Help with PC Build - Primarily for photography

Hello

I've been searching around trying to configure a PC to use primarily for photography (raw processing in lightroom and capture one, not photoshop). I don't play games and so didn't think a graphics card would add anything at the moment (and assume one could be added later without too much bother if that changes) and tried to spec the computer to have sufficient processing power, a decent amount of RAM (with an easy upgrade option) and a lot hard drive space (which seems to be the recommendation I keep finding for photography related builds).

I tried to find a micro-atx option to reduce the physical size but haven't been able to find that (smaller is better in my flat!). Is that possible/advisable? I also looked at a similar mini-atx option for about £100 more but with two RAM slots which would mean an upgrade would require replacing both sticks of RAM, is that a problem?. I wasn't sure how small PCs performed relative to larger machines and whether it would be better to go a bit larger to allow for more future proofing - ideally I would like to keep the PC running for more than 5 years.

Otherwise, is this PC generally ok/likely to suit my needs?

My budget is under £1000 and the less I spend on the PC gives me more for a better monitor.

Thanks for any help!

Paul

Case
PCS GENESIS G1B CASE + SD CARD READER
Processor (CPU)
Intel® Core™ i5 Six Core Processor i5-8400 (2.8GHz) 9MB Cache
Motherboard
ASUS® PRIME Z370-P: ATX, LGA1151, USB 3.1, SATA 6GBs
Memory (RAM)
16GB Corsair VENGEANCE DDR4 2666MHz (2 x 8GB)
Graphics Card
INTEGRATED GRAPHICS ACCELERATOR (GPU)
1st Hard Disk
500GB WD Blue™ 3D NAND 2.5" SSD, (upto 560MB/sR | 530MB/sW)
2nd Hard Disk
3TB SATA-III 3.5" HDD, 6GB/s, 7200RPM, 64MB CACHE
DVD/BLU-RAY Drive
24x DUAL LAYER DVD WRITER ±R/±RW/RAM
Memory Card Reader
USB 3.0 EXTERNAL SD/MICRO SD CARD READER
Power Supply
CORSAIR 450W VS SERIES™ VS-450 POWER SUPPLY
Power Cable
1 x 1 Metre UK Power Cable (Kettle Lead)
Processor Cooling
INTEL STANDARD CPU COOLER
Thermal Paste
STANDARD THERMAL PASTE FOR SUFFICIENT COOLING
Sound Card
ONBOARD 6 CHANNEL (5.1) HIGH DEF AUDIO (AS STANDARD)
Wireless/Wired Networking
WIRELESS 802.11N 300Mbps/2.4GHz PCI-E CARD
USB Options
MIN. 2 x USB 3.0 & 2 x USB 2.0 PORTS @ BACK PANEL + MIN. 2 FRONT PORTS
Operating System
Genuine Windows 10 Home 64 Bit - inc. Single Licence [KK3-00002]
Operating System Language
United Kingdom - English Language
Windows Recovery Media
Windows 10 Multi-Language Recovery Image - Unlimited Downloads from Online Account
Office Software
FREE 30 Day Trial of Microsoft® Office® 365 (Operating System Required)
Anti-Virus
NO ANTI-VIRUS SOFTWARE
Browser
Microsoft® Edge (Windows 10 Only)
Warranty
3 Year Silver Warranty (1 Year Collect & Return, 1 Year Parts, 3 Year Labour)
Delivery
STANDARD INSURED DELIVERY TO UK MAINLAND (MON-FRI)
Build Time
Standard Build - Approximately 7 to 9 working days
Quantity
1

Price £845.00 including VAT and delivery

Unique URL to re-configure : https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/saved-configurations/intel-z370-pc/WGJpeegJhF/

Smaller PCs often have to compromise on cooling, the result might be that they are a little louder (fans working hard). I'm not sure that the mini save a great deal of space over the full size (there are small options for ATX builds) and larger ones literally give you more wiggle room for upgrades.

I tried to find a micro-atx option to reduce the physical size but haven't been able to find that (smaller is better in my flat!). Is that possible/advisable?

Click to expand...

I think PCS have a micro ATX case. And you don't want to use it.. basic plastic, wouldn't support any meaningful GPU upgrade, very basic cooling, no front-facing USB 3.0, and not actually very small. It's micro ATX after all...

I also looked at a similar mini-atx option for about £100 more but with two RAM slots which would mean an upgrade would require replacing both sticks of RAM, is that a problem?

Click to expand...

It's not a problem from a technical point of view but it's a horrific waste of cash with RAM prices being what they are.

I wasn't sure how small PCs performed relative to larger machines and whether it would be better to go a bit larger to allow for more future proofing - ideally I would like to keep the PC running for more than 5 years.

Click to expand...

An ATX build will allow for a lot more futureproofing.

The spec you posted looks good.

I would recommend the 3000MHz RAM, and the Titan cooler as it's quieter and more effective than the stock Intel one.

Might you want USB 3.1 Gen 2 and/or Type C for use with any of your devices or photo equipment? If so, a motherboard like the Gigabyte Ultra Gaming would be worth looking at.

For photo editing you are unlikely to need a super powerful GPU, and so the Genesis case is probably suitable, since it does have room for extra fans. If you feel you might one day need a powerful GPU then the NZXT S340 case is quite compact, similar to the Genesis, but will support high end GPUs / has better cooling. The S340 doesn't have room for an internal DVD drive but if you need one you can just get an external one and sit it on top.

If sticking to the Genesis note that it already has a little SD Card reader built into the top. If you have a micro SD to SD adapter, which I imagine you do, it would also cater to those