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R
RV5
Inspiring
September 5, 2021
Question

Photoshop is slow - what else can be done?

  • September 5, 2021
  • 2 replies
  • 196 views

Hi,

Before this I used Photoshop CS5, it was running buttery smooth on my (the same) machine. I am editing a large document 3200x12800, with many layers and layer styles. Sure, you'd expect it to run slow right? Wrong! I noticed from the start that Photoshop CC was loading and running slower than its former version.

 

I don't think it's my machine that's at fault, nor my software. Here are my specs:

 

Windows 10, updated
Video card drivers, updated
Photoshop v22.5
Brand new 24inch monitor @ 1920x1080, 144hz, and an extra older monitor 24inch @ 1920x1080, 60hz (I use Photoshop on the first screen)
1TB M.2 SSD with 300GB of free space
16GB memory @3200mhz

AMD Ryzen 3600
Sapphire RX 5600XT 6GB

I honestly think Photoshop CC needs a LOT of updating regarding its performance.
If there's anything else I can do to increase performance, I'd like to know.

In Photoshop, I allocated 8419MB (70%), I didn't touch this, since it says it's bordering its maximum ideal range. Using the graphics processor doesn't *do* much, if anything, if you ask me, I didn't notice any performance increase. Or is there some things I can set in the history/cache options?

This topic has been closed for replies.

2 replies

D Fosse
Community Expert
D FosseCommunity Expert
Community Expert
September 26, 2021

Most of these problems are GPU related. Apple and Microsoft dropped support for the OpenGL platform, which was once the industry standard (and what CS5 used). So Photoshop's entire GPU code is currently being rewritten for DirectX on Windows and Metal on Mac. "GPU code" means everything related to putting anything up on screen, so it's a huge undertaking.

 

While the DirectX and Metal frameworks should be better and more efficient than OpenGL, and most people don't have any issues at all, some people experience a somewhat bumpy road in the transition. But the first thing to try is to make sure you have an updated driver, and if possible do a clean install with as few extra components as possible.

 

Also try to disconnect one display and just run with one. Does that improve anything?

 

There is a checkbox in Preferences called "deactivate native canvas" that supposedly reverts to the old GPU code. Try that too.

 

Heads up: these threads tend to rapidly deteriorate into personal insults and attacks. Not you, RV5, but others flocking to it. As a result, most of the regulars (including myself) hesitate to post in them and try to avoid it. A recent thread had to be locked. We'll see how this one fares.

J E L
Community Expert
J E LCommunity Expert
Community Expert
September 5, 2021

Hi @RV5 I'm sorry to hear you are experiencing a slowdown. I'm running Windows 10 Pro with 16.0 GB of installed RAM and not having any problems. It does take a while on first launch to fully load the program and open the first file. But after that it runs as fast as ever for me. Your file isn't overly large but have you saved it as a PSB file?

 

I'm using the latest version 22.5 and I've been putting it though some paces to test it out and so far it's working great. Please check these tips for optimizing performance to see if there is anything you can do to improve your system. Let us know how you make out! Optimize performance Photoshop (adobe.com)

    R
    RV5Author
    Inspiring
    September 25, 2021

    Hi, I am now using the .psb format and it seems to be a little less slow. It's just a mystery that Photoshop runs so dang slow. Or maybe I'm being too demanding, regardless, I would expect it to run fast especially with my specs.

     

    Is it possible that the second screen might be interfering? I'm using two monitors; oddly enough it recognizes the old screen as the first one, even though the second brand new screen is selected and used as the main screen.

     

    According to my Radeon Software, I get an average of 28 fps. That's very low isn't it? Anyway, I'll take another look at the link your provided.

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