Do I move from Mac to Windows

[Liverbird]

I am currently using a MacBook Air, 16GB ram and 256GB memory and it getting difficult to edit due to the memory and scratch disc issues. I’ve looked at getting the Mac mini but to spec it up it’s expensive. An alternative at the moment is a windows mini pc with 32GB ram and 2TB memory. I’ve looked at the Geekom. Can I have an opinion and info on what else I should be looking for. Thanks

[Brian]

Yeah, 256GB is microscopic by today's standards, IF you are doing any type of photo-editing. In reality, you will need three things: 

1. At least 32GB of RAM (Preferably 64GB if you have a high MP Camera.) 
2. 1TB for the Main HD. (2TB is optional.)
3. This is THE most important part: A NVIDIA RTX 5070 or 5080 with at least 8GB of dedicated Video Memory, preferably 12GB+. Sure, you can go with a RTX 4070, but since they are discontinued, they are getting tough to find. If that Geekom doesn't talk about the video card, or it just says, Intel Integrated Graphics, you WILL have headaches and Photoshop Bitching the whole time you are using it. So save yourself the stress. 

Just worrying about a PC that has enough RAM, & HD Space, along with a "Okay-ish" CPU...that worked 15+ years ago. The modern versions of Photoshop have become really bloated with all sorts of AI and Fancy Tools; that Windows computer for $999 is not going to cut it for Photoshop headed into 2026. If you think you are saving money, think again...you are just wasting it; in reality, you need to have a realistic budget around $2500 or so because in addition to the computer, you will need a IPS-Based Display. 

In case you are wondering, I'd rather have you get a Intel i7 CPU (Don't bother with a i5 in 2026 when it comes to PS,) and take those savings to pay for the Dedicated Video Card. Adobe's products favor NVIDIA's video cards, and there are even video drivers that are meant for Photoshop to give things a performance boost. 

In addition to your Windows Computer, plan on purchasing a new / un-touched External HD, preferably something large, like 8TB or so, and software that will act as a translator to go from the Macintosh File System to the Windows File System called NTFS. Apple makes is really easy to switch from Windows, and you will have a few hurdles switching back to Windows. Some folks will recommend using something called exFAT, I am one of those people who advises against it. 

If you did go the Mac Mini route, to get the "Macintosh Experience" that you are used to, you unfortunately will have to fork out the $1600 for the Apple Studio Display. As far as the Mac Mini, believe it or not, the model that's a little more bare-bones will work just fine with Photoshop, for the moment. My "Tricked Out" configurations are meant to last someone around 7-8 years or so. IF you get a fancy Apple Studio Display, and a Mac Mini that's a little more tame price-wise, you can always replace it in about 18 months or so and use the same display. 

I just configured the more expensive Mac Mini with 24GB or RAM and upgraded the HD to 1TB. 1TB is all you need. External Hard Drives are cheaper, larger and can be used for your storage needs. At this point, ANY computer will be better than what you are dealing with currently. 

 

That Mac Mini is $1199. Plus you will need a Keyboard / Mouse and the Apple Studio Display. 

[Brian]

Oh, the reason that I didn't start with the cheap Mac Mini, is due to only having a $200 difference. If you add a 1TB HD to the $599 Mac Mini, it costs $999. For $200 more, you get 24GB of RAM. Currently, when it comes to Apple's products...they are glorified iPads. Meaning, there is no upgrading ANYTHING after the fact. Want to add more RAM and a bigger internal HD? You are buying a new computer. 

[Liverbird]

Thanks that’s really helpful. I already have an iiyama monitor and a keyboard so only looking to get a computer of some sort. I don’t really want another laptop. 
I totally get it with not being able to upgrade Apple products any more once purchased that’s why I’m thinking of going the windows way.

I am getting confused with the difference between the intel iris xe graphics card being offered by Geekom in their intel i9 mini pc’s or the AMD series using the Radeon 780M or 890M graphics card. The problem is most companies advertise for gamers these days rather than photographers.

I’m not bothered what company I use but Geekom on Amazon has been given good ratings.

Can you recommend a brand or do I need to do a bit of research using your advice and see what is on the market within my budget?

 

Thanks