GPU disabled

[Debbie]

Hi Brian,  Last week I started getting this message "Graphics processor acceleration is currently disabled.  Please be aware that Camera Raw will soon require GPU support to edit photos.  You can manage GPU settings in the Performance section of the Preferences dialog."  What should I do?  Thanks.

[Damien Symonds]

Hi @Debbie, could you also do this for Brian?  https://www.damiensymonds.net/thread1.html

[Debbie]

I have a Mac laptop running Big Sur 11.7.7 and Photoshop 23.5.5. It is over 4 years old, and has 64GB of RAM. Its hard drive has 793.7GB free out of 4TBGB, and it runs a Intel UHD Graphics 630 1536 MB graphics card. The last time I shut down was more than 24 hours ago. I have never run a cleanup program. I use Malwarebytes regularly.  

[Brian]

11 hours ago, Debbie said:

Intel UHD Graphics 630 1536 MB graphics card.

There's your problem!!

Your Video Card is not powerful enough for the current versions of Photoshop. That video card is fine for "General Computing," like wasting time on Facebook, watching YouTube Videos, answering e-mails, paying bills, etc. Everything else BUT Photoshop. ACR now uses the Video Graphics Processor (Video GPU) in order to function these days. Currently it's still using the CPU / Low-end GPU to work, but Adobe is warning you as time goes on, this will be an issue and eventually ACR won't load at all.

Time for a new Mac!! No software fix for this one.

Well...you could downgrade to an older version of Photoshop CC that last worked with your computer and STAY THERE. No upgrading for you.

Those are your two choices, but you really need a new computer. Start saving. This is such a common problem now, that I've written a very long article about this topic:

Today's Modern Photoshop

[Debbie]

Dang!  Ok, please tell me what I need to get on a new Mac laptop. Until I get the new one which version of Ps can I use to load ACR? I honestly just use the basic features of Ps at this time. Thanks, Brian.  I appreciate your help.

[Brian]

@Debbie

• Start by heading to Apple's Website. Click Mac and select MacBook Pro.
  
  
   
• At the time of this writing, click "Pre-order."
   
• Select 16" then click "M4 Max."
  
  
   
• Look towards the one on the right, which should be the most expensive model. Remember, when it comes to the Modern Versions of Photoshop CC, it's ALL ABOUT THE GPU CORES.
   
• Be sure to choose the desired color, either Space Black or Silver.
  
  
   
• Click Select at the bottom of the column on the right.
   
• Stick with the Standard Display
  
  
   
• I'd upgrade the RAM to 64GB unified memory. Remember, there is NO UPGRADING ANYTHING AFTER THE INITIAL PURCHASE. 128GB is complete overkill for Photoshop CC and 64GB is more than enough, even with large MP cameras.
  
  
   
• Leave the HD at the default, 1TB. It's completely up to you if you want to spend $400 more. For me, 1TB is perfectly fine, even headed into 2025.
  
  
   
• As of right now, your subtotal should be $4199, before Apple Care & Applicable Local Taxes.
   
• Click Add to Bag.
   
• Select the AppleCare+ for your Mac. Some want to pay a flat fee and just have a block of coverage and some folks plan on keeping their MacBooks for 7 years or so, in which case they pay annually for it. Since Apple is the only ones that supply parts, and they are the ones to fix things, then it makes sense to fork out the extra $$ for AppleCare+. Just be sure to purchase AppleCare+ by clicking Add to Bag after you have made your choice!
  
  
   
• Click Review Bag. It should appear as follows:
  
  
   
• Then make your selection for Payment at the bottom. Conversationally speaking, the cost should be around $4500 for a M4 MacBook Pro. This configuration should last you at least 5-7 years, if not more.

[Debbie]

I ordered the laptop you recommended. I have had the flu so it is still in the box.  But i will get it set up soon.  Now  I am wondering about what kind of external monitor to get to use when I edit my photos.  What do you recommend? 

[Brian]

You aren't going to like this.

Apple has made it so that the only display that will look good (like you are used to / the Apple Macintosh Experience) is the stupidly over-priced Apple Studio Display for $1599. You will want the Standard Glass version.  It's only money, right?

"1600?!?!!!" Surely there must be another cheaper alternative!!!

Here is the thing...

Apple changed the signal coming out of the HDMI port. I found this out from a tech bulletin put out by Eizo, who make really high-end displays. They were the ones to discover this. According to the bulletin, "When using HDMI on a Mac computer, the signal from the Mac computer may change to YUV Limited Range and banding may occur." So in a nutshell, the only display that will look good on a Mac Laptop is a Apple Studio Display. Yes, Apple does this on purpose. Just think, when you use Apple Branded Cables for your iPhones & iPads, magically data transfer speeds improve dramatically than if you used a 3rd party (aka cheap) cable. See a theme here? Apple does this shit all-the-time.

Anyway, back to the Eizo Tech Bulletin...

Meaning, your colors might be a little off, and banding may occur. Apple doesn't do 4K very well, and things like text look like crap, and Apple really-really-really wants you to use their 5K Displays. Of course, as time goes on, 3rd party manufactures will adapt, but I will say this...

Every member in Ask Damien who went the cheap route going with a 3rd party display were not satisfied and ended up forking out the $1599 at the end. One member went through 3 third party displays an was only happy when she bought the Apple Studio Display. Even with the $1299 LG Display that Apple helped design...just fork out the extra $300 and be done with it. So honestly? Save yourself the stress and just save up. Because you are going to end up there any way.  

Of course, at the end-of-the-day, it's your money. If you do go the 3rd party route, let me know what you picked and how your experience was. I hate having to recommend a stupid $1600 display.