couple of hardware questions

[Dorkenstein]

Does photoshop and similar software use quad cores yet? I am going to build someone a photoshop rig and need to know. Also, what graphics card can I get by on for just photo editing? I would like something fairly recent but inexpensive and sufficient for the task. Thanks.

 

[krnmastersgt]

I would think any video card would be sufficient for the task at hand, maybe look for one with lower power draw/passive cooling? As for the quad question, it's yes and no. Some developers are already quad optimized while others aren't, last I checked PS was not a quad optimized program HOWEVER, it's sure on the list in the next generation or two, for all types of similar software to become quad optimized. So I'd go for a quad if I were you.

 

[Blain]

You might try digging around in here.

 

[themisfit610]

1) Build a quad core. No question whatsoever
2) Get 8 GB of RAM and Vista x64. No question whatsoever.
3) Get a half decent GPU. It doesn't have to be anything fancy, but you do want decent D3D performance. I'd suggest a Radeon 4670, or maybe a GeForce 9600gt.

Photoshop is 64 bit native, and fully Direct3D accelerated as well. It's a killer app!

Also, have you played with lightroom?? <3 that program so much!!!!!

~MiSfit