how fast is memory speed and overall system size for CS4?

At some point, I’m going to upgrade my main system from Windows XP to a quad-core CPU and Vista 64. How much memory do I need if I’m working with Nikon NEF files that are about 25 MB each (full-frame, 14 bit color). Is 4 GB enough, or should I go for 6 or 8 GB?
Does faster memory improve Photoshop performance? If you look at the newegg website, you can see the same size memory at different speeds, with corresponding prices of course.

As an example, newegg has _ 89 _ different products for 6 GB "kits" for DDR3 memory. If you were using an Intel i7 processor, you would probably buy a "kit" consisting of three sticks of memory. These 89 different products range from a Crucial 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1066 (PC3 8500) for $79, all the way up to a CORSAIR Dominator GT 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 2000 (PC3 16000) at $329, and there are products at $399 and $451.

Does it improve Photoshop significantly to have faster memory, at greater expense? Is there a threshold, after which you’re only wasting your money with faster memory?

If I was willing to spend say $200 for memory, would I be better off with 12 GB of slower memory or 6 GB of "somewhat faster?" Or is this all specsmanship without real meaning?

Father Kodak

Father Kodak wrote:

At some point, I’m going to upgrade my main system from Windows XP to a quad-core CPU and Vista 64. How much memory do I need if I’m working with Nikon NEF files that are about 25 MB each (full-frame, 14 bit color). Is 4 GB enough, or should I go for 6 or 8 GB?
Does faster memory improve Photoshop performance? If you look at the newegg website, you can see the same size memory at different speeds, with corresponding prices of course.
As an example, newegg has _ 89 _ different products for 6 GB "kits" for DDR3 memory. If you were using an Intel i7 processor, you would probably buy a "kit" consisting of three sticks of memory. These 89 different products range from a Crucial 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1066 (PC3 8500) for $79, all the way up to a CORSAIR Dominator GT 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 2000 (PC3 16000) at $329, and there are products at $399 and $451.

Does it improve Photoshop significantly to have faster memory, at greater expense? Is there a threshold, after which you’re only wasting your money with faster memory?

If I was willing to spend say $200 for memory, would I be better off with 12 GB of slower memory or 6 GB of "somewhat faster?" Or is this all specsmanship without real meaning?

Father Kodak

One half-dozen or the other?

I’m by no means a PS expert or a computer expert but I do use CS3 and I do build my own computers. I do both on a wing and a prayer. 😉
When I build a system, I don’t use the latest and greatest components, I step down about two levels and still get a pretty good box. A faster processor and faster memory should be better but if you buy components that are better than what you currently have but are not the fastest available then you should see a difference. In theory.

Since you’re going to a 64 bit OS, why not start with 8 GB of memory in two sticks so if you decide you need more you can add two more sticks?
CS4 is supposed to like lots of video card ram so get a GB on that?

Perhaps someone using CS4 will come along and add to the discussion.