GTX 970,1060 or 1070 mainly for photo editing on 4k monitor?

benjamin4077 · Aug 24, 2016

Hi friends, here is my current configuration-
Motherboard : Asus P8Z77-V
CPU : i7-3770 @3.4Ghz
RAM : 16 GB DDR3 (Gskill 16GB ARES RAM F3-1866C10D-16GAB)
SSD : OCZ-Vertex4 240GB
GPU : Asus GTX 670 with 2GB memory
Monitor: Dell ultrasharp 23 inch full HD.
PSU: Corsair CMPSU-850TXV2UK 850 Watts PSU
Case: Corsair 400R Mid Tower
CPU Cooler : Noctua NH-U12P SE2 CPU Cooler

I use the system mainly for photo editing and some gaming. I usually work with large multilayered files in Photoshop or Corel Photopaint, often about 100-300 MB file sizes. I don't do video editing or 3d creation/editing. Now I have ordered a 4K monitor (Dell P2715Q), which is yet to be delivered. I will use it mainly for photo editing, but will also like to do occasional gaming. I love GTA series

My question is -
1. Can my existing system serve the purpose on a 4K monitor?

2. If not, will it help to just replace the graphics card only? Which one - GTX 970,1060 or 1070? (I have been Nvdia fan for ages)

3. Should I add more RAM to make it 32GB?

4. One more question added- I have never overclocked my system and don't know how much OC can my CPU/MoBo take. If it is possible, will a moderate OC help run things more smoothly for the new 4K monitor? I will do it only if it is safe.

Thanks in advance

basroil · Aug 24, 2016

None of those will help with photo editing, more RAM might help, but not for the file sizes you are talking about. Your system can handle 4K just fine, as long as it's just photo editing.

If you want to GAME with that system, the 1070 will let you play many games at higher settings even at 4K (not max mind you), and would be a fine addition assuming your PSU isn't garbage. The 1060 will be good enough if you limit yourself to 1080p resolution during gaming

benjamin4077 · Aug 24, 2016

Ah sorry, forgot to mention this- My PSU is Corsair TX 850 watts. And thanks for reply basroil!

guanyu210379 · Aug 24, 2016

If you are doing manly photo/video editing (work), investing for more RAM, bigger SSD and better monitor is better than having stronger GPU.

27" is not exactly ideal for 4k, 27" is more optimal for 1440p. If you want 4k, go for bigger screen e.g. 32".
4k on 27" will make every icons small this is disturbing for work.
I would cancel the monitor order but it is up to you.
I also find those 3440x1440 IPS display to be very effective for your kind of work.

If you want to upgrade the GPU, going for GPU with more VRAM is more recommendable.
GTX1070 is too expensive for your usage plan and GTX 1060 does not have 8GB RAM, while you can get 8GB VRAM on RX480 with the same price like 1060. I would consider getting RX480 unless the software you use is running better on nVidia cards (aside of your nVidia fanboyism).
If you are thinking to get GTX1070, if you can afford it why not.

Chugalug_ · Aug 24, 2016

I second exactly what guanyu said.
Keep your current setup, and just upgrade graphics, as the low amount of VRAM your current card provides is a small issue.
Pick up a 240GB SSD too.

Ultrawides aren't good for color work though typically, get this monitor for professional photo work if you need it: http://www.superbiiz.com/detail.php?name=SAM-32D85T&c=CJ
Otherwise a simple 24-27" 1080-1440p monitor like the BenQ GL2460HM or the Dell Ultrasharp you have will be fine.
I recommend the RX 480 8GB, the extra VRAM is very helpful for photo and video work.
Get this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814131697

Xtergo · Aug 24, 2016

You have a very nice CPU even with today's standards

My question is -
1. Can my existing system serve the purpose on a 4K monitor?
Ans. Sure a monitor's job is only to display as long as you put a graphics card compatible with your monitor.

2. If not, will it help to just replace the graphics card only? Which one - GTX 970,1060 or 1070? (I have been Nvdia fan for ages)
Go with the 1070 and your power supply is very much capable of powering the card.

3. Should I add more RAM to make it 32GB?
16GB is enough for "Photo editing" considering my freind with a mac @ 16gb ram does some minior 4k video editing fine

Thanks in adnavce

Jester Maroc · Aug 24, 2016

More ram and faster ram will help. If you do photo editing for work and this is a productivity PC, I would strongly advise upgrading to a Skylake PC. You can get the gtx1060 instead of the 1070, and use the leftover cast (and some more cash, sorry) to get a new CPU, MB, and DDR4 memory. It will significantly improve your editing and workflow, and in time (very soon) will pay for itself.

A gtx1060 will not play GTA at 4k without significant quality compromises, but it will provide buttery smooth 1080p gaming, or even some 1440p gaming.

Xtergo · Aug 24, 2016

Chugalug_ :

Loving the RX 480

but he plans to play some GTA photo editing isn't that intense on anything video editing is
with he 1070 he will be able to Run games better on a 4k display @ 30fps or lower to 1440p upscale it to 4K for 60fps in demanding titles .
so I would recommend him to get a 1070 if he can afford it if not dont go with the 1060 but the RX 480 instead

bicycle_repair_man · Aug 24, 2016

What version of Photoshop are you using? Only Photoshop CC and CS can utilise GPU acceleration, and even then, only for specific tasks. A stronger CPU would be preferable but that's a non-issue in your case, seeing as you have an i7-3770.

I agree that more RAM is the way to go, especially when you're working with 300MB file sizes. A GTX 970 would satisfy your gaming needs so I'd go with that, especially considering how cheap they are now. I don't see the need to upgrade anything else.

If you're working in the AdobeRGB colour space then you should know that that monitor only has a 79% gamut. It does cover the entire sRGB colour space, mind you.

Xtergo · Aug 24, 2016

Jester Maroc :

Woah Woah woah..... Man.... I have a core i3 1st gen paired with a 750ti 8GB ram ... I am regular in editing videos and photos.
His CPU is 3770 a very capable till this day CPU. No use upgrading until that thing gets on its knees.
He made it clear that the he does not edit videos which needs allot more CPU GPU and Ram Intensity.
His CPU is fine only he needs to upgrade a graphics card.

At 4K gaming the there will be no botteneck even if he had an i7 2600

Jester Maroc · Aug 24, 2016

Xtergo :

He mentioned that he only does occasional gaming, so he mainly needs the PC for photo editing. Both the rx480 and gtx1060 are very capable cards and serve his purpose.

@ OP, I would deffo agree with getting another SSD, it may even make a bigger impact on your photo editing workflow that more ram.

benjamin4077 · Aug 24, 2016

Thanks guanyu210379
32" is too expensive, that's why. I also wish to watch 4K movies on it. And RX480 does seem good. 1070 costs twice as much. I initially had planned to revamp the whole system (i7 7600K, Asus Z170 Pro Gaming MoBo, GTX 1070 etc.) But then I am not a hard core gamer and the total cost with 4K monitor was too much.

Chugalug_ · Aug 24, 2016

Take a look at my suggestions benjamin, also pick up this SSD, I forgot to list it.
Optimal: https://pcpartpicker.com/product/3kL7YJ/samsung-internal-hard-drive-mz75e250bam
Cheaper option: https://pcpartpicker.com/product/rwcMnQ/ocz-internal-hard-drive-trn15025sat3240g

Xtergo · Aug 24, 2016

benjamin4077 :

Go ahead then a pick the RX 480 it will serve you well
like mentioned before and get a decent 4K monitor that fits in your budget

Good luck!

Xtergo · Aug 24, 2016

Jester Maroc :

You are right on the GPU.. My point was more to say that Upgrading to skylake isnt a good option it isnt a big difference from he 3770. Also consider that we have seen a good trend in CPU optimization and programs now work well with more threads then they used to before so you get the point that skylake isnt worth from where he stands.

benjamin4077 · Aug 24, 2016

Xtergo :

Thanks Xtergo
I will go either with RX480 or 1070 after looking at my bank balance

benjamin4077 · Aug 24, 2016

One more question. I have never overclocked my system and don't know how much OC can my CPU/MoBo take. If it is possible, will a moderate OC help run things more smoothly for the new 4K monitor? I will do it only if it safe.

Xtergo · Aug 24, 2016

benjamin4077 :

Increasing the Resolution only increases the load on the graphics card not the processor (photo/video editing is different)
But your i7 cannot be overclocked and There is no need for it as you don't have that much of CPU demands

benjamin4077 · Aug 24, 2016

Xtergo :

benjamin4077 :

Increasing the Resolution only increases the load on the graphics card not the processor (photo/video editing is different)
But your i7 cannot be overclocked and There is no need for it as you don't have that much of CPU demands

Thanks again Xtergo!

benjamin4077 · Aug 24, 2016

And while we are at it, a final question -
I have two strips of Gskill 16GB ARES RAM F3-1866C10D-16GAB and 2 more slots are vacant. This particular RAM is not available now. If I wish to have 32 GB RAM now or in future, which RAM can I add? Or will I have to scrap these and buy totally new ones?

Xtergo · Aug 24, 2016

benjamin4077 :

Each slot should be of 8GB (making a total of 4 slots and 32Gigs or ram total) Although I have run multiple sticks of ram with different manufactures they have usually been configured to do so in the bios and it is highly recommended all the sticks of ram to be of the same brand and model.

benjamin4077 · Aug 24, 2016

Xtergo :

benjamin4077 :

Each slot should be of 8GB (making a total of 4 slots and 32Gigs or ram total) Although I have run multiple sticks of ram with different manufactures they have usually been configured to do so in the bios and it is highly recommended all the sticks of ram to be of the same brand and model.

OK thanks!

GTX 970,1060 or 1070 mainly for photo editing on 4k monitor?

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