Best CPU Processor For Video Editing From Industry Experts

If you are interested in video editing, the performance of your PC matters a lot. The higher the resolution that you work with, the more work you put into processing your videos. Source file types, the codec, and video resolution will all influence the speed at which you can edit, playback, render and export your finished work.

So it's the processor that determines the proper functioning and performance of the PC. The video editing software may or may not rely on the processor, but they surely rely on GPU acceleration, but again it's the CPU that deals with most of the load. That is why; one should invest in a good processor for video editing.

Also, in this article, we have presented a few of the best choices of CPU build's that are actually worth spending your money on and will definitely help you in producing more efficient and well-organized videos in generally less time. It is up to your choice to choose a processor or spend some extra bucks to buy the entire CPU build.

Related Articles: Best Hard Drive For Video Editing.

8 BEST PROCESSOR FOR VIDEO EDITING REVIEW

1. INTEL CORE I5-11400F DESKTOP PROCESSOR

If you are on a budget and search for something with a processor that works more than a decent one, then this 11400F processor is the ideal one. Being compatible with Intel 500 series and selected Intel 400 series chipset-based motherboard, this works as expected.

The Intel Optane memory support has super-intelligent technology that can remember frequently accessed files and applications even after turning off your computer. So while doing high-end video works, this feature will be of great help.

Apart from this, the processor is equipped with a thermal solution which means you get a heat sink or a fan. At times, the thermal solution comes via pre-applied thermal paste or attached thermal pad.

It has six cores and 12 threads that promise to support the video editing process without any lag. The base clock speed is 2.6 GHz, and it can be easily increased up to 4.4 GHz. Though this processor cannot be overclocked, the max clock speed is achievable when you attach a decent RAM. The fast clock speeds also mean that it can deliver high frame rates and expect low latency.

The ‘F’ in the 11400F name indicates that this processor doesn’t come up with integrated graphics, and I find this one a major drawback. But considering the price offered for the features, it is an okay thing.

It works best only in the Windows 1o platform. Overall, this processor gives a fast workflow to encode, decode and render the video editing processes without much effort. 

2. AMD RYZEN THREADRIPPER 3970X 32-CORE

If you are a professional video editor who is ready to afford this processor which is loaded with some amazing features, then this is your pick. It is also the most expensive processor in this list of video editing processors. 

AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3970X 3 unlocked desktop processor gives you the highest performance desktop processor that is especially designed for prosumer like Youtube professionals, vloggers etc. The 32 cores and 64 threads deliver unparalleled performance and handle multithreaded workloads easily. So heavy video rendering and multi threaded work processes is good.

This processor  supports OS like Windows 10 - 64-Bit Edition, Ubuntu x86 64-Bit and RHEL x86 64-Bit. What is best in this processor is its new automatic overclocking feature. So the 4.5 GHz max boost and the huge 144MB cache makes the video editing or any high end work a breeze. 

Overall, if you are into high end video editing, game designing or animations, then this is your pick. Well, again this is not recommended for beginners or for a decent level of video editing.  

3. INTEL CORE I7-11700K DESKTOP PROCESSOR

Anyone who searched for the 11700K processor would know that it is one of the best processors for video editing. This processor is not just limited to high-end video editing processes but also for gaming as well.

The base frequency is 3.6GHZ, which is a super good number, and it reaches an impressive 5.0GHz before any performance of any kind of overclocking. Editing or rendering 4k or 8k video is not easy; your processor has to render the data quickly and work properly. Thanks to its eight cores and 16 threads.  The eight cores and 16 threads are also quite impressive because they can easily handle high-end video editing processes. 

Apart from this, you get the usual features like Intel Optane Memory support and PCIe Gen 4.0 support, which are added brownie points.  Note that this processor is compatible only with Intel 500 series and selected Intel 400 series chipset-based motherboard only. 

The part which I find very lagging is the power consumption and the heating issues. It doesn't come up with a thermal solution which is a con here. Due to this, during the editing part, when the processor handles data, it gets heated up. 

Overall, I would say that this processor is strong and stands the competition even if AMD keeps dominating. Also, Intel's price is relatively lower than AMD. 

5. INTEL CORE I9-11900K - BEST INTEL PROCESSOR FOR VIDEO EDITING

If you are looking for something massive, a processor that can handle 8k video editing in a breeze, then Intel Core i9-11900k is the one.

The i7 processor was on the top of the points table and considered one of the best until i9 was released. i9 is one of the most advanced processors while writing this review. I strongly recommend this high-end video editing process because personally, I purchased this processor and was left amazed. You can edit, playback, render and export your videos in high quality easily.

This one is compatible with both Intel 500 series and some selective Intel 400 series chipset-based motherboards. The previous versions also have eight cores and 16 threads, but the game changes with its max clock speed up to 5.3 GHz. 

Intel thermal velocity boost technology increases CPU speeds to reach max turbo frequency, thus improving performance in both single-threaded and multithreaded applications. 

This unlocked processor can be overclocked and easily boosted to reach its maximum potential. So you can never go wrong with this powerful processor that works at ultra-speed.  

Well, I accept that this intel processor for video editing is a bit on the pricey side, but again every good thing comes with a price. Also, I see the lack of thermal solutions as a disadvantage.

6. AMD RYZEN 5 3600XT UNLOCKED DESKTOP PROCESSOR

You need at least AMD Ryzen 5 for video editing processes. That said, this processor is another best video editing processor.  The processor specifications point out that this one is not just limited to gaming but also suitable for a decent video editing processor.  

It can deliver super-fast 100+ FPS performance in the world’s most popular games, and it can also render videos for video editing with a system memory of 3200 MHz.

Also, PCIe 4.0 delivers double the graphics and storage bandwidth. It is equipped with cool, quiet, and efficient 7nm technology as well. For the advanced socket, the AM4 platform can support PCIe 4 0 on x570 motherboards.

The processor is constructed with six cores and 12 processing threads bundled with the powerful AMD Wraith Spire cooler, which extensively keeps the processor cool. It comes with a Max Boost of 4.4 GHz unlocked for overclocking 35 MB of game cache and DDR 3200 support. Overall, this is a decent choice for the budget offered.

7. INTEL BX80662I76700K 4512 CORE I7 6700K

The Intel Core 4512 Core i7 is a blazingly fast, feature-packed processor family with in-built security. You can edit high-end videos or play your favorite 3D games in higher resolution. You get better details and faster frame rates.

This is an unlocked processor that comes with DDR4 and DDR3L support. You can't use both DDR3L and DDR4 on the same computer or laptop. It is just that the processor is compatible with both memories. 

It is compatible with Intel 100 series chipset motherboards.  When paired with a Z170 chipset, this will make for a very responsive and powerful PC and make video and photo editing much faster. 

This processor boasts that you get to experience at least 2.5x better productivity than a 5-year old PC. So if you have been using an old PC, then it is time to replace it with this new one. Also, you can save up to 3x better battery life when using this processor. Though many advanced models have taken the market by storm, buying an i7 at this price is recommended if you are on a budget. Definitely, you will get a good experience.

8. AMD RYZEN 7 5800X UNLOCKED DESKTOP PROCESSOR

AMD Ryzen 7 5800X Unlocked desktop processor is another high-performing processor that is best for video editing processes. This is the most advanced processor in the Ryzen 7 version. This eight-core processor with 16 processing threads can handle high-end data quickly. Like its previous versions, it can also deliver 100+ FPS performances while playing elite games. 

The 4.7 GHz max boost, 36 MB of cache, and DDR-3200 support make this processor a jackpot when you compare the price of Intel i9. So this can be concluded as the best AMD processor for professional-level video editing. It is affordable, provides higher performance than some of Intel's high-end chips, and is reliable for video editing processes. Do I say more?

BUYING GUIDE FOR BEST PROCESSOR FOR VIDEO EDITING

You must keep in mind that not every processor is built for video editing. I have listed some points below that you can keep in mind before you select a processor: -

Core and Threads: Nothing below a 6- core processor is recommended for video editing. Video editing software takes advantage of multiple cores and threads. The performance of the software often scales directly with higher performance CPUs that have multiple cores.

Clock Speed: The clock speed of a CPU is only essential if the CPU has enough cores and threads along with an excellent micro-architecture. As the clock speed increases, the software works better and faster.

BUYING GUIDE FOR BEST CPU FOR VIDEO EDITING

Memory/RAM: If you want a quick and efficient computer for the video editing process, RAM is the most crucial factor you need to consider. So for video editing purposes, it is recommended to choose anything between 8 to 32 GB RAM. To be more specific, at least 16 GB is ideal for high-end video editing tasks. 

Processor: It is optimal to choose a processor that has six or more cores. This is because the core helps in the fast processing of data, and thus, you won't feel any kind of lag during high-end video editing processes. We recommend you to pick a multi-core processor; AMD or Intel for video editing :  if it is Intel, pick Intel i5, i7, and i9 models or AMD Ryzen 7/9, AMD Threadripper 3960X. Editing 4k or 8k videos is possible only through advanced processors like i7 or i9 or AMD Ryzen 7/9. 

Graphics card: Though Graphics cards don't play a major role in the video editing process, some software demands a good graphics card to give its maximum efficiency. In this case, look for a minimum of 2GB memory, but software like After effects requires a high-end graphics card. 

Storage: In general, SDD is more reliable than HDD. Also, SDD consumes less power, and data access is quick. On the other hand, HDDs require more power and time to start than SSD. So when looking for a storage part, choose SSD over HDD for video editing works. If needed, you can also add external hard drives.   

Operating system: Video editing doesn't require a specific operating system. It works fine with Windows, Mac, or Linux but makes sure the software you use for video editing fits the OS.

CONCLUSION

These are the best processor for video editing and best CPU for video editing available in the market currently. You’ll notice that I have taken care of both the essential points that I mentioned earlier. Apart from those, I have also mentioned numerous other features like maximum frequency offered, memory, etc. These will undoubtedly help you make an informed decision.

I hope that you have found what you were looking for. Happy editing 🙂

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. Does the CPU matter for video editing?

Yes, CPU matters a lot for video editing. This is because the video editing software through which you do the editing part relies on the CPU so as to transfer data quickly and handle multiple things simultaneously. 

2. Is Intel or AMD better for editing?

The AMD processor has the upper hand in content creation because it has an increased number of cores and threads, which are feasible for a video editing processor. So if you want me to answer which is better than the other, definitely go for AMD over Intel in terms of video editing processes. 

3. Which is more important for video editing GPU or CPU?

CPU is more important for video editing. But again, there is some video editing software that expects high-end graphic cards so that you can edit videos smoothly. However, most of the software works well with the processors alone and doesn't expect high-end graphics cards.