Help me understand graphics cards...

[adgoodma]

I don't understand exactly how graphics cards affect my situation. I currently have a i9 mbp16 with the 5500 4gb. I run 3 screens- the computer open with a projector and a 4k monitor as well. I run ecamm with two different google meet windows open. I also often use photoshop and lightroom at the same time.

Basically question is this. According to iStats, my CPU is hardly working at all, and my ram is only about 75% used- but after a while my computer stutters and slows and the UI gets laggy. What is it that affects my ability to run multiple windows smoothly? Would the 5500 with 8gb let things run more smoothly? Or would the 5600m be the only thing that improves performance?

I would consider a i7 with a 5600m as it doesn't seem that CPU is my bottleneck.

 

[venom600]

The CPU and GPU are WAY overkill for what you do. They are not the bottleneck. If the computer is slowing down it is likely from thermal throttling. What are the temperatures you're seeing for the CPU? Watch them carefully and I'd bet you'd see them spike and the CPU speed throttle when under heavy load.

 

[adgoodma]

I had a 4th monitor- but the computer couldn't function with it and would freeze up.

 

[adgoodma]

The CPU and GPU are WAY overkill for what you do. They are not the bottleneck. If the computer is slowing down it is likely from thermal throttling. What are the temperatures you're seeing for the CPU? Watch them carefully and I'd bet you'd see them spike and the CPU speed throttle when under heavy load.

All the 13 inch MacBooks couldn't keep up with what I needed it for. The M1 was pretty good, but could only do one external monitor- and the UI got very laggy when ecamm was running with multiple cams.
That's why I got the 16- but still it gets laggy when multiple videos are running on multiple screens

 

[Boneheadxan]

The 5600m might solve your issue, but I can tell you the 5500m 8GB won't. This seems like some strange AMD driver bug which Apple refuses to acknowledge or fix. I have the same issue and it isn't even triggered with how many monitors you have connected. With a single 4K display I get the Radeon Memory maxed out while working. It happens slowly, but as you mentioned, once it hits 100% it's constant spinning beach balls etc.

I have only figured out a temp fix, which is to go to your display preferences and change resolution once and then change back. It drops the Radeon memory back to <10% load and you can continue working till it builds up again. Sucks! I work with audio, not even video which is demanding on the graphics card.

 

[adgoodma]

The 5600m might solve your issue, but I can tell you the 5500m 8GB won't. This seems like some strange AMD driver bug which Apple refuses to acknowledge or fix. I have the same issue and it isn't even triggered with how many monitors you have connected. With a single 4K display I get the Radeon Memory maxed out while working. It happens slowly, but as you mentioned, once it hits 100% it's constant spinning beach balls etc.

I have only figured out a temp fix, which is to go to your display preferences and change resolution once and then change back. It drops the Radeon memory back to <10% load and you can continue working till it builds up again. Sucks! I work with audio, not even video which is demanding on the graphics card.

I can return my current computer until april- so i'm holding out for an M1 that can do multiple monitors.. otherwise- i might try the 5600m with an i7 to see if it works better!