Graphics card upgrade

[KeithT]

Hello everyone.

When I had my computer built not so long ago I made the decision to go with the on-board graphics which is fine, but this doesn't have it's own memory ram and draws from the cpu as I understand it. I am upgrading to an EOS 5d mkII from a classic 5d before the end of this year and I'm concerned about the file sizes and working with them in Photoshop. I know Photoshop draws its memory from the cpu, but I would now like to fit a better graphics card anyway (something I should have done from the start I know).

I have heard that a 64bit graphics card has no correlation to what operating system I'm running. Is this right? I am running 32 bit Windows 7 pro. My monitor is a HPw2207 wide screen. My processor is an Intel Core i3-540.

I am thinking of getting a ATI Sapphire HD5450 1gig DDR3 card. Will this card be OK for my photography editing needs, or will it be overkill. I'm totally useless when it comes to this side of computering.

Thanks in advance...Keith

[donoreo]

Getting any video card and disabling the on board video will free some RAM. You probably do not need a real high end card, those really only enhance 3D game performance. The card just needs to match whatever type of slots you have to put it in, the 64 bit refers to the graphics processor and does not matter about your OS.

[matt wilson]

I did an upgrade to a Nvidia G force 9400 gt .It's basically their cheapest external card .More than enough for me Copes with large Raw in Cs3 .It's far better than onboard basic intell graphics and will support dual monitors

[KeithT]

Hi folks, thanks for your replies. I had a think about it and decided to go for the ATI Sapphire HD5450 1gig DDR3 card after all. I have probably paid more than I needed to for a card, but as donero says, it will free up some RAM for working on the larger raw files. In general, I was pleased with the Intel on-board graphics and it certainly handled most things thrown at it, but it drew RAM from the computer which is fine for surfing the net, and some photoshopping, but not for putting Photoshop through its paces. Should have the new card installed before the weekend.

[donoreo]

One thing to consider, if you have the option of DVI or VGA, use DVI. It will be a better picture.

[KeithT]

Originally Posted by donoreo

One thing to consider, if you have the option of DVI or VGA, use DVI. It will be a better picture.

Yes, thanks donero. I have been using dvi for around 18 months now without any problems.

[donoreo]

A lot of people just stick with what they know, so wanted to make sure