GPU recommendation for upgrading a Computer to run Illustrator and other Adobe apps?

[leonw86209339]

Looking to update my system, and a little bit lost in all the computer specifications.

I do most of my heavy work on Illustrator, would much appreciate if anyone could enlighten me on which of 
• amd radeon graphics

• intel iris xe

would offer better perfomance…?

Many thanks in advance!

{Renamed by MOD}

[Test Screen Name]

AMD Radeon Graphics is not one thing, it's a whole range of graphics cards from inadequate to awesome. Please give the detailed specs so we can suggest something. Intel Iris XE is at the high end of what it is, but it is still just something included with the Intel processor. Please also give the detailed specs of the processor; there may be a way for us to do a comparison.

[gianvitulano · Accepted solution]

Hi leonw,

I suggest you to consult the Adobe Illustrator system requirements page: Illustrator system requirements

[Anshul_Saini]

Hi there,

Thanks for reaching out. I agree with @Test Screen Name. Please share your work usage as the majority of tasks are not GPU intensive. Most of the Graphic Design tasks are handled by the CPU and system RAM. However, if you do any 3D, video editing, motion design, or play games in your spare time, you should consider getting a powerful GPU. Also, share your other system specs as you need a compatible motherboard and PSU (Power Supply Unit). Also, newer and some older dedicated GPUs from AMD and Nvidia deliver performance much better than integrated Intel GPUs. In addition to suggestions shared on the help article shared by @gianvitulano, here are some other notable mentions are as follows:

• Nvidia GeForce RTX 20 and 30 Series
• Nvidia RTX A6000
• Nvidia Quadro RTX 8000
• AMD Radeon RX 6000 and 5000 Series
• AMD Radeon PRO WX 9100 Graphics
• AMD Radeon PRO WX 7100 Graphics

Let us know if you need any further assistance. We'd be happy to help.

Thanks & Regards,

Anshul Saini

[Day386906118irt]

• AMD Radeon RX 6000 and 5000 Series

Quick question: There is a laptop I'm considering buying, but it just says "AMD Radeon  graphics" not specific. For the memory it says "Ryzen 7 5700U with 16GB memory". Does that qualify as the 5000 series that you mention above? Please let me know as soon as you can; the device I want is on sale.

[Bobby Henderson]

It sounds like a notebook model with an integrated graphics chip and a 16GB sized shared pool of RAM, probably priced well under $1000. The CPU might be pretty decent, but the overall package might be a bit anemic for running Adobe Illustrator effectively.

[Bobby Henderson]

To put in my own 2¢: there is a lot of variables to consider. Are you buying a desktop system or a notebook? There is a lot to unpack with either choice.

Generally speaking, a lower cost PC relying on an integrated graphics chip such as Intel's new Iris XE for all GPU functions isn't going to be all that productive -especially over a long period. It's going to be better to have at least some kind of dedicated GPU with its own faster pool of memory. That will be especially important if one plans to use the computer system for at least a few years. The higher one specs out a new computer will often translate into that computer having a longer productive life span. I'm a little more biased in favor of nVidia graphics boards, but AMD does make some impressive graphics boards too. I think Intel's Iris XE technology can be decent for things like notebook computers when they're running on battery power, not plugged into the wall outlet.

Illustrator mainly works off the CPU and RAM, but it does need a decent GPU for GPU-accelerated functions such as animated zoom.

RAM is important for any new system. I wouldn't spec out a new computer meant for graphics production with anything less than 32GB of RAM. I have 64GB in my new Alienware notebook. The OS will eat a chunk of RAM on its own. I don't know what kind of hit Windows 11 will have on RAM, but I'll bet it's not any less than Windows 10. It's usually easier to add more RAM to a desktop PC. You have to be careful with notebooks; quite a few models (including all from Apple) have the RAM soldered onto the motherboard. Most product reviews will say if a certain notebook model has user-upgradeable RAM.

If you're buying a desktop PC then something like a Core i9 CPU would be a safe (yet kind of expensive) option. With notebooks you have to be more careful due to possible thermal issues. Some models may have the CPU limited in its power draw to improve battery life. I went with a Core i7 11800H in my new notebook rather than go with the more expensive i9 option because I didn't think I'd be gaining very much for all that extra money.

A lot of new computer systems can be wonderful if you're upgrading from a fairly old system that booted off a traditional spinning platter hard disc. New systems using NVMe SSDs for the boot drive can start up and launch applications very quickly. Even an older SSD using an eSATA connection would be blown away by these new SSDs. I still think it's preferable to use traditional spinning platter hard discs for long term data storage however.