Faster memory: does it make a difference for image processing?

[Keith B]

Will the processor, motherboard and bus system actually operate at the higher speeds? If not you will not see any speed increase. It can only operate as fast as the bus system. You have to buy memory as fast (or faster) as the bus system or it will not recognize the memory.


So I would buy a processor and mobo that support the fastest RAM available. Even if the speed increase isn't mind boggling, at least your computer won't be out dated as fast. And I'm sure if you put a stop watch on a series of functions you see some slight increases.


Lots of RAM will show you the biggest boost.

[Fast Glass]

Lots of RAM will show you the biggest boost.

Only if you can make use of it, if you are only using 2 Gigs of memory during your computing any more is a waste of money. Better off buying faster memory if your system can handle it.


John.

[Keith B]

If you are using Photoshop and editing a couple 15+ MP images at a time, I'm pretty sure you won't be wasting RAM.


Not to mention having other apps open. Rarely do I ever have just one open.


You'll probably want more RAM.

[Fast Glass]

If you are using Photoshop and editing a couple 15+ MP images open, I'm pretty sure you won't be wasting RAM.
<div style="CLEAR: both"]</div>

A quick way to check how much ram you are using it use task manager, you can see exactly how much ram you are using. I don't need more than 1.5 gigs.


John.

[Keith B]

With Photoshop and Aperture both open and a normal amount of images loaded, I use 3.82 gigs of my potential 4 gigs.


Image data loads into the RAM while the file is open, if the program runs out of RAM it accesses virtual memory which is your hard drive which is substantially slower than RAM. Speed of the RAM isn't much help when you are accessing VM.