This short article provides information on Topaz AI system requirements for readers who are considering using these software programs.
As cameras, lenses and post processing software continues to evolve it has become even more important to think of your ‘camera gear’ being an integrated system that includes post processing software.
It is important for readers who may be interested in using Topaz AI software products to assess the specifications of their current computer. If your system does not meet the specifications for Topaz AI, you may find that the software may not run on your system or will run very slowly. It may even crash, when processing files… especially large ones.
Here is a Topaz AI system requirements link that I obtained directly from the Operations Manager of Topaz Labs.
For those of you who would like to see a summary of the Topaz AI system requirements rather than using the link provided, here are some details.
Operating System
Windows: Windows 7, 8, 10 (64-bit only)
*As of Jan 14, 2020, Microsoft has ended its support for Windows 7.
Mac: macOS version 10.12 (Sierra) and above
We currently do not support Linux-based operating systems.
Your system’s graphic drivers need to be fully up to date, which you can accomplish by following this guide:
Our apps also require OpenGL version 3.3 or later.
Hardware Requirements
CPU
| Intel | AMD | |
| Minimum | Intel i5 or equivalent (3.0GHz and above) | Ryzen 5 or equivalent (3.0GHz and above) |
| Recommended | Intel i7 or greater (4GHz and above) | Ryzen 7 or greater (4GHz and above) |
A note on openVINO: Topaz Labs apps support Intel’s openVINO toolset for high-speed CPU-based rendering. If you are currently using an Intel CPU, you can enable openVINO in the Preferences menu of any of our apps.
GPU/Graphics Card
| Nvidia | AMD | |
| Minimum | 2GB of dedicated VRAM (GT 740 or greater) | 2GB of dedicated VRAM (Radeon 5870 or greater) |
| Recommended | 4GB of dedicated VRAM (GTX 970 or greater) | 4GB of dedicated VRAM (Radeon RX 460 or greater) |
| Optimal | 8GB of dedicated VRAM (GTX 1080 or greater) | 8GB of dedicated VRAM (Radeon RX 580 or greater) |
- Minimum: Requirements for application to function, users should expect slow performance, large files may cause crashing
- Recommended: Users should experience no performance issues, though slowness may occur with large files
- Optimal: Users should not experience any performance issues
-We do not support Intel HD Graphics 4600 or lower.
RAM
Minimum: 8GB
Recommended: 16GB
Optimal: 32GB
Monitor
A monitor that outputs at a resolution of at least 1024 x 768 is recommended.
Assess your computer system before buying software
Recently I have been investigating some of the Topaz AI software products, specifically Topaz Denoise AI and Topaz Sharpening AI. Should I decide to purchase these programs I will need to upgrade the video card in my office computer. This will cost me significantly more than the price of the two software programs combined. I imagine that many readers may find themselves in the same situation.
It is important to understand the operating system and hardware requirements before buying new software, so you can make an informed decision.
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The R5 performs nicely. The R5 for animals and fast-running grandkids, the M19R for everything else. Topaz is also on my list, although people who use it have mixed reviews.
Hi Tacy,
I use Topaz Denoise AI and/or Sharpen AI as a part of my overall process. There are situations where a program may not work particularly well with a specific image. It’s important to have realistic expectations when using any piece of software in post. At the end of the day the most important factor is the quality of our initial image capture.
Tom
I’m very disappointed with Topaz as a company. Their software is very good for the most part. When I bought the software they promised free lifetime upgrades. A few months ago they canceled this policy, much to the consternation of those the spent a premium for the software only to have one of the reasons that we bought yanked out from under us. I no longer trust the company. Several of us that complained on their forums had our posts locked out and our accounts put on hold. Criticism was not allowed.
I suggest anyone that proceeds to do so with their eyes wide open and with caution.
Hi Ronald,
Thanks for adding to the discussion! Changes to business models can be disappointing. Adobe received a lot of push back when they went to a subscription model. As the camera market continues to shrink, I would not be surprised to see a lot of other companies following suit as their revenues and profits are stressed.
Tom
Do/have you used Topaz? I am aware of a number of different products that they offer.
I have, and sometimes use, various of their AI products (mostly on older files that I am revisiting).
Thanks, WEJ
Hi William,
The only Topaz program that I have used is an old one that has some art filters.
Tom