Title: Need Advice: Upgrading from 1050 Ti 4GB for Lightroom AI (45MP NEF files post processing)

Need Advice: Upgrading from 1050 Ti 4GB for Lightroom AI (45MP RAWs) on a budget

Hi everyone,

I’m looking for some real-world feedback from Lightroom Classic users regarding a much-needed GPU upgrade.

My Current Setup & Workflow:

• System: Windows 11, X370 chipset motherboard, 4K display.
• Current GPU: 1050 Ti 4GB (Experiencing severe slowdowns on modern AI tasks, creating a massive editing backlog).
• Files: 45-megapixel High Efficiency RAW files.
• Workflow: Heavy batch processing, lots of AI Denoise, and frequent local AI masking. I also do some lightweight video editing for travel vlogs using mobile footage, but photography is the priority.

The Dilemma: I am on a budget, so price-to-performance is critical. I've been looking at the latest generation of GPUs to take advantage of faster AI processing, but I am torn between VRAM capacity and cost. I want to keep my options open, but I am generally weighing two paths:

• Option A: A modern 8GB GPU (e.g., 4060 8GB class) - This fits my budget perfectly. However, I’ve read threads where users claim that 8GB VRAM cards can "choke" or cause severe UI lag in the Develop module during long editing sessions because Lightroom hoards VRAM with AI masks and doesn't flush it properly.
• Option B: A 16GB GPU (e.g., 4060 Ti 16GB class) - This provides a massive 16GB VRAM buffer to prevent any memory bottlenecks for years to come, but it comes at a significantly higher cost that stretches my budget.

Questions for the Community:

1. Is my present 1050 Ti 4GB card definitely the main culprit behind the massive slowdowns with AI Denoise and AI masking, or could there be other factors at play?
2. For those using a modern 8GB GPU with 45MP+ RAW files: Does the Lightroom UI actually choke and lag for you during heavy, prolonged editing sessions with multiple AI masks?
3. Does exclusively using "Studio" or "Creator" drivers (instead of gaming drivers) actually solve the 8GB VRAM hoarding/crashing issue in Lightroom?
4. Given that I shoot High Efficiency RAWs and my video editing is currently just lightweight vlogs, is a 16GB card genuinely worth stretching my budget, or will an 8GB card handle my workflow?
5. Are there any other GPU models or memory configurations I should be considering for my specific use case?

Any firsthand experiences or advice would be greatly appreciated!