What's the best computer for video editing?
Video editing is one of the most process-intensive tasks a PC will undertake, especially if you work on 4K, 8K, or even higher resolution video.
But the good news is that there are plenty of computers up to the task – it’s just a matter of figuring out which specifications you need.
To help, the team at Inside Tech have outlined some of the important considerations to make when choosing the best computer for video editing.
Is a video editing PC better than a laptop?
Deciding between a laptop and PC for video editing can be tricky – especially when they both have their pros and cons.
In most cases, a desktop computer will have a more powerful processor and larger RAM, which is perfect for strenuous tasks. Video editing PCs also have larger screens than laptops, which make it easier for you to edit your videos. They don’t generate as much heat as laptops, either – meaning you won’t need to worry about your system overheating.
A video editing laptop, on the other hand, will come in handy if you need to edit your content on the go. They’re also beneficial if you don’t have much desk space or a smaller budget – offering a cost-effective alternative to a PC for video editing.
What sort of processor do I need for video editing?
The central processing unit (CPU) takes on the heavy workload when editing videos in higher resolutions and at high frame rates.
Video editors typically benefit from processors with 6-12 cores, but a CPU with more cores will be better if you often complete complex tasks. Your processing needs as a video editor will depend on your workload. If you are new to video editing, we recommend getting started with Adobe Premiere Training Courses.
Clock speed is also important. Balancing high clock speeds and multiple cores will allow for smooth editing performance. Speeds of 5.0GHz and above allow for superior single-core performance, which is something that the latest generations from both AMD and Intel are capable of.
At Inside Tech, we recommend an AMD Ryzen Threadripper Pro CPU for video encoding and editing, as well as photo stitching and gigapixel editing.
Featuring up to 64 cores, these processors are designed to specifically edit high resolution photos, 4K video, and 3D content.
Alternatively, if you receive raw footage from various sources and clients that needs editing for different platforms, you’ll need a CPU that’s suitable for all types of video editing – something like the Intel Core i9 12900. With 16 cores and 24 threads, a 3.2GHz base clock, and 5.2GHZ turbo, it’s incredibly powerful.
How much memory does a video editing PC need?
The more RAM (Random Access Memory) a computer has, the faster it operates.
When choosing a video editing PC, you’ll need one that offers ample memory to load your video, open the video editing software, and edit your content whilst the computer completes tasks in the background.
8GB is the minimum capacity of RAM you should consider for video editing – ideal for projects up to 1080p, but you may need to close other programs to free up some memory.
16GB is the ideal capacity for multitasking, ensuring the computer doesn’t struggle and lag. It’s usually enough for editing 1080p projects or 4K files with minimal effects.
For video editors or videographers who need to render large files and use complex editing software, 32GB will cost you more, but won’t slow down your workflow.
Do I need a graphics card for video editing?
A graphics card (GPU) is a must-have if you’ll be rendering videos and applying presets.
Since Nvidia, AMD, and recently Intel have made advancements and released new generations of graphics cards, deciding which to choose can be tricky.
However, we suggest looking for a video editing PC with GPUs from the Nvidia GeForce RTX series.
For example, the RTX 3090 is one of the best GPUs that Nvidia provides, offering exceptional performance and features for professional use. It can handle even the most demanding workloads and is considered one of the most powerful on the market.
What monitor should I use for video editing?
Your choice of monitor can affect the comfort of your workflow and the end result.
A decent monitor for video editing PCs should eliminate the guesswork and ensure great colour accuracy, a healthy colour gamut, high resolution, and optimal viewing.
As video editors are responsible for making sure that videos look right when viewed on various displays, a monitor with high colour accuracy is essential to guarantee the final result looks good.
Used for everything from Hollywood movies to YouTube videos, 4K resolution is the gold standard for video editing. These screens help to deliver sharp images that are bright and accurate, and come in especially useful if you’ll be producing content in ultra-HD.
Bear in mind that you’ll need the best computer for video editing (one with a powerful CPU and plenty of RAM) to deliver high resolution to a 4K monitor.
How much should I look to spend on a video editing PC?
You can expect to pay anywhere between £1,730 and £4,478 for a video editing PC at Inside Tech.
Our best advice when looking for the best computer for video editing is to strike a balance between your editing requirements and budget constraints to prevent you from overspending.
Remember that, on top of your desktop, you’ll need to invest in a suitable PC monitor if you don’t already have one – so set yourself a realistic budget and stick to it.
Order the best video editing PC from Inside Tech
If you’re looking to improve your setup to make video editing smoother, you’re sure to find everything you need on our website.
Be sure to explore the range available within our online collection and click through to find out more about their specifications.
Once you’ve identified the perfect video editing PC for your needs, choose the most suitable options from the drop-down menu and add it to your basket.
If you have any questions or need an expert opinion, don’t hesitate to contact the team at Inside Tech on 0800 009 6084. We’re always on hand to help and would love to hear from you.
