Adding GPU to assist Lightroom speed

[j6ck3lo61949312]

Hello

i have just upgraded my pc in order to work faster with lightroom

Specs:

Intel i5 Gen 14

32 GB ram

Gigabyte motherboard B760m

I thaught lightroom is gonna' "fly" but it isnt, defenitly works faster then old pc but not as I expected.

As I read through the web, I get more confused:

Should I add a graphic card (many sites says it won't help at all since all lightroom work is on the cpu) or do I need to upgrade the cpu to i7?

Much appriciate help with best way to get lightroom to work faster..

[Ian Lyons]

Lightroom Classic has been using a GPU to improve performance in the Develop module for many years now. Almost every edit tool in the Develop module, especially those that use AI, will benefit from the most recent generation of dedicated GPUs such as those from the nVidia 3000 and 4000 series. Exporting images also makes use of the GPU. Currently, preview building is CPU only, but is probably an area that Adobe will seek to make greater use of fast GPUs at some point in the future.

[Ian Lyons]

I forgot to ask that you provide a copy of your 'System Info'. This is much more helpful to us than a typical users description of their hardware, especially as it includes driver information, etc. You can obtain the info from the LrC Help > System Info menu item. There's a 'Copy' button in ther dialog that appears which can be used to capture the info. You can then just paste it into your next post.

[j6ck3lo61949312]

Thank you for your answers

Attaching system info as requested

Lightroom Classic version: 13.3 [ 202405092057-40441e28 ]

License: Creative Cloud

Language setting: en

Operating system: Windows 11 - Home Premium Edition

Version: 11.0.22631

Application architecture: x64

System architecture: x64

Logical processor count: 16

Processor speed: 2.4GHz

SqLite Version: 3.36.0

CPU Utilisation: 2.0%

Power Source: Plugged In, 255% 

Built-in memory: 32535.9 MB

Dedicated GPU memory used by Lightroom: 85.2MB / 128.0MB (66%)

Real memory available to Lightroom: 32535.9 MB

Real memory used by Lightroom: 1833.9 MB (5.6%)

Virtual memory used by Lightroom: 2036.8 MB

GDI objects count: 700

USER objects count: 2180

Process handles count: 2009

Memory cache size: 2427.6MB

Internal Camera Raw version: 16.3 [ 1863 ]

Maximum thread count used by Camera Raw: 5

Camera Raw SIMD optimization: SSE2,AVX,AVX2

Camera Raw virtual memory: 738MB / 16267MB (4%)

Camera Raw real memory: 739MB / 32535MB (2%)

Cache1: 

Final1- RAM:163.0MB, VRAM:0.0MB, YR6_3937.JPG

Final2- RAM:349.0MB, VRAM:0.0MB, YR5_1329.JPG

NT- RAM:512.0MB, VRAM:0.0MB, Combined:512.0MB

Cache2: 

m:2427.6MB, n:512.6MB

U-main: 76.0MB

System DPI setting: 96 DPI

Desktop composition enabled: Yes

Standard Preview Size: 1920 pixels

Displays: 1) 1920x1200

Input types: Multitouch: No, Integrated touch: No, Integrated pen: No, External touch: No, External pen: No, Keyboard: No

Graphics Processor Info: 

DirectX: Intel(R) UHD Graphics 730 (31.0.101.4577)

Init State: GPU for Display supported by default with image processing and export supported in the custom mode

User Preference: Auto

Application folder: C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe Lightroom Classic

Library Path: C:\Users\mintz\OneDrive\Pictures\Lightroom\Lightroom Catalog-v13-3.lrcat

Settings Folder: C:\Users\mintz\AppData\Roaming\Adobe\Lightroom

Installed Plugins: 

1) AdobeStock

2) Flickr

3) Nikon Tether Plugin

Config.lua flags: 

Adapter #1: Vendor : 8086

Device : 4682

Subsystem : d0001458

Revision : c

Video Memory : 128

Adapter #2: Vendor : 1414

Device : 8c

Subsystem : 0

Revision : 0

Video Memory : 0

AudioDeviceIOBlockSize: 1024

AudioDeviceName: $$$/dvaaudiodevice/SystemDefaultAndEffectiveDeviceName=System Default - Speakers (Realtek(R) Audio)#{comment}DVAAU-4201250: Open the audio hardware preferences page.

AudioDeviceNumberOfChannels: 2

AudioDeviceSampleRate: 48000

Build: LR5x120

Direct2DEnabled: false

GL_ACCUM_ALPHA_BITS: 16

GL_ACCUM_BLUE_BITS: 16

GL_ACCUM_GREEN_BITS: 16

GL_ACCUM_RED_BITS: 16

GL_ALPHA_BITS: 8

GL_BLUE_BITS: 8

GL_DEPTH_BITS: 24

GL_GREEN_BITS: 8

GL_MAX_3D_TEXTURE_SIZE: 2048

GL_MAX_TEXTURE_SIZE: 16384

GL_MAX_TEXTURE_UNITS: 8

GL_MAX_VIEWPORT_DIMS: 16384,16384

GL_RED_BITS: 8

GL_RENDERER: Intel(R) UHD Graphics 730

GL_SHADING_LANGUAGE_VERSION: 4.60 - Build 31.0.101.4577

GL_STENCIL_BITS: 8

GL_VENDOR: Intel

GL_VERSION: 4.6.0 - Build 31.0.101.4577

GPUDeviceEnabled: false

OGLEnabled: true

GL_EXTENSIONS: GL_3DFX_texture_compression_FXT1 GL_AMD_depth_clamp_separate GL_AMD_vertex_shader_layer GL_AMD_vertex_shader_viewport_index GL_ARB_ES2_compatibility GL_ARB_ES3_1_compatibility GL_ARB_ES3_compatibility GL_ARB_arrays_of_arrays GL_ARB_base_instance GL_ARB_bindless_texture GL_ARB_blend_func_extended GL_ARB_buffer_storage GL_ARB_cl_event GL_ARB_clear_buffer_object GL_ARB_clear_texture GL_ARB_clip_control GL_ARB_color_buffer_float GL_ARB_compatibility GL_ARB_compressed_texture_pixel_storage GL_ARB_compute_shader GL_ARB_conditional_render_inverted GL_ARB_conservative_depth GL_ARB_copy_buffer GL_ARB_copy_image GL_ARB_cull_distance GL_ARB_debug_output GL_ARB_depth_buffer_float GL_ARB_depth_clamp GL_ARB_depth_texture GL_ARB_derivative_control GL_ARB_direct_state_access GL_ARB_draw_buffers GL_ARB_draw_buffers_blend GL_ARB_draw_elements_base_vertex GL_ARB_draw_indirect GL_ARB_draw_instanced GL_ARB_enhanced_layouts GL_ARB_explicit_attrib_location GL_ARB_explicit_uniform_location GL_ARB_fragment_coord_conventions GL_ARB_fragment_layer_viewport GL_ARB_fragment_program GL_ARB_fragment_program_shadow GL_ARB_fragment_shader GL_ARB_fragment_shader_interlock GL_ARB_framebuffer_no_attachments GL_ARB_framebuffer_object GL_ARB_framebuffer_sRGB GL_ARB_geometry_shader4 GL_ARB_get_program_binary GL_ARB_get_texture_sub_image GL_ARB_gl_spirv GL_ARB_gpu_shader5 GL_ARB_gpu_shader_fp64 GL_ARB_half_float_pixel GL_ARB_half_float_vertex GL_ARB_indirect_parameters GL_ARB_instanced_arrays GL_ARB_internalformat_query GL_ARB_internalformat_query2 GL_ARB_invalidate_subdata GL_ARB_map_buffer_alignment GL_ARB_map_buffer_range GL_ARB_multi_bind GL_ARB_multi_draw_indirect GL_ARB_multisample GL_ARB_multitexture GL_ARB_occlusion_query GL_ARB_occlusion_query2 GL_ARB_pipeline_statistics_query GL_ARB_pixel_buffer_object GL_ARB_point_parameters GL_ARB_point_sprite GL_ARB_polygon_offset_clamp GL_ARB_post_depth_coverage GL_ARB_program_interface_query GL_ARB_provoking_vertex 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GL_ARB_vertex_buffer_object GL_ARB_vertex_program GL_ARB_vertex_shader GL_ARB_vertex_type_10f_11f_11f_rev GL_ARB_vertex_type_2_10_10_10_rev GL_ARB_viewport_array GL_ARB_window_pos GL_ATI_separate_stencil GL_EXT_abgr GL_EXT_bgra GL_EXT_blend_color GL_EXT_blend_equation_separate GL_EXT_blend_func_separate GL_EXT_blend_minmax GL_EXT_blend_subtract GL_EXT_clip_volume_hint GL_EXT_compiled_vertex_array GL_EXT_depth_bounds_test GL_EXT_direct_state_access GL_EXT_draw_buffers2 GL_EXT_draw_range_elements GL_EXT_fog_coord GL_EXT_framebuffer_blit GL_EXT_framebuffer_multisample GL_EXT_framebuffer_object GL_EXT_geometry_shader4 GL_EXT_gpu_program_parameters GL_EXT_gpu_shader4 GL_EXT_memory_object GL_EXT_memory_object_win32 GL_EXT_multi_draw_arrays GL_EXT_packed_depth_stencil GL_EXT_packed_float GL_EXT_packed_pixels GL_EXT_polygon_offset_clamp GL_EXT_rescale_normal GL_EXT_secondary_color GL_EXT_semaphore GL_EXT_semaphore_win32 GL_EXT_separate_specular_color GL_EXT_shader_framebuffer_fetch 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[Ian Lyons]

Your computer is using an intregrated Intel UHD 730 GPU, which isn't a good option for Lightroom Classic as the performance it delivers isn't particularly good.

I also note below in your System Info 

Library Path: C:\Users\mintz\OneDrive\Pictures\Lightroom\Lightroom Catalog-v13-3.lrcat

Placing the Lightroom Classic catalog folder anywhere within the OneDrive path can be problematic in terms of perfomance and stability. Someone more familiar with Windows should be able to suggest a better location for the Lightroom catalog folder.

[j6ck3lo61949312]

So according to what you are saying, should I add a GPU or it is better to upgrade the CPU?

In general, is my CPU IS good enough for lightroom?

Regarding the "onedrive" path, it is not connected really to microsoft onedrive in any way, onedrive is not synced to my pc at all.

For some reason, in windows 11, all basic directories are appearing lime that, evev the "desktop"

[D Fosse]

In general, is my CPU IS good enough for lightroom?

By @j6ck3lo61949312

Short answer - no.

You can't "upgrade" an integrated GPU. You should consider a recent Nvidia RTX 3000 or 4000-series. The sweet spot in terms of the price to performance ratio seems to be the 3060 or the newer 4060.

[j6ck3lo61949312]

What I meant by upgrading the CPU is replacing it of course.

What of the two options will improve my workflow more:

Adding a GPU (with the current i5 cpu) or replacing the CPU to i7 series (with no gpu)?

[D Fosse]

Well, then you're basically talking about a new computer. While it's technically possible to replace a CPU from a motherboard, it's a bit tricky and usually not worthwhile.

The i5 should probably be fine. If planning  a new computer I'd go for an i7, but the difference between them isn't dramatic.

[j6ck3lo61949312]

Thats exactly the sad thing about this whole thing.. it is a new computer, baught it two months ago. This is the reason for my question.

According to the specs I chose, I expected lightroom to "fly", which isnt the case right now.

At this point and because its a brand new pc, Im looking for the reasonable upgrade to lightroom work speed hopefuly not to be dissapointed again..

Either CPU replacment or adding a GPU to current pc.

[Ian Lyons]

I thought that both @D Fosse and myself were pretty clear. The GPU is the component you need to upgrade for improved performance. Changing the CPU won't improve performance of LrC by much, if any, as your GPU is the problem component.

[D Fosse]

Right. There was a little GPU/CPU misreading here on my part. Sorry about that.

So yes, Ian is right. Don't worry about the i5. It'll do fine.

Look into an RTX 3060/4060 or similar. It's easily retrofitted into the PCI-e slot on your motherboard. Plug your monitor into it, install the driver, and you're good to go.

[j6ck3lo61949312]

OK

Thank you both very much

[D Fosse]

Actually, there is one thing you should check before purchasing an RTX 3000/4000-series GPU.

These GPUs require additional 12V power directly from your computer's power supply. It's a separate cable from the power supply with an 8-pin connector clearly marked "PCI-e". All standard power supplies on the market now should have this power outlet - but just check to be sure. Without it the card won't run.

The connector may be split into two parts, but put together it only fits one way, so you can't get it wrong.

[j6ck3lo61949312]

Will check

Thank you

[Conrad_C]

What I meant by upgrading the CPU is replacing it of course.

What of the two options will improve my workflow more:

Adding a GPU (with the current i5 cpu) or replacing the CPU to i7 series (with no gpu)?

By @j6ck3lo61949312

The answer to this requires an understanding of what hardware accelerates what features, in Lightroom Classic. Some features only use the CPU, some features are GPU-accelerated. Any GPU-accelerated features run much faster on the GPU than the CPU. 

For your computer, the weakest link is the GPU, so the bottleneck is that the integrated graphics can only provide limited GPU acceleration. There is no CPU upgrade that can achieve equivalent performance to GPU acceleration, so the better option is to add a good GPU.

You said in your original question that “many sites says it won't help at all since all lightroom work is on the cpu.” I wonder how old that information is. It was good advice in 2015 or so, but around 6 or 7 years ago Adobe started adding GPU acceleration to more features, and they are still expanding that. So any good Lightroom advice today will provide at least a basic list of which features are accelerated by a good GPU.

Understanding components beyond the CPU is only getting more important. In the beginning we only worried about having enough CPU cores and storage speed. Now we spec Lightroom computers by balancing CPU, GPU, and storage speed relative to the application’s capabilities, with the GPU becoming increasingly important as Adobe expands the features that are GPU-accelerated.

In the next few years, that system balancing will have to include the new NPU (neural processing unit) that is starting to appear on Windows PCs. An NPU accelerates AI features, and Adobe apps are using more AI features every year. But you probably don’t need to worry about that for your current build.

[j6ck3lo61949312]

Thank you for your detailed answer

Defenitly going to check on a good GPU to add to my system

Do you think RTX 2000 series will be sufficient?

[D Fosse]

I think I would go straight to the 3000 series, even if you're looking to cut the budget. The 2000 series is the first generation RTX, but still not a lot to save on the price.

The RTX 3060 performs very well with Lightroom and Photoshop. It is still in stock and sells for around $300 at B+H. https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/buy/rtx-3060/ci/50665 You simply get more value for your money. A 4060 isn't much more.

[j6ck3lo61949312]

OK

Thanks for all the help