Lknack Loc: NOCO

Question for you computer folks:

I just purchased a new HP ProBook 450 G9, with 32 GB RAM, 1TB SSD and an Intel(R) Iris(R) Xe Graphics with Windows 10.
It runs everything well (and fast) EXCEPT for Topaz D, S, G. I’m using the free trial version of Topaz and feel like I want to buy the package but here’s the problem: All the Topaz apps will load, show an image but when it finishes processing the screen is black. If I zoom in on a small (about ½ of the image or less) part of the image it works perfectly. If I use the “split view” at full frame, the “before” image appears but when I slide it over, the “after” image is black. Zoomed in it works well.
I have talked to a HP trouble shooter, he remotely took control of my computer, ran several diagnostics procedures and everything checked out ok. I talked to a Topaz guy, and he said that everything is OK on their end “it’s a hardware problem.”
This computer is well above the minimum requirements set by Topaz, and I have read, online, that the video card should be more than enough to run photo editing.
I use Affinity Photo and it runs fine.
I recently switched to a Sony RX10 IV and really need the Topaz apps.
Any thoughts, ideas, help would be appreciated.
I’m old and not very computer savvy so, please, keep it simple.

Thanks

fredpnm Loc: Corrales, NM

What performance settings for graphics did you tell Topaz peferences to use?

Lknack Loc: NOCO

Thanks for the fast response.
I tried “Auto,” “CPU” and “1:Intel(R) Xe Graphics.”
Same result with each. I just clicked each option and processed again. I didn’t reload, restart or anything.

fredpnm Loc: Corrales, NM

I've played around with the Topaz programs and so far everything works as expected as I make changes to the program. I can't offer you any further suggestions just now...sorry. If I run into something I'll let you know.

Lknack Loc: NOCO

Ok—thanks for the time and effort. I my have to put Windows 10 on my old computer and just grow old(er) using it.

Judy795

I have a gaming laptop and what might be different about mine from yours is that I have Nvidia graphics drivers and Topaz has always worked for me.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

On the bottom progress bar on Topaz, after you get the preview and choose to process the image, what does it show? Finished or stuck part way or moving very slowly? Since you’re apparently using the integrated graphics on the CPU instead of a separate graphics card, I’m wondering if it might just be running slowly.

Lknack Loc: NOCO

It moves sometimes quickly, sometimes slowly (in blue) but always turn green before the processed image turns black.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

Hmmm. Since the machine is new, I’d assume the latest Intel integrated graphics drivers are installed, and it sounds as if you have the preferences in Topaz set correctly. Have you tried uninstalling the Topaz Application(s) and reinstalling?

Lknack Loc: NOCO

Yep—just uninstalled and reinstalled, Sharpen only, about 2 hours ago and no difference. I’m beginning to get. Frustrated.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

My only thought is to wonder if your HP had an option (and socket) for a separate graphics card and if it’s possible (and financially and technically feasible) to add it. I also think I’d open control panel/devices/graphics adapters and attempt to update the driver if possible.

Lknack Loc: NOCO

I asked the HP guy the same thing, he said “no.” He said that “it way exceeds the minimum recommend specs from Topaz.”

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

If you can’t solve this issue and Topaz products are critical to your workflow, can you return/exchange the laptop for one with a separate (NVidia) graphics card? Apparently, a separate graphics card was an option on the 450 G9, but everything I can find shows it would be soldered to the MB and not possible to be added later. Of course, there’s no guarantee that it would solve the issue, but if it’s not a SW/driver issue that can be resolved on the Intel graphics, that seems like an obvious potential solution.

fredpnm Loc: Corrales, NM

You have presented us with a challenge. Are you processing RAW files in Topaz or JPG? If RAW have you tried a JPG file?

Lknack Loc: NOCO

I had hoped this would be simple.
Yes, I’ve tried jpeg and RAW. I appreciate all of the time and effort y’all have extended.