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How to Build a Computer for Photographers

Building a computer with digital photography in mind is a daunting task. As digital cameras advance in quality, their file size also increases, making file processing a strain for lesser computers. Each aspect of the machine must be designed to handle a heavy workload of large files, and the color management for each piece of input and output software carefully managed.

Instructions

- 1
  Review the image-processing programs that you use or plan to use on a day-to-day basis. Write down the manufacturer's minimum recommended specifications for each program, then create a list of the highest of each minimum specifications. These are the absolute minimum requirements for the machine.
- 2
  Select a processor and motherboard. The processor is the hub that handles the flow of data, and the motherboard will determine what peripherals, such as RAM and graphics processors, can be handled. A multi-core processor offers more power for running programs and processing images, while faster processor speeds mean quicker data flow.
- 3
  Outfit the unit with RAM. The motherboard's limitations will dictate what type of RAM and the maximum amount of RAM that can be added to the machine. Higher amounts of RAM allow larger files to be processed smoothly and quickly, without causing programs to lag.
- 4
  Choose a graphics card. While many motherboards have built-in graphics processing capabilities, these are often sub par for heavy image processing. Select a graphics card that is compatible with your motherboard and that has dedicated graphics processing RAM.
- 5
  Select a monitor. Your graphics card choice will partially dictate your monitor choice; the output type on your graphics card will need to match your monitor. While adapters are available, it is best to use the native output of the graphics card to avoid errors in color and display.

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