Which graphics card for Photoshop

Leif

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25 Mar 2009 - 8:52 PM

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Does anyone have first hand experience regarding a suitable graphics card for Photoshop?

I have a Compaq SR5726UK PC, with on board Geforce graphics, and VGA output. I'd like a DVI output for optimum screen quality which means a new (PCI-Express) graphics card. But, for Photoshop does the graphics card do much? Would a Geforce 9500GT be worth buying or would it be wasted and should I get a more basic unit? (I assume graphics cards give you processing for games, not PS. I might be wrong.) BTW I don't do games, though I do use the DVD player and a USB TV tuner device, though the latter seems to work fine.

Leif

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25 Mar 2009 - 9:23 PM

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Quote: Any cheap PCI graphics card is fine for photoshop, as its (usually) 2D performance you want, and all cards for the last 5 years are more than adequate

Thanks.

Tony_W

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25 Mar 2009 - 11:00 PM

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If you're buying a pci-express card, I'd recommend getting one that will work best with the latest version of photoshop as per the advice given by Chris. You never know when you may upgrade photoshop and the card should last you a good few years if chosen wisely.
Tony

riprap007

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26 Mar 2009 - 9:40 AM

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Leif is not using CS4 though

Strobekid

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26 Mar 2009 - 11:00 AM

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Quote: That's 'cos I don't expect everyone throws money at upgrading to the latest bloated new version of PS

Actually, I've heard a lot of googd things about CS4 - 64 bit support, live clone tool preview, etc. It's a bigger jump than CS2 to CS3, IMO. As has been said, though, it using CS2, pretty much any card that's been released in the last 5 years should do the trick. But even for general PC use like watching films, especially if you intend on watching Blu Ray on your PC anytime soon, I would recommend getting a reasonably up to date card, which supports at least Direct X 9, or if possible DX10.

Leif

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26 Mar 2009 - 3:21 PM

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There's no need to squabble. You've all given good advice which I appreciate. I will probably go for a Geforce 9500GT or similar, on the grounds that it is not much more than the cheapest card, and I MIGHT need the extra grunt. But I'll wait a while, cos I've just splurged out on a TV tuner.