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5 Video Editing Computer Specs to Know

When Choosing a Computer for Video Editing

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RAM / Memory

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Random Access Memory

Random Access Memory, or RAM, helps your computer run smoother while video editing. It stores info temporarily so your computer can have quick access to it, speeding up your workflow.

What to look for?
There are several types of RAM you'll come across. Whatever computer you're looking at just choose 8GB or 16GB of the kind they offer and it should work smoothly.

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​✔ ​Good

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Amount: 8GB at minimum

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​​✔✔ Better

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​Amount: ​16GB for HD video
32GB for 4K video or higher

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Hard Drive & Storage

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Hard Disk Drive (HDD)

There are 3 basic types of hard drives:

• Hard Drive Disk (HDD): Has moving parts that spin and record your data.​
  • With 4K & HD video, the hard disk will be working in overdrive, look for clock speeds of 7200 RPM's.
• Solid State Drive (SSD): No moving parts, more durable than HDD.​
  • Since the only thing that moves in these is electricity, they are much faster, lighter and durable than a HDD. 
• Hybrid Drive: A combo that uses both types HDD & SSD

​
What to look for?
Look for a Solid State Drive with as much storage space as you can afford. 4K & HD files are very large, so you'll need the space.

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​✔ ​Good

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​Type: Hard Disk Drive
Speed: 7200 RPM
Storage: 1TB

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​​✔✔ Better

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​Type: Solid State Drive
Speed: N/A (SSD have no moving parts)
Storage: 1TB+

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CPU - Processor

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Central Processing Unit

CPU or Central Processing Unit, commonly referred to as the "brains" of your computer, ie. it helps your programs run. Think of it like a Swiss Army Knife, it can perform a variety of different tasks really well.

What to look for?
It's kind of hard to follow what all the numbers mean. Look for Dual to Quad core (or 2-4 cores) which should be sufficient for video editing.

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​✔ ​Good

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Type: i7, 3.0 GHz
Cores: 4 (quad core)

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​​✔✔ Better

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Type: i7 (to i9), 3.5+ GHz
Cores: 4 or 6 core (look for "hyperthreading")

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GPU - Graphics Card

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Graphics Processing Unit

A GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) also known as a "Graphics Card", helps your computer render images, videos, graphics, etc. The GPU has hundreds of smaller cores (compared to a CPU) that help to free the CPU up to perform other common tasks.

What to look for?
The simplest choice is to just select a GPU that the computer you're buying offers with it. A card from NVIDIA or AMD, the two major manufacturers, with 4GB of RAM should be sufficient. If you want to add one check your computer's specs for compatibility.

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​✔ ​Good

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RAM: 2GB to 4GB of GPU VRAM

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​​✔✔ Better

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​RAM: 4GB to 8GB ​of GPU VRAM

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Screen Size & Resolution

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4K resolution is 3840 x 2160. If you're editing 4K videos having a monitor that is make to display that resolution will help you take full advantage of every pixel.

What to look for?
Whether you have a laptop or a desktop monitor, it usually pays to get as much resolution as is offered and make sure you have cables that can transmit that resolution.

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​✔ ​Good

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​Laptop Screen: 
15 inch, 2560 x 1440px

​Desktop Monitor: 
25 inch, 2560 x 1440px​ 

​Connection: ​
HDMI 2.0 or Displayport

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​​✔✔ Better

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​​Laptop Screen:
17 inch, 4K 3840 x 2160px

​Desktop Monitor:
27+ inch, 4K 3840 x 2160px

​Connection:
​HDMI 2.0+ or USB-C

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