OK you tech gurus, here's one for you - multiplying video card power

[Picture North Carolina]

I'm wondering if anybody has tried, or knows, if utilizing SLI technology will speed up Photoshop? (SLI is linking multiple video cards together to multiply video power. Definition here (http://www.techterms.com/definition/sli).)

I'm using an ASUS P5N-E SLI mobo (SLI capable), Core-2 DUO, WinXP Pro with CS2.

Before purchasing SLI-capable v-cards, I'm just wondering if anybody knows if CS2 will take advantage of and benefit from this technology?

[HSK]

I'm not sure, but I doubt it would be of much benefit with CS2 - where as CS4 does utilize the GPU, so there it could be of benefit.

[Gab1707]

Photoshop is a CPU intensive application. Newer versions tend to offload a bit to the GPU but not enough to make a difference with SLI.

[Zepher]

nope, won't do anything for you.

[tim]

Nope.

[Bubble]

with CS4 (64bit), they have the option to optimize 2 video cards via SLI. I have 2x (512mb) NVIDIA GeForce 7950 GT on board now and TO BE HONEST, i don't really know if it help or improve. :)

Below is a list of the Photoshop CS4 and Bridge CS4 features that are accelerated by a GPU.

OpenGL/GPU features in Adobe Photoshop CS4 are:

Smooth Display at ALL Zoom Levels
Animated Zoom Tool

Animated Transitions when doing a One Stop Zoom
Hand Toss Image
Birdseye View
Rotate Canvas
Smooth Display of Non Square Pixel Images
Pixel Grid
Move Color Matching to the GPU
Draw Brush Tip Editing Feedback via GPU
3D GPU features include:

3D Acceleration
3D Axis
3D Lights Widget
Accelerated 3D Interaction via Direct To Screen

So, in theory, you will benefit from SLI. :) If you really want to build a computer for your "work", get The NVIDIA® Quadro® CX video card.

[OdiN1701]

The Quadro CX is a waste of money for a photo editing computer. It will do nothing good for you that a cheap GT/GTS card won't.

The Quadro will only become useful to people doing higher end video editing or some 3D modeling.

[Default501x]

there is a clear difference in the speed of photoshop's GPU-enhanced activities when i turn SLI on or off on my GTX295.
But i wouldnt go so far as to say its worth buying a second card for.

[Bobster]

with CS4 (64bit), they have the option to optimize 2 video cards via SLI. I have 2x (512mb) NVIDIA GeForce 7950 GT on board now and TO BE HONEST, i don't really know if it help or improve. :)
your card is too old, it doesn't contain the correct hardware needed to accelerate PS, you need 8600 or more to utilise the NVIDIA® CUDA technology.. the 7000 series doesn't have it..which is why i've put of upgrading to CS4

also the boost you get from SLI isn't as much as you might think.. its mostly marketing.. having 2 video cards means that you can however run 4 screens ;)

[Bobster]

The Quadro will only become useful to people doing higher end video editing or some 3D modeling.
the higher end GeForce are faster than the current Quadro range, but the Quadro actually draws 3D models without the tearing you get with the GF

[tim]

Check this out - Aftereffects not Photoshop but should be similar

http://www.adobe.com/products/aftereffects/opengl.html

[ruben00]

the real benefit of SLI is the fact that it redraws the screen faster. Basically, one video card drives the top of the monitor, and the other card drives the bottom. As far as for photo editing, or even video editing, it wont do anything for you. Now if you want to play some video games, go for it. :D