I’m currently using a i5 laptop [https://www.lenovo.com/in/en/d/i5-laptops/] with an Intel processor, 8GB of RAM, and an integrated GPU, and I’ve been facing some performance issues while using Topaz Labs’ Topaz Video AI. The main problem is that the software is very slow, especially when processing high-resolution videos (4K or higher) or applying intensive features like upscaling, motion stabilization, or noise reduction.
Here are some specific issues I’m encountering:
Slow processing times: Even small video files take a lot longer than expected to process. For example, a 5-minute video in 1080p takes over an hour to upscale.
Lagging and freezing: The laptop often lags or freezes while running the software, making it hard to multitask or even use the laptop for other tasks while processing.
High CPU usage: The CPU usage goes through the roof, often maxing out, and the fan gets loud during processing. I’m worried this could eventually damage the laptop.
No GPU acceleration: Since my laptop has integrated graphics, it seems like the software isn’t taking advantage of GPU acceleration, which might be a big part of the problem.
I understand that Topaz Video AI is a resource-intensive program, but is there anything I can do to make it run smoother on my setup? Would upgrading my RAM or adding an external GPU help? Or is the i5 processor simply not powerful enough for this type of workload?
I’d love to hear if anyone has been able to run this software more efficiently on a similar system or if there are any specific settings within the software I should tweak.
Thanks in advance for any advice or recommendations!
That is quite normal with only 8 GB of memory and an integrated graphics unit I am afraid. Fitting a dedicated graphics card would be my first step, followed by additional memory and a good cooling.
Would highly recommend finding a way to add a GPU in that meets or exceeds the System Requirements for Video AI so that the app can utilize the VRAM for processing. The integrated graphics unit is most likely very underpowered for the app and limiting your performance.
Updated
In reality it might be more practical and financial to look at a new system that meets the requirements versus trying to update or upgrade the existing hardware. There are many options out there from various manufacturers that meet the requirements.
is there anything I can do to make it run smoother on my setup?
The truth?
No. You are completely bottlenecked on everything, especially on that CPU with your current setup.
No external GPU, and its chassis, will change the poor performance of that CPU.
Throwing extra money at your current rig will only cause you even more concerns I’m afraid.
IMO, if granted, you need a fresh new start for you to have more of a piece-of-mind.
If you desire a lappy (definitely forget about anything Apple regardless of what nay-sayers [shills] claim) this might interest you and give you some ideas on minimum specs, ect…
And if you want to spend less money and get a better laptop, buy any other brand than Dell. MSI will probably get you more power for less. Sager is my favorite by far.
Here’s the problem: Laptops generally do not have the cooling needed to run TVAI for long enough to process a full movie. That’s why I suggested MSI and Sager, they can be better about including better cooling—though it’s not a guarantee.
Then there’s the little mater of: even if you get a laptop with an RTX 4090, it’s going to run more like a desktop RTX 4070 ti. That’s not ideal because you tend to pay quite a bit for that laptop GPU especially if you compare it to a desktop.
I don’t recommend laptops for running TVAI… but if a desktop is very not an option, be sure it has as much cooling as it can.
The PROPER DTR is more than efficient for Topaz and just because a couple of users here improperly use their system, FACTS states, it is not the rule with a PROPER DTR.
Edit: My-my-my! Did you really recommend the horrible MSI anything garbage!!! Wow! You are really out-of-touch with things with MSI’s garbage stuff from overvoltage disastrous MB, bleeding displays… on & on, especially the horror stories about their CS / RMAs… on & on!!!
TVAI is not high resource-intensive program, it is super uber intensive
I am used to run 12x GPU AI models, but these one kill everybody.
Not only you need high end GPU, and if not to say multiple of it, but also dual CPU platform, as you’ll saturate it also if upscaling. A dual fersh Threadripper + 4090(x4) should fit
My brand new PC was fitted with the MSI RTX 4090 Suprim X. It ran for exactly one (!) day. Then the GPU was dead. Fortunately replaced on warranty but du to the lack of replacement cards with an ASUS ROG STRIX OC instead.
Yup. Sounds like, one of many, MSI out of control QA issues.
I’m glad that you didn’t have to experience the horrible CS, RMA, ect. shenanigans that MSI is strongly known for.
Edit:
Wait. I do recall some early bins serious issues with the Suprim X (not just the pin seated issue).
MSI refused to acknowledge those issues at first and they cowardly blamed the owners for modifying the thermal pads.
The backlash was so huge, MSI was forced by the gaming community, (and banks chargeback… ha-ha) to honour it’s shady warranty/RMA Term of Use guidelines.
