CS4, Healing Brush & Cache Levels

[ApWizard]

Hi guys!
A Photoshop user in another forum discovered this strange thing about CS4 and Cache Levels.

Putting down the Cache Levels to 1 (=disabled), the Image Quality after Healing Brush is degraded (this doesn't apply to CS3).

From the Adobe KB:


Adjusting the Cache Levels

Photoshop uses image caching to redraw high-resolution images on-screen faster. With caching, Photoshop quickly updates a low-resolution version of an image as you edit it. To enable the Cache Levels option, specify the number (1 to 8) of low-resolution versions you want Photoshop to store (cache). The more versions you specify, however, the slower Photoshop will open image files. The Photoshop CS4 default Cache Level setting is 4. Setting the Cache option to 1 disables caching; only the active screen image is cached. Setting the Image Cache higher than 4 improves the performance when working on larger images by redrawing them faster.

If you use files that have small pixel dimensions and many (50+) pixel layers, you'll get the best performance if you set the cache to 1 or 2. If you use files that have large pixel dimensions, set the cache higher.

Note: Image Caching may cause a less accurate preview. When needed, view files at 100% to ensure an accurate preview.

To adjust the Cache Levels setting:

1. Choose Photoshop > Preferences > Performance.
2. Enter a value from 1 to 8 in the Cache Levels text box. Click OK.
3. Restart Photoshop.

So, Cache Levels would help improving performance in some circumstances, kills the good work of the Healing Brush Tool too (see the attachment).

This oddity apply to a variety of systems:

#1
Photoshop CS4 (11.0.1)

Windows XP Pro SP2
AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual Core 4200+
nVidia GeForce 7800GTX ~ 256MB
3GB RAM DDR2 Corsair
HD: Western Digital Raptor 10000 RPM

#2
Photoshop CS4 (11.0.1)

Mac Intel
2x3.2 GHz quad core
12 GB 800 DDR2

#3
Photoshop CS4 (11.0.1)

Win Xp Sp3
Q6600
4Gb RAM
ATI HD3870

Do You have any clues about that?

[Kyashan]

Hi to all!

Another image, another test.

http://ftp.tiscali.it/skambi/new_test_healing_brush.png

Bye
Kyashan