Lightroom 2 is too much for my computer to handle???

[Li_Photo]

Hi,

I have a crappy ~3 year old HP Dv 1000 with Pentium M 1.6Ghz expended 2Gb of ram. When running lightroom 2, it's taking up all system resources (100% CPU usage) so it runs VERY SLOWLY! On the Lightroom system info, it reads:
Operating system: Microsoft Windows XP Professional Service Pack 2 (Build 2600)
Version: 5.1 [2600]
Application architecture: x86
System architecture: x86
Physical processor count: 1
Processor speed: 1.5 GHz
Built-in memory: 2038.4 MB
Real memory available to Lightroom: 716.8 MB
Real memory used by Lightroom: 273.5 MB (38.1%)
Virtual memory used by Lightroom: 396.5 MB
Memory cache size: 0 MB

Is this normal? Do I need a new computer? Is lightroom so demanding that my current laptop can't handle it?

Thanks

[Moppie]

Is lightroom so demanding that my current laptop can't handle it?


Yes :cool:


I would be glad it runs at all on a machine that old.

[Li_Photo]

Yes :cool:


I would be glad it runs at all on a machine that old.

Yeah, you're probably right... guess it's time to upgrade. I knew that my laptop was old but didn't think my specs were that bad. Guess it's showing its age.

Thanks.

[zeva]

keepin mind that laptops are usually less powerfull than desktops...

[Burrellimages]

Here is what i have....

ProcessorIntel(R) Pentium(R) M processor 1.73GHzProcessor Speed1.69 GHzMemory (RAM)1024 MB


Is that enough to run LR2 and CS4? Im in the process of ordering both. Will i have any issues?

[Moppie]

Is that enough to run LR2 and CS4? Im in the process of ordering both. Will i have any issues?


Yes.

CS4 will be ok, I used to run CS3 on a similar spec machine and it was a little slow, but quite functional.

I wouldn't want to run Lightroom on it though, and running both at once will be a non-starter.

[Burrellimages]

What do you mean a "Non-starter"? That's what i planned on is running them both and running a second monitor as well. Am i just out dated here? I really dont want to get a new machine, since im saving up for the 5d MkII.

[Moppie]

My old 2ghz AMD could run Bridge, or it could run CS3. Never both, at least not with out taking several minutes to do anything.

LR2 is at least as resource hungry as bridge, possibly more so.

Here is the system requirments: http://www.adobe.com/products/photoshoplightroom/systemreqs/

Remember these are bare minimum, the absolute lowest possible needed to isntall it and run it, and maybe add a couple of photos to it.

Your computer has enough RAM, but not a fast enough CPU, or FSB to meet the minimum requirments.

Sorry, but it looks like your 5D money might be better spent on a new PC.

[Burrellimages]

DANG! That's not what i wanted to hear. I was hoping to just get a second monitor and call it a day. That alone would cost me like $400+. Guess i should get a desktop too. I love the laptop, but if a desktop has a bigger screen and speed. I had the thought of getting a machine JUST for photos, but if i ever wanted to email them, i'd have to send them to my laptop.

Also, im buying the student prices copies of CS4 and LR2, so i couldnt load them on here and try them, then load them on a new machine.....right? Better to load them all at once?

[Burrellimages]

Is there any LR2 Users out there that could give me a good strong machine suggestion?

[Li_Photo]

Is there any LR2 Users out there that could give me a good strong machine suggestion?

Since I'm in need of a new PC also, I'm looking at the Dell XPS line. Just can't decided to go with laptop or desktop... it's about $500 difference with similar performance.
Believe me, your gonna have a hard time running LR2 with the specs you listed just like I am now.

[Burrellimages]

Thats what i'm afraid of. I'm not really in need of a new machine right now, this one works fine, but if i have to in order to step up my work, then i guess i do! :(

Any other people have thoughts?

[tommyqh]

I have LR2 and PS CS3 that i use in conjunction to edit my pics.

One main advice i can give you: "Get a GOOD (Nvidia) video card!" Doesn't matter if you have a core2duo, quad core or quad extreme. You need a GOOD video card. I suggest NVIDIA, they really have the best cards out there period, catering to professional apps now.

I have a core duo 2.0ghz, 4gb ram, Nvidia GeForce 9800GTX+. My LR2 lags very little, maybe .5-1sec lag when LR2 refreshes, it isn't enough to bother me. PS haven't really lagged unless I have both LR2 & PS running at once.

[Tony-S]

I have LR2 and PS CS3 that i use in conjunction to edit my pics.

One main advice i can give you: "Get a GOOD (Nvidia) video card!" Doesn't matter if you have a core2duo, quad core or quad extreme. You need a GOOD video card.

Unless things are different on the Windows side, LR nor PSCS3 utilize the gpu - they only use the cpu.

[Faolan]

CS 3 does use a GPU but not to any great degree. This is noted in Adobe's own technotes.

As for nVidia being the best? You got to be joking right? With the fake 'new' cards and also lack of innovation when they had the lead plus countless driver issues plaguing CS 4 despite working hand in glove with Adobe... I've had more problems setting up PCs with nVidia cards than I've ever had with AMDs.

To be honest any card with at least 256Mb on board will handle the GPU processing fine. Currently AMD 4xxx series is the best bang for buck.

[deercreek]

The system requirements don't look that massive. Do you have at least 1GB of available hard drive space?

[tumblew33d]

Thats what i'm afraid of. I'm not really in need of a new machine right now, this one works fine, but if i have to in order to step up my work, then i guess i do! :(

Any other people have thoughts?

If you can hold a screwdriver and read a motherboard manual, build your own new machine to the best spec that your budget will allow.

Alternatively, consider a Mac.