Best CPU for Photoshop in 2024

As the brain of the computer, the processor is arguably the most important part of the computer. If it doesn’t process data faster, you are probably going to complete your tasks in a longer time than you expect. And for something as delicate and time-sensitive as Photoshop, you have little time to waste. That’s exactly why you need the best CPU for Photoshop, which can handle and process all your data in record time.

AMD and Intel are the two major processors competing for supremacy in the CPU industry. In the past, Intel always beats any AMD product introduced into the market. But with the introduction of the Ryzen processor series, that wide margin has been closed. So, our main focus in this discussion is on the Intel and AMD brand of processor.

Choosing the best CPU for Photoshop

There may be no CPU designed specifically for Photoshop. But there are several of them with the right features for such a line of job. One major thing you need to look for is the number of threads and cores in the processor you are considering. In this case, the more threads and cores the better.

Our experience and extensive research on the best CPU for Photoshop has led us to discover 8 perfect matches for your photo and video editing needs. The only thing to do now is to choose the CPU with features best suited to you. Hang on a little longer let’s take you through the list.

Best CPU for Photoshop

1) Intel Core i7-9700K

Intel Core i7-9700k is also one of the best CPU for photoshop. Of course as an Intel CPU, you should be expecting to spend more. But if you don’t mind spending the extra buck to buy a top-performing CPU, we would want you to consider this processor. One major reason why many users would settle for an Intel CPU, despite AMD being cheaper, is their excellent single-threaded performance.

If you’re buying a CPU for photoshop, your main concern should be the speed and performance level. Thankfully, this core 17-9700k is equipped with enough memory and cores to boost performance.

This core i7-9700k comes with several improvements the previous Intel series don’t have. It is equipped with 8 physical cores, just like the Core i9-9900k. But it does not benefit from hyperthreading. This should not be much of a problem as the CPU’s physical cores can cover up for this difference.

With the solder-based thermal interface, you will have a processor with a thermal solution that improves overclocking and heat transfer. If you are looking for the best CPU for photoshop, you can’t go wrong with this one.

Buy it here: Now

2) AMD Ryzen 5 3600

AMD Ryzen 5 3600 is one of the most popular CPUs in the market right now. That’s because of its relatively affordable price while offering super-rich features.

It comes with similar features as the AMD Ryzen 7  3700x, including AM4 support for PCIe 4.0, 35MB of cache, and 4.2GHz turbo boost speed, 12 processing threads, and 6 cores.

What makes this processor more impressive is the price. If you’re buying an equivalent from Intel with similar features, you might pay twice the price of AMD. But despite this cost-friendly offer, it still did not compromise on performance.

And as we have mentioned for AMD 73700x, it offers support for PCIe 4.0, even if the feature is not yet used by many peripherals. But when that happens, you will enjoy faster transfer speeds from the newest SSDs and graphics cards.

It may not withstand heavy loads for a long time. If you want to do more intensive video editing, the system can serve. But to be on a safer side, it’s better to get one of the more advanced systems listed here. The reason why this one made the list is because of its best value for money.

Buy it here: Now

3) AMD Ryzen 3 2200G

AMD Ryzen 3 2200G is probably the least expensive on this list of the best CPU for photoshop. But despite its budget-friendliness, you are going to get amazing features. It supports Ubuntu x86 64Bit, RHEL x86 64 Bit, and Windows 10 64 Bit edition as well. The CPU s one of the most versatile you can get when it comes to supporting operating systems and hardware.

With a maximum boost frequency of 3.7 GHz and Wraith Stealth thermal system, you are going to have a stable CPU even when you extend the workload.

Ryzen 32200G may have only 4 cores, but the high-frequency level ensures a powerful deliverance of performance.

In terms of performance, it takes lead over the Intel premium lineup with the support of AVX instructions, despite it being more affordable. That’s one of the reasons AMD will always have enthusiastic users and customers.

The manufacturing technology the brand uses to offer more value to users is what many like about the brand.

If you are using the CPU on multi-threaded workloads, this AMD processor will easily beat its Intel counterpart. It’s also highly competitive in single-threaded tasks, but Intel still has an edge in that area.

Interestingly, the CPU is also unlocked, which is great news for those who want to fine-tune the CPU or graphics for the best cooling results.

Another major feature of the Ryzen 3 3300G is the integrated Radeon Vega graphic, which is compatible with 300-series motherboards.

Overall, if you’re looking for the best CPU for photoshop that’s budget-friendly, we highly recommend this CPU.

Buy it here: Now

4) AMD Ryzen 7 3700X

AMD’s Ryzen processors have influenced even the most critics of the brand. The more interesting thing is the fact that they offer these processors at unbelievable prices. This AMD Ryzen 7 3700X CPU comes packed with a lot of features for photoshop. AMD’s standard value of offering more for less is written all over this CPU.

Just like all Ryzen models, Ryzen 7 3700X is a fully unlocked processor, which offers overclocking on value-centric motherboards. When you consider this overclocking feature with what its equivalent Intel is offering with a hefty price tag, you will realize AMD is doing users a huge favor.

Additionally, the introduction of AutoOC and Overdrive features offers overclocking to mainstream users. It comes with an AM4 platform that offers support for PCIe on X570 motherboards.

This CPU is an 8-core and 16-thread processor, which gives it a lot of power and speed for your photo and video editing.

And giving that the CPU comes with 3MB of cache and 4.4GHz of maximum boost, it offers high speed and performance. When doing heavy or demanding editing tasks, you will need a strong system that does not slow you down. Fortunately this 7th generation Ryzen processor is what you need.

Apart from its excellent performance in video and picture editing, this processor is also capable of playing the most popular games at over 100 frame rates per second.

Buy it here: Now

5) Intel i9-9900K

Okay, we’ve finally arrived at the CPU in the minds of everyone looking for superior speeds and performance.

Ever since the introduction of Intel i9-9900K into the market, several complaints about slow speed in highly intensive tasks have disappeared.

Although it’s a bit pricey, you will get to enjoy high improvements over previous models, including amazing overclocking capabilities, support for Intel UHD graphics 630, and multiple threads and cores.

This CPU offers 8 cores and 16 threads, which should be more than enough for your Photoshop. This CPU is incredibly fast. We can classify it as the best CPU for photoshop if we are looking only at speed.

With a base clock speed of 3.6GHz and a boost clock speed of 5.0GHz, you can’t possibly get a better speed offer with another CPU.

The only issue here is the fact that the CPU is too selective in offering support for motherboards. It accepts only boards based on the Intel 300 series chipset. So, you need to be sure your motherboard falls within the range to fit.

Overall, i9-9900K is arguably the best CPU for photoshop if you’re looking for an excellent single-core performance.

Buy it here: Now

6) AMD Ryzen 9 3950X

AMD 9 3950X is the latest processor from the AMD brand which is offered at a lower price but competes favorably with Intel’s i9-10980XE above.

This CPU comes with an impressive 16 cores, which will come in handy for multi-threaded applications. It is classified as the best CPU for photoshop because of the high memory capacity and intense speed it has over other CPUs.

This processor comes with a base clock of 3.5GHz and a boost clock of 4.7GHz, which the L3 cache stands at an impressive 64MB. A similarly-priced Intel CPU does not offer as much as this one. If you want a processor for extensive work like photoshop, this CPU is always going to be a great choice for you.

We tested this processor through a series of benchmarks and discovered that it punches above its weight. In several multithreaded applications we tested the CPU such as video applications like LuxRender and Handbrake shows just how powerful this chipset can be.

The single-threaded application has always been the domain of Intel, but we were surprised this processor competed favorably in that area too.

Also, since 9 3950Xsupports AM4 socket and X570 chipset, it means you can use the chipset in a cheaper and wider range of motherboards.

In terms of speed/budget-friendliness, this is the best CPU for photoshop you may have.

Buy it here: Now

7) Ryzen Threadripper 3970X

This is the latest arrival of the AMD’s third-generation Ryzen CPUs. It’s also the first time more than a 16-core AMD processor will be available on a laptop. In the past, they are only available on high-end desktops.

We have been talking about AMD’s knack to make its processor more affordable than its direct competitor Intel.

But AMD decided to meet the needs of a certain group of consumers this time, by offering pure class and superior quality. This processor is several miles above other Intel and AMD processors on this list. It’s also the most expensive here, beating the likes of Intel i9-9900k.

Surely, with a high price tag there should be an equal level of performance right? In terms of performance and speed, AMD made sure users will have more than they ask for.

The CPU is loaded with an astonishing 32 cores and 64 threads, which is perfect for any type of high-intensity design or photo editing. With this CPU, you can save a whole lot of time and complete your editing task snappier.

With 4.5GHz boost frequency and an unbelievable 144MB cache, you surely won’t have much to complain about.

The only complaint we think you will have is the high price. It triples the cost of other processors, so buying this one will be a huge decision to make.

But if you’re less bothered about price but more concerned about performance, you have absolutely nothing to worry about.

Buy it here: Now

8) Intel Core i9-10980XE Extreme Edition

The 9th generation Intel Core processor oozes quality and class in all areas. It’s a step above the others in the chasing pack because of the rich cores and multiple threads installed in the CPU.

As a CPU with base clock speeds of 3GHz and boost clock speeds of 4.8GHz, you should be expecting a top-performing processor for intensive photo and video editing tasks. Thankfully, the i9-10980XE extreme edition didn’t disappoint.

It is called an extreme edition for a reason. And if you want to push your system to the extreme performance levels, Core i9-10980E is ready to go with you.

It’s a very fast processor, which is perfect for photoshop. However, remember that it’s a bit more expensive, and almost doubles the price for an AMD processor with similar cores.

This Intel’s chipset offers support for 256GB of quad memory, which is twice what many other CPUs offer. It also comes with more PCIe lanes, giving you several options for connection.

This Intel CPU also takes care of some security concerns by providing hardware protection for some vital security vulnerabilities such as the DL Boost feature.

The CPU also utilizes the existing LGA 2066 socket and X299 platform, offering high-end features and superb connectivity.

If you are looking for a processor with the right strength to encode and render apps like Blender and Handbrake, you should be considering this unit. Yes, the high price may be an issue, but you always get top performance from Intel. This CPU will always give you the best value for your money.

If you want the best CPU for photoshop money that can buy, you are going to love what Core i9-10980X brings to the table.

In terms of performance and speed, the AMD 9 3950X is still faster than i9-10980XE, even though the latter is more expensive. But this is a viable option, especially when you need its extra PCIe lanes, its quad-memory abilities, or its extra cores.

Buy it here: Now