Video Editing Computer Specifications
Look for these basic specs when configuring your computer. We list "Good" & "Better" but choose the system that fits you best :)
Hard Drive & Storage
Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
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What is it?
There are 3 basic types of hard drives:
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. |
Good
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Better
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CPU - Central Processing Unit
Central Processing Unit
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What is it?
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. |
Good
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Better
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GPU - Graphics Card
Graphics Processing Unit
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What is it?
A GPU, "graphics card", or Graphics Processing Unit 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 the 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. |
Good
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Better
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RAM - Random Access Memory
Random Access Memory
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What is it?
Very simply, 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 are offering and it should work smoothly. |
Good
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Better
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Screen Resolution
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What is it?
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 handle your resolution. |
Good
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Better
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*This page is for informational purposes only, it is not an endorsement of any specific company, product, or service.
