What To Know
- For artists and designers, the ability to run Photoshop seamlessly on a portable device is a game-changer.
- With a more powerful processor and dedicated graphics, the Surface Pro 8 is a better choice for demanding Photoshop work.
- For the most demanding Photoshop tasks, a desktop PC with a dedicated graphics card is still the optimal solution.
For artists and designers, the ability to run Photoshop seamlessly on a portable device is a game-changer. The Surface Go 3, Microsoft’s latest ultraportable tablet, has sparked curiosity among creatives who wonder if it can handle the demands of this industry-standard software. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the capabilities of the Surface Go 3 and explore its suitability for running Photoshop.
System Requirements
Before diving into the performance, let’s examine the system requirements for Photoshop:
- Processor: Intel Core i5 or equivalent
- Memory: 8GB RAM
- Storage: 256GB SSD
- Graphics: Dedicated graphics card with 1GB VRAM
Surface Go 3 Specifications
The Surface Go 3 comes with the following specifications:
- Processor: Intel Core i3-10100Y or Pentium Gold 6500Y
- Memory: 4GB or 8GB RAM
- Storage: 64GB, 128GB, or 256GB SSD
- Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 615 or Intel UHD Graphics 620
Performance Analysis
Processor: The Surface Go 3’s processor, while not as powerful as a Core i5, is still capable of handling basic Photoshop tasks. However, complex operations and large files may experience some lag.
Memory: 8GB RAM is recommended for comfortable Photoshop usage. The Surface Go 3’s 4GB RAM option may limit multitasking and slow down performance.
Storage: A 256GB SSD is the ideal storage size for Photoshop and its associated files. The Surface Go 3’s 64GB and 128GB options may quickly fill up.
Graphics: The Surface Go 3’s integrated graphics are sufficient for basic image editing. However, it lacks a dedicated graphics card, which is crucial for handling high-resolution images and advanced features.
Workarounds for Enhanced Performance
To improve Photoshop‘s performance on the Surface Go 3, consider the following:
- Reduce image resolution: Lowering the resolution of large images can reduce processing time.
- Use cloud storage: Store large files on cloud services like OneDrive to free up local storage space.
- Close unnecessary programs: Running multiple programs in the background can slow down Photoshop.
- Enable hardware acceleration: Go to Photoshop’s Preferences > Performance and enable “Use Graphics Processor.”
Alternatives for Demanding Tasks
If the Surface Go 3’s performance limitations are a concern, consider these alternatives:
- Surface Pro 8: With a more powerful processor and dedicated graphics, the Surface Pro 8 is a better choice for demanding Photoshop work.
- iPad Pro: The iPad Pro with the M1 chip offers excellent performance for Photoshop on a portable device.
- Desktop PC: For the most demanding Photoshop tasks, a desktop PC with a dedicated graphics card is still the optimal solution.
Takeaways: Striking a Balance
The Surface Go 3 can run Photoshop, but its performance may be limited for complex tasks. For basic image editing and casual use, it’s a suitable option. However, for professional designers and artists who require advanced features and seamless performance, more powerful alternatives are recommended.
FAQ
Q: Can the Surface Go 3 handle 4K images in Photoshop?
A: While it’s possible to open and edit 4K images, the performance may be slow and limited.
Q: Is the Surface Pen suitable for precise Photoshop work?
A: Yes, the Surface Pen offers good precision and pressure sensitivity, making it a suitable tool for Photoshop.
Q: Can I use Photoshop plugins on the Surface Go 3?
A: Yes, most Photoshop plugins are compatible with the Surface Go 3. However, some plugins may require more processing power and may not perform optimally.
