While building a PC for video editing, you need to consider a few key points that shouldn’t be compromised. The processor is the most essential part to consider while building a PC. Most video editing software today relies heavily on the CPU, and they also need some GPU acceleration support, but it’s the CPU that holds most of the load.
This is the primary reason people looking to build a video editing PC should invest their money in a good CPU. A processor with sufficient cores and threads, a good microarchitecture, and a high clock speed is perfect for video editing.
Quick Shopping Tips
Each and every CPU is not perfect for video editing, even those that are expensive. Few certain things can help optimize video editing workflow, and it is better to invest in a CPU that is ideal for video editing. While looking for a CPU for video editing, you need to consider the cores, threads, and clock speed.
Many components should be combined together for making a great video editing PC.
Cores and Threads
Nowadays, it isn’t ideal to buy anything below four-core for video editing. Multiple cores and threads are helpful to run video editing software smoothly, and the performance of video editing software usually scales directly with higher performance CPUs having multiple cores.
Clock Speed
Another major feature of a good CPU is clock speed. However, it is crucial to note that the clock speed of the CPU matters when the CPU is equipped with a sufficient number of cores and threads as well as microarchitecture. The software works smoothly and efficiently on the increased clock speed, which means that processors with high clock speeds perform better. Another crucial thing you should remember is that if you are editing videos in higher resolutions, such as 4K, having a powerful CPU will be helpful to increase the performance and speed.
CPU vs. GPU for Video Editing
What’s more important for video editing, the CPU or the GPU? However, the CPU was the right answer for this question a few years ago. And overall, it is still the CPU, but having a good GPU is helpful, especially if you use Adobe Premiere Pro. Adobe has regularly increased the use of GPU with Premiere Pro so that a modern GPU can be ideal. Keeping in mind that video encoding is a very CPU-intensive task, you will need to spend a lot of money on the CPU. However, suppose you are going to use GPU-accelerated effects in the videos. In that case, you need to know that Premiere Pro uses the CUDA cores to render those effects more efficiently. GPU-accelerated effects are used much in video editing, so it is actually something that relies on the specific workload. But in the end, you will need to consider spending on the CPU as this gives you the most benefits while building a PC for video editing.
Our Recommendations of The Best AMD Ryzen CPUs For Video Editing In 2021:
AWARD | MODEL | RETAILER |
SUITABLE FOR BUILDING A HIGH-QUALITY VIDEO EDITING PC | AMD Ryzen 9 3950X | |
EXCELLENT CHOICE AMONG AMD'S ZEN 2 LINEUP | AMD Ryzen 9 3900X Processor | |
POWERFUL CHIP IS IDEAL FOR ALL USERS WHO WANT TO IMPROVE THEIR OVERALL EDITING WORKFLOW AT A BUDGET-FRIENDLY PRICE | AMD Ryzen 7 5800X | |
CPU FOR VIDEO EDITING AND SOME LIGHT GAMING | AMD Ryzen 7 3700X | |
EXCELLENT CHOICE IF YOU DON'T NEED 12 CORES | AMD Ryzen 7 3800X Processor | |
SWEET BALANCE BETWEEN PRICE AND PERFORMANCE | AMD Ryzen 5 3600X Processor | |
PERFECT FOR PEOPLE WHO WANT TO SAVE SOME MONEY ON BUYING A NEW CPU | AMD Ryzen 5 3600 Processor | |
BEST BUDGET CPU FOR VIDEO EDITING | AMD Ryzen 5 2600 | |
ONE OF THE BEST CPUS BASED ON THE LATEST ZEN 3 BASED CHIPS | AMD Ryzen 7 5700G | |
SERIOUS DEAL FOR PEOPLE WHO CARE ABOUT HOW THEIR PCS RUN, SOUND, AND LOOK | AMD Ryzen 5 2600X |
Here is the list of best AMD Ryzen CPUs for video editing in 2021:
10 Best AMD Ryzen CPUs For Video Editing In 2021
Key Features
- Zen 2 Architecture
- AM4 Socket
- 16 Cores & 32 Threads
- 5 GHz Base Frequency / 4.7 Boost Frequency
- 105W TDP
Overview
It is one of AMD’s latest and brightest offerings, especially when it comes to video editing. The cost of this CPU can be a bit more than its competitors, and it doesn’t come with a stock cooler. However, this CPU offers double the cores and threads that its competitors.
This powerful CPU comes with 16 cores and 32 threads that are double what you can get in Intel Core i9-9900K. The multi-core and threaded performance of AMD Ryzen 9 3950X makes it better than its competitors. It can smoothly perform jobs like video editing that need multiple cores and threads for smooth performance. It is an excellent choice for content creators and content editors who want fast and smooth performance.
Considering the more cores and threads of AMD Ryzen 3950X, it is safe to say that it will perform considerably better than its competitors. Overall, it is an ideal CPU that offers high performance and is suitable for building a high-quality video editing PC.
PROS |
Very Fast |
CONS |
Quite Expensive |
Key Features
- Zen 2 Architecture
- AM4 Socket
- 12 Cores & 24 Threads
- 8 GHz Base Frequency / 4.6 GHz Boost Frequency
- 105W TDP
Overview
AMD Ryzen 9 3900X is an excellent choice among AMD’s Zen 2 lineup. It has a high core count and high-frequency capability to render videos faster at higher resolutions. The total number of cores and threads available in this CPU is ideal for video editing. It has 12 cores and 24 threads. It manages to give great competition to Intel.
It offers a base clock frequency of up to 3.8 GHz. However, rendering can support a maximum boost of 4.6 GHz if you need a little more. This clock speed is more than enough, but it offers easy overclocking options for the users as it is an unlocked CPU.
Like AMD promised users with their first-generation Ryzen processors, the 3900X also uses the AM4 socket. This CPU is based on a 7nm processor, which is the latest and greatest, and it is one of the significant advantages AMD has over Intel. It supports dual-channel memory at 3200 MHz, and the CPU offers a 105W TDP.
Overall, if you need to build a high-end video editing PC, this CPU is undoubtedly the best choice. It can handle every kind of CPU-intensive task.
PROS |
Offers 12 Cores |
CONS |
No Integrated Graphics |
Key Features
- 8 Cores & 16 Threads
- 7 GHz Boost Frequency
- AM4 Socket
- 105W TDP
Overview
The new generation of AMD Ryzen 7 is impressive, and users are happy with the performance. AMD has completely outclassed Intel processors with its AMD Ryzen 7 series microprocessors. This is mainly because AMD is offering a large number of cores combined with the high boost clock at an affordable price compared to the newest generation provided by Intel. Thus, it helped increase the overall fan following of the Ryzen 7 series and made it an emerging microprocessor-making company.
With the help of this series, AMD beat Intel processors and its own recently launched Ryzen processor series. AMD Ryzen 7 5800X comes with 8 cores and 16 threads to handle multitasking easily. This new processor can run all of its 8 cores at a clock speed of up to 4.7 GHz. It is based on Zen 3 architecture and is built for high-end handling games and heavy workloads like video editing.
Overall, this powerful chip is ideal for all users who want to improve their overall editing workflow at a budget-friendly price.
PROS |
Zen 3 Architecture |
CONS |
No Cooler Included |
Key Features
- 8 Cores & 16 Threads
- 6 GHz Base Frequency / 4.4 GHz Boost Frequency
- AM4 Socket
- 65W TDP
Overview
AMD Ryzen 7 3700X is known as AMD’s most famous performance CPU in recent years. It offers an outstanding balance between video editing performance and price. It is ideal for buyers who are looking for a great chip at an affordable price. It provides the multithreading performance you can expect from AMD products, allowing this processor to throw its weight around while dealing with intensive tasks. It smoothly juggles footage within a timeline and offers incredible rendering speeds. It helps to reduce the rendering time significantly.
It is powered with the Zen 2 architecture, having 8 cores and 16 threads. It offers a base frequency of up to 3.6 GHz and 4.4 GHz boost frequencies and a 65W TDP. You will notice these specifications are pretty similar to the Core i9-9900K. Thus, buying an AMD Ryzen 7 3700X is an excellent choice at a much lower price.
The only biggest downside of this processor is its gaming performance, which isn’t better than Intel. We recommend this processor to people looking for a CPU for video editing and some light gaming.
PROS |
Excellent Task Handling Capabilities |
CONS |
Lags Behind Intel in Single-Core Performance |
Key Features
- Zen 2 Architecture
- 8 Cores & 16 Threads
- 9 GHz Base Frequency / 4.5 GHz Boost Frequency
- AM4 Socket
- 105W TDP
Overview
Many powerful CPU options are available on the market that is part of Zen 2 architecture from AMD. However, some video editors simply don’t need that much performance. If you don’t want to buy the Ryzen 9 3900X as a high core count, a great alternative will help you save some money – the Ryzen 7 3800X. It is a powerful processor that helps you save some money and get outstanding performance.
This CPU is made on the TSMC 7nm FinFET process, which uses AMD’s standard AM4 socket. Moreover, it comes with a 105W TDP and excellent Wraith Prism cooler by AMD. However, you will need something more powerful if you are looking to overclock it.
This processor is equipped with 16 threads and 8 cores, which will be helpful for smooth video editing. It offers a base frequency of 3.9 GHz, higher than the 3.8 GHz offered by Ryzen 9. Anyways, if you want to push the limits, it can easily reach 4.5 GHz with a turbo boost, and it provides enough room for overclocking. It supports dual-channel memory at 3200 MHz. If you want to get the best of the CPU, it is suggested to use fast memory.
Overall, the Ryzen 7 3800X is an excellent choice if you don’t need 12 cores.
PROS |
Comes With Bundled Cooler |
CONS |
Minimum Overclocking Headroom |
Key Features
- Zen 2 Architecture
- 6 Cores & 12 Threads
- 8 GHz Base Frequency / 4.4 GHz Boost Frequency
- AM4 Socket
- 95W TDP
Overview
Even though it is part of the mainstream-labeled Ryzen 5 series, the Ryzen 5 3600X is more likely to become the best seller among all CPUs released by AMD as part of the Zen 2 architecture. The major competitors of this CPU are Intel i7-8700K and i7-9700K, and however, it beats both of them in some scenarios. The price of this CPU is affordable, making it an attractive option.
Like other models, this CPU is also built on a TSMC 7nm FinFET process. It supports dual-channel memory at 3200 MHz. Moreover, just like other Ryzen chips, we suggest using fast memory if you want to benefit from this chip. It comes with a default TDP of 95W, and you will also get a Wraith Spire cooler within the box to get things up and running.
This processor has fewer cores than the Ryzen 7 models, and it comes with 6 cores and 12 threads, which is still enough for video editing. It offers excellent frequencies, a 3.8 GHz base frequency, and a 4.4 GHz boost frequency that keep users happy while rendering. Overall, this is a sweet balance between price and performance.
PROS |
Supports AM4 Motherboards |
CONS |
Lacks Integrated Graphics |
Key Features
- Zen 2 Architecture
- 6 Cores & 12 Threads
- 6 GHz Base Frequency / 4.2 GHz Boost Frequency
- AM4 Socket
- 65W TDP
Overview
The Ryzen 5 3600 is slightly weaker than the 3600X, just like the 3700X and the 3800X. However, the fact is that it doesn’t make it a weaker model at all. Quite different, it makes it perfect for people who want to save some money on buying a new CPU.
This processor has 12 threads and 6 cores. The clock speeds of this processor are slightly slower than the powerful option. It comes with a base frequency of 3.6 GHz and offers a turbo boost up to 4.4 GHz. However, this isn’t something that you will notice unless you are performing heavy workloads. It offers dual-memory support at 3200 MHz.
Like the other CPUs from the Zen 2 lineup, this CPU also uses an AM4 socket that is made on a TSMC 7nm FinFET process. It comes with a very reasonable 65W TDP, and there’s enough room for overlocking. It also comes with a stock Wraith Stealth Cooler, but a liquid cooler would be great.
PROS |
Affordable |
CONS |
Lacks Integrated Graphics |
Key Features
- Zen+ Architecture
- 6 Cores & 12 Threads
- 4 GHz Base Frequency / 3.9 GHz Boost Frequency
- AM4 Socket
- 65W TDP
Overview
Nearly two years ago, when it was first released, this CPU has only increased in its value. The price of this CPU has gone down considerably to make way for the latest releases by AMD. It is a good deal for editors that are on a budget.
It comes with 6 cores and 12 threads, offers a 4.1 GHz boost clock. It holds great value for video editing. Moreover, the money you can save from it can be used to buy faster storage, better graphics card, and/or more memory, all of which can help improve your video editing system. Finally, you will love the fact that 2600 can be overclocked.
Although it may take you a while, you can achieve a stable 4.0 GHz overclock on all cores is possible. If you are lucky, it can be pushed even further to get huge gains in performance without compromising stability, although you might need to invest in a better CPU cooler than the one that comes within the box.
Overall, 2600 is known as the best budget CPU for video editing today.
PROS |
Bundled Cooler |
CONS |
Average Gaming Performance |
Key Features
- 8 Cores & 16 Threads
- 8 GHz Base Frequency / 4.6 GHz Boost Frequency
- AM4 Socket
- 65W TDP
Overview
AMD’s processors are best to install in your rig if you will not use a different graphics card but still want a little gaming performance from your system. AMD Ryzen 7 5700G is one of the best CPUs based on the latest Zen 3 based chips to deliver that.
Unlike previous APU offerings from AMD, this CPU is much like a jack-of-all-trades chip because we are discussing 8 core Zen 3 CPU components and 16 threads with a powerful Vega-based GPU to back it up. That makes this chipset almost the best of the Ryzen 5000-series CPUs in terms of processing power, but with the graphical sound for delivering 1080p gaming on low settings for some seriously demanding titles.
In a GPU deficiency, that makes it an enticing APU as it will get your new gaming PC up and running. At the same time, you wait for separate graphics cards to be available without sacrificing system performance.
The issue with the 5700G is its massive design than a chipset; you will find some performance differences when compared to the standard Ryzen 7 5800X. It also lacks PCIe 4.0 support that can run the fastest SSDs and needs high-speed memory for making the most out of its GPU power. Still, it is an excellent versatile AMD processor and a handy option when graphics cards are still so rare.
PROS |
Pros It comes With an Integrated GPU |
CONS |
Lacks PCIe 4.0 Support |
Key Features
- 6 Cores & 12 Threads
- 6 GHz Base Frequency / 4.2 GHz Boost Frequency
- AM4 Socket
- 95W TDP
Overview
The Ryzen 5 model was released on the market much earlier than the other models. However, the continued production and sale of this CPU proves its excellent design and features. It is pretty difficult to compare this CPU with the most recent models as the processing speed is relatively lower, and it doesn’t easily reach 4.0 GHz clock speed.
It comes with 6 cores and 12 threads for carrying out all the general processes. Like all the other AMD processors, you can still overclock the processor when you need higher computation.
This processor can be good for someone who is still experimenting with simple video editing. To carry out more extensive functions, you may need to find the recent models. Moreover, the Ryzen 5 is also much more pocket-friendly and ideal for those who are on a budget. It offers the highest multiprocessing performance in its class for serious gamers and content creators. It is a serious deal for people who care about how their PCs run, sound, and look.
PROS |
Excellent Design and Features |
CONS |
Not Ideal for Advanced and More Extensive Functions |
Summary for The Best AMD Ryzen CPUs For Video Editing In 2021:
AWARD | MODEL | RETAILER |
SUITABLE FOR BUILDING A HIGH-QUALITY VIDEO EDITING PC | AMD Ryzen 9 3950X | |
EXCELLENT CHOICE AMONG AMD'S ZEN 2 LINEUP | AMD Ryzen 9 3900X Processor | |
POWERFUL CHIP IS IDEAL FOR ALL USERS WHO WANT TO IMPROVE THEIR OVERALL EDITING WORKFLOW AT A BUDGET-FRIENDLY PRICE | AMD Ryzen 7 5800X | |
CPU FOR VIDEO EDITING AND SOME LIGHT GAMING | AMD Ryzen 7 3700X | |
EXCELLENT CHOICE IF YOU DON'T NEED 12 CORES | AMD Ryzen 7 3800X Processor | |
SWEET BALANCE BETWEEN PRICE AND PERFORMANCE | AMD Ryzen 5 3600X Processor | |
PERFECT FOR PEOPLE WHO WANT TO SAVE SOME MONEY ON BUYING A NEW CPU | AMD Ryzen 5 3600 Processor | |
BEST BUDGET CPU FOR VIDEO EDITING | AMD Ryzen 5 2600 | |
ONE OF THE BEST CPUS BASED ON THE LATEST ZEN 3 BASED CHIPS | AMD Ryzen 7 5700G | |
SERIOUS DEAL FOR PEOPLE WHO CARE ABOUT HOW THEIR PCS RUN, SOUND, AND LOOK | AMD Ryzen 5 2600X |
Conclusion
Video editors always look for better ways to get more out of their systems. However, the link between the work of an editor and their PC isn’t always obvious, but having an ideal technical setup can create a big difference.
The CPU and its processing chip are essential to determine the performance and strength of the computer, making it the most critical piece of hardware that an editor can have. It gets confusing to check thousands of models to compare prices and specifications.
You may already know that AMD offers the best multi-threaded processors that are the best pick for video editing. You will also find these processors at a lower price compared to other options available on the market.
Knowing about the core numbers and cache is essential, but it isn’t exactly simple. This is why we have listed the best AMD processors for video editing to make it easier for you to choose.
When buying the best processor for your system, it is important to understand the compatibility and find the things that can overheat and damage the system. Overall, it is a great idea to understand the nature of the work you will perform on your PC before making a final decision.
FAQ
Which Processor is best for video editing?
AMD Ryzen 9 3950X is known as the best processor that can be used for video editing.
Do I need a sound graphics card for video editing?
Graphics cards are crucial for carrying out intensive tasks, as they divide the heavy workload between CPU and GPU and free up resources on the system. Graphics cards that work for video editing are quite different from those exclusively used for gaming. High memory and high core count are needed for rendering graphics animations and effects, high-resolution rendering, and 3D tasks. After a recent update, Adobe After Effects and Premiere Pro can now use the GPU for fast rendering.
Are gaming computers good for video editing?
Yes, almost all of the powerful gaming CPUs or computers can be used for video editing. Both video editing and gaming have similar specifications and configurations, and video editing tools like Davinci Resolve will need heavy GPU usage, and Adobe Premiere Pro requires less. Thus, gaming CPUs are ideal for video editing, but with some cautions.
Does video rendering need CPU or GPU?
The rendering process of video editing is based heavily on the CPU. However, GPUs are needed for 3D space, rendering GPU effects, and video encoding. Having a good CPU will help reduce rendering times, and having a different GPU will be helpful to smooth the timeline performance. Thus, to get a good experience in video editing, you should choose a more balanced combination of CPU and GPU.
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