Video editing is one of the most popular jobs practiced by the present generation. It is one of the most appealing works where kids, teenagers, and adults are involved equally. Having a multi-core processor is vital for video editing. Many people can find it hard to know the difference between choosing the best processor. Here, you will find information about the best processors for video editing in 2023.
Do you need a fast computer for editing videos but don’t know how to find the best CPU? You need to build a good editing machine with many different computer parts. However, it is hard to tell which part is the most important. You should be very careful. Otherwise you can end up building a slow computer that isn’t able to handle heavy workloads and crashes all the time.
We’ve prepared this guide so you can find the best processor for your video editing needs. It will help to ensure that your new system works well and has plenty of room for growth as your needs increase with time.
How to find the right CPU for video editing?
Finding the best CPU for building a custom PC for video editing depends on how intensively you use your computer or what type of videos you need to edit.
You can narrow down the choice with the help of this guide. Different factors are essential to make the right decision while choosing the best processor for video editing.
Intel or AMD
Intel and AMD offer the best processors for video editing. Both are great for different reasons. Intel offers more power and better reliability, but it is also more expensive than AMD.
You can read about the best CPUs for video editing to understand the best CPU types and which CPU you can buy for the money. However, AMD doesn’t have the best track record for reliability or speed. But, it is relatively cheaper than Intel.
Intel
Single Core: Intel offers a single core with high performance.
High Clock: High clock speed ensures the CPU will work faster. It calculates how many times a CPU will process a request per second, measured in GHz.
High IPC: It defines the number of tasks the CPU operates in a cycle.
AMD
Higher Number of Cores: AMD offers more cores and works efficiently.
More Powerful Functioning: Because they offer all high-demand characters, thus they work powerfully and surpass other CPUs.
High Price to Performance: It offers wonderful high performance with its cost.
Why are these processors best for video editing?
The best processor for video editing is suitable because of its high number of cores and threads. It is important to use a variety of video-editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro. They offer excellent performance for gaming and give you multitasking power.
A sound processor for video editing also offers a high clock speed to ensure smooth performance. You can read the review to find the best one for your needs.
Our Recommendations of The Best Processors For Video Editing In 2023:
AWARD | MODEL | RETAILER |
BEST AND BRIGHTEST PROCESSORS, ESPECIALLY WHEN IT COMES TO VIDEO EDITING | AMD Ryzen 9 3950X | |
EXCELLENT CHOICE FOR VIDEO EDITING | Intel Core i9-9900K | |
ONE OF THE BEST OFFERINGS BY AMD | AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2950X | |
OUTSTANDING PROCESSOR FOR VIDEO EDITING | AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX | |
EXCELLENT CHOICE FOR MULTIPROCESSING | AMD Ryzen Threadripper 1950X | |
HIGHEST MULTIPROCESSING PERFORMANCE | AMD Ryzen 7 2700X | |
BEST CPU FOR VIDEO EDITING | Intel Core i7-9700K | |
BEST PROCESSOR FOR PRODUCTIVITY | AMD Ryzen 9 5950X | |
GOOD FOR PRODUCTIVITY AND GAMING | AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3970X | |
BEST PROCESSOR FOR PRODUCTIVITY | Intel Core i9 10980XE |
10 best processors for video editing in 2023:
AMD Ryzen is one of the best and brightest processors, especially when it comes to video editing.
Key Features
- Zen 2 Architecture
- 16 Cores and 32 Threads
- 105W TDP
- AM4 Socket
Overview
The price of this processor is a little more than the Intel Core i9-9900K. It comes without a cooler. It usually can be a breach of contract. However, the Ryzen 3950X offers many cores and filaments.
This processor comes equipped with 16 cores and 32 threads. It is double the Intel Core i9-9900K. We all know that the 3900X offers much better performance than the i9-9900K when it comes to core performance and threads. It offers extra cores and threads. It is an excellent choice for video editors.
This unit is perfect for those who are looking for more cores and threads. It is good to say that it will outperform the i9-9900K. Overall, Ryzen 9 3950X is a great processor perfect for editing videos on the PC.
PROS |
Very Quick |
CONS |
Slightly Expensive |
Intel Core i9-9900K is an excellent choice for video editing.
Key Features
- 5 GHz CPU Speed
- 8 Cores & 16 Threads
- 95W TDP
- LGA 1151 Socket
Overview
This is a great universal processor offering 8 cores and 16 threads. It is more than enough for exporting and encoding or decoding video. It has a very decent base frequency of 3.6 GHz. However, if that’s not enough for your workload or you need more power, it can run at frequencies up to 5GHz. It does a great job of calculating timeline effects and offers excellent overclocking performance.
This unit comes with cooling STIM material and offers excellent heat transfer from the processor to the cooler. It helps to overclock this processor without overheating conveniently. It comes with the improved micro-architecture and runs on motherboards having a chipset of the 300 series.
It comes with an integrated graphics card to support video editing. It comes with Intel UHD 630, and the processor supports Intel Optane memory with an alighting-fast response time. It comes with 40 PCIe lanes and 16 MB cache memory. You can call it the best processor for video editing. It offers the best balance between price and performance.
PROS |
Comes with 16 Logical Cores |
CONS |
Bit Expensive |
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2950X is one of the best offerings by AMD.
Key Features
- 4 GHz CPU Speed
- 16 Cores & 32 Threads
- 180W TDP
- TR4 Socket
Overview
AMD has surprised users with the release of the Ryzen Threadripper 2950X. It is better than its predecessor and relatively cheaper. It is capable of handling modeling, video editing, rendering, and streaming.
It is known as the best CPU for video editing. It comes equipped with 16 cores and 32 threads and can offer up to 5.00 GHz speed. Moreover, it comes with an intelligent application that lets you increase the acceleration limits without the need to worry about unstable combinations of settings. An unstable setting can damage the system.
It offers Ryzen Master software that helps switch between Game and Creators modes. When you enable game mode, it disables half of the cores and changes the memory to offer enhanced performance for gaming.
This processor excels in video processing tasks. It offers a perfect performance by combining all the cores and threads, 3D rendering, ray tracing, converting, and exporting media files. This processor offers a perfect balance for the 4K video editing, which performs heavy everyday tasks. It is no doubt a great choice if you want to build a great PC for video editing.
PROS |
Offers 32 Logical Cores |
CONS |
Lacks Thunderbolt 3 Support |
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX is an outstanding processor for video editing.
Key Features
- 2 GHz CPU Speed
- 32 Cores & 64 Threads
- 250W TDP
- TR4 Socket
Overview
If you need a professional video editing processor, this 32-core processor is a great choice, and it can handle post-processing tasks smoothly. It is designed for film production, video encoding, mass rendering, and drone video editing.
Like most AMD Zen CPUs, this processor also comes with a technology that dynamically adjusts CPU parameters according to the current power consumption and workload. It makes sure that the processor is always working at maximum performance and efficiency.
It is a great processor. It offers extremely fast speed. The 32-cores of this processor are divided into four nuclei that are connected symmetrically. It is helpful to access each of the sector processors to any of the 64 PCIe lines and four-channel CPU memory.
It offers backward compatibility with any X399 motherboard and thus makes the installation easy. You can also connect this processor to old motherboards having an sTR4 connector. Generally, it is an expensive processor for a professional video editing PC. It performs well for applications that need maximum performance. It is an excellent choice if you need smooth performance while editing heavy videos.
PROS |
Offers 64 Logical Cores |
CONS |
Expensive |
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 1950X is an excellent choice for multiprocessing.
Key Features
- 4 GHz CPU Speed
- 16 Cores & 32 Threads
- 180W TDP
- TR4 Socket
Overview
1950X processor is an excellent choice for video editing. It offers a base frequency of 3.4 GHz. It offers 16 cores and 32 threads. It comes with a large number of PCIe cards. 64 cards can be connected with this processor, which can be a huge advantage in the future. You can add additional video cards as well. However, the network devices or storage devices are not dependent on the configuration.
It comes with two new dedicated modes for creativity or gaming. You can expect outstanding performance and optimization benefits.
Thanks to the special thermal shell of this processor. It is an effective means of transferring waste heat from the cores to the cooler. Talking about the cost, it offers an impressive amount of cache memory of 40 MB. It is cheaper than analogs when it comes to performance. It comes with uniquely designed packaging having an adjustable torque wrench which can be an excellent addition to the purchase.
PROS |
Offers 32 Logical Cores |
CONS |
High Power Consumption |
AMD Ryzen 7 2700X offers the highest multiprocessing performance.
Key Features
- 3 GHz CPU Speed
- 8 Cores & 16 Threads
- 20 MB Cache
- AM4 Socket
Overview
Among all the processors offered by AMD, this processor is one of the most productive. The only exception is the AMD Threadripper series. It is one of the best processors that you can use for video editing. It can handle everything from easy and fast workloads to long-term and large-scale projects.
It comes equipped with 8 cores and 16 threads. And you can expect a 3.7 GHz base frequency from this processor. It is an excellent processor, and the turbo mode offers 4.3 GHz, which is even better. All of this is possible without overclocking.
This processor comes with an AMD AM4 socket which is compatible with at least three generations. Therefore, you won’t find any problems while using this processor. Inside the box, you will also get an LED Wraith Prism cooler.
The Wraith Prism cooler offers what you can’t expect from any stock cooler. It minimizes the profile and adds direct-contact heat pipes and fan to control overclocking and increase thermal effectiveness. It offers per-RGB LED control around the illuminated light ring. Moreover, it comes with transparent fan blades and rainbow color effect control. The Wraith Prism isn’t just beautiful, but it offers increased motherboard and RAM compatibility.
It offers the processor cooling under the workload. Moreover, it lacks an integrated graphics processor and the presence of a total of 16 PCIe lanes. It is an affordable processor for multitasking. It is an excellent choice for corporate video editing.
PROS |
Comes with 16 Logical Cores |
CONS |
Depends on RAM |
Intel Core i7-9700K is known as the best CPU for video editing.
Key Features
- 9 GHz CPU Speed
- 8 Cores & 8 Threads
- 12 MB Cache
- LGA 1151 Socket
Overview
This processor was the flagship line of custom processors for a long time. It is one of the best processors you can buy. However, 9700K is still a great processor for video editing. To start with, it comes with 8 cores and 8 threads.
It has a base frequency of 3.6 GHz, which is a decent speed. However, it can reach up to 4.9 GHz without overclocking. The model comes with a built-in UHD 630 graphics processor. This processor is neither the fastest nor the most powerful processor. However, it definitely comes with benefits that many video editors need. It is a nice bonus that you can expect decent gaming performance from this processor.
You can overclock this process with simple custom installation, and it is the best CPU you can buy for video editing. You can get high computing power at a reasonable cost from this processor.
PROS |
Offers Overclocking Capability |
CONS |
Overheating Issues |
This processor from AMD is known as the best processor for productivity.
Key Features
- Zen 3 Architecture
- 12 Cores & 24 Threads
- 105W TDP
- AM4 Socket
Overview
AMD has always ruled the industry when it comes to productivity performance in their consumer desktop CPUs. And Ryzen 9 5900X is no exception in this. Initially, you may think that the 12 cores are not enough for carrying out heavy workloads. However, remember the value for money that you can get from this processor. It is one of the most powerful productivity CPUs that you will find on the market. However, it is also quite the fastest CPU for gaming, and you can count on it. If you desire to have the best processor for productivity and gaming, it is the right option.
This processor is an attractive choice for users looking for something for productivity and gaming.
It is a fast and powerful processor. It helps to perform heavy workloads. You can count on this processor for carrying out productivity tasks. It is an excellent choice for video editing and gaming. Moreover, it comes with an AM4 socket and is compatible with many AM4 motherboards. It offers value for the money.
So, if you need a processor for productivity, it is a perfect choice. This processor is a perfect solution for those who want impressive productivity performance. It offers high boost clocks and is great for overclocking. You can expect industry-leading gaming performance from this processor. It offers excellent value for the money.
PROS |
Impressive Productivity Performance |
CONS |
Professionals may not find 12 cores enough |
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3970X is good for productivity and gaming.
Key Features
- Zen 2 Architecture
- 32 Cores & 64 Threads
- 280W TDP
- AM4 Socket
Overview
If you don’t worry about the price, then the Threadripper 3970X is the right choice. It is based on Zen 2 architecture. It offers excellent boost frequency. You can expect a boost frequency of 4.5 GHz. This processor comes with 32 cores and 64 threads.
This processor is perfect for serious content creators and serious creative professionals. It is an excellent workstation-grade CPU that needs a specific use case. This processor can perform many productivity tasks like basic video editing and photo editing. This CPU is specifically designed to handle heavy workloads. You can use it for heavy 3D animation and perform complex video rendering as well as other tasks.
As it is based on the Zen 2 architecture, the 3rd generation Threadripper processors are also suitable for decent gaming. You can get this one for casual gaming and professional video editing.
This motherboard is a perfect choice if you are looking to have decent productivity and gaming performance. This unit is a perfect choice if you are looking for an excellent performance. Overall, you won’t regret buying this processor for your video editing or casual gaming needs.
PROS |
Extremely High Productivity Performance |
CONS |
Lacks Backwards Compatibility |
Intel Core i9 10980XE is known as the best processor for productivity.
Key Features
- 8 GHz CPU Speed
- 18 cores & 36 Threads
- 165W TDP
- Cascade Lake-X Architecture
Overview
The Intel HEDT platform is basically no more. However, there are still a few options you can make sense of in some scenarios. One of the best things about this processor is that it comes with 18 cores and 36 threads. This processor is one of the great choices for productivity. However, a few quirks should be kept in mind before buying this processor.
This processor is a powerful choice if you need a unit for productivity and workstation. It is nowhere near the performance that you can get from the Threadripper series. However, it is a 16-core Zen 2 processor. It is one of the closest performing chips regarding productivity numbers.
Moreover, the 3950X is also a mainstream chip that can be combined with AM4 motherboards. This processor is a HEDT chip that needs expensive motherboards having a 2066 socket.
This processor is surely not a bad CPU for raw performance. You can get decent powerful gaming performance from this CPU.
One of the main benefits of this processor over the Threadripper series is that it consumes much less power. This processor is rated for a TDP of 165W, but Threadripper 3970X needs a TDP of 280W. Moreover, the processor also comes with more overclocking headroom.
This processor is a flagship HEDT CPU. It is a solid alternative for Threadripper CPUs that comes at a lower cost. However, there is no future support that you can expect from this processor. It lacks PCIe 4th Gen support. It seems like a worse deal than some mainstream desktop CPUs like the Ryzen 9 5950X and 3950X when it comes to value. Still, you can choose this processor if you are looking for reasonable productivity.
PROS |
Solid 18 Core Option from Intel |
CONS |
Expensive |
Summary for The Best Processors For Video Editing In 2023:
AWARD | MODEL | RETAILER |
BEST AND BRIGHTEST PROCESSORS, ESPECIALLY WHEN IT COMES TO VIDEO EDITING | AMD Ryzen 9 3950X | |
EXCELLENT CHOICE FOR VIDEO EDITING | Intel Core i9-9900K | |
ONE OF THE BEST OFFERINGS BY AMD | AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2950X | |
OUTSTANDING PROCESSOR FOR VIDEO EDITING | AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX | |
EXCELLENT CHOICE FOR MULTIPROCESSING | AMD Ryzen Threadripper 1950X | |
HIGHEST MULTIPROCESSING PERFORMANCE | AMD Ryzen 7 2700X | |
BEST CPU FOR VIDEO EDITING | Intel Core i7-9700K | |
BEST PROCESSOR FOR PRODUCTIVITY | AMD Ryzen 9 5950X | |
GOOD FOR PRODUCTIVITY AND GAMING | AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3970X | |
BEST PROCESSOR FOR PRODUCTIVITY | Intel Core i9 10980XE |
Conclusion
This is the list of the best CPU for video editing in 2023. Whether you are looking to buy a plug-and-play CPU build or a custom CPU build, or you are just looking for the best processor for video editing in 2023, this guide will be helpful for you to make a perfect choice. We hope this article will be helpful for you to make a perfect choice.
Hope you can now build your own CPU or buy the ideal CPU for video calling. If you are a professional and need to produce multiple videos a day, no matter how short they are, you surely need the best CPU. So, apart from choosing the high-end desktop route, your best choice can be the Ryzen 9 series. The extra cores will offer quick performance and improve your workflow. You can experience great gains in encoding and rendering times.
On the other hand, if you are not a professional and still looking to create content for YouTube and social media daily or weekly, you will even need a powerful processor. However, the Ryzen 9 can be a little bit too much for you, but you can go for the Ryzen 7 chips. They don’t offer an insane number of cores, and eight cores are suitable to handle this type of workload.
Finally, for those looking to learn video editing, you can get your hands on high-performance chips. Core i5s and Ryzen 5s are the best for multitasking, and you can get enough power for producing videos.
FAQ
Do you need a good graphics card for video editing?
You need graphics cards to perform intensive tasks as they help distribute the heavy workload between GPU and CPU and free up some resources. Graphics cards are different for video editing and gaming. You can combine a graphics card for video editing to perform 3D tasks, effects and animation, and high-resolution rendering.
Are gaming computers ideal for video editing?
Both video editing and gaming need quite similar configurations and specifications. Yes, almost all-powerful gaming computers are capable of performing video editing. However, video editing software like Davinci needs heavy GPU usage, but Adobe Premiere Pro consumes less power. Thus, gaming CPUs are the perfect choice for video editing but with some tweaks.
Does video rendering need GPU or CPU?
The rendering process of video editing depends heavily on the CPU. Having a good CPU will save rendering time, and having a dedicated GPU will smoothen the timeline performance. However, GPUs work with video encoding, 3D space, and render GPU effects. So to get good experience in video editing, you can go for a perfect balance between GPU and CPU.
Other Product Guides:- Best