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    What does Photoshop need more: CPU/RAM or GPU?

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by Chainik, Jan 5, 2008.

  1. Chainik

    Chainik Notebook Guru

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    I'm in the process of getting a new laptop for my brother. All he will be running is MS Office 2007, and Photoshop. He wants a dedicated GPU, but it really isn't in my budget. Will the Intel IGP (X3100) be able to handle PS? This laptop will be for school only, so no games. Other specs are:
    T5450 (Maybe the T7250)
    Vista Home Premium
    1Gb RAM (Buy an upgrade from Newegg, etc.)
    120gb 5400RPM HD
    DVD +/- RW
    802.11 A/G

    Will this be enough for his schoolwork and Photoshopping?
     
    Chainik, Jan 5, 2008
    #1
  2. Sam

    Sam Notebook Virtuoso

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    That's a common misconception; Photoshop does not use the graphics card, so the X3100 doesn't have an effect on it. You will mostly need more CPU power and RAM.

    1 GB of RAM will run, 2 GB will be very good. That CPU is fine. Looks like you're set!
     
    Sam, Jan 5, 2008
    #2
  3. liyang6688

    liyang6688 Notebook Guru

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    in photoshop Ram>CPU>>GPU
    X3100 is good enough for supporting photoshop.
    but 1GB Ram seem only enough for opera system vista.you'd better add another Ram.
     
    liyang6688, Jan 5, 2008
    #3
  4. ChaosSpear

    ChaosSpear Notebook Consultant

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    good to know. I have the x3100 and it is fine. I dont play graphic heavy game or do any 3D rendering, and I am fine with integrated.
     
    ChaosSpear, Jan 5, 2008
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  5. hollownail

    hollownail Individual 11

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    Yeah, photoshop doesn't need a video card.... Illustrator on the other hand....
     
    hollownail, Jan 5, 2008
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  6. B2TheEYo

    B2TheEYo Notebook Deity

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    Lots of Ram is needed, Photoshop stores multiple copies of opened documents into memory.

    For processing effects and such it is all CPU based - Until recently, Photoshop will use the GPU for rendering/processing some effects.

    If you plan to run CS3, you will need a decent graphics card. Anything that can run Windows Vista Areo should be enough though.
     
    B2TheEYo, Jan 5, 2008
    #6
  7. NotebookYoozer

    NotebookYoozer Notebook Evangelist

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    ram ram ram ram ram ram ram ram
     
    NotebookYoozer, Jan 6, 2008
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  8. Chainik

    Chainik Notebook Guru

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    Thanks for the info. I know 1 Gb of RAM isn't much, but it's almost always cheaper to buy the upgrade from a third party (NewEgg, TigerDirect, etc.).
     
    Chainik, Jan 6, 2008
    #8
  9. ViciousXUSMC

    ViciousXUSMC Master Viking NBR Reviewer

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    When you work with large documents and alot of layers it can really start to eat away your ram, the cpu is very nice to have tho for speed in rendering and overall smoothness of the application.
     
    ViciousXUSMC, Jan 7, 2008
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  10. klutchrider

    klutchrider Notebook Evangelist

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    Definitely just upgrade it after market and you will be fine.
     
    klutchrider, Jan 7, 2008
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  11. PhoenixFx

    PhoenixFx Notebook Virtuoso

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    a faster HDD (7200RPM) could also help a little
     
    PhoenixFx, Jan 7, 2008
    #11
  12. hendra

    hendra Notebook Virtuoso

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    hendra, Jan 7, 2008
    #12