aempress

Basically, this is it. The answer I've been looking for – even if it was not the one I was expecting.

Exactly...!

Since I don't want a machine to run a word processor, 3D intensive games AND graphics software – but JUST to run graphics software! – I don't think I'm asking for a "one size fits all" answer. But thanks anyway. And I apologize for bothering you. Thank you all for your time. António

Thank you. This was the most helpful answer so far! (Y)

I mentioned that the machine will also be used for vídeo editing, but its main goal is to run Affinity software.

OK, simple question: given the same price, should I but a CPU with fewer cores but higher frequency rate or, ON THE CONTRARY, a CPU with more cores but slower frequency? This is the kind of question that I have been asking from the beginning. If you guys don't know the answer, no problem (I don't know it either!) but please don't pretend you are giving me specific advice, because you are not! António

Again: I do appreciate your input, but what you are saying can be applied to any software - it is not specific to Affinity. I know how to build a powerful machine, with no "weak links". However, this is not when I built a PC to run Windows 95, when I had basically one or two options regarding CPUs and graphic cards were "Windows Accelerators". :-) We now can opt to buy a CPU with more cores but with less frequency (or vice-versa); we can spend as as little as 50€ or as much as 1,000€ on graphics; and we choose from 8, 16, 32 or even 64 (or more...) GB of RAM. So, as much as I can appreciate some generic tips, I'm here to get some (much more) specific advice. I just wished someone from Serif could jump into this thread - even if only to confirm what you are saying (which is, "we did not optimize our software for anything in particular, so just go crazy because more is always better")...

Well, but that was one of my main questions - and still is. Look: there are games, for instance, that are specifically optimized to run on one, two or more cores. Even Photoshop has functions that take advantage of nVidia Quadro graphics boards (http://www.nvidia.com/object/adobe-photoshop-cc.html). I *really* appreciate all your input, but I would also *REALLY* liked to know this kind of stuff from the developers of Affinity. BR, António

Hi guys. I really appreciate your input. However, I still have the same questions! :-) Mainly: 1) Are Affinity apps are optimized for how many cores? 4? 6? 8? 2) Do Affinity apps take advantage of discrete GPUs? What is preferable, nVidia or AMD? Is the amount of RAM in the graphics card relevant? More than 2GB in the card is relevant? António

Hi guys, a question I could not find anywhere: what are the most relevant hardware components to run Photo and Designer? Specifically: We all know an SSD is better than a HDD. But how much RAM should we use? The more the better, of course, but is there a limit above it is irrelevant? Such as 16GB, 32GB, 64GB…? Or more is always best? Regarding CPU. Affinity apps are optimized for how many cores? 4? 6? 8? The more the better? What is more relevant in terms of CPU – frequency or number of cores? Regarding graphics. Affinity apps take advantage of discrete GPUs? What is preferable, nVidia or AMD? Is the amount of RAM in the graphics card relevant (besides what is needed for a given screen resolution, such as 2K or 4K, of course)? More than 2GB in the card is relevant? The answer to these questions is greatly appreciated, since I’m about to custom-build a (Windows 10) machine to run Affinity software as well as a video editing tool, and the difference in specs can amount to several hundred euros difference according to the chosen componentes.

My name is António Marques. I run a small PR company (AEMpress) and I was looking a for some good "Photoshop-Like" tools. A photographer friend told me last year about the Affinity software (I know Serif from the DTP era...) and the timing was spot on: I immediately purchased Designer and, a couple of weeks later, Photo (both for Windows). The designer I hired came from an Adobe background, so to speak, but felt comfortable right away with both tools and has been extremely productive ever since. I’m *very* happy with the software and its tremendous feature/quality/price ratio. Keep up the good work. Greetings from Portugal, António