How to Choose a Processor for Video Editing? Which One Do I Need?

If you want to edit random video clips, trim them a little bit, make a cute montage or something, you can do that with any device. But if you’re looking for some advanced alteration, you will need a high-performance computer.

Yes, when it is about 4K or 8K footage, you will need a processor to handle high-resolution clips. Otherwise, editing your clips will take forever, and nobody has that much time!

So, now you may ask, “What processor do I need for video editing without any hitch?” Well, that’s what this article is all about.

Here, we will tell you the requirements for altering clips in the shortest amount of time. Let’s start the discussion, shall we?

Best Processor for Video Editing – How Do You Choose One?

Getting a processor is an easy task as there are plenty of options out there. For your regular jobs, you can pick any PC with decent specs, and you are good to go!

But if you want something for daunting jobs such as professional video editing or heavy-duty gaming, you need to choose carefully. Otherwise, your device will keep lagging and you may want to throw it out of the window. 

Don’t worry; we won’t let that happen. Here is a quick guide to the minimum computer specs for video editing. It will help you make the right decision and then unleash the creative beast living inside you!

how to choose a processor for video editing

Here is how you choose the best CPU for video editing.

Number of Cores

If you want to alter HD videos in your device without lagging, you have to get a multi-core processor; there is no alternative. In this case, the more cores you get, the more effortless your experience will be.

The minimum number of the recommended core is four; hence, processors such as Intel Core i3 aren’t suitable for this task. If you want to stick with Intel, you can go for Intel Core i5, i7, or i9. Among these options, the i9 will be an amazing choice; there is no doubt about that.

And when you are into AMD processors, you should definitely get Ryzen 5 or above for a smooth editing session.

Multithreading

Multithreading or hyper-threading allows you to add a physical core to a virtual one. In this way, the operating system will recognize it as two virtual cores. 

When you do this, your single core can share the workload, and your task will be finished in a record amount of time. Thus, you should always pick a multi-threaded processor so you can edit 4K or 8K videos like butter! 

The expert recommends that you should go for a six-core processor that has at least 12 threads. . If you get a system like this, your PC will be excellent at multitasking; you can encode, alter, and make any videos you want! The sky is your limit!

Clock Speed

While choosing a high-performance processor for footage editing, you will need something that comes with a faster clock speed. When this speed is increased, the software will be more responsive, and that’s essential!

If you want to edit 4K or higher resolution videos, add special effects, and do some pro-level alteration, a processor with enhanced overclocking speed is required. It will allow you to be artistic without being frustrated, and that’s something worthy of your hard-earned money.

Now that you know how to get the coolest processor to edit some exciting video, let us tell you about the overall PC specs you need. Let’s dive into that part right away!

Basic Computer Specs for Video Editing – All You Need to Know

When you plan to perform some alteration, here is the list of features you need to have in your device. These are the basic computer specs for video editing, so try to go higher if possible. 

RAM

Usually, 8-32 GB of RAMs are available these days, and this component doesn’t really cost much. Hence, you shouldn’t try to save money on this one while building a PC. 

However, it doesn’t matter if you are getting a desktop or laptop; it would be better to go for at least 16GB RAM. It will allow you to have faster speed and smoother transitions, which is the goal!

Storage

The minimum amount of storage you can get is 256GB SSD. And yes, get as much as SSD capacity you can. If you have the budget, you can go for up to 1TB SSD if you have plans for editing 8K videos.

Larger footage will need bigger space, and you will store multiple videos at a time. Thus, keep that in mind while making the purchase!

Operating System

Always try to get the latest operating system on the market, such as Windows 7,8, 10, or Linux. For instance, Windows 10 is one of the most advanced options; hence, you can get to make your journey breezier.

Screen Size

A larger screen size will allow you to have a better view of your clips. As a result, you can easily adjust the light, add or remove any detail you want. For a noteworthy experience, you should go for 13-inch to 16-inch monitors to have a better experience. 

Which Processor Is Better for Video Editing? – AMD or Intel?

We know that both AMD and Intel are excellent choices, but we are always in search of the better option! Some people will tell you to go for AMD as they make great CPUs for gaming, and Intel has always been a well-reputed name. 

So, if you ask which processor is better for video editing, you have every right to do that. But we can solve this dilemma right now.

Here are some suggestions for you that will ensure a flawless video editing experience.

AMD RYZEN 9 5950X – Best High-End Video Editing CPU

The AMD Ryzen 5950X is one of the best AMD processors for video editing. It comes with 32 threads and 16 cores; that’s more than you need for trouble-free footage alteration!

On top of everything, this processor is built with ultra-fast clock speed; hence, you can get your work done in the shortest amount of time. Therefore, even though it comes at a higher price point, it is worth your money.

INTEL 11th GEN CORE i9-11900K – Best Overall Processor for Video Editing

For an all-rounder experience, you can go for the Intel 11th Gen Core i9-11900K without any hesitation. This processor has 8 cores and 16 threads, which is enough for modifying videos without any issues. 

Additionally, the clock boost speed is up to 5.3GHz; thus, you won’t have to face any delay while processing your clips. And you are also getting a top-notch cooler with this system, so you won’t have to deal with overheating issues.

AMD Ryzen 5 5600X – Best Budget Video Editing Processor

If you are running on a tight budget but still want to buy a decent processor for video editing, this AMD Ryzen 5 5600X will be just the right one. It has 6 cores and 12 threads. And that’s just the basic specs required for altering the clips without any complications.

Furthermore, the boost clock speed is up to 4.6GHz, so you will get optimal service. And it comes within a pocket-friendly budget, which is good news for tons of users out there!

Which Specs are Best for Adobe Premiere Pro?

Here are the system requirements for Adobe Premiere Pro. With these specs, you can expect optimal service from this software.

RAM for Premiere Pro

You can go for 16GB to 32GB memory capacity. The more you can get, the smoother experience you will have.

Storage for Premiere Pro

To speed up the editing process, use NVMe SSD. It will help to finish your project without any hitch.

Graphics for Premiere Pro

The graphics card should have at least 4GB of RAM. Moreover, you should opt for a dedicated GPU for running things gracefully.

Processor for Premiere Pro

The processor has to be Intel Core i5 or higher. And for AMD, you shouldn’t get anything below Ryzen 5. Additionally, you will need at least eight cores if you want the finest service from your Adobe Premiere Pro.

The Bottom Line

Hopefully, after reading the article, you’ll never ask what processor do I need for video editing. We took our time to explain things in detail, so now you can use it as an ultimate guide without any confusion.

But there is one thing you should keep in mind. If you go for higher specs, the bulkier check you will have to pay. So, before you commit to a PC for professional footage editing, get ready to keep your bank account clean for a while!

Chris Martin is a professional tech writer. He's been covering tech tutorials, hardware reviews, and more as a professional writer for over seven years now and it doesn't look like he'll be stopping anytime soon! In addition to writing about the latest gadgets on the market, he also covers topics such as how to set up your home network or troubleshoot any computer problems you may have.

Be the first to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.


*

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.