System Requirements for Adobe Photoshop in 2026

Like most software developers, Adobe maintains a list of system requirements for Photoshop. However, these lists often cover only the bare minimum needed to open the software, not what is required to actually work as a professional.

In 2026, the modern creator rarely does just one thing. A photographer often edits video reels. A graphic designer often dabbles in motion graphics.

The ProX PC Capability Standard

At ProX PC, we don't build computers for "minimum requirements." We build for Maximum Capability.

Our recommendations below are engineered to comfortably handle 90% of professional workloads. This means when you buy a ProX Recommended Photoshop Workstation, you aren't just getting a photo editor—you are getting a versatile Content Creation Machine capable of handling Video Editing, Graphic Design, and AI workloads without breaking a sweat.

Based on our latest testing with Intel Core Ultra processors and NVIDIA RTX 50-Series GPUs, here is our 2026 guide.

Official vs. Real-World Requirements (2026 Edition)

Component	Adobe Minimum (Official)	ProX PC Recommended (Capability Focused)
Processor	Multicore Intel or AMD (2GHz+)	Intel Core Ultra 7 or AMD Ryzen 7 (Balanced for speed & multitasking)
RAM	16 GB	32 GB DDR5 (Essential for Hybrid Photo/Video Workflows)
GPU	DirectX 12 GPU w/ 1.5 GB VRAM	NVIDIA RTX 5060 or 5070 (8GB+ VRAM for AI & Rendering)
Storage	20 GB HDD Space	1TB NVMe SSD (High speed for 4K footage & RAW files)
OS	Windows 10/11 (64-bit)	Windows 11 Pro 64-bit

 

Hardware Analysis

1. Processor (CPU)

The processor remains the "heart" of your workstation. While Photoshop relies on single-core speed, modern workflows (like exporting video in Premiere Pro) need multi-core power.

What CPU is best for a Hybrid Workflow?

• The Smart Choice: The Intel Core Ultra 7 or AMD Ryzen 7. This is the sweet spot. It offers high clock speeds for snappy Photoshop brushes and enough cores to export 4K video quickly.
   
• The High-End: The Intel Core Ultra 9 is faster, but usually only necessary if you are running heavy batch processes or background rendering while you edit.

2. Memory (RAM)

RAM is your digital workbench. This is where the "90% Workload" rule really applies.

• 16 GB: Fine for basic photo editing, but you will hit a wall if you try to edit video.
   
• 32 GB (ProX Recommended): This is the standard for 2026. With 32GB, you can edit high-res photos and handle 4K Video Timelines comfortably. It covers the needs of 90% of creators.
   
• 64 GB+: Recommended if you use After Effects or do heavy multitasking.

3. Video Card (GPU)

In 2026, Photoshop AI tools and Video Rendering engines rely heavily on the GPU.

• Our Pick: An NVIDIA RTX 5060 or RTX 5070.
   
• Why: These cards have enough power to accelerate Photoshop's Neural Filters instantly, but more importantly, they are fully capable of Video Editing and Rendering in DaVinci Resolve or Premiere Pro.

4. Storage

Speed matters more than size here. A slow hard drive is the #1 bottleneck for creative work.

• Primary Drive: We recommend a fast NVMe SSD for your OS and Apps.
   
• Secondary Drive: It is best practice to keep your active project files (RAW photos and Video Footage) on a separate high-speed drive.

 

ProX PC Recommended Workstations (2026)

We have curated three specific configurations from our Pro Maven GS series. These aren't just for Photoshop, they are complete content creation packages tailored to your level.

1. Entry Level – The "Social Creator"

Perfect for photography students, hobbyists, and social media managers.

• Capability: 100% Photoshop / 80% Video Editing.
   
• Workload: Snappy performance for high-res photo editing and capable of handling 1080p/Simple 4K Video Editing for Reels and YouTube.

Configure Now: Pro Maven GS I PE

2. Mid Level – The "Studio Standard" (Best Seller)

This is the sweet spot. Built with the Intel Core Ultra 7 and 32GB DDR5 RAM.

• Capability: 100% Photoshop / 90% Video Editing / 80% Motion Graphics.
   
• Workload: Designed to handle the workload of a professional photographer who also shoots video. It crushes heavy photo composites and offers smooth 4K Video Editing in Premiere Pro.

Configure Now: Pro Maven GS I PM

3. High End – The "Production Powerhouse"

For those who refuse to wait. Featuring the flagship Intel Core Ultra 9 and top-tier RTX Graphics.

• Capability: 100% Photoshop / 100% Video Editing / 100% Motion Graphics.
   
• Workload: A hybrid beast. It destroys massive photo tasks and serves as a professional-grade Video Editing & Motion Graphics workstation for DaVinci Resolve and After Effects users.

Configure Now: Pro Maven GS I PH

Summary

When you choose a Pro Maven GS, you aren't just meeting the minimum requirements for software; you are investing in a machine built to handle the reality of modern content creation.

Visit: www.proxpc.com