Graphics Cards and CS4

[Jephph]

How much of an effect does graphics card speed and/or memory have on say, Photoshop CS4. I know that for the most part, CS4 uses the CPU, and I know that for some things, it can use the Graphics card, but in general, does the video card affect the speed of Photoshop?

Example: Disregarding the things that CS4 uses the video card for, Would Photoshop run just as fast on a... Radeon 9200 as it would on a GTX 285? Basically, I just want to know if, other than the OpenGL stuff CS4 can use a graphics card for, does PHotoshop use the graphics card at all? Does graphics memory matter?

Thanks.

 

[lopri]

No. Radeon 9200 won't be as fast as GTX 285. As a matter of fact Radeon 9200 might not help at all.

I believe GPU acceleration requires SM3.0 or higher. It works for preview/zoom/navigation and with tools (like brush or hand tool). And obviously for 3D objects. A LOT smoother than using just CPU. (It can crash the Windows, though.. especially with high-end NV cards in Window mode)

When it comes to actual filtering/exporting, etc. it's still all about CPU. I've heard that there are a couple plug-in's that use CUDA, though.

Then again, I'm not a very experienced Photoshop user.. but I'm sure you'll get better responses in no time.

Edit: Some basic information from Adobe. Look for a video "GPU acceleration in..."

http://tv.adobe.com/?sdid=ELSQT#pg+15629

Edit 2: I definitely misunderstood your question.

other than the OpenGL stuff CS4 can use a graphics card for, does PHotoshop use the graphics card at all? Does graphics memory matter?

The answer is no, except CUDA-enabled plug-in's.