Can an AMD Ryzen 3 3200U with 20 GB of RAM Run Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop Smoothly?

Yes, an AMD Ryzen 3 3200U with 20 GB of RAM and a 2TB SSD can run Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop but the performance may vary depending on the complexity of the projects you’re working on.

Performance Considerations

CPU

The Ryzen 3 3200U is an entry-level processor, so while it can handle basic tasks in both Illustrator and Photoshop, it may struggle with more demanding tasks such as large file sizes, multiple layers, or extensive effects. This seems like a common misconception that adding more RAM will make your system faster and more powerful. However, the performance of these applications is more influenced by the CPU and GPU capabilities than just the amount of RAM.

RAM

20 GB of RAM is more than sufficient for typical usage in these applications. It allows for smooth multitasking and handling of larger files. While more RAM can certainly help in certain scenarios, especially with larger projects, the Ryzen 3 3200U's limitations may still be a bottleneck. For basic to moderate use, your setup should work well.

Storage

A 2TB SSD provides fast read and write speeds which will significantly enhance load times for the applications and files, improving overall performance. The SSD is particularly beneficial for Adobe’s heavy programs, as it can drastically reduce wait times for project files.

Graphics

The integrated graphics in the Ryzen 3 3200U may limit performance when working with graphics-intensive tasks such as 3D modeling or heavy photo manipulation. If your work involves these types of tasks, you might experience some lag. For these specialized uses, a dedicated GPU would be more appropriate.

Conclusion

For basic to moderate use in Illustrator and Photoshop, your setup should work well. However, for more intensive work, you might encounter some performance limitations. If possible, consider optimizing your workflow by managing file sizes and minimizing the number of open applications to improve performance. Additionally, upgrading to a dedicated GPU or a Ryzen 3 with 8 or 12GB of RAM would enhance your editing experience significantly.

Alternative Solutions

For a budget-conscious user, a Ryzen 3 with 8 or 12GB of RAM and a dedicated GPU would provide a better balance of performance and cost. It won’t be the best editing experience, but it will be enough to get some work done and can eventually be upgraded or replaced with more powerful hardware down the line.

Regarding storage, if you are on a budget, consider a 250GB boot drive and a large mechanical drive for mass storage. The 250GB SSD will be fast enough for booting your system and running the applications, while the mechanical drive will provide ample storage space for all your Photoshop and Illustrator files.

Best Practices

To ensure the best performance with your AMD Ryzen 3 3200U system running Illustrator and Photoshop:

Optimize your workflow: Manage your project file sizes and close unnecessary applications to free up system resources. Update regularly: Keep Illustrator and Photoshop up to date with the latest patches and updates for optimal performance. Maximize RAM usage: Utilize the 20 GB of RAM efficiently to handle larger files and more complex projects. Add a dedicated GPU: If you frequently work with intensive graphic tasks, consider adding a dedicated GPU to boost performance.

In summary, while an AMD Ryzen 3 3200U with 20 GB of RAM and a 2TB SSD can run Illustrator and Photoshop, careful consideration of your specific needs and budget will help you maximize performance and productivity.