I'm helping a friend build a PC that's going to be used for both gaming and graphic design, particularly with Adobe applications like Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. The total budget for this build, including peripherals, is $1500. I'm considering an RX 9600XT with 16GB of RAM, but I'm unsure about the CPU. Should I go with the Intel Ultra 5 245K or the Ryzen 5 9600X? I've heard that Intel performs better with productivity tasks, yet the Ryzen 5 9600X is cheaper. Will the 9600X still be efficient for Adobe tasks, or should I opt for the 245K instead?
5 Answers
Intel definitely has the upper hand when it comes to Adobe applications. If your friend has an Nvidia GPU, they can take advantage of that too, so the 9600X might be a good way to save some cash without sacrificing too much performance.
Intel’s lead in Adobe has been dwindling. Even though AMD's Zen architecture was a bit dull for gaming, it improved in productivity. If you dig into some benchmarks, you'll find that Intel might still be better for certain tasks, especially in Lightroom. If you're looking for more detailed comparisons, check out [Puget's Hardware Recommendations](https://www.pugetsystems.com/solutions/photo-editing-workstations/adobe-photoshop/hardware-recommendations/) for relevant data!
The 9600X does offer a slight advantage in gaming performance and has more upgrade options since Intel tends to move on to new sockets pretty quickly. But for multi-threaded tasks, the 14 cores of the 245K might just give you better overall productivity. Interestingly, some benchmarks show them quite similar for Photoshop. Check out the reviews to compare directly! [TechPowerUp Benchmark](https://www.techpowerup.com/review/intel-core-ultra-5-245k/32.html)
If you’re focused on Adobe, you might want to skip the RX 9600XT for something like the Nvidia 5060 TI instead. It’s generally better for non-gaming tasks and will likely suit the Adobe suite better.
Yeah, I’m all about that aesthetic, but white parts can be pricier. You could look for deals or consider a mix if you're tight on budget.
What are the prices you're looking at? For the 9600X around $180 or the 245K for $240 from Microcenter? If you can stretch your budget, the 245K for $300 including a cooler isn't too bad either.
I can get the 245K standalone for $240 or $280 with a cooler. The 9600X is $180 on its own but $342 with a motherboard and cooler from Newegg. I’m leaning towards the 9600X since I need to keep cash for the other parts!
Sounds like a solid approach. Just make sure whatever CPU you choose fits well with the overall budget for both the build and the peripherals!
Exactly! The 5060 TI would really shine with applications beyond just gaming. You think it’ll fit in the budget? My friend wants a sleek white aesthetic, and those parts can add up.