Brian

Between the two, the Asus ROG is the better option for use with Photoshop. Going forward, it is imperative that you have a high-end video card, such as a NVIDIA 3070 or 3080 and above! In fact, the choice of Video Card is more important than CPU at this point. I know, I know...it's hard to get away from they last 30-40 years of thinking of "I'll get this one because it has a better CPU and more RAM..." Today's Modern Photoshop is relying more and more on the VIDEO CARD, not only for a performance boost, but for some Modules like ACR and Liquify to physically work. It's only going to get worse as time goes on. Now...8GB. Is that the RAM? Because if it is, that is in no-way-shape-or-form enough for Photoshop. 16GB isn't even "enough." You want at least 32GB RAM headed into 2024 and preferably 64GB. Also, since we are talking about laptops, you want to make sure you are buying one that has a IPS-Based Display Panel. Most gaming laptops have the typical TN Display...which aren't meant for Photo Editing. IPS Screens provide a better viewing angle, and consistent colors, contrast, sharpness, etc. from corner-to corner. So if the laptop doesn't mention anything about it being IPS, SKIP IT! That said, finding a IPS screen in a Laptop, that will run Photoshop well, is difficult to find. Not impossible, you just really need to pay attention to ALL of the Specs. Edit: Never mind. I see the 32GB in the Asus Model. It's still the better choice, only thing we need to check is that IPS Display Panel.

I found this one: ProGrade Digital CFexpress Type B & UHS-II SDXC Dual-Slot USB 3.2 Gen 2 Card Reader. Hopefully you will see this before tonight. It's on a Cyber Monday Sale. Yes. You need a USB-A to USB-C Cable for your computer. Such as this one: Monoprice AtlasFlex USB 2.0 Type-C to Type-A Kevlar-Reinforced Nylon-Braid Cable (1.5', Black). I'd use one of the Thunderbolt USB-C Style Ports to use the Reader on your laptop. (Use the USB-C Cable that comes with the Reader.) Both links are to B&H, so it's easy to add both to the cart.

And before I go further down this Rabbit Hole, can you snap a few photos of your Cards that you use with your SmartPhone and post them here? I want to see physically what you have. The reason is, people will think they have one version of something, but it's something else. Like interchange CFExpress and CF (Compact Flash.) Not trying to insult your intelligence, I'm trying to save us both Time.

If you purchased this Sandisk Reader, that's Compact Flash, NOT A CF EXPRESS slot. CF Express Type B cards look like XQD Cards, in which case you would need a reader specifically to read those type of Cards. Specifically, the Sony MRW-G1 CFexpress Type B / XQD Reader. Inside that Sony Reader Box there are two cables, a USB-C to USB-C, and a USB-A to USB-C. That's the cable you need. You should be able to use the USB-C to USB-A for both readers and your Desktop Computer. For your MacBook, I'd try using the Thunderbolt Ports and see if it shows up. Do you have your MacBook setup correctly? Does the SD Cards show up on the Mac Desktop?

I just was notified by the Adobe Mothership... HEY!! YOU HAVE AN UPDATE!!! Yep, I know. See how Auto-Updates are disabled? At this stage, many of our users get excited and have huge FOMO present in their minds. Then they blindly click "Update." Only to create frantic posts in a few hours because Photoshop isn't acting right on their 5+ year old computer. PS 2023 really started making older computers cranky, PS 2024 and beyond make people buy new computers. So if you don't have money set aside, your wallet will be bitching at you. Like I said, unless you are hell-bent on the AI stuff that Adobe is pushing out, you really don't "Need" Photoshop 2024.

If you are just using Elements...then get whatever. LOL!! ANY of your configurations are more than fine. Between the 13900K vs the 13900F... The "K" is a bit faster in many areas, though it's not Earth-Shattering at this point. The "K" has a integrated video GPU that is good for when you want to use a computer as a NAS for a Plex Media Server to Transcode Video to devices, and has a bit more "Umph" overall. The "F" version consumes less power, and doesn't have a built-in GPU, and also goes up to 192GB of RAM instead of 128GB. The 13900K has been replaced by the 14900K. That's why the "F" is similar in speed results, the "K" version has been out for a few years. New Tech vs Old Tech. (Yes, 2 years is considered "Old.") In reality, at this point there is no "Need" for a "Ti" version of anything. Photoshop 2024 will work fine with a 4070, with or without a "Ti." The Ti Versions of the cards come out later. But again, since you are using Elements...anything you buy is fine. The laptop is fine. The XPS is fine, and personally...I'd skip the Alienware, but that's just me. It's also fine. Cases do not matter much if you don't plan on dorking around with your computer, adding water cooling, fancy LED setups, etc. Some users really trick out their computers; they are much like the Hot Rods with the Fireballs on the Doors that were built in the 1950's & 1960's. How much money do you want to spend? It's a huge Rabbit Hole. Here are some Measurebator...I mean Benchmarks between the two CPUs.

Oh, you are in the same boat as me. Time to start saving for a new computer to purchase within the next 12-18 months.

Short answer: No. Long Answer, I have a 2017 iMac with more RAM and a better GPU running PS 23 (and Big Sur) and I’m noticing lag in PS. DO NOT UPGRADE TO PS 24. Photoshop 22 should work fine and 23 to a certain degree…but it will make you think about buying a new computer. PS 24, you will be in here begging for help on how to un-do a OS and PS upgrade. (Hint: you will need to Nuke your HD and start completely over, so save yourself the stress.)

If you are going to go with a i9, I’d personally go the Full Monty and get an Intel Core i9-13900K. I’d also take a look at the Dell XPS Line as well. RAM 32 is fine, 64GB is better. HD Space, you can never have “enough,” but the one thing you do not do is buy a system that only has a 500GB HD (or smaller) for the main HD. You want at least 1TB for the Main HD. So a one HD or dual HD config…doesn’t matter, just make sure you at least get a 1TB main HD. So a 2TB is a no brained for a main HD. But in reality, the thing I would upgrade in a computer today is the Video Card. I’d configure the absolute best video card that a Manufacturer offers for a computer. Adobe is using the Video GPUs for not only a performance gain, but for various modules and features to actually work. So if you are in the market, get the beefiest Video Card you can afford. To answer your question, Alienware lost its magic when Dell bought them. It’s a fancy looking case and name recognition that people are drawn to. Take a look at what you are getting, sometimes you can get a better Dell Workstation/ Business Computer with less Bloatware installed and better components.

Hmm...I've got nothing. I would try and change the "On power Adapter" to High Power and see if that helps. You might have to contact Adobe on this one. The issue is, it's a new version of Photoshop on brand new hardware. This bug has happened before and it's always been fixed. As for a time-frame for this to happen, I have no idea.

You have to learn to poke around. This is how I figure out stuff. Click the "Automatic" on the "On Battery." What are your choices? What about "On Power Adapter?" Or you can't and need to click on the "Options..." Button. Post some screen shots, you are going to by my Guinea Pig, since I don't have $4600+ laying around for a new M3 Mac Laptop.

64GB is FINE. Even heading into 2024. It's really the choice of video card that makes the most difference with Today's Modern Photoshop. The only time I could think of needing more than 64GB, is if you plan on doing HUGE Panoramas, taken with a high MP Camera. Like combining 40+ Photos that are 100mb each at full resolution. Then more RAM and a fast video card is ideal. But for the average Photo Editor? 64GB is the Sweet Spot. 16GB is absolute bare-minimum, 32GB is what you want and 64GB is the "Sweet Spot," meaning it allows your computer to not hit the PS Scratch Disk as much, which results in better performance. I tend to do large Panoramas with my D850, with uncompressed full resolution files. I think my next computer may have 96GB of RAM, just to have a little more "breathing room." Even then, 64GB would be plenty for the other 99% stuff that I do.

Hmm...I'm wondering if your fancy new Mac Laptop has two video cards. One is meant for Performance, and the one you want Photoshop / Bridge to use, the other is a wimpy card that conserves battery life and is meant for "General Computing." Head to your Preferences (Gear Icon on the Taskbar.) Look for "Battery," then open it. MAKE SURE AUTOMATIC GRAPHICS SWITCHING IS UN-CHECKED!!!! Then close out the Battery Preferences box and Reboot.

Planned obsolescence, silly end-user! I'm going to agree with you, it's either probably the Chipset they are using, or a BIOS limitation that is done on-purpose. They want you in the market sooner, rather than later. They want you replacing your laptop every 12-18 months. They could easily add access panels and give people options for upgrades, but today's laptops are taking a cue from Apple and are basically sealed units. I'm surprised that there are actual slots, as the RAM could have just been soldered to the Motherboard.

Unfortunately, you upgraded on a Intel Mac and this is a one-way proposition. Ventura, and the current macOS, Sonoma, is really meant for the newer M1, M2, and now the M3 Line of Macs. At this point, there are no "take-back-sies," meaning...you are Nuking your Main HD and reinstalling everything from scratch in order to downgrade. Apple stopped signing off on downgrading for your OS YEARS AGO! This is a major undertaking, and something that I'm not going to risk have you doing with me over a forum. When I've done this, it takes >>> ME <<< about a day to accomplish, then another 2-3 days of fiddling to get things working again. What I would do is, GO BACK TO PHOTOSHOP 2023 AND STAY THERE!!! Seriously, you have a Mac from 2017 that is due for replacement within the next 12-18 months. It's 6 years old! Yes, I have that same Mac and I refuse to upgrade to PS 2024. Photoshop 2024 really requires a new / modern computer, and even then Photoshop / Bridge don't have issues. I don't care what Adobe says and claims...this current version of Photoshop is killing computers that are a few years old. Especially ones that are "Under-powered." You can no longer blindly upgrade Photoshop or any other of Adobe's Software. I know the FOMO is strong, but in reality...you aren't missing much. Except for the AI stuff. Photoshop is still Photoshop. In fact, PS hasn't changed THAT much since CS6, well at least in terms of core features/modules. To put things bluntly, START SAVING! Budget around $4600 for a new Mac. No, Apple refuses to release a 27" M3 Mac. So if you are waiting for one to be released, you are probably going to wait forever.

This is a common glitch that happens with new computers. People have had this same issue before. There are three choices: Un-install Bridge, reboot and use the Adobe Mothership App to download the latest and greatest version of Adobe Bridge. Often this takes care of things. Deal with it until Adobe releases an update, or Apple releases a update for the macOS. If these two choices aren't ideal for you, contact Adobe Support. They should be able to remote in and tweak things.

I'd purchase the Lenovo. It mentions a IPS screen. Believe me, manufactures WILL point that out 99% of the time, since it's a "upgrade" over a TN Panel. If it's not mentioned, I'm going to assume it has a TN Display Panel and not a IPS Screen, which is what you WANT for Photo Editing.

Buy it! Enjoy your purchase.

Now the next step is... Open the Adobe CC Mothership App and TURN OFF AUTO-UPDATING!!! Stay where you are Photoshop Version-wise. I PROMISE!! PINKY SWEAR PROMISE!!! It is much better for you to actually learn how to properly edit in Photoshop, then to have FOMO on not having the latest AI Tool. Seriously. Photoshop at its core has not changed THAT MUCH since CS6. It's all the fancy tools and bloatware that Adobe adds in order to keep people hooked on a subscription model. While that is great, a end-user needs to keep on top of replacing their computers every 36 months or so to keep Photoshop happy. Moreso if they don't get the more beefy hardware at purchase in which case that number drops to 24 months for every new computer. That gets expensive.

I have a Lenovo for work, and it's held up for YEARS of me carrying it around daily. HP Laptops were good 20 years ago. Now, they just suck. Their Trackpads are TERRIBLE and HP uses Eco-Friendly Solder, meaning no lead. That's great for the environment, but crappy for things like the power connector leads that attach to the motherboard. I've had nothing but problem-after-problem with HP Laptops with my customers. They last about 18-24 months under heavy use. If the cheap plastic case parts hold up that long. Personally, you want either a Lenovo or a Asus Republic of Gamers. One with a IPS Screen is mandatory for photo editing. Good Luck on your hunt. I'm thinking your budget will need to increase slightly. $999 in today's world for anything good is tough to come by.

Seems to check all the boxes. That said, HP laptops just do not last. I would not spend a penny more than the $999 price-tag. I’d expect you be back in the Market in about 24-36 months. But the specs are good.

Well, you can re-install Windows without having to Nuke everything. But it's not fool-proof. Glad you got things working... NOW BACKUP YOUR DATA 'YA WALLY!!! Seriously. Take the time to backup things now, even if it takes a week or so. A data crash / reloading everything should be a time suck and a PITA to do, but not be catastrophic!! Understand? Take this near-death experience of your data and get things backed up.

See next to Graphics? You have TWO Video Cards in your MacBook Pro. One is for long battery life, the other is when you want to do important stuff, like edit photos. You want Photoshop to be using the Radeon Pro 555x 4GB Graphics Card.

YES! - TURN. THAT. OFF. If you turn that feature on, it tells your Mac Laptop to automatically switch to the low-end & under-powered graphics card to save power. Basically, when you unplug it or the battery gets really low, it will switch. Then Photoshop gets cranky because it wants to use the more Robust Graphics Card (Some Laptops have TWO GPUs!) because...duh! It's faster and better. Things like Liquify and Adobe Camera Raw primarily use the Graphics Processor to work, NOT the CPU. So if Photoshop disables the Low-End Graphics Card, you will get error messages and things won't work right. Remember "Today's Modern Photoshop" requires FOUR THINGS: Fast CPU (Intel i7 137000K or better) Enough RAM (I recommend 32GB or more) 1 TB HD A Beefy & Fast Video GPU with at least 8GB of dedicated Video RAM. (More is always better.) The days of "I just upgraded to 32GB so it should be fast enough..." are OVER. Or the "I got lots of Gigabytes on my HD, so I should be fine." That thinking was so last-century. Photoshop is getting more-and-more bloated, especially with all of this AI Crap they are adding.

Sony XQD/CFExpress Type B Memory Card Reader I have the XQD Only Version of that Reader and it's served me well for the past 5 years. The SD Card Reader, any will do; the ones that come with Macs are the best that 6 cents can buy. So while you can use a SD Reader in a Mac, virtually ANY external Card Reader will be better. You mean the Article with a title of, "What Card Reader do you Recommend?" Now keep in mind, the What-to-Buy Articles ALWAYS are out of date. Things I recommend may nor may not be available, so you might have to search a little. That said, this Card Reader is still available. Honestly? My D850 takes both a SD and a XQD / CFExpress Type B. I have never used the SD Card, maybe like once. I'm always using XQD Cards just because they are WAY faster and are built like tanks.