p221
asked on
Graphics card for photoshop/illustrator
I have an old computer, with a 2.4 ghz celeron processor, 512 mb ram and a GeForce4 MX 420 graphics card. Not sure how much memory the graphics card has, but most likely only 64mb
I use the computer for light photoshop/illustrator work. I am now most likely going to upgrade the RAM.
I am also thinking about upgrading the graphics card. Due to the fact that the computer doesnt have any PCI Express ports, I can only upgrade to AGP video cards. Will there be a significant difference in performance with regards to Photoshop CS4/Illustrator CS4 if I upgrade to a 256MB AGP graphics card? Why/why not? Thanks a lot in advance.
I use the computer for light photoshop/illustrator work. I am now most likely going to upgrade the RAM.
I am also thinking about upgrading the graphics card. Due to the fact that the computer doesnt have any PCI Express ports, I can only upgrade to AGP video cards. Will there be a significant difference in performance with regards to Photoshop CS4/Illustrator CS4 if I upgrade to a 256MB AGP graphics card? Why/why not? Thanks a lot in advance.
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
membership
This solution is only available to members.
To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.
SOLUTION
membership
This solution is only available to members.
To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.
@robofix, Photoshop as part of CS4 is using GC acceleration for its 3D engine, so technically this will use GC driver specific elements. Although at 512RAM and a Celeron I doubt it is much used at present...
@captain,
yes, in fact Photoshop CS4 comes with a 3D engine, but barely anybody uses it. 95% of PS' functionality are 2D.
The author should first invest in a RAM upgrade, since RAM is very cheap these days, or, if he plans to spend more, buy a newer machine or, alternatively, have a more thorough upgrade, changing mainboard, RAM and CPU. In the latter case, you would naturally also change to a newer graphics chip and a pci express card.
yes, in fact Photoshop CS4 comes with a 3D engine, but barely anybody uses it. 95% of PS' functionality are 2D.
The author should first invest in a RAM upgrade, since RAM is very cheap these days, or, if he plans to spend more, buy a newer machine or, alternatively, have a more thorough upgrade, changing mainboard, RAM and CPU. In the latter case, you would naturally also change to a newer graphics chip and a pci express card.
ASKER
Thanks a lot guys!