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seana94243998
seana94243998
Participant
October 18, 2018
Question

Does DNG conversion and generation of thumbnails use GPU, or CPU?

  • October 18, 2018
  • 2 replies
  • 282 views

I am buying a new MacBook Pro and considering paying extra for a discrete GPU and/or for a faster CPU, but only if it will significantly decrease the amount of time it takes to import CR2 files, convert them to DNG, and generate thumbnails.

Does anyone know whether the DNG conversion is a task done by the CPU, or by the GPU? Same goes for the subsequent generation of thumbnails from those DNG files… Thanks!

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    2 replies

    dj_paige
    dj_paige
    Legend
    October 18, 2018

    Importing does not use the GPU. Creating previews does not use the GPU. DNG Conversion does not use the GPU. Exporting does not use the GPU. These are all tasks done entirely by the CPU.

    The GPU only affects some tasks the Develop Module, and really doesn't help unless you have a 4K or larger monitor.

    I am buying a new MacBook Pro and considering paying extra for a discrete GPU and/or for a faster CPU

    You would be wise to read the many accounts in this forum of how people don't get good performance with their new MacBook Pro. It doesn't mean it will happen to you, but you should be aware.

    JP Hess
    JP Hess
    Inspiring
    October 18, 2018

    My understanding of the GPU functions in Lightroom is that the GPU is primarily there for those who have 4K and 5K monitors. If you don't have one of those high-resolution monitors then what you want is a good fast CPU.

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