If you own a mini PC and find that it’s struggling with photo editing tasks, you don’t necessarily need to invest in a new machine. With the right upgrades, you can significantly improve your mini PC’s performance and make it a capable tool for photo editing. Whether you want to add RAM to a mini PC, upgrade its storage, or boost graphics performance, there are several options available to enhance its ability to handle demanding photo-editing software like Photoshop or Lightroom.
In this article, we’ll explore the various ways to upgrade your mini PC for better photo editing performance. From upgrading the RAM to adding an external GPU, optimizing your mini PC for editing tasks can breathe new life into your setup. Let’s take a look at the most effective upgrades you can make.
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Top 5 Mini PCs in 2025
| Rank | Model | Processor | RAM | Storage | Price | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | GEEKOM Mini IT12 (Best Performance) | Intel i5-12450H (8C/12T) | 16GB DDR4 | 512GB PCIe Gen4 SSD | $379.00 | Check Price |
| 2 | GMKtec N150 (1TB SSD) | Intel N150 (3.6GHz) | 16GB DDR4 | 1TB PCIe M.2 SSD | $191.99 | Check Price |
| 3 | KAMRUI GK3Plus (Budget Pick) | Intel N95 (3.4GHz) | 16GB DDR4 | 512GB M.2 SSD | $169.99 | Check Price |
| 4 | ACEMAGICIAN N150 (Cheapest 16GB) | Intel N150 (3.6GHz) | 16GB DDR4 | 256GB SSD | $139.99 | Check Price |
| 5 | GMKtec N150 (512GB SSD) | Intel N150 (3.6GHz) | 16GB DDR4 | 512GB PCIe SSD | $168.99 | Check Price |
Adding RAM to Your Mini PC
One of the most effective upgrades for upgrading a mini PC for photo editing is increasing the system’s RAM. When working with large image files or running multiple applications simultaneously, having more RAM allows your mini PC to handle the load more effectively. For photo editing, 8GB of RAM is often the minimum, but 16GB or even 32GB can make a noticeable difference.
Why RAM Matters for Photo Editing
RAM plays a crucial role in photo editing performance. The more RAM you have, the easier it is for your mini PC to store temporary data while you work on images. This reduces lag and allows you to edit larger files without experiencing performance slowdowns.
Most mini PCs come with expandable RAM slots, allowing you to add more memory if necessary. To determine whether your mini PC supports a RAM upgrade, check the specifications of your machine. If you have one or two available slots, it’s usually easy to pop in additional RAM sticks for a quick performance boost.
How to Upgrade RAM
Upgrading RAM in a mini PC is a straightforward process. First, power down your mini PC and unplug it. Open the case and locate the memory slots. Remove the existing RAM if you’re replacing it or insert the new RAM into an available slot. Once installed, close the case and power the system back on. You’ll need to check your system’s BIOS to ensure that the new RAM is recognized. After rebooting, your mini PC should be ready for improved photo editing performance.
SSD Upgrade for Your Mini PC
Another major upgrade that can drastically improve your mini PC’s photo editing performance is upgrading to a solid-state drive (SSD). If your mini PC is still using a traditional hard drive (HDD), upgrading to an SSD is one of the best upgrades you can make. SSDs are significantly faster than HDDs, providing quicker boot times, faster file transfers, and reduced load times for photo editing software.
Why SSDs Are Ideal for Photo Editing
When working with large photo files, you need quick access to your data. SSDs are much faster than HDDs when it comes to reading and writing data, which makes them ideal for tasks like loading and saving high-resolution images. SSDs also improve overall system responsiveness, meaning your mini PC will feel more responsive during normal usage as well.
An SSD upgrade will also give your system a noticeable speed boost when working with multiple photo editing applications at once. Whether you’re working in Photoshop, Lightroom, or any other photo-editing tool, an SSD will help your mini PC handle demanding workloads with ease.
How to Upgrade to an SSD
Upgrading to an SSD is a relatively simple process. Start by selecting an SSD with sufficient storage capacity (256GB is often a good starting point for photo editing tasks). Shut down your mini PC and remove the existing hard drive, then install the SSD in its place. If you’re using a mini PC with an extra M.2 slot, you may be able to install the SSD without removing the existing drive.
Once installed, make sure to install the operating system and photo editing software on the SSD to maximize its benefits. You can use your old hard drive for additional storage if needed. The SSD upgrade will make your mini PC feel much faster, especially when it comes to opening and saving large image files.
Know more
Best Mini PC for Photo Editing: A Complete Guide
Key Features to Look for in a Mini PC for Photo Editing
The Ultimate Guide to the Best Mini PCs for Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom
Best Budget Mini PCs for Photo Editing: Affordable Solutions for Creatives
Upgrading a Mini PC for Better Photo Editing Performance
Adding an External GPU for Mini PC
If your mini PC’s built-in graphics aren’t powerful enough for smooth photo editing, you can consider adding an external GPU (eGPU). External GPUs are perfect for mini PCs that don’t have the space for a dedicated internal graphics card but still need extra power for tasks like rendering and image processing.
Why an External GPU Can Help
Photo editing, particularly when working with high-resolution images or applying complex effects, requires a significant amount of graphics processing power. An external GPU for mini PCs can provide a noticeable improvement in tasks such as image rendering, layer processing, and video editing. While many mini PCs come with integrated graphics, they may not be sufficient for more demanding workloads. An external GPU can give your mini PC the graphical muscle needed for smooth performance in editing software like Photoshop.
How to Set Up an External GPU
Setting up an eGPU is relatively simple, but it requires some hardware and software compatibility. Most modern mini PCs feature a Thunderbolt 3 port, which can be used to connect an external GPU enclosure. Once you’ve chosen a suitable eGPU, simply connect it to the mini PC’s Thunderbolt 3 port, install the necessary drivers, and you’re ready to go.
While eGPUs can be expensive, they are a worthwhile investment for serious photo editors who need better graphical performance without upgrading to a full desktop PC. An external GPU is an excellent way to boost your mini PC’s performance for editing tasks without compromising on portability.
Optimizing Your Mini PC for Editing
Upgrading your mini PC for photo editing goes beyond just hardware upgrades. To get the most out of your system, optimizing it for editing tasks is equally important. There are several ways to fine-tune your mini PC to improve its overall performance.
1. Disable Unnecessary Startup Programs
Many programs run in the background and consume system resources. By disabling unnecessary startup programs, you can free up more RAM and CPU resources for photo editing tasks.
2. Adjust Power Settings
On Windows, you can change your power settings to ensure your mini PC is running at maximum performance. Set your power plan to “High Performance” to ensure the system doesn’t throttle its performance to save power.
3. Update Drivers and Software
Always keep your operating system, graphics drivers, and photo editing software up to date. New updates often include performance improvements, bug fixes, and compatibility enhancements.
4. Close Unnecessary Applications
When working on large photo files, close any unnecessary applications to ensure your mini PC has maximum available resources. Every program you run takes up memory and processing power, so streamlining your workspace is key.
Cooling Solutions for Mini PCs
One often-overlooked aspect of upgrading a mini PC for photo editing is ensuring proper cooling. Photo editing can push your mini PC to its limits, especially when working with large files or applying demanding effects. Overheating can cause the system to throttle its performance, leading to slower speeds and potentially damaging hardware over time.
Why Cooling Matters
Mini PCs are compact, which means they can overheat more easily compared to larger desktop PCs. Effective cooling can prevent thermal throttling and ensure your system runs smoothly even under heavy loads. If your mini PC doesn’t have a built-in cooling system that can handle intensive workloads, you may need to invest in external cooling solutions.
Cooling Solutions
You can improve your mini PC’s cooling by using external cooling pads or fans designed for compact systems. Some mini PCs have additional cooling solutions built into the case, but if you’re upgrading components like the CPU or GPU, adding extra cooling may be necessary to prevent overheating.
Conclusion
Upgrading a mini PC for photo editing can dramatically improve its performance, allowing you to handle larger files, run complex editing software, and work more efficiently. From adding RAM to a mini PC to upgrading to an SSD, there are many ways to boost your system’s capabilities without breaking the bank. If you need additional graphical power, an external GPU for mini PC can make a huge difference.