Upgrading GPU for PS

[Deus Ex]

Hi dpreview community,

I'm reaching out for help regarding some challenges I've been facing after the latest AI upgrades in Photoshop. The issue involves slow processing and frequent crashes, even when opening a simple photo. I consistently receive a warning message indicating that my graphics processor is incompatible, specifically citing "feature level 11.0 available; feature level 12.0 required."

Here are the details of my current system:

• CPU: Intel Core i7-6700, 3.4GHz
• RAM: 32GB
• Motherboard: ASUSTeK B150M-A
• GPU: NVIDIA GT740, 32.0GB Dual-Channel @ 1063MHz
• Power Supply: Corsair VS White Series VS650 650W

Upon investigating, I found that although the NVIDIA GT740 supports DirectX 12, the feature level is limited to 11_0. This limitation may be causing compatibility issues with the newer DirectX 12 features.

My primary use for this PC is image editing, focusing on applications like Photoshop, Pixinsight, and Startools.

My question is, if I upgrade my GPU and potentially add more RAM, will it extend the life of my PC for my specific usage? Or, is a full system upgrade necessary?

I've tried various solutions suggested online without success for solving the warning messages, and any insights or recommendations from the community would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance!

 

[BobKnDP]

Are you running the latest drivers for the GT 740? I presume that you are, but, if not:

GeForce Security Update Driver | 474.64 | Windows 10 64-bit, Windows 11 | NVIDIA

I'd hope those would provide DX12 features, although some of them will be in emulation (poor performance).

If you decide to upgrade the graphics card, your power supply should be capable, as it has two 6/8 pin PCI-E power connectors.

Here's a Newegg link to cards with at least 4GB of VRAM:

Shipped by Newegg,DirectX 12 Ultimate,DirectX 12.1,DirectX 12,4GB,6GB,8GB,10GB GPUs / Video Graphics Cards | Newegg.com

Any of them would have better performance than a GT 740. (Which has 1GB of VRAM.)

I don't have the right experience to make a specific recommendation. The Intel Arc cards are supposed to have good value, and maybe their initial driver problems have been ironed out by now.

 

[New Wrycuda]

Hi dpreview community,

I'm reaching out for help regarding some challenges I've been facing after the latest AI upgrades in Photoshop. The issue involves slow processing and frequent crashes, even when opening a simple photo. I consistently receive a warning message indicating that my graphics processor is incompatible, specifically citing "feature level 11.0 available; feature level 12.0 required."

Here are the details of my current system:

• CPU: Intel Core i7-6700, 3.4GHz
• RAM: 32GB
• Motherboard: ASUSTeK B150M-A
• GPU: NVIDIA GT740, 32.0GB Dual-Channel @ 1063MHz
• Power Supply: Corsair VS White Series VS650 650W

Upon investigating, I found that although the NVIDIA GT740 supports DirectX 12, the feature level is limited to 11_0. This limitation may be causing compatibility issues with the newer DirectX 12 features.

My primary use for this PC is image editing, focusing on applications like Photoshop, Pixinsight, and Startools.

My question is, if I upgrade my GPU and potentially add more RAM, will it extend the life of my PC for my specific usage? Or, is a full system upgrade necessary?

6th gen i7 CPUs are pushing 10 years since introduction, and depending on the age of the other components, your computer is ready for a complete refresh. I’d suggest that adding more RAM might only be relevant for a new system.

Maybe keep your existing computer and run a peer-peer network?

 

[Robert Zanatta]

Inexpensive route to fix your issue is to get a better video card with DirectX 12 support. Even something like a used GTX 1060 6GB would be multiple times faster than what you have.

 

[Swiebertje]

The CPU is not the biggest problem in your system and your power supply can handle much more beefier GPU's along with it. If you can get a reasonably priced second hand AMD RX 5700 XT graphics card you'll breathe new life into your system on a more than reasonable budget. Upgrading the RAM will only do you good when handling large files (big RAW's, video files etc.) and will do much less for your system than adding a strong GPU.

p.s.

AMD's RX 5700 XT chipsets can handle all modern games at 1080p ultra settings and will work with Topaz AI software and with Adobe AI software but also with Capture One Pro and the likes. There are lots of Youtube video reviews on that particular chipset and it is still one of the best budget options currently.

 

[Deus Ex]

Are you running the latest drivers for the GT 740? I presume that you are, but, if not:

GeForce Security Update Driver | 474.64 | Windows 10 64-bit, Windows 11 | NVIDIA

I'd hope those would provide DX12 features, although some of them will be in emulation (poor performance).

If you decide to upgrade the graphics card, your power supply should be capable, as it has two 6/8 pin PCI-E power connectors.

Here's a Newegg link to cards with at least 4GB of VRAM:

Shipped by Newegg,DirectX 12 Ultimate,DirectX 12.1,DirectX 12,4GB,6GB,8GB,10GB GPUs / Video Graphics Cards | Newegg.com

Any of them would have better performance than a GT 740. (Which has 1GB of VRAM.)

I don't have the right experience to make a specific recommendation. The Intel Arc cards are supposed to have good value, and maybe their initial driver problems have been ironed out by now.

Bob, I use indeed the latest drivers for my GT740. Thanks a lot, for your suggestions!

Inexpensive route to fix your issue is to get a better video card with DirectX 12 support. Even something like a used GTX 1060 6GB would be multiple times faster than what you have.

Thanks, Robert! I am interested in this one: Sapphire Radeon RX 6600 8GB GDDR6 Pulse. I believe it will suffice when I'm ready to build a new PC.

New Wrycuda wrote:

6th gen i7 CPUs are pushing 10 years since introduction, and depending on the age of the other components, your computer is ready for a complete refresh. I’d suggest that adding more RAM might only be relevant for a new system.

Maybe keep your existing computer and run a peer-peer network?

You are right. I just don't have the budget right now. I believe in a year or so, I will be ready to upgrade.

 

[Deus Ex]

The CPU is not the biggest problem in your system and your power supply can handle much more beefier GPU's along with it. If you can get a reasonably priced second hand AMD RX 5700 XT graphics card you'll breathe new life into your system on a more than reasonable budget. Upgrading the RAM will only do you good when handling large files (big RAW's, video files etc.) and will do much less for your system than adding a strong GPU.

p.s.

AMD's RX 5700 XT chipsets can handle all modern games at 1080p ultra settings and will work with Topaz AI software and with Adobe AI software but also with Capture One Pro and the likes. There are lots of Youtube video reviews on that particular chipset and it is still one of the best budget options currently.

Thank you for your suggestion. I am going to take a look into an AMD RX 5700 XT and I will think about the RAM because I use a Sony A7RIII and the files are big enough.

 

[Swiebertje]

The CPU is not the biggest problem in your system and your power supply can handle much more beefier GPU's along with it. If you can get a reasonably priced second hand AMD RX 5700 XT graphics card you'll breathe new life into your system on a more than reasonable budget. Upgrading the RAM will only do you good when handling large files (big RAW's, video files etc.) and will do much less for your system than adding a strong GPU.

p.s.

AMD's RX 5700 XT chipsets can handle all modern games at 1080p ultra settings and will work with Topaz AI software and with Adobe AI software but also with Capture One Pro and the likes. There are lots of Youtube video reviews on that particular chipset and it is still one of the best budget options currently.

Thank you for your suggestion. I am going to take a look into an AMD RX 5700 XT and I will think about the RAM because I use a Sony A7RIII and the files are big enough.

For what its worth, the (older) RX 5700 XT will run circles around the RX 6600 (non XT version).

Please click the green human to continue - UserBenchmark

 

[drj3]

The CPU is not the biggest problem in your system and your power supply can handle much more beefier GPU's along with it. If you can get a reasonably priced second hand AMD RX 5700 XT graphics card you'll breathe new life into your system on a more than reasonable budget. Upgrading the RAM will only do you good when handling large files (big RAW's, video files etc.) and will do much less for your system than adding a strong GPU.

p.s.

AMD's RX 5700 XT chipsets can handle all modern games at 1080p ultra settings and will work with Topaz AI software and with Adobe AI software but also with Capture One Pro and the likes. There are lots of Youtube video reviews on that particular chipset and it is still one of the best budget options currently.

Thank you for your suggestion. I am going to take a look into an AMD RX 5700 XT and I will think about the RAM because I use a Sony A7RIII and the files are big enough.

I am not sure the increase in RAM from 32GB to 64GB will make that much difference. You would need to be sure the additional RAM was compatible with your current RAM or replace it with new RAM. While you could use your new GPU in a new PC, the RAM will probably not be used, since intel and AMD are both moving to DDR5 with their newer CPUs.

 

[bmoag]

Consider that there are multiple places to buy a quality box with a current Intel or AMD CPU and midrange modern GPU in the $1k range before plunking down close to $300 for a GPU to use with that digitally ancient CPU. You can transfer your storage into a new machine.

The Skylake CPU is still adequate for lightly threaded apps, which includes PS, but will perceptibly trail the few apps that can utilize more cores, although not in a life-altering way. In my experience, I still maintain an i7 6700k machine so I am familiar with its performance.

There is zero point to increase RAM beyond 32 gb. If you are really using that much RAM then you need to invest in a modern, multi-core CPU with faster IPC.

A faster GPU can make a difference in throughput in programs that effectively use the GPU, think Topaz. You will be underwhelmed in what a faster GPU does for PS.There is a page on the Puget sound site graphically demonstrating that for PS. Faster internal storage (I/O) can often perceptibly speed up the PS experience.

If you go AMD the 6xxx series or newer on sale is the most cost-effective. They contain features not present in 5xxx series that kind of render them obsolete. On sale the most cost effective nVidia GPU for that computer is the nVidia 3060, hopefully you can find the 12gb model at well under $300 but the amount of RAM does not matter if you don't play games. The 4060 at $300 or less might be a better choice if you want to use the GPU longer into the AI future.

Presumably you have a GPU that can handle the hardware, at least 600 watts and available 8 and 6 pin connectors.

 

[BobKnDP]

The CPU is not the biggest problem in your system and your power supply can handle much more beefier GPU's along with it. If you can get a reasonably priced second hand AMD RX 5700 XT graphics card you'll breathe new life into your system on a more than reasonable budget. Upgrading the RAM will only do you good when handling large files (big RAW's, video files etc.) and will do much less for your system than adding a strong GPU.

p.s.

AMD's RX 5700 XT chipsets can handle all modern games at 1080p ultra settings and will work with Topaz AI software and with Adobe AI software but also with Capture One Pro and the likes. There are lots of Youtube video reviews on that particular chipset and it is still one of the best budget options currently.

Thank you for your suggestion. I am going to take a look into an AMD RX 5700 XT and I will think about the RAM because I use a Sony A7RIII and the files are big enough.

For what its worth, the (older) RX 5700 XT will run circles around the RX 6600 (non XT version).

https://gpu.userbenchmark.com/Compare/AMD-RX-6600-vs-AMD-RX-5700-XT/4128vs4045

"Run circles around"? Your link suggests the 5700 XT is superior, but not by much.

According to the specs at Tech powerup, they are both 8GB cards. The 6600 has a rated TDP of 132W, while the 5700 XT is at 225W. I probably wouldn't use that as a purchasing criterion, but someone might.

 

[Swiebertje]

The CPU is not the biggest problem in your system and your power supply can handle much more beefier GPU's along with it. If you can get a reasonably priced second hand AMD RX 5700 XT graphics card you'll breathe new life into your system on a more than reasonable budget. Upgrading the RAM will only do you good when handling large files (big RAW's, video files etc.) and will do much less for your system than adding a strong GPU.

p.s.

AMD's RX 5700 XT chipsets can handle all modern games at 1080p ultra settings and will work with Topaz AI software and with Adobe AI software but also with Capture One Pro and the likes. There are lots of Youtube video reviews on that particular chipset and it is still one of the best budget options currently.

Thank you for your suggestion. I am going to take a look into an AMD RX 5700 XT and I will think about the RAM because I use a Sony A7RIII and the files are big enough.

For what its worth, the (older) RX 5700 XT will run circles around the RX 6600 (non XT version).

https://gpu.userbenchmark.com/Compare/AMD-RX-6600-vs-AMD-RX-5700-XT/4128vs4045

"Run circles around"? Your link suggests the 5700 XT is superior, but not by much.

According to the specs at Tech powerup, they are both 8GB cards. The 6600 has a rated TDP of 132W, while the 5700 XT is at 225W. I probably wouldn't use that as a purchasing criterion, but someone might.

In my opinion for the 5700xt to outclass the 6600 by 14% is quite a lot.

It also outclasses it in an economical sense as one can get the 5700xt about 40% cheaper compared to the 6600 which makes it an even better deal.

I have a 5700xt in one of my pc's and while it idle's somewhere between 20W and 40W it never peaks over 120W during renders (Topaz and Capture one) however it does 200W easily when gaming on ultra settings. I have benchmarked and monitored the card extensively.

 

[BobKnDP]

(snip)

In my opinion for the 5700xt to outclass the 6600 by 14% is quite a lot.

It also outclasses it in an economical sense as one can get the 5700xt about 40% cheaper compared to the 6600 which makes it an even better deal.

(snip)

To me, 14% isn't "quite a lot", but I'd probably choose the 5700 XT over the 6600. On the other hand, if I had a 6600, I wouldn't bother replacing it with a 5700 XT.

I know nothing about the prices of the cards in the used market. The 5700 XT is from mid 2019. It's not an obsolete card by any means, but I suppose it's old enough that there would be plenty of used cards available. (The 6600 is about 2 years newer.)