Adobe Illustrator is a program that is used by a wide range of people to create graphics for print, Web, and video. The program is a must have for designers and other professional artists, but for graphic designers who work in a digital, design and illustration world, it is often used to create images that appear on websites or appear in print.
Adobe has a number of products designed specifically to make it easier for you to create the most amazing artwork possible. One of the best ways to accomplish this is to purchase the proper computer hardware, and a future blog post will address the differences between the best Mac and Windows alternatives for drawing and designing digital graphics.
Here at everyvoicecenter we’re always trying to find the best, the most efficient, and the most comfortable way to use Adobe Illustrator whenever possible. To do that, we often test out new and older models of all kinds of computers. Here’s a short list of our favorites.
What are the finest Adobe Illustrator desktops? Adobe Illustrator is one of the most popular options among people who are primarily interested in graphic design of any sort.
It is only useful for vector illustrations and may be used for both online and print graphics.
This, like many of the company’s other software, has risen to the top of the list of top designing software and established a reputation for itself.
This post will show you how to choose the finest PCs for creating with Adobe Illustrator.
Finally, there is a handbook that will assist you in selecting various PCs if you so want.
The following is a list of 5 very helpful desktops, each of which has performance and features that are much superior than those found elsewhere.
Now, if you’re a designer, you’re probably doing a lot of other things on your computer, so your setup should reflect that.
Adobe Illustrator Desktops – Price
ROG Strix GL10DH Gaming Desktop PC, AMD Ryzen 7 3700X, GeForce GTX 1660 Ti, 16GB DDR4 RAM, 512GB SSD, ROG Strix GL10DH Gaming Desktop PC, AMD Ryzen 7 3700X, GeForce GTX 1660 Ti, 16GB DDR4 RAM, ROG Strix GL10DH Gaming Desktop
$1,414.97
13 new items starting at $1,414.97
7 times since $1,329.97
as at 4:10 p.m. on August 12, 2023
Microsoft Surface Studio 2 – Newest Version (Intel Core i7, 32GB RAM, 1TB)
$3,999.99
$4,199.00
2 used starting at $3,999.99
as at 4:10 p.m. on August 12, 2023
Green iMac (Apple) 2023 (24-inch, Apple M1 processor with 8-core CPU and GPU, 8GB RAM, 512GB)
$1,699.00
2 brand new starting at $1,699.00
as at 4:10 p.m. on August 12, 2023
Dell 8930 XPS Tower Desktop Computer, Intel Core i7-9700 9th Generation, NVIDIA GeForce GTX…
$1,999.11
$1,079.99 x 2 = $1,079.99 x 2 = $1,079.99
as at 4:10 p.m. on August 12, 2023
The information on this page was last updated at 4:10 p.m. on August 12, 2023.
What is Adobe Illustrator, and how does it work?
Adobe Illustrator is one of the numerous Adobe Creative Cloud applications that are utilized by both experts and novices. Its primary function is to create visuals in both 2D and 3D formats.
Illustrator, which was initially developed for Mac-based computers, now supports a variety of other popular operating systems, including Windows and Linux.
And, more recently, an M1 silicon chip compatible version of the program was published, claiming to offer significant improvements in rendering rates.
Apple’s upcoming M1-based smartphones will undoubtedly profit from it.
Illustrator and Photoshop are two of the most popular graphic design programs, and they are extremely similar.
However, whereas Photoshop excels in picture editing, Illustrator excels at design and vector graphics.
The picture in vector art is made up of polygons, each of which contains a vector.
These vectors represent positions along the various axes of coordination, and they are linked together using mathematical formulae.
As a result, the scaling and zooming capabilities it provides are much better, ensuring that the image’s edges and borders are always displayed clean and crisp.
The final product’s size and quality are never compromised, regardless of the resolution used to view it.
As a result, it’s a very adaptable tool with a wide range of applications in graphic design.
Adobe Illustrator may be used to create company names or logos, posters, thumbnails for movies, posters, and other printed materials, among other things.
Minimum & Recommended System Requirements for Adobe Illustrator
A multi-core Intel or AMD Athlon CPU (either with 64-bit capability), 8 GB of RAM, and a minimum of 2 GB of space on the storage drive are recommended per the official website.
These are essentially the same as the requirements for Mac OS-based desktops, and both need a 64-bit version of the operating system.
You’ll also need a video card with at least 1 GB of VRAM if you want to utilize the GPU acceleration capabilities.
Now, whether you’d be utilizing other applications in addition to Illustrator is unknown to us. Here are the specifications that you may use as a guide for the best general use.
Minimum System Requirements: Intel Core i7-7820HQ or higher CPU Integrated Graphics AMD Radeon Vega 11 or better 12 GB or more RAM 256 GB SSD and extra storage
Intel Core i7-9700 or higher CPU; NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti or better GPU; 16 GB or more RAM; 512 GB or larger SSD Recommended System Requirements: Intel Core i7-9700 or better processor; NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti or better GPU
5 Best Adobe Illustrator Desktops:
Best Overall: ROG Strix GL10DH from Asus
Asus ROG Strix GL10DH
Bottom Line: The ROG Strix GL10DH is compatible with Adobe Illustrator, as well as any other graphics design program. The RGB touch on the chassis completes the package for any creative user.
Characteristics:
- AMD Ryzen 7 3700X processor
- NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti graphics
- Windows 10 Professional (OS)
- 16 GB RAM
- 512 GB SSD storage
Pros
- Design is slim and small.
- Specs are impressive.
- Excellent cooling
Cons
- Upgrading SSD storage may be a challenge.
- It would have been preferable to have a larger storage drive.
- By default, WIFI 6 is disabled.
The Asus ROG Strix GL10DH is one of the finest desktops available, with a good mix of power and affordability.
This is a brand-customized product, and it’s one of the few available.
The ROG gaming laptops are well-known, and we can guarantee you that this desktop will not disappoint.
A Ryzen 7 3700X CPU, an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti GPU, 16 gigabytes of RAM, and a 512 GB SSD are among the features of this PC.
The octa-core CPU has a maximum clock rate of 4.4 GHz, which is more than sufficient for Adobe Illustrator’s needs.
You can work easily with the PC since it has adequate RAM and fast SSD storage.
The casing features an RGB lighting strip on the exterior and a glass panel on the interior that shows off the lights.
This is why the computer does not seem to be drab. In addition, the desktop has an effective cooling system that ensures it can handle heavy workloads without slowing down.
There are other PCs with comparable specifications, but only a handful are available at this price unless you construct one yourself. Check out our review of the Asus ROG Strix GL10DH.
Runner-up: Microsoft Surface Studio 2.
Characteristics:
- Intel Core i7 processor
- NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 graphics
- Windows 10 Professional (OS)
- 32 GB RAM
- 1 TB SSD storage
Pros
- Display quality is excellent.
- Workplace convenience and touch capabilities
- A large amount of RAM
Cons
- Upgradability is limited.
- Very Expensive
- Under a high workload, there are problems with heating.
Even while the iMac (coming soon) is elegant and powerful, it is not without flaws.
One thing it lacks is a touch-screen option, which we have addressed with the Surface Studio.
It also has a studio mode, which allows you to tilt it back until it nearly lies flat on the table.
Because of these characteristics, this is the most outstanding gadget on our list.
The model we’re looking at includes an Intel Core i7 processor, 32 GB of RAM, and a 1 TB SSD for storage.
The graphical components are nicely handled by the NVIDIA GTX 1070 GPU that is already installed.
Despite the fact that it was released quite some time ago, this 8 GB video card still has some worth.
It also has the processing power to run a variety of programs other than Adobe Illustrator.
Because it can handle the necessary applications smoothly, the Surface Studio may be utilized for complex design needs.
The touch-screen display will greatly increase your productivity, and as previously said, you can tilt it to change the viewing angle.
Overall, this PC should be considered if you are searching for the finest desktop for Adobe Illustrator, despite the lack of upgradeability and a somewhat higher price. Check out our review of the Microsoft Surface Studio 2.
3. Apple iMac — High-End Performance at a Low-End Price
Apple iMac
Bottom Line: With the recent release of the M1 compatible version of Adobe Illustrator, the 24-inch iMacs are now the best choice for graphic creation. This computer is designed to wow in every way, not just in terms of performance.
Characteristics:
- Processor: M1 silicon 8-core CPU
- Graphics: M1 Silicon GPU with 8 cores
- Macintosh Operating System
- 8 GB RAM
- 512 GB of storage
Pros
- Exceptional performance
- Exceptional Presentation
- Connectivity is excellent.
Cons
- In the lower-cost versions, there is a scarcity of ports.
- Upgradability is limited.
- This version has limited internal storage.
The iMacs featuring Apple’s M1 processor have arrived, following the Mac Minis and MacBooks.
And we have to admit, it seems to check all the boxes in terms of appearance, design, performance, connection, and, most crucially, price.
While the newer models have many of the same features as the earlier models, there are a few notable differences.
The bezels on each side of the 23.5-inch screen have been thinned, and a 1080p camera has been included, to mention a few improvements.
This is also a great option for graphic artists who wish to utilize Adobe Illustrator.
This model has the M1 processor, as well as an 8-core GPU, 8 GB of unified memory, and 512 GB of SSD storage.
There is currently a version of the program specialized to M1 systems, which is said to run multiple times quicker.
While the precise figures may not be accurate, you should anticipate greater performance than any other AIO, as well as most older iMacs.
Not only for graphic artists; the entire design makes it a great desktop for any creative worker, and it already has the horsepower to back it up. Take a look at the Apple iMac Review.
4. XPS 8930 (Dell) Tower Desktop – A Tower Desktop Like No Other
Sale
Dell XPS 8930
Bottom Line: If you’re looking for a simple and understated desktop to work on Adobe Illustrator and other design programs, the XPS 8930 is a great option.
Characteristics:
- Intel Core i7-9700 processor
- NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti graphics
- Windows 10 is the operating system.
- 16 GB RAM
- Storage: 1 TB HDD + 256 GB SSD
Pros
- A good performance
- Dual-storage
- Upgradeable with ease
Cons
- Hyper-threading is not supported.
- Bloatware
- Accessories might have been more appealing.
The next desktop on our list may be used for a variety of purposes and should be affordable to a wide range of people.
The Dell XPS 8930 desktop offers a lot of power and functionality in a professional-looking chassis, which is ideal for people who can’t use flashy casings or don’t like RGB.
The PC’s Octa-core Core i7 CPU runs at 3.0 GHz, but it can be cranked up to 4.7 GHz for improved performance.
Although it does not enable hyper-threading, the PC’s capability is not diminished.
This variant is equipped with a GTX 1050 Ti GPU with 4 GB of VRAM. There is 16 GB of RAM available for CPU tasks.
The PC features a smaller, faster SSD for system files and a bigger hard disk for anything else that doesn’t need much speed.
You may work on your projects in Adobe Illustrator without worrying about running out of space, and the system will respond quickly.
The PC is completely upgradeable, and you may do it whenever you want.
If you update it, it will endure for years and serve you well for a variety of reasons.
It’s here for a variety of reasons, and you should find it extremely helpful as well. Check out our review of the Dell XPS 8930.
5. TP01 HP Pavilion Desktop – Excellent for Newcomers
HP Pavilion TP01
Bottom Line: This Ryzen-powered HP Pavilion desktop, which you may select for Illustrator, comes at a very reasonable price. If you require higher graphics, you may want to consider investing in a dedicated GPU in the future.
Characteristics:
- AMD Ryzen 5 3400G processor
- AMD Radeon Vega 11 graphics
- Windows 10 is the operating system.
- 12 GB RAM
- 512 GB SSD storage
Pros
- Design is simple and elegant.
- Overall, a good entry-level performance.
- Good Upgradeability
Cons
- Integrated graphics isn’t designed for jobs that need a lot of graphics.
- The power supply unit has a relatively modest capacity.
- Only for mid-range performance
The Pavilion desktop from HP is the most cost-effective computer on the market.
Its specifications are suitable for beginners or those who just need to perform basic design work.
The silver chassis is small and ensures that your workstation is never short of space.
The desktop isn’t powered by a CPU, but by an APU, as AMD has dubbed them.
The Radeon Vega 11 graphics are built into the quad-core Ryzen 5 3400G processor, and the CPU and GPU share the 12 GB of RAM.
Despite the lack of a dedicated video memory, the PC performs well.
Although the graphics performance is not as excellent as that of a dedicated GPU, it is enough for basic Illustrator design tasks.
The GPU may be upgraded, but only after the 180W power supply has been upgraded.
You may boost the RAM to 32 GB and add another hard drive or an SSD to expand the storage capacity. As a result, it’s fairly upgradeable.
The PC has clear limits for a price tag and setup like this.
However, there are benefits to purchasing it as well, the most notable of which being excellent connection and upgradeability.
It has a USB Type-C connection, and the HDMI port may be used to connect to additional screens. Check out our review of the HP Pavilion TP01 Desktop.
How Do I Pick the Best Adobe Illustrator Desktop?
We’ve also included this buyer’s guide at the conclusion of our collection to help you decide whether to purchase or build another PC for the same purpose.
Many aspects may be beneficial to a designer, and we’ve discussed each one so that things are as easy as possible for our readers.
The goal of this buyer’s guide is to compile a list of items to consider when selecting a desktop for a certain task.
One thing you must know ahead of time is what kind of work you will be performing on it.
Also, if the PC would be used for reasons other than illustrating, such as gaming.
Adobe Illustrator has extremely low system requirements; according to the official guidelines, you just need a contemporary CPU, a reasonable GPU, and a good quantity of RAM.
A designer, on the other hand, needs considerably more detailed requirements based on his or her knowledge and skill in the field.
In terms of hardware specs, you’ll find all of the information you need right here.
This article covers the most of the prerequisites for graphics creation in general or simply to run Adobe’s Illustrator program.
We’ve also covered a couple of the extras, so make sure you read this tutorial all the way through.
Is a Touchscreen Desktop a Good Investment?
A touch screen desktop offers its own set of advantages, depending on how you plan to use the computer. There are a couple of them that may be helpful to you in this situation as well.
When sketching or marking, for example, using a stylus is much more convenient than using a mouse.
However, a touch-screen desktop is often an All-in-One desktop, which makes things more difficult if you’re on a budget.
In a lower price bracket, you’d be hard pressed to find a touch screen that’s both powerful and affordable.
If you have to choose between performance and touch display, the latter is the superior option, at least if Illustrator is your main program.
If you need to use a pen and are on a budget, a laptop, or a convertible for that matter, is a better option.
What is the value of an AIO for Adobe Illustrator?
You may use an AIO as long as it is reasonably priced and performs well.
Many powerful desktops, such as the most popular iMacs, are AIOs, so you know that getting a decent AIO to run Illustrator is not difficult if you spend the appropriate amount of money.
There are AIOs that have peripherals, and some of them are very good.
If you think about it, for a little extra money, you get everything you need to operate a computer, plus the additional convenience of an All-in-One desktop.
Better cable management, reduced space requirements, and so forth are examples of this.
Upgradability and mediocre graphics, on the other hand, remain a problem. Furthermore, the average consumer may not always be able to purchase a high-priced AIO desktop.
Processor
You would think that working with software like Adobe Illustrator would need the use of several CPU cores. But this is not the case; in fact, the reverse is true.
Illustrator is one of those programs that only uses one core, therefore the performance of each core is more significant than the sum of all of them.
As a result, you’ll need a processor with excellent single-core speed, which means any respectable AMD or Intel CPU will suffice.
For the most part, a quad-core CPU will enough, but you may also choose for a hexa- or octa-core CPU.
This ensures that your renderings are smooth and quick, and that the system does not slow down even when under stress.
But, if Illustrator only need one core, what is the purpose of paying so much more for additional cores?
Multitasking is the solution to this. It’s only logical that you’d be using other applications in the background while working on Illustrator.
This is only feasible if there are sufficient cores available.
Another item that necessitates CPU performance is rasterization.
It refers to the display of information on your PC’s monitor after it has been converted from a vector file to a raster one.
Pixels are utilized to display this information on modern displays, and rasterization is also employed in printers. It is also feasible to rasterize on a GPU, although CPUs are better suited to do so.
If you work as a site designer or blogger, you may be required to deal with videos, and high-quality video rendering necessitates the use of many cores.
If you’re a student, multi-core performance is also required by applications like AutoCAD.
As a result, the number of cores required on the CPU, as well as the cost, will be determined by your use.
Graphics
The second most essential need for Illustrator is a powerful GPU, although this does not necessitate purchasing the most costly choices.
The kind of work you perform determines a significant portion of the graphics need, and individuals working on basic tasks may get by with an entry-level GPU or even integrated graphics.
Any contemporary GPU-equipped PC should be able to run the program smoothly. Illustrator isn’t very GPU-intensive, so you shouldn’t need a dedicated graphics card for minor tasks.
A GPU with 2-4 GB of VRAM should enough for the vast majority of users.
However, 3D renderings and other sophisticated processing would use a significant portion of the available video capacity. While RTX capabilities aren’t required in this case, you may always benefit from adding more Video RAM.
As a result, graphics cards having 6-8 GB of VRAM, such as NVIDIA’s GTX 1660 Ti, RTX 3070, and AMD’s Radeon 5700 XT, will perform well.
The advantage of having a powerful GPU is that it may speed up graphics rendering and make the entire experience more pleasant. Illustrator would be deactivated even if your GPU didn’t support it.
In such scenario, the built-in graphics would take over. However, with any contemporary GPU, the odds of it occurring are slim to none.
If you want to use a dedicated GPU, make sure your PC has the most recent GPU drivers loaded. Additionally, the desktop should support OpenGL 4.0 and above.
RAM
This is a very essential element that all designers must consider. Illustrator is offered in two versions, one for 32-bit computers and the other for 64-bit computers.
For the first, a minimum of 1 GB of free RAM is required; however, utilizing at least 8 GB is recommended.
If you’re using the 64-bit version, you’ll need at least 2 GB of free RAM. As a result, having 16 GB of RAM installed in the system is recommended.
Illustrator needs so much RAM because, despite the increasing usage of GPU in recent years, the program is still mostly CPU demanding.
In certain instances, the video memory is inadequate, and the system memory is used up as a result.
Rasterization, for example, requires both the CPU and RAM, necessitating the addition of additional RAM.
The frequency with which you utilize RAM, as well as the number of modules you use, aren’t particularly important in this case.
The rest is up to you as long as the DDR4 RAM’s average frequency is maintained.
Storage
An SSD would always be preferable over a slow hard disk for storage.
However, since the price per GB of space on them is not the most affordable, a hard drive is unavoidable for the typical consumer.
External ones may also be used, and bulk storage will be needed over time.
Illustrator for Windows needs at least 2 GB of disk space during installation and some more once the installation is complete.
You may create storage configurations based on the amount of other applications and files that you have on your desktop.
Connectivity
Yes, in addition to the appropriate hardware, the right connection characteristics are also required.
While every modern desktop includes all of the required USB connections, keep an eye out for USB Type-C connectors.
These may be extremely helpful when importing files from different devices into Illustrator so that you can work with them.
Another kind is Thunderbolt, which is already included in an Apple desktop. These are also seen on Windows PCs, although they are very uncommon.
The most essential thing is that you have an internet connection as well as an Ethernet port.
If you depend on wireless connection often, you may wish to upgrade to WIFI 6, which provides much greater bandwidth than its predecessor.
You’ll also need Bluetooth, and it’s preferable if the PC already has Bluetooth adapters installed.
Monitor
To utilize Adobe Illustrator and create graphics with it, you’ll need more than just a computer. You’ll also need a monitor capable of displaying the findings.
Color accuracy and other details are important for serious editors, but they aren’t necessary for everyone.
However, be sure you get a monitor with at least an FHD (1920*1080p) display, since the final outputs you produce should be seen in the highest possible quality.
If you wish to invest in better displays, such as QHD or 4K monitors, you may do so, but they will be more expensive. When working with high-quality drawings and logos, however, having a higher display resolution is advantageous.
Peripherals
The mouse, keyboard, and stylus are the most important accessories for completing your desktop (if you are using a touchscreen desktop).
Because you’ll require accuracy when sketching or marking, the mouse should be precise and the appropriate size for your palm.
Illustrator’s intricate and minute drawings will need the greatest precision, which will be impossible to achieve without good peripherals.
If you work in the graphics design industry, you’ll also need a good picture printer to fulfill your customers’ requests.
There’s nothing remarkable here, and those all-in-one printers with extra features aren’t going to be very useful.
Instead, search for some older ones that are specialized to printing photographs.
FAQs:
What is a decent graphics design desktop?
A good desktop is required for 2D or 3D graphics design. To operate applications like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and others, the CPU speed, as well as system memory, must be prioritized. It’s possible that a dedicated GPU will be required.
Here are a few recommendations:
ROG Strix GL10DH from Asus Apple iMac 24 inch Microsoft Surface Studio 2 Dell XPS 8930 Tower Desktop HP Pavilion Ryzen 5 3400G
Do graphic artists prefer to work on a PC or a Mac?
Any graphic designer’s choice of operating system is a matter of personal preference. Some people prefer Windows, while others prefer to use a Mac. Illustrator is compatible with both platforms.
Each offers its own set of benefits and disadvantages, so you may choose one based on your budget and tastes.
Is 16GB of RAM sufficient for Illustrator?
Yes, 16 GB of RAM is plenty for the typical Illustrator user. Your computer should be able to handle a significant amount of work, but you may be able to get away with even less.
Some experts, however, require 32 GB of RAM for the most intense use or multitasking.
Putting the finishing touches on
As a designer, regardless of your position, you will always want to obtain the best price possible. The work in Adobe Illustrator may not need high specifications at first, but as the designs get more intricate, the necessity for a powerful PC will become apparent.
We hope that the article was able to offer you with all of the necessary information.
Desktops are a great option for graphic designers, web designers and illustrators. It can be a good idea to buy a desktop computer to start working on some projects from home. There are many different tasks like storing and editing pictures, creating websites or working on graphics with Adobe Illustrator. But to make a good choice, you need to consider different factors. There are different types of computers and their functions, so the features you need will depend on the type of work you do.. Read more about best desktop for graphic design 2023 and let us know what you think.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best desktop for Adobe Illustrator?
The best desktop for Adobe Illustrator is a computer with a high-end processor and graphics card.
Which iMac do I need for Illustrator?
You need a 27-inch iMac with at least 8GB of RAM and an AMD Radeon Pro 580 or better graphics card.
What is the best computer for graphic design 2023?
The best computer for graphic design in 2023 is a desktop PC.
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