It is critical to select the correct processor for your Graphic Design computer. However, there are a plethora of processors available today. It’s challenging to determine which components and applications are the best, as computer components and applications are constantly improving and changing. We’ve listed the seven best CPU’s for Graphic Designers to guide you in finding the best processor suited for you.
As a Graphic Designer and occasional gamer who has built PCs, I wanted to compile a list of the best processors (CPUs) for Graphic Design computers. I’ll explain in detail what each CPU is capable of. This way, you can determine which processor is the best fit for you.
Why Is The Processor Important For Graphic Design?
For Graphic Designers, having a suitable processor is critical, as they must run multiple applications and processes concurrently. Graphic design, on the other hand, is not as resource-intensive on your computer as video editing, motion graphics, and 3D design. As a result, the CPU you require will be determined by the type of Graphic Design you will be performing.
The processor, or central processing unit, is analogous to the brain and muscle. Its function is to accept inputs and output the appropriate data. A powerful CPU is critical because Graphic Design is significantly more demanding than basic computing tasks such as web browsing or Working with Microsoft Office.
Intel Core i9-12900K
In 2024, the fastest processor is the Intel Core i9-12900K. It even outperforms AMD’s Ryzen 9 5950X in performance and multitasking for heavily threaded content creation tasks, making it an exceptional value. With this beast, graphic design software would be a breeze.
This is the fastest processor available, with competitive pricing and cutting-edge technology, including DDR5 and PCIe 5.0 support and powerful single-core and single-threaded performance. Running Photoshop and AutoCAD wouldn’t be much of a problem with the i9-12900K, so this would be the best in its price point. The only disadvantage we see is that it requires a motherboard with LGA1700 support.
In 2024, this would be the optimal high-end processor for graphic designers.
AMD Ryzen 9 5950X
As long as you are willing to pay the high price, high-end desktop processors provide the highest level of performance at a reasonable cost.
AMD’s Ryzen 9 5950X processor, which has 16 cores and 32 threads, builds on the success of its predecessors by bringing HEDT-class performance to mainstream motherboards and lowering the barrier to entry into the market. The Ryzen 9 5950X has higher boost frequencies than the previous generation, making it a great choice for graphic designers and heavy gamers alike. You could play games while playing if you have a dual monitor set-up.
Compared to competing for HEDT processors that do not provide the same level of performance, the 5950X is an excellent value. It is energy-efficient, but it also has flaws; the disadvantage of this processor is that it requires a powerful cooling system to operate at peak performance.
AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
In the gaming PC market, the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X takes the top spot because of its excellent combination of Intel-beating performance in graphics, application workloads, and even gaming. The six-core, twelve-thread processor, provides more than enough processing power to justify the premium price tag. The Ryzen 5 5600X even outperforms the Intel Core i9-10900K when it comes to graphic performance, which is an incredible achievement considering its low price. Not to mention the fact that it is the most energy-efficient desktop available.
The Ryzen 5 5600X has a base clock of 3.7 GHz and a boost clock of 4.6 GHz, but with proper cooling and a good motherboard, you can expect higher short-term boost speeds. Existing graphic designers who own AMD processors and use a 500-series motherboard will feel relieved, as the 5600X is designed to fit directly into existing 500-series motherboards without modification. Additionally, you can now install the chips into 400-series motherboards.
Same as the Ryzen 9 5950X, the Ryzen 5 5600X also needs a buffed-up cooling system to perform its best. Overall the Ryzen 5 5600X is the Best Value Processor for graphic design in 2024.
Intel Core i7-12700K
The Intel Core i7-12700single- K’s and multi-threaded performance are unquestionably among the best available when it comes to graphic design software. The chip is extremely capable when it comes to productivity work in light-threaded applications.
The 12700K consumes significantly less power than its predecessor, and in exchange, it delivers performance that is highly competitive in the market. You’ll need a new motherboard from the 600-series. A large number of high-end motherboards that support DDR5 memory are available, and while DDR4 motherboards are primarily found in the lower-end and mid-range price ranges, there is still a large number of options.
DDR4 is a good choice for most Graphic Designers because of its lower cost and comparable performance. However, if you require more memory throughput, you can upgrade to the more expensive DDR5 memory module.
AMD Ryzen 9 5900X
If you’re only concerned with getting the best CPU that can handle all graphic design software such as Photoshop, Affinity Photo, Illustrator, and other productivity tasks, you should go with the Ryzen 5 5600X and save some money in the process. For those who are looking for the undisputed fastest chip on the market, or who are considering getting into high-resolution video editing or gaming on occasion, or who like the idea of having more threads available when you need them, AMD’s Ryzen 9 5900X is an incredible value.
The 12-core, 24-thread Ryzen 9 5900X is rated for a base clock speed of 3.7 GHz and a boost clock speed of 4.8 GHz. When it comes to visual performance, the 5900X is unrivaled; however, it is overkill if all you do in graphic design. However, if you have a pressing need for speed in your productivity workloads, this chip’s 12 cores will be more than capable of completing those tasks quickly.
In addition, there is support for PCIe 4.0 and overclock ability to consider. The Ryzen 9 5900X fits existing 500-series and 400-series motherboards without modification. The cooler you bring should be as large as possible; cooling impacts performance, especially with the higher-end Ryzen 5000 processors. You’ll need to get your power supply. The Ryzen 9 5900X is the one to choose for those interested in the best no-compromise processor for graphic designing.
Intel Core i5-12400
The Alder Lake Core i5-12400 has six cores and twelve threads that you should choose if you want the best mid-range CPU for your PC for Graphic Designing to build. Given that it’s even faster at gaming than the previous-gen Core i9-11900K flagship processor and that it’s also a little quicker in workload performance, it should go without saying that it’s also a little faster than the Ryzen 5 5600X.
Regarding threaded productivity applications, the Core i5-12400 delivers solid performance, and its snappy single-threaded performance outperforms even the fastest Ryzen 5000 processors. The Core i5-12400 also offers incredible levels of graphic design, photo and video rendering, and gaming performance at a significantly lower price point than any comparable AMD processor, thereby raising the bar for low-cost gaming processors.
AMD Ryzen 3 3300X
The Ryzen 3 3300X is a problematic chip to come by because it is such a good value for the money. However, if you manage to snag one anywhere, it’s hard to find a better deal at this price point. The chip, which has four cores and eight threads, unlocks a new level of performance for essential graphic design work, medium video editing, and budget gaming by pushing low- to mid-range graphics cards to their limits. Lightly threaded applications, graphics software, and games benefit from the 3300X’s four cores, which run at speeds of 3.8 GHz with a turbo boost to 4.3 GHz, providing responsive performance.
The Ryzen 3 3300X can overclock to the highest all-core frequencies we’ve seen in a Ryzen 3000-series processor, making it a fantastic choice for enthusiasts looking for a powerful processor. Unlike AMD’s other current-generation Ryzen 3 processors, you’ll need to pair this processor with a discrete graphics card, but the low price point leaves extra room in your budget for a more capable graphics card to provide some extra Graphics power boost for your workloads and projects. AMD’s other current-generation Ryzen 3 processors include the following:
To stay on the budget-friendly track, you can install this capable chip into existing X470 or B450 motherboards; however, you will lose access to the PCIe 4.0 interface in exchange for a lower price. Even better, AMD is currently offering its new B550 motherboards. These new motherboards are compatible with the PCIe 4.0 interface, and affordable at a lower entry-level level that is more appropriate for this class of processors. Graphic designers would find this to be the most effective budget processor in 2024.