Best Computer for Video Editing

the Best computer for Video Editing 2021 – 4k and Budget PC Builds

Building a PC for Video Editing is Very Confusing especially when we do everything ourselves as we have to choose from many different options. Let’s have a look at the best computer for Video Editing in this Article.

How to choose the Best Computers for Video Editing?

When Choosing a Computer you have to choose what works for your working style you can choose a Laptop if you are Travelling more and a Desktop for a Professional Working style but you have to choose between the Mac or PC for Video Editing in your laptop or desktop .

Mac Vs PC for Video Editing?

In short, it depends on the Software you are using. Mac is Excellent if you are using it with Final Cut X and PC is a Good Choice if you are using Premiere Pro or Davinci Resolve

We have dealt with Mac vs PC for Video Editing in a Separate article You can check it here.

Laptop Vs Desktop for Video Editing?

Simply put Desktops are always powerful than Laptops for Video Editing but if your working style is more of run and gun and you want to edit on the go, You can Choose a laptop for Video Editing over Desktop.

However Laptops have Become Powerful these days that are no lesser than a Desktop.

Take a Look

We Have Dedicated an Entire Separate Article on best laptop computer for video editing Please Check it.

Pre Built ( Branded ) vs Custom PC ( Assembled ) for Video Editing:

If You Don’t want the hassle of Assembling or have never assembled a PC then A Pre Built or Branded PC is Best for You. Pre-built computers are the almost plug and play, and quality is guaranteed most of the times but can be pricey.

However if you are a tech Savyy and have the experience of assembling a PC previously then a Custom PC is Best For you. however if you don’t know what you are doing you could potentially waste a lot of money and Time.

Pre Built ( Branded )

  • Plug and Play
  • Good Quality
  • Uniform Warranty
  • Repair process is simple
  • can be difficult to upgrade
  • Best for Studios / Companies

Custom PC Build ( Assembled )

  • Needs to be Assembled
  • Better Performance
  • Variable Warranty
  • Repair process is complicated
  • Easily upgradable
  • Best for Enthusiasts

What is the Best Computer for Video Editing (Pre Built / Branded )?

Here’s a List of the Best Branded or Pre Built Computers for Video Editing in 2021.

CategoryPre – Built PCCINEBENCH SCORE
( Higher = Better )
PUGET SYSTEMS SCORE
( Higher = Better )
PRICE
Best PerformanceCYBERPOWERPC Gamer Supreme Liquid Cool Gaming PC 22046990Link
Best Value for MoneySkyTech Archangel 3.0 Gaming Computer PC Desktop 12195860Link
Best Entry Level / BudgetSkytech Archangel Gaming Computer PC Desktop 9073602Link
Best Budget Mac for 4k Video Editing with Final Cut Mac Mini with Apple M1 Chip7508445
( for Premiere Pro )
Link

Best PC for Video Editing – Under 4000$
CYBERPOWERPC Gamer Supreme Liquid Cool PC

CyberPowerPC Gamer Supreme, even though it is aimed for gamers but it is still one the best Computers for Video Editing

Specs

  • CPU
    AMD Ryzen 5900X – 12 Core / 24 Threads Processor
  • GPU
    Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 8GB
  • RAM
    16GB DDR4
  • Storage
    1TB NVMe SSD
  • Motherboard
    AMD B550 Chipset
  • Features
    Built in Wifi , Liquid Cooling, RGB Lighting
OVERALL RATING

RYZEN 9 5900X is One beast of a CPU which can easily handle any Footage you can throw at it coupled with the RTX 3070 which has 8GB of Video memory is sufficient to handle 4k Footage.

Its Fast 1TB NVME SSD is more than enough for Faster Editing Workflow and scrubbing of the Footage along with the 16GB DDR4 Memory even though is sufficient for 4K Editing but can be easily upgradable to 32GB or 64GB.

professional video editing computer

Good

  • Powerful and Reliable for Video Editing
  • Best in Class Live Playback / Scrubbing through Footage
  • Supports multiple Monitor Workflow Easily
  • RGB Looks Cool
  • Upgradable
  • NVME SSD is Superfast

Bad

  • Very Expensive
  • Lacks USB C port
  • Needs Certain level of maintenance
  • RAM Could be more than 16GB

CYBERPOWERPC Gamer Supreme Liquid Cool Gaming PC although aimed at Gamers, it is one of a beast of PCs that can smoothly run 4k Video Editing Workflow Loads in the Adobe Premiere Pro or Davinci Resolve.

Best Desktop for Video Editing under 1600$ – SkyTech Archangel 3.0 Gaming Computer PC Desktop

Specs

  • CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 3700X – 8 Core / 16 Thread Processor
  • GPU
    Nvidia RTX 3060 – 12GB
  • RAM
    16 GB DDR4
  • Storage
    1 TB SSD
  • Motherboard
    B450A-M
  • Features
    Built in Wi-Fi, RGB Lighting
OVERALL RATING

Ryzen 7 3700X is the Perfect Middle Ground between the Price and Performance, Coupled with the RTX 3060 12GB Video Memory gives Perfect Live Media Playback speeds which enhanced the video editing Experience Overall and its 16GB RAM though adequate for Medium Tasks, can be upgraded as and when Necessary

Best Value for Money

Good

  • Excellent Value for Money
  • Great Live Media Playback Speeds
  • Supports multiple Monitor Workflow Easily
  • Looks Marvelous
  • Upgradable

Bad

  • only 1 M.2 Port
  • Lacks USB C port
  • Port Selection Could have been Better
  • RAM Could be more than 16GB

SkyTech Archangel 3.0 Gaming Computer PC Desktop offers Excellent Bang for Buck CPU and GPU combo and Works Effortlessly for Majority of the Video Editing Projects.
Recommended PC for Professional Video Editors Who are looking for a Reliable and Powerful PC yet inexpensive.

best desktop computer for video editing on a budget – Skytech Archangel Gaming Computer PC Desktop

KEY POINTS

  • CPU
    Ryzen 5 3600 – 6 Core / 12 Thread Processor
  • GPU
    NVIDIA GTX 1660 – 6GB Video RAM
  • Storage
    500 GB SSD
  • RAM
    8 GB DDR4 RAM
  • Features
    Built-in-Wi-Fi, RGB lights
OVERALL RATING

Ryzen 5 3600 is a good Entry Point for 4k Video editing, Coupled with the 1660 6GB Video RAM is Good for both Video Editing and Gaming.

While It can Easily Handle Simple Editing Projects, it might not be sufficient enough for Professional Work which requires a Reliable CPU like Ryzen 7 or Ryzen 9.

Best Computer for Video Editing on a budget

Good

  • Good for Beginners
  • Build Quality is Great
  • Decent Performance for the Price.
  • Very Good Customer Support
  • Looks are Quite Good.

Bad

  • 8 GB RAM is barely Sufficient
  • 500GB SSD is too Basic

Skytech Archangel Gaming Computer PC Desktop offers decent 4k Video Editing Experience, though upgradable 16GB RAM would have been Great.

Recommended PC Build for Beginner Video Editors Who are looking for a Budget Friendly 4k Video Editing PC Desktop

M1 Mac Mini : Best Budget Mac for Video Editing with Final Cut

Specs

  • CPU
    Apple M1 Processor 8‑core CPU, 8‑core GPU and 16‑core Neural Engine
  • GPU
    Integrated with CPU
  • RAM
    8GB or 16 GB
  • Storage
    256 to 2 TB
  • Features
    Additional 10Gigabit Ethernet Port
OVERALL RATING

Apple M1 Chip Took Internet by storm when released with its unmatched Performance per wattage, but for an ever plugged in Desktop build it might not matter much.

Though a Good Processor, the Software like Adobe Premiere Pro and Davinci Resolve Are still under Development to run natively on the Mac OS and are currently running on Rosetta 2.

It Shines with the Apples own Video Editor Final Cut Pro, proving that this has much higher potential.

It is a very Good Entry point into the 4k Video Editing when using Final Cut Pro considering the Price point. but i can get expensive Quickly when we add the Price of 16 GB unified memory and 1 TB or more SSD to the Cart.

Best Budget Mac for Video Editing with Final Cut Pro

Good

  • Excellent 4k Editing with Final Cut Pro
  • Decent 4k Editing with Premiere Pro
  • Sufficient Port Selection
  • Very Low Power Consumption

Bad

  • can become expensive with Bigger Storage
  • GPU Performance is just adequate

M1 Mac Mini Offers an a Decent Video Editing Experience when using with Premiere pro but is Excellent when paired with Final Cut Pro.

Recommended for People who Loves Editing with Final Cut Pro or Davinci Resolve

Best Mac for Video Editing : Mac Pro

Best Computer for Video Editing Mac Pro 4k and 8k

Specs

  • CPU
    8‑core to 28‑core Intel Xeon W processor
  • RAM
    up to 1.5TB of DDR4 ECC memory
  • GPU
    AMD Radeon Pro ( 580X, W5500X, W5700X, W6800X, W6800X Duo )
  • Storage
    up to 8TB SSD Storage
  • Additional Cards
    Apple Afterburner
    ProRes and ProRes RAW accelerator card
  • I/O
    Two USB 3 ports, Two Thunderbolt 3 ports, Two 10Gb Ethernet ports
OVERALL RATING

Mac Pro is a very Niche Product aimed at Professional Video Editors. If you are looking to buy this, chances are you are extremely good at what you do and You know what you are buying.

For those who are just Knowing, This is one of the Best Computer money can get for a Video Editing. All though it can virtually Run anything you throw at it, It is still limited by the Software which can use this sheer amount of the power.

The Best Computer Money can get for Video Editing

Pros

  • Can Virtually Run anything You Throw at it.
  • After burner card works Wonders.
  • Excellent Build Quality
  • Clean and Pro Look
  • Incredibly Quiet for the Power

Cons

  • Too Expensive
  • No NVIDIA Cards Support

Mac Pro is one of the Fastest and Most Powerful mac that money can buy. It starts at a Whopping 5999$ and quickly goes beyond 10000$ easily when you Start Adding additional Storage and Afterburner Cards and GPUs.

Recommended for the Professional Video Editors who work on Large Scale Projects like Movies or Films.

Best Custom Built PC for Video Editing

What are Best Specs for Video Editing

Before answering the Question Lets Look at Each Component in making the Computer for Video Editing individually and Understand what works for You.

1. CPU or Processor

As You All Know CPU is the Brain of the Computer. Major Share of the Video Editing work is taken up by the Processor.

You should choose the Type of the Processor Depending on the Type of the Software You Use, For Example Final Cut Pro Editing Software is heavily Optimized for the M1 Processors due to its tight Hardware and Software integration.

Premiere Pro Performance depends the Number of High Performance Cores rather than on the Number of Cores itself.

Read On

We have Written an in-depth Article on the Best CPU for Video Editing.
You can Check it

2. Mother Board

Motherboard Connects all the Parts of the Computer to One another.
Each Motherboard has a Specific Socket for CPU.

So, Choose the One Which is Compatible with the CPU you have Chosen. All the I/O like Number of RAM slots and PCI Lanes and SATA ports are Different for Different Motherboards.

We have Written a Guide for Choosing the Best Motherboard for Video Editing Do check it.

3. RAM

RAM is the temporary ultra Fast Storage unit which is required to feed the Important information to the CPU like software, footage etc.,

Till a certain level increasing RAM enhances the Video Editing Experience but beyond the Certain level Add more RAM may no help much.

You can Read on, How much RAM is Good For Video Editing Here.

4. Hard Disk Vs SSD

Simply Speaking SSD is Always better than HDD for Video Editing but Hard Disk does have its merits.

You can Learn More About HDD vs SSD for Video Editing Here

5. Graphics Card or GPU

GPU or Graphics Processor is a specialized processor made for handling Graphically intensive Tasks like Coding, Decoding Codecs, Handling 3D Programs etc.

with the Advent for GPU or Hardware Accelerated Video Rendering GPUs have become an important Aspect of Video Editing.

Read More

We have Dedicated an Entire Sub Topic on Best GPU for Video Editing Here. Do check it.

6. Monitor or display

Though the Term Monitor simply means To View Something, Due to the Sheer Number of New Terms like 60 Hz, 120Hz, V-Sync, Free Sync, DCI, IPS, LED, LCD display, NTSC, Color Gamut etc, have made choosing the monitor or Display for Video Editing a Huge Pain.

So, we have Explained all the Relevant Terms and Dedicated an Entire Article on Best Monitor for Video Editing Here.

7. SMPS or PSU

SMPS or PSU is the Power Supply Unit for the Computer. Choosing a Bad PSU can Harm your Video Editing PC Build.

So, How much watt PSU do i need for Building the Video Editing Computer?

Fortunately, You can check it the Newegg PSU Watt Calculator.

We Recommend Cooler master and Corsair SMPS

Intel – 4k Custom Build PC for Video Editing

With the Introduction of the 12th Gen Intel Processors the Tides have turned for Team Blue and They Have Delivered This Time. After being a Laughing stock for almost 5 years.

The Intel core i5 the Entry Level for a 4k Video Editing Machine and the 12th Gen 12600k has packed in the punch surpassing previous 11th Gen 11600K in every benchmark even crossing the Ryzen 7 5800x in some benchmarks.

So, Lets have a Look at the Best Intel PC Build for Video Editing.

Entry Level / Budget Edition

OVERALL RATING


The Only Hard Part is Getting Your hands on a GPU for MSRP Which is Very Hard Due to the Chip Shortage at the time of writing this article. If you couldn’t get your hands on GTX 1660Ti Try Purchasing a GTX 1050Ti Which is also a Decent Card for 4k Video Editing. If You can Get a Graphics card at MSRP your price will hugely reduce.

Best Performance for Price

OVERALL RATING
The Major Chunk of the Budget is being used again for the GPU which is almost $1000 at the Retail but is actually priced almost at half and Also the DDR5 RAM is extremely fast but a little hard to get hands on at the time of writing this article. and Alternatively You can Buy a Liquid Cooler if you want a more silent System.

Best Money Can Buy

OVERALL RATING
Even Though this Build Costs almost double the Performance Build, It gives just a performance boost of just 15 -20 percent over the Former but never the less This High-end Components surely Helps while Editing in the Multiple 4k Streams or 8k Video Editing

AMD Ryzen – Custom PC Build for 4k Video Editing :

Best Entry Level / Budget Edition

OVERALL RATING
With the Advent of the 12th Gen Intel Processors, AMD Ryzen CPUs have undergone a Price Cut Making them Best Value for the Price at every Segment. and more over AMD Ryzen PC Builds costs less than their Intel Counterparts due to cheaper Motherboards and Inclusion of the CPU Cooler in the CPU Box Itself.

Final Thoughts

Be it a Laptop or Desktop, Pre Built or Custom Built Video Editing PC, What Matters is choosing the one that suits more to the the Workflow we use.

We hope This article helped you in choosing the best Computer for Video Editing.

we will continue to update this article for the future releases and Be sure to Leave a Comment Below if you have any Doubts or Suggestions. and Subscribe to our Newsletter for more Future updates.

Top
Red pop up

You have successfully subscribed to the newsletter

There was an error while trying to send your request. Please try again.

We promise we will never spam you, Please Check our Terms