laptop.
There is always the option to keep important files in an external storage drive. My advice is to have room on your computer and then back up those important files on an external drive.
Screen: Size, Resolution, and Type
For artists, the screen is everything. For some people, bigger screens are better, and I’d have to agree with this one. If you are using it as an art medium, you want the most usable space you can get so you can see what you are doing!
Resolution translates directly to clarity. The higher the resolution number, the sharper and clearer the images on the screen. High-resolution displays are marketed as HD or 4K these days, and the resolution of the screen is easy to find in product specs. Again, the higher, the clearer.
Battery Life (laptops)
The better the processor is, the better the battery life. When using graphics programs or doing heavy multitasking, it can wear out the battery. When you’re on the go, it’s essential to have the power to do the work you need. 5-hour battery life is on the short side, and I recommend finding one that can give you at least 8-10 hours.
Price
The price of the computer may play a role in your decision. You’ll want to consider this when browsing if you’re on a budget. If money isn’t an object to you for this purchase, you can disregard the cost of the computer
