Mac OR PC???

I thought I’d share some of my thoughts on one of the most controversial debates.

Recently, I have changed my gear - from an iMac desktop to a build-my-own PC. Before getting into my opinion, it may be fair to tell you what I mainly use my computers for:

  • I paint digitally in Photoshop a lot.

  • I like to screen record my painting process.

  • I would use Premiere Pro for some video editing.

  • I like to (more like have to) listen to music and while I draw, so I have a Spotify account (some streaming there).

  • I use Chrome for work, looking for resources and references, and for entertainment.

  • Last but not least, I like a bit of gaming. Just a bit.

Below are the specs for both the iMac I used and my new build-my-own PC.

specs_2.png

Now here comes the controversial part.

What’s better about build-my-own PCs:

  • I get full autonomy of all specs of my computer. When my parts get old, I can always upgrade (like upgrading your memory from 8GB to 16GB), as long as I have a motherboard that supports that. So if you are looking for build your own PC, I would recommend getting one that allows you to add or upgrade your parts.

  • (whisper) CHEAPER!!! I can have way more powerful specs for a cheaper price.

What’s better about Macs:

  • Display. Most Apple products come with very nice retina displays, and it is great when I do a lot of designing work that involves a lot of details. You can get a 4K monitor for your own PC, but then it will cost more.

  • User friendly. Macs are designed in a way that I don’t have to care a lot about the system behind the screen, and just let me get on with my work. If you are the kind of person who doesn’t like to go through all the hassle for a computer, then just get a Mac.  


Though… I still choose to build my own PC.

Macs and PCs both have strengths, but having tried both of them, I would choose a PC - a build-my-own PC - for the following reasons:

Customization and economical!

It is a lot cheaper, and I get to determine how powerful it can be to help me with my work. I have full control over the specs, so I can change, upgrade, and remove anything I want.

Powerful!

I’ve read a lot of forums online saying that 8GB is enough for design work. 8GB is NOT enough! Maybe it is for some designers, but definitely not for me. Photoshop requires less than 8GB memory to run, BUT I use other applications while running Photoshop - like browsing online for references, listening to music and screen recording.

I can do so much more!

I can pump up some war music on Spotify while painting a war scene. I can open multiple apps and still have all of them operate smoothly. I can even play Guild Wars 2, no problem.

Above are some opinions and comparisons based on my user experience and personal workflow. Of course, everybody is different! Let me know what is your controversial arguments! If you build your own PC, I’d love to know what parts you have got for yourself in the comments too!

At the end of the day, if your tools help you achieve more, that’s all it matters.

 
Karen Koh2 Comments