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10/13/2025 11:51:50 PM · #1 |
Exploring various options for a decent laptop that will work well with the new features on today's software. For example, I can't load ON1 Photo Raw 2026 software on my current laptop. Need more pow pow! :-)
Anyway, I've been looking at some of the gaming laptops and it makes sense. Concerns that I have are overheating and longevity.
Thoughts? Are any of you using a gaming laptop for photo editing? TIA |
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10/14/2025 12:29:08 AM · #2 |
I got this laptop:
Lenovo Legion 5 RTX 3070 Ti, AMD Ryzen 7 6800H, 32 GB, 15.60", 1000 GB
on special for 1500 CHF 3 years ago.
The fans get a noisy when I run Unreal Engine (3D gaming development software) but not really when running Lightroom. I didn't notice any problems with overheating except when I packed it into the suitcase without properly turning it off.
I am still very happy with it but while at home I very much prefer a desktop with 24" and 32" monitors. |
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10/14/2025 01:30:21 AM · #3 |
I'm not an expert on these things, but I do know that the main things that make something a "performance" system (and worth paying more for) are primarily the on-board processor speed, the amount of RAM (and whether it's easily upgradable with available expansion slots), the size of your hard drive, and the presence or absence of a discrete GPU. When I'm shopping in the sea of seemingly similar systems and trying to understand whether it's worth paying more for one or the other, those are the things I'm paying the most attention to. Sometimes, there are computers that aren't called "gaming" computers but are considerably more affordable and have very similar specs on those key criteria even if they have fewer "bling" features that would be important to gamers (such as durable mechanical keyboards or LED backlighting for system components).
But then again, I'm not a laptop user anymore. I switched to desktop years ago for better upgradeability and performance relative to entry price. Laptops, being so self-contained, just don't work for my workflow as well as a desktop. |
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10/14/2025 07:07:29 AM · #4 |
I have been using Asus Pro Art PX13 for a while now and I am obsessed. It is touchscreen. It does not overheat. It works way faster than my brain most of the time :D I have no complaints. I use it for work (psychiatric patient notes), video games and photo editing. It's improved my life.
And no disrespect but I can not comprehend people who are able to use any apple products. I'm android all the way. I mean it's not related but I love figuring things out on my own so I used to be a huge MS DOS person. When windows was created I was in pain lol. So yeah, if you're one of dumb people like myself, who can't figure out any apple products no matter how hard I try, you'll love Asus. My husband has been using one forever too. He built his own computer that we have in the basement (just a sidenote). He has a master's in cyber security and works for the government. Okay, now I'm on the watch list haha
Best of luck! :o)
Message edited by author 2025-10-14 11:28:13. |
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10/14/2025 10:04:47 AM · #5 |
I spent more on a laptop than I ever have. But when I buy a computer, I always spend as much as I currently can, because I keep my computers for a long time, until they are just too slow to put up with.
I bought a MacBook Pro m3 Max (before the M4s were out)
64GB memory
4 TB harddrive
and it is AMAZING!
It is lightning fast, better
My son-in-law built me the equivalent of a gaming computer a number of years ago. It was great. The MacBook blows everything out of the water. I'm so pleased with it. I don't regret the money at all!! Every time I pull it out it makes me happy.
Very very few times has the fan even gone on, btw.
Message edited by author 2025-10-14 10:05:17. |
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10/14/2025 11:34:18 AM · #6 |
Thanks for the feedback!
Margaret - Good to know it's not noisy in normal use. I've looked at a model similar to the one you listed, but with the 9 vs 7, and still considering it. Thanks!
Johnathan - Yeah, I've been around computers for a long, long, time (Software Engineer / Web Developer) and I too prefer a desktop, but it doesn't work for us. Just too busy to sit in my 'office' area long enough to edit photos. Usually doing it while winding down for the evening in front of the TV. :-) I know I want at least a 7 or 9 (Intel or AMD) processor, minimum 32GB ram, and a GPU that's not onboard / integrated (thinking better AMD Radeon or Nvidia GeForce GPU's).
Beata - Asus Pro Art 16's are highly rated now (but a tad pricey). It's a consideration. Rated very well by various reviewers / consumer groups. Sounds like your experience matches what others' have said!
Wendy - the kids keep saying, "Dad, get a MacBook". ;-) They convinced me to go to an iPhone, but I'm not quite ready yet for switching from a Windows PC. I don't know. Maybe. My old argument was I have too much invested in PC software, but if I'm mainly using it for photos ... hmm. I hear you on the longevity consideration. The laptop I'm using now I've had for 10 years! |
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10/14/2025 02:32:27 PM · #7 |
Switch to Mac. There are things that are still painful on it. I like Windows file system much better But maybe it's because I haven't taken the chance to really learn the Mac.
But Apple has always had the best screens for photos. That's why almost all artists Own macs. |
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10/14/2025 04:01:33 PM · #8 |
I am using a gaming computer for photography with 2TB for images. Working on a book, so there is a lot to save and I am using the space. I didn't have sound for awhile, my son hooked up an inexpensive speaker and it works perfectly.
I like windows better and I have always used MAC computers all the way back from my original orange one. Once a while this one crashes I turn it off and restart it. Looking at both sides of the fence I like this Windows system and this computer better than all my old MAC'S at least for photography.
As you may already know, I am NOT computer savvy, this system is easier for me to to figure out. I like this computer and Light Room Classic best of what I have had and used mainly for photography.
Computer only cost $1,500. not including screen and a few small add-ons, With MAC I was looking at close to $7,000. So I figured I would give it a try and the try works just fine.
PS I use an apple screen for graphics
Message edited by author 2025-10-14 16:02:32. |
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10/14/2025 04:55:43 PM · #9 |
Originally posted by glad2badad:
... I'm mainly using it for photos ... hmm. I hear you on the longevity consideration. The laptop I'm using now I've had for 10 years! |
I'm still using a Mac G3 I got in 1995 to edit hundreds of photos for a medical textbook.
I'm not sure about laptops, but some Macs can (or used to be able to) run Windows, which would let you still use your non-photo software, if somewhat clumsily ...
Windows and Mac OS are not that different -- they've each pretty much copied each others' best features, just with slightly different keyboard shortcuts. |
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10/14/2025 05:05:28 PM · #10 |
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10/15/2025 03:29:44 PM · #11 |
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