How to Build a PC for Video Editing | A Beginner's Guide to Faster Editing

Building a custom PC for video editing is the best choice for creators because it lets you choose each component, such as the CPU, GPU, and storage. It also provides the flexibility to upgrade parts as your needs evolve. Moreover, building a PC for 4K editing is a more affordable and effective way to achieve the perfect setup for video editing. In this article, you will explore how to build a PC for video editing.

Essential components to build a video editing computer

Before building a PC for photo and video editing, it's important to know the key parts you need for it. Each component plays a big role in how fast and smooth your editing experience will be.

• CPU (central processing unit)
• The CPU handles the main tasks of video editing. A strong multi-core processor, like an Intel i9 or AMD Ryzen 9, helps with faster rendering and better performance during complex tasks.
• RAM (random access memory)
• RAM helps the PC manage multiple tasks at once. For video editing, 16GB is the minimum, but 32GB or more is recommended for smoother performance, especially with high-resolution video.
• Motherboard
• The motherboard connects all components. Choose one that supports your CPU, has enough RAM slots, and provides PCIe slots for a GPU and other cards. It’s important for future upgrades.
• Graphics card (GPU)
• The GPU is crucial for video editing, especially for tasks like 3D rendering and video effects. A powerful GPU, like an NVIDIA RTX or AMD Radeon, speeds up the editing process and improves visual performance.
• Computer case
• The case holds all components in place and provides cooling. Look for one with good airflow and enough space for future upgrades. A well-ventilated case ensures your system doesn't overheat.

Budget for pre-build video editing PCs with high performance

For those looking for a pre-built PC for video editing that provides a good video editing experience, there are several great options to consider.

• GEEKOM Mini IT11
• The GEEKOM Mini IT11 is a compact PC with solid performance for video editing. It comes with Intel’s 11th-gen processor and fast SSD storage that make it a good option for lighter video editing tasks. It provides portability without sacrificing power.
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• Lenovo ThinkCentre M75s Gen 2
• The Lenovo ThinkCentre M75s Gen 2 provides reliable efficiency at a lower price. Powered by an AMD Ryzen processor, it is a budget-friendly choice for video editors who don't need the highest-end specs but still require good performance for day-to-day editing.
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• Acer Aspire 5
• The Acer Aspire 5 is an affordable laptop with enough power to handle video editing tasks. Equipped with an Intel Core i5 processor and a solid-state drive, it provides a great balance between cost and performance.
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How to easily build a PC for video editing and gaming

PC build for gaming and video editing can be a straightforward process. You can create a high-performance system tailored to your needs with the right components and the correct steps. Follow this simple 5-step guide to build your custom PC.

1. Set a budget

Determine your budget based on performance needs. A low budget ($800-$1,000) is fine for basic editing and casual gaming, while mid-range ($1,200-$1,800) offers better performance. High-end builds ($2,000+) are ideal for professional video editing and 4K gaming.

2. Choose your key components

Processor (CPU): For video editing, a multi-core processor like the AMD Ryzen 5 or Intel Core i5 is ideal for entry-level builds. Upgrading to Ryzen 7 or Intel Core i7 improves rendering speeds, while Ryzen 9 or Core i9 shines in both gaming and intensive editing tasks.

Graphics Card (GPU): A good GPU is essential for both gaming and video editing. Budget builds can use NVIDIA GTX 1660 or AMD RX 570, while mid-range GPUs like RTX 3060 or RX 6700 XT balance performance and cost. For high-end builds, go for RTX 3080 or RX 6800 XT for ultimate performance.

Memory (RAM): 16GB of RAM is the baseline, but 32GB offers smoother multitasking for 4K editing or high-end gaming. Opt for faster RAM (3200 MHz or higher) to enhance overall system speed and responsiveness.

Storage: An SSD (500GB or 1TB) is crucial for fast booting and software loading. Pair it with a 2TB or larger HDD for video file storage. NVMe SSDs are faster and highly recommended for editing large video files.

Motherboard: Choose a motherboard that’s compatible with your CPU and provides enough expansion options. For value, look for B450/B550 (AMD) or B460/B560 (Intel) boards, offering solid performance without unnecessary features.

Power Supply Unit (PSU): A 650W to 850W PSU with 80+ Gold certification is ideal. It ensures stable power delivery to all components, especially when using high-performance GPUs that draw more power.

Cooling: For budget builds, stock cooling or a basic air cooler will suffice. Mid-to-high-end systems benefit from liquid cooling, especially if overclocking, to maintain optimal temperatures during demanding tasks.

3. Peripherals and accessories

Invest in a monitor with accurate color reproduction (IPS, 1440p, or 4K) for video editing. For gaming, choose a high refresh rate monitor. Other peripherals, like a responsive keyboard and mouse, will improve both editing and gaming experiences.

4. Assembly and configuration

Start by installing the CPU, RAM, and cooler on the motherboard. Then, mount the motherboard in the case, install the GPU, and connect storage devices. Ensure proper cable management to optimize airflow and aesthetics. Finally, install your OS and video editing software to test performance.

5. Testing and optimization

After assembling your PC, power it on and check the BIOS for temperature stability. Run benchmarks to ensure everything is performing well, especially during video editing or gaming sessions. If needed, overclock components for extra performance, but ensure your cooling system can handle the load.

5 pro tips to build a desktop PC for video editing

Here are 5 pro tips to help you build your own video editing PC.

• Intel K Class CPU with iGPU (12th Gen or later
• Choose an Intel CPU with an integrated GPU (iGPU) from the 12th Gen or later. The iGPU supports Intel QuickSync, enabling smooth editing of 8-bit H.264 4:2:0 and H.265 formats without needing proxies or intermediates.
• Nvidia RTX GPU (6GB VRAM or more)
• For 4K editing, use an Nvidia RTX GPU with at least 6GB of VRAM. While 4GB works for HD editing, 6GB ensures smooth 4K performance. Nvidia’s CUDA acceleration and hardware encoding offer better stability and quality compared to AMD GPUs.
• Ample RAM (32GB or more)
• 32GB of RAM is necessary for 4K editing, while 64GB provides even smoother performance, especially during memory spikes. While 16GB was enough for HD, 32GB is required for heavy 4K workloads.
• Dedicated, fast storage
• Use a dedicated, fast storage device separate from your SSD system. A high-speed SSD or RAID setup ensures quick access to large video files, reducing lag during editing.
• Optimized GPU decoding
• Intel’s QuickSync is excellent for H.264/H.265 decoding, but your GPU (Nvidia or AMD) can handle hardware decoding for some formats. Use your NLE’s settings to toggle between hardware options for optimal performance.

An easy tool to enhance your video quality: CapCut desktop

CapCut desktop video editor is a powerful tool for enhancing video quality. With AI-powered features, it provides instant solutions for video upscaling, color correction, stabilization, and more. Whether you're editing gaming clips, tutorials, or creative projects, CapCut simplifies the process and delivers professional results efficiently.



Key features

• Instantly upscale videos
• An AI video upscaler enhances your videos to higher resolutions, improving their sharpness and clarity. This makes them suitable for professional-level edits.
• Auto-reframe the video
• The auto-reframe feature makes it easy for users to resize their videos and ensures they always fit the right aspect ratio for various platforms.
• Quick AI color correction
• Provides an AI-powered color correction tool that adjusts your video's brightness, contrast, and saturation with a single click.
• Stabilize video with AI
• The video stabilization tool smooths out shaky footage, which makes it ideal for action-packed scenes.
• Export video in high-quality
• CapCut enables users to export videos in 4K resolution, ensuring every detail is sharp and clear for sharing or professional use.

How to make a high-quality video in CapCut

To edit 4K videos in CapCut, ensure you have the latest version of the editor. If you haven't downloaded it yet, click the button below to install it on your device.

Step
1. Upload the video
2. Click the "Import" button and select the video you want to edit. Drag and drop it onto the timeline.
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Step
4. Upscale the video
5. First, go to the "Video" tab, and under the "Basic" section, select "Reduce image noise." Select noise level and this will enhance footage. You can manually adjust colors or use "Color correction" to enhance the overall appearance. This helps make your video clearer and more vibrant.
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Step
7. Export and share
8. Click the "Export" button at the top right corner. Select the 4K resolution and format and adjust any settings. Once everything is set, click "Export" again to save your high-quality video. You can also share it on TikTok and YouTube.
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Conclusion

To sum up, knowing how to build a PC for video editing with the right components can significantly enhance your video editing workflow. A powerful CPU, ample RAM, and a great graphics card enable smooth video processing that makes your work faster. Additional features like cooling and overclocking further improve video quality. Once your PC is set up, you can use tools to edit your video. CapCut desktop video editor is the best tool that lets you easily upscale and edit videos in 4K, giving your content a professional touch.

FAQs

1. Should I use liquid or air cooling to build an editing PC?
2. Both liquid and air cooling have their advantages. Air cooling is simpler and more affordable. It works well for general video editing tasks. Liquid cooling, on the other hand, provides better performance for high-end PCs, especially if you are overclocking or handling heavy workloads. It helps to maintain lower temperatures. Once your system is ready, you can make and edit your editing with the CapCut desktop video editor.
3. Can a custom-built video editing PC handle 8K video editing effectively?
4. Yes, a custom-built video editing PC with the right components, such as a high-end CPU, large RAM capacity, and a powerful GPU, can handle 8K video editing effectively. These powerful specs help to process 8K footage smoothly and efficiently. If you are looking for a tool to edit videos, the CapCut desktop video editor is the best option to choose.
5. What's the best GPU for building a 4K video editing PC?
6. For 4K video editing, the best GPUs are typically high-end models like the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080, 3090, or the AMD Radeon RX 6900 XT. These GPUs provide great performance for handling 4K footage, providing smooth playback and fast rendering. After building a PC for editing, you need a tool to create videos. For this, you can use the CapCut desktop video editor.