Back to Basics: Part 2 - System Setup & Hardware Configurations for Oceanic Explorers (2025 Edition)
Updated for Lightroom Classic v15.0, Lightroom v9.0, Photoshop v27.0, and ACR v17.5+ (October 2025
🌊 Introduction: The Next Step in Getting Organized
Welcome back, Oceanic Explorers!
In Part 1 of our Back-to-Basics Series - "Getting Organized in Lightroom: Catalogs, Backups, Folders & Collections Explained" - we built the foundation for an efficient editing workflow.
Now, it's time to take a closer look under the hood of your computer system. Even the most well-organized and efficient workflow can feel sluggish if your hardware isn't up to the task of handling the demanding features of the latest Lightroom tools. From AI Denoise, which intelligently reduces noise in your images, to advanced Masking and Point Color tools that enable precise edits, Lightroom's performance relies heavily on a solid hardware setup.
Whether you're using Lightroom Classic (LrC) or the cloud-based Lightroom, your ultimate goal should be to maintain a fast, stable system that keeps up with your creative workflow while keeping your photos safe and secure, both during active editing and in long-term storage.
With Adobe’s latest 2025 releases, Lightroom Classic 15.0, Lightroom 9.0, Lightroom Mobile v10+, Photoshop 27.0, and Adobe Camera Raw 17.5+, the software has taken another leap forward in performance and AI integration. Tools like AI Denoise v2, Lens Blur, Reflection Removal, and Select Water now rely far more heavily on your GPU (graphics card) and RAM.
That means it’s time to ensure your hardware is up to the challenge - whether you’re a traveling Oceanic Explorer editing from a beachside tablet or a pro running a full workstation.
⚙️ Why Hardware Matters
Lightroom is a powerhouse among creative tools, often considered a must-have in your digital toolkit, especially if you're into photography. Think of it as your digital darkroom, offering an array of features to enhance, organize, and share your images with stunning results. However, it's important to note that Lightroom can be quite resource-hungry, requiring a good amount of your computer's processing power and RAM to run smoothly.
Many photographers tend to blame Lightroom when they experience slowdowns or crashes, but often, the real bottleneck lies in their hardware. Upgrading your computer's memory, processor, or storage can significantly improve performance.
So, you're looking to get the most out of Lightroom without frustration. In that case, it's worth assessing your hardware and investing in upgrades. This way, you can unlock its full potential and enjoy a smoother editing experience.
⚙️ Understanding the Shift: From CPU Power to GPU Intelligence
In earlier versions of Lightroom Classic, most of the heavy lifting, such as preview generation, batch exports, and image rendering, relied primarily on your CPU. While that’s still true for some background tasks, Lightroom Classic 15.0 and Photoshop 27.0 now offload much of the visual computation to your GPU.
That shift changes how you should think about upgrading or buying a system for underwater editing. The graphics card (and its VRAM) is now the real bottleneck for most AI tools, not your processor.
💡 Quick Insight: If your system has less than 8 GB of VRAM, Lightroom will now warn you that AI masking and Denoise performance will be limited.
🖥️ Hardware Essentials for Underwater Photographers
1. The Processor (CPU)
Think of your CPU as the dive guide; it leads the operation, manages file imports, and coordinates exports.
-
Minimum: Intel i5-12600K / Ryzen 5 7600 / Apple M2
-
Optimal: Intel i7-13700K / Ryzen 7 7800X3D / Apple M3 Pro
👉 Why it matters: Lightroom Classic 15.0 uses improved multi-threading for faster preview rendering and batch processing. A 12-core CPU with strong single-core speed offers the best balance between cost and performance.
Shortcut: Ctrl + Alt + Shift + E (Windows) | Cmd + Option + Shift + E (Mac), Extract stills from video clips in Lightroom Classic for photo-grade edits.
2. Graphics Card (GPU)
Your GPU is the dive light illuminating the scene; it brings everything into focus and color.
-
Minimum: NVIDIA RTX 3050 (8 GB VRAM) / AMD RX 6600 (8 GB) / Apple M2 integrated
-
Optimal: NVIDIA RTX 4060 Ti (16 GB VRAM) / AMD RX 7800 XT (16 GB) / Apple M3 Pro
⚠️ Lightroom Classic 15.0 and Photoshop 27.0 now depend on your GPU for nearly all real-time rendering tasks, from AI Denoise v2 to Lens Blur and Reflection Removal.
Oceanic Explorer Tip: “Your GPU is now your dive buddy.” Invest in more VRAM, at least 8 GB; 16 GB recommended, to stay future-proof.
3. Memory (RAM)
RAM is your tank capacity; the more you have, the longer you can stay in the creative flow.
-
Minimum: 16 GB
-
Optimal: 32 GB (64 GB for pros running Lightroom, Photoshop, and ACR simultaneously)
Lightroom’s new AI masking and point color tools can easily consume 10 GB or more during complex edits, especially with 45 MP RAWs or stacked HDR files.
4. Storage & Backup
Primary Drive (Operating & Scratch):
-
512 GB NVMe SSD (Gen 3) minimum
-
1–2 TB NVMe SSD (Gen 4) recommended
Backup & Archiving:
-
2–4 TB external USB-C SSD or HDD
-
Cloud backup with Adobe Cloud Sync or Backblaze
This strategy ensures your images survive drive failures, floods, or a dropped laptop on the dive boat.
5. Monitor & Color Accuracy
Color matters more underwater than almost anywhere else in photography.
-
Minimum: 15″ 1080p IPS (100 % sRGB)
-
Optimal: 27″ 4K HDR 600 (99 % Adobe RGB) with hardware calibration
Pro Tip: Use an X-Rite ColorChecker Display Pro or Datacolor Spyder X2 Ultra to maintain true coral tones and balanced skin colors.
Shortcut:
Ctrl + Shift + E / Cmd + Shift + E - export calibrated previews for print or social sharing.
6. Operating System & Power
-
Windows: Version 11 (23H2 or newer)
-
Mac: macOS 14 (Sonoma) or later
Windows: Version 11 (23H2 or newer)
Mac: macOS 14 (Sonoma) or later
Older OS versions (like Monterey or Ventura) now disable some AI modules and GPU acceleration by default.
⚡ If you’re editing in humid, high-temperature locations like Roatan, use a 750 W Gold-rated PSU and an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) to protect your equipment from power surges.
🌐 Lightroom (Cloud) & Lightroom Mobile: Device-Specific Guidance (2025)
While desktop users handle full-resolution RAW workflows, many Oceanic Explorers prefer the Lightroom (cloud) or Lightroom Mobile ecosystem for their simplicity and travel convenience. Here’s what to look for in your devices.
💻 Lightroom (Cloud Desktop)
Use when: you want simplified, unified edits + automatic cloud sync to phone/tablet.
Minimum (travel-friendly)
-
Windows laptop: i5-1240P / Ryzen 5 6600U, 16 GB RAM, integrated GPU, 512 GB NVMe (Gen 3)
-
Mac: MacBook Air M2, 16 GB unified memory, 512 GB SSD
Optimal (AI & 4K video)
-
Windows: i7-13700H / Ryzen 7 7840HS, 32 GB RAM, RTX 4050 6 GB, 1–2 TB NVMe (Gen 4)
-
Mac: MacBook Pro M3 Pro (12-core), 18–36 GB memory, 1–2 TB SSD
Why this matters for Lr (cloud):
Global adjustments on video, presets, and profiles all benefit from GPU power and SSD speed. Cloud-first workflows prioritize SSD capacity and fast Wi-Fi 6/6E connectivity.
Quick Setup Tips
-
Preferences → Performance → Use GPU for Image Processing (On)
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Set Local Cache to 50–100 GB on NVMe for offline edits
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Export: MP4, 1080p, 30–60 fps, 9:16 aspect for Reels
📱 Lightroom Mobile (iOS / Android)
Use when: you want quick edits right after a dive, then finish on desktop via sync.
iOS (current)
-
Minimum: iPhone 13 / iPad (A14) with 4–6 GB RAM, 128 GB storage
-
Optimal: iPhone 14 Pro/15/16 or iPad Air/Pro (M1–M4) with 8–16 GB RAM, 256–512 GB storage
Android (current)
-
Minimum: Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 / Dimensity 9000, 8 GB RAM, 128 GB storage
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Optimal: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2/3, 12 GB RAM, 256–512 GB storage
Accessories That Help
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USB-C card reader (SD/CFexpress) for direct imports
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Rugged USB-C SSD (1–2 TB) for field backups
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Bright OLED screen (1000+ nits) for sunlit decks
Mobile Workflow Tips
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Enable Auto Add from camera roll into “Trip” album
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Apply Adaptive Presets (Underwater Vibrance / Warmth)
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Keep 20–30% free device storage for exports
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Export: 2048 px long edge, sRGB, 75–80% JPEG
🔄 Cross-Device Sync (Field → Desk)
A recap of the 3-2-1 backup rule from Part 1:
- During dive day (phone/tablet): Trim, adjust, and tag “Roatan_Turtle_10m”.
Auto-sync over Wi-Fi 6/6E when back on the boat or hotel.
-
Desktop (Lr or Classic): Final color, crop, watermark, and export.
Pro Tip: If bandwidth is limited, import Smart Previews only. Upload full-res RAWs later on stable internet.
📋 Lr / Mobile Hardware Summary Table
| Component | Minimum (Lr Cloud / Mobile) | Optimal (Lr Cloud / Mobile) | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laptop CPU/GPU | i5-1240P + iGPU / M2 | i7-13700H + RTX 4050 / M3 Pro | Faster scrub & export for video + presets |
| Laptop RAM | 16 GB | 32 GB | Prevents lag with large RAW albums |
| Laptop SSD | 512 GB Gen 3 | 1–2 TB Gen 4 | Faster cache and cloud sync |
| Phone/Tablet SoC | A14 / Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | M-series iPad / Snapdragon 8 Gen 2–3 | Smooth AI presets & batch exports |
| Mobile Storage | 128 GB | 256–512 GB | Room for RAWs + offline albums |
| Network | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6E / 5G | Faster sync between dives |
✅ Mobile Checklist
☐ iPhone 14 Pro/15+ or Android 8 Gen 2/3 with 12 GB RAM
☐ 256–512 GB internal + 1–2 TB USB-C SSD
☐ USB-C multi-card reader (SD/CFexpress)
☐ Lightroom Mobile set to Auto Add into “Trip” album
☐ Maintain 20–30% free device storage
☐ Wi-Fi 6E / 5G connection for sync
☐ Export preset: 2048 px sRGB JPEG (social), 1080p 60fps MP4 (Reels)
🧩 Updated 2025 Hardware Configuration Table (Desktop)
|
Component |
Minimum |
Optimal |
Why 2025 |
|
CPU |
i5-12600K / R5 7600 / M2 |
i7-13700K / R7 7800X3D / M3 Pro |
Multithreaded exports |
|
GPU |
RTX 3050 (8 GB) / RX 6600 (8 GB) / M2 |
RTX 4060 Ti (16 GB) / RX 7800 XT (16 GB) / M3 Pro |
AI Denoise v2, Lens Blur |
|
VRAM |
8 GB |
16 GB |
Heavy AI masking |
|
RAM |
16 GB |
32 GB (64 GB pro) |
Smooth multi-app editing |
|
Storage |
512 GB Gen 3 |
1–2 TB Gen 4 |
Faster AI cache |
|
Backup |
2 TB SSD + Cloud |
4–8 TB RAID 1 |
Redundancy |
|
Display |
1080p sRGB |
27″ 4K HDR Adobe RGB |
Color accuracy |
|
OS |
Win 11 22H2 / macOS 13 |
Win 11 23H2 / macOS 14 |
AI frameworks |
|
Power |
300 W PSU /air cooling |
750 W Gold PSU / AIO liquid Cooling |
Stable voltage for long AI sessions |
|
Connectivity |
Wi-Fi 5 / 100 Mbps |
Wi-Fi 6E / Gigabit LAN |
Faster Adobe Cloud sync & remote workflows |
🧾 Hardware Configuration
Checklist (2025)
🖥️ System Core
☐ CPU — i5 (12-core) min | i7 / Ryzen 7 / M3 Pro recommended
☐ GPU — RTX 3050 (8 GB VRAM) min | RTX 4060 Ti (16 GB) optimal
☐ RAM — 16 GB min | 32 GB preferred
☐ Primary Drive — 1 TB NVMe SSD Gen 4
☐ Backup — RAID 1 array + Cloud (3-2-1 rule
🎨 Display &
Accessories
☐ 27″ 4K monitor (99 % Adobe RGB)
☐ Calibrator (X-Rite or Spyder)
☐ Color-accurate mouse or pen tablet
☐ High-speed card reader
⚡ Power & Network
☐ UPS surge protection (for humid environments)
☐ Wi-Fi 6E router or wired LAN for Cloud Sync
⚙️Optimization Tips
☑ Keep AI Cache on NVMe SSD
☑ Enable GPU acceleration (Preferences → Performance)
☑ Purge Smart Previews monthly
☑ Calibrate monitor every 30 days
☑ Back up before major Adobe updates
📸 Bringing It All
Together
Whether you’re editing RAW files on a desktop, refining a
clip on your tablet, or flagging images on your phone, your hardware directly
affects how efficiently you can turn “OK” shots into “WOW” results.
Optimizing for Adobe’s 2025 AI-powered ecosystem means faster rendering,
smoother color, and more time diving.
✍️ Author Note
Written by Robert S. Herb, Master Scuba Diver &
Underwater Photography Instructor.
Empowering divers to transform their photos from dull to WOW using Adobe
Lightroom & Photoshop since 1978.
📧
bob@robertherb.com | 🌐 www.RobertHerb.com
📆 Coming Up Next
Next week in the Back-to-Basics series:
Part 3 — The Ultimate Lightroom Workflow Order for Underwater Photos.
I'll show you how to optimize your Underwater Lightroom Workflow to minimize time and transform your images into "keepers".
Until then, dive smart, stay backed up, and remember, organization is your first line of defense both underwater and in Lightroom.
🟦 Want to learn more? Sign up for my upcoming training course at RobertHerb.com or reach out at bob@robertherb.com
🟦 And don't forget, new blogs drop weekly at Robert Herb Photography Blog
Written by Robert Herb – Empowering underwater photographers to capture and enhance the beauty of our oceans since 1978
Stay tuned for more in-depth insights into underwater photography. Let's dive deeper into the art and craft of capturing the marine world! If you have any comments or suggestions, I'd love to hear them.
Get ready for an exciting underwater photography adventure! For more details on my upcoming online training course, check out my "Training" page at RobertHerb.com or email me at bob@robertherb.com.
Sincerely,
Bob Herb
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