Best GPU for Photoshop in 2023
Photoshop can be quite demanding on your system, depending on the complexity of your tasks, and choosing the right GPU is crucial for a smooth and efficient workflow. But when it comes to finding the best GPU for the software itself can be challenging, especially when you may not need the absolute top-of-the-line graphics card for what you primarily use Photoshop for…
The good news is that we really know our stuff when it comes to graphics cards, and we always look to provide helpful suggestions so you can make an informed decision before diving in. We have a number of graphics cards listed below for professionals, casual users, and a wide range of budgets.
We think the best GPU for Photoshop for most people is the RTX 4070 ti, but read on for other options that may suit your specific needs more. And don’t forget, it pays to get a quality CPU too, so be sure to check out our picks for the best CPU for Photoshop to enhance your experience further.
Early Christmas GPU deals
Before we continue, we’ve spotted these top early Christmas GPU deals, which could be good options if you want to save some money on your new purchase.
Nvidia GPUs
- ASUS ROG Strix NVIDIA GeForce RTX™ 4070 Ti OC Edition – $899 (Save $150)
- PNY GeForce RTX™ 4060 Ti 8GB XLR8 Gaming Verto – $369 (Save $80)
AMD GPUs
Products at a Glance
How we picked the best GPU for Photoshop
In order to compile our list of the best GPUs for Photoshop, we carefully considered the aforementioned features and factors, along with feedback from professional users and hobbyists alike. We also took into account a variety of budgets and performance needs, to ensure that there’s a suitable option for everyone.
Additionally, we researched the most reputable brands and models in the market, focusing on those with a proven track record of reliability, compatibility, and performance. We evaluated user reviews and expert opinions to gauge the real-world performance of each GPU, specifically in the context of Photoshop usage.
By thoroughly examining these factors and balancing performance, cost, and user experience, we’ve curated a list of the best GPUs for Photoshop that will undoubtedly enhance your creative process and help you achieve outstanding results.
Best GPU for Photoshop in 2023
- The best mid-range GPU from the new-gen
- Power efficiency at its best
- Ray tracing 3 will improve your gaming
- DLSS 3 is amazing
- DLSS 3 increases the latency
The RTX 4070 Ti is an ideal graphics card for a wide range of content creation tasks, making it a perfect fit for Photoshop users. As part of Nvidia’s 40 series, this powerful GPU boasts an impressive 7680 cores, a generous 12 GB of GDDR6X memory, and a broad 192-bit memory bus, ensuring smooth and efficient processing.
With a clock speed of 2.6 GHz, the RTX 4070 Ti delivers incredibly fast frame rates, even for the most demanding video editing processes. One of the standout features of this graphics card is its ray-tracing technology, which enables breathtakingly realistic lighting and shadow effects in real-time rendering applications like Blender or Maya.
In addition, the RTX 4070 Ti is equipped with Tensor Cores, which accelerate AI-powered workflows for faster image and video processing times, as well as improved accuracy in tasks such as object recognition. The RTX 4070 Ti is a fantastic choice for Photoshop users seeking top-notch performance and reliability.
- Affordable price for solid performance
- 12 GB of GDDR6 memory for efficient workflows
- Hardware-accelerated ray tracing support
- Lower performance compared to RTX 4070 Ti and RTX 3090
- May struggle with demanding tasks
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option that still packs a punch in Photoshop, the NVIDIA RTX 3060 is an excellent choice. This graphics card features 3584 CUDA cores, 12 GB of GDDR6 memory, and a 192-bit memory bus, providing solid performance for photo editing and graphic design tasks.
While the RTX 3060 might not have the same level of performance as the RTX 4070 Ti, it still offers enough power to handle most Photoshop workflows with ease. Additionally, this GPU supports hardware-accelerated ray tracing, allowing for some degree of real-time rendering capabilities incompatible with applications.
The NVIDIA RTX 3060 is an affordable and capable option for those looking to improve their Photoshop experience without breaking the bank. Its blend of performance and value makes it a popular choice among amateur and professional content creators.
- Exceptional performance
- Massive 24 GB GDDR6X
- Advanced ray-tracing technology
- Expensive price tag
- High power consumption
- Overkill for casual users
For the ultimate professional experience in Photoshop, look no further than the NVIDIA RTX 3090. This high-end graphics card is a powerhouse, featuring a whopping 10496 CUDA cores, 24 GB of GDDR6X memory, and a 384-bit memory bus. This level of performance ensures that even the most complex and demanding Photoshop tasks are easily handled.
The RTX 3090’s advanced ray-tracing technology and Tensor Cores deliver exceptional real-time rendering capabilities and AI-powered workflows, making it a top choice for professionals who require the highest level of performance in their creative work. While the price tag may be steep, the performance and capabilities offered by the RTX 3090 make it an excellent investment for serious content creators.
- Strong performance
- 12 GB GDDR6 memory for efficient editing
- Supports ray-tracing technology
- Less optimized for certain applications
- Ray-tracing capabilities may not be as advanced
If you prefer an AMD graphics card for your Photoshop needs, the Radeon RX 6700 XT is a fantastic choice. With 2560 stream processors, 12 GB of GDDR6 memory, and a 192-bit memory bus, this GPU offers a strong performance that can easily handle most Photoshop tasks.
While the RX 6700 XT might not match the raw power of the RTX 4070 Ti or the RTX 3090, it still provides reliable and efficient performance for photo editing and graphic design work. The AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT also supports ray-tracing technology, making it a suitable option for real-time rendering incompatible applications.
The AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT is an excellent alternative for those who prefer AMD graphics cards and are looking for a well-rounded GPU to improve their Photoshop experience. Its combination of performance and value makes it a popular choice among content creators.
Features and Considerations
When it comes to choosing the best GPU for Photoshop, there are several key factors to keep in mind, ensuring that your graphics card meets your needs and enhances your creative workflow.
First and foremost, consider the GPU’s compatibility with Photoshop and your system, as not all graphics cards are supported by Adobe’s software.
It’s also essential to look at the amount of VRAM (video memory) offered by the GPU, as this will affect your ability to work with large files and multiple layers.
Another important aspect to consider is the GPU’s performance in terms of CUDA cores or stream processors, which determine the card’s processing power. This is especially relevant for users who rely on GPU acceleration for tasks like rendering and applying complex filters. Moreover, it’s crucial to factor in the GPU’s power consumption and cooling system, as these can impact both your system’s overall efficiency and noise levels.
Is Photoshop better on CPU or GPU?
Photoshop is primarily a CPU-intensive application, which means that most of its functions rely on the processor for optimal performance. However, with the increasing adoption of GPU-accelerated features in recent years, having a good GPU can significantly improve your experience in Photoshop.
Tasks like real-time rendering, complex filters, and 3D manipulation benefit from a capable GPU. So, while Photoshop relies heavily on the CPU, a good GPU complements the CPU and enhances the overall performance.
Does Photoshop need a good GPU?
While Photoshop can run on a system with an integrated GPU, having a dedicated GPU is highly recommended for a better experience, especially for professional users.
A good GPU enables faster image processing, smoother performance when working with large files or multiple layers, and better handling of GPU-accelerated features like certain filters and 3D tools. Investing in a good GPU will not only improve your Photoshop experience but also future-proof your system for more demanding tasks and updates in the software.
Our Verdict
In conclusion, finding the best GPU for Photoshop depends on your specific needs, budget, and preferences. Our top picks in this article cater to different requirements, from the Editor’s Choice NVIDIA RTX 4070 Ti offering a balanced performance to the high-end NVIDIA RTX 3090 for professional users. The NVIDIA GTX 3060 is perfect for those on a budget, while the AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT provides a solid AMD option.
No matter which GPU you choose from our list, you’ll be enhancing your Photoshop experience and ensuring smoother, more efficient workflows. Just remember to keep your priorities in mind and consider the features that are most important to you when making your decision.