Whether you are planning on being a professional video editor, or you are already a professional video editor, and you’re looking to get your hands on a good processor that will help power your video editing workflow, we’re here to help you find the perfect fit. The first and most important factor to consider is the software that is going to come into play when working on a project.
In a hurry? In short, the best CPU for video editing on the market in 2024 are the Intel Core i9-10920X Desktop Processor 12 Cores up to 4.8GHz Unlocked and the AMD Ryzen 9 3950X 16-Core, 32-Thread Unlocked Desktop Processor. These two beasts can perform a lot of functions fast, helping you to get your job done in the most efficient and stress-free way possible.
Best CPU For Video Editing: Quick Comparison
BEST RATED  |
Intel Core i9-10920X Processor 12 Cores
|
Check Price |
RUNNER UP  |
AMD Ryzen 9 3950X 16-Core, 32-Thread CPU Processor
|
Check Price |
  |
AMD Ryzen 9 5950X 16-core, 32-Thread CPU Processor
|
Check Price |
  |
Intel i9-10900K Desktop Processor 10 Cores LGA1200
|
Check Price |
  |
Ryzen 9 3900X 12-core Desktop Processor
|
Check Price |
  |
AMD Ryzen 7 5800X 8-core, 16-Thread Processor
|
Check Price |
Top Rated Processor For Editing Videos 2024: Reviews
1. Intel Core i9-10920X Desktop Processor 12 Cores up to 4.8GHz Unlocked
Best Rated
As a result of its base clock speed, users are gifted with the power to color-grade and perform other processor demanding workloads.
When editing 4K videos, you will need a processor that has overclocking abilities which the Intel Core i9-10920X provides.
4K videos, which are significantly larger than the custom 1080p, do need a lot of processing power, so you’re going to be needing a higher system specification than most of the standard computers in order to edit your videos effectively.
You have to go for a processor that supports 32 GB of RAM, if you want your video editing process to be done smoothly.
In general, you would want to have, at the very least, a processor that supports RAM slots of up to 32 GB of RAM or more to be able to edit 4K videos, or maybe get a processor that supports multiple RAM slots for you to get an optimal performance of the software you are using, which the Intel Core i9-10920X provides.
The Adobe Premiere Pro, which is the leading software for video editing as of 2021 and is the industry standard for video editing, requires at least Intel’s 6th generation of CPUs, and it is pretty demanding on computer components so you should always go for the best processors.
The Intel Core i9-10920X will significantly help you if you are into compositing, special effects or visual effects, or hoping to make the next blockbuster movie.
This Intel processor provides its users with a great amount of performance and it really does noticeably perform better than all of its rivals when it comes to editing videos.
If the Intel Core i9-10920X is supported with the correct components you will be fully able to edit 4K videos without experiencing any sort of lag.
The Intel Core i9-10920X processor is built for high level freelancers and custom content creators. The Intel Core X series processors were designed to put the power and convenience of a full studio into your PC.
It quickly and simultaneously records, edits and renders up to 4.8 GHz, which users are able to do thanks to Intel’s updated turbo boost max technology 3.0, up to 18 cores, and up to 36 threads.
It combines the flexibility offered by up to 48 PCLe 3.0 lanes, quad channel memory with up to 256 GB of memory capacity and support for thunderbolt 3 technology.
Pros
- Productive and suitable for multitasking
- Has excellent boot clock speed
- It is all core-based speed
Cons
- It does not come with any CPU cooler
- It is expensive
2. AMD Ryzen 9 3950X 16-Core, 32-Thread Unlocked Desktop Processor
Runner Up
The AMD Ryzen 9 3950X can perform heavy workloads while remaining as cool as ever which is fantastic, because your system can stay cool while processing activities.
This means that the computer can work for many hours without lagging or crashing, which is kind of sad to have your system crash when you’re working on an important project.
The AMD Ryzen 9 3950X is a highly threaded processor which features horsepower performance in an affordable motherboard.
These prices are affordable per core and are paired with the bandwidth-doubling PCIe 4.0 interface.
Ryzen offers density advantages, and this means higher performance, better power, more cores and cache. Each small computer chip comes with eight physical cores.
AMD Ryzen 9 3950X comes with AMD’s highest binned silicon, which enables a 4.7 GHz boost clock. AMD 3950X has AMD defined 105W TDP. These characteristics are what makes it perfect for video editing. The processor can be able to provide the powerful performance needed for 4K video editing.
AMD Ryzen 9 3950X is a highly priced CPU, but you are sure to reap the excellent capabilities needed from it to perform demanding workflows, and it does do so with ease and fluidity.
The AMD Ryzen 9 3950X works at an astounding pace. It also has an advanced AM4 socket platform and it can support PCIe 4.0 on x570 motherboards.
Pros
- It has a high level of performance
- It stays cool during prolonged usage
- It is future proof
Cons
- It is rather expensive
3. AMD Ryzen 9 5950X 16-core, 32-Thread Unlocked Desktop Processor
Best CPU For Gaming And Video Editing
The AMD Ryzen 9 5950X is one of the best when it comes to editing 4K videos and even gaming at 4K resolution.
It is the premium choice for content creators that yearn to achieve flawless and free flowing power when editing.
One of the major design goals for AMD was to reduce core to core latency, which is one of the attributes that affects video editing and gaming performance.
The massive L3 cache goes a long way to reducing the need for excessive memory access and data shuffling via the Infinity Fabric.
Pros
- It is built with a stunning all round performance
- It has a good power efficiency
- It feature rich AM4 platform
- Multi-threaded Performance
- It has good overclocking ability
- It is compatible 500/400-series
Cons
- It is a bit costly
- It has no bundled CPU cooler
4. Intel Core i9-10900K Desktop Processor 10 Cores up to 5.3 GHz Unlocked LGA1200
Best Intel CPU For Video Editing
The Intel Core i9-10900K desktop processor is equipped with 10 cores, has an impressive clock speed of 5.3 GHz and it is also unlocked for overclocking, it is an all-rounder when it comes to performance.
The clock speed helps to attain a certain amount of flow when used in heavy workloads or processor demanding software’s.
The Intel Core i9-10900K is equipped with modern technologies that will certainly provide a good amount of quality when video editing.
It will very much support 4K video editing. Composting with the processor will be a breeze.
With so many future proof technologies around it, it is no wonder it makes such a buzz when video editing is in the question.
As far as high quality video editing is in the picture, it has an unquestionable standard.
It supports multitasking, giving you the liability to roam while you’re rendering out your work.
Whether it is entirely splotched with special effects or even if it is VFX loaded, rendering it with the Intel Core i9-10900K desktop Processor would definitely be a quick job.
Pros
- It has a lower per-core pricing
- It has a great gaming performance
- Strong in both single- and multi-threaded applications
Cons
- It is a high power consumption processor
- It only supports the PCLe 3.0 interface not the 4.0 series
5. AMD Ryzen 9 3900X 12-core, 24-thread unlocked desktop processor with Wraith Prism LED Cooler
Best Ryzen CPU For Video Editing
Ryzen processors are equipped with AMD’s intelligent unit which have a sophisticated set of sensors designed to analyze conditions inside your PC and make the “go faster” decision as often as possible, and the AMD Ryzen 9 3900X is no exception.
AMD Ryzen 9 3900X is powered with 12 cores, and 24 threads, which combine to give users a reliable computer.
This AMD processor can easily carry out sophisticated projects without any sort of issue. It presents a super-fast multi-tasking ability, working at a fast pace to achieve a first class performance
Handling complex special and visual effects tend to be someworth problematic, and for some computers, it can take a huge amount of hours, a certain amount of crashes, and a tear dropping amount of frustration to be able to combine and render out all of your effects into a single video.
Some tend to abstain from their computer during this long process, this is why you shouldn’t be building a computer you intend to use for video editing without first carrying out a thorough research first.
Pros
- Incredible performance
- It uses a modern PCIe version
- Works with a good amount of pace
Cons
- Included heatsink may not be enough
6. AMD Ryzen 7 5800X 8-core, 16-Thread Unlocked Desktop Processor
Best Budget CPU For Video Editing
The new generation of AMD Ryzen 7 has arrived recently in the microprocessor markets.
This is happening because AMD is offering large numbers of cores with a comparatively high boost clock at a budget price, making it a reliable choice to use for video editing and even gaming at a high resolution.
Its multi-tasking ability helps to increase the overall fan following of this aggressively emerging microprocessor-making company.
This powerful chip is best for all those customers who want to increase their overall workflow of editing at a budget-friendly price, and still maintain a good amount of performance.
It consumes low power, thereby cutting down on your overall energy cost down the line.
Pros
- Excellent single-core performance
- Strong for gaming
- Low power
- Major IPC improvement
Cons
- It doesn’t come with any bundled cooler
Best CPU For Rendering Video FAQ
What CPU IS Good For Video Editing?
There are many CPUs with different core numbers and threads that fit the shoe, but the Intel Core i9-10920X Desktop Processor is the preferable choice right now. It boasts 12 cores of up to 4.8GHz and is unlocked for overclocking. It also has a good power consumption surface.
AMD Or Intel For Video Editing?
Intel’s processors are arguably better than AMD processors. If you are doing heavy graphics work and video editing, then you should choose the Intel Core i7 or i9 processor. That is, if you really want to go for the Intel brand of processors, but AMD’s Ryzen 9 3950X 16-Core is also a great choice if you are video editing in a 4K resolution.
Best i7 Processor For Video Editing?
The best i7 processor for video editing is Intel Core i7-9700K. This product has some cool features and it offers a turbo boost frequency of 4.9GHz. This makes it work perfectly well for video editing, gaming, recording, and streaming.
How Many CPU Cores Do I Need For Video Editing?
No matter what sort of video editing you are doing, a quad core is the minimum recommended number of cores you need in your computer – it is simply as low as you can go. But if you are performing more complex video editing, 6-10 cores are highly recommended for users.
Is i5 Enough For Video Editing And Games?
Vast majority of gamers do use the Intel Core i5, that is, If you’re building a high-end budget PC not just for high-end 4K gaming, but for more serious pursuits like 3D rendering and video editing, then this is the chip for you.
Is i3 Good For Video Editing?
An i3 would be extremely slow for video editing, but if you are really on an extreme budget, then just get the i3–6100. It’s based on the LGA 1151 socket, which would allow you to upgrade to better CPUs for some time.
Final Words About The Best CPU For Video Editing
Having reviewed the best processors for video editing, we have picked out the top rated and best ones that will offer a high level of performance during video rendering. Whether you are green or blue screening, these listed CPUs will work flawlessly and to its users’ benefit.
Noting that 4K video editing puts a big amount of pressure on processors, even if you’re editing using proxies to downsize video size in the viewport of the software you’re using, it still requires a good amount of computational power to be able to validate applied effects instantaneously.
At the end of the day, we really love our Intel Core i9-10920X Desktop Processor 12 Cores up to 4.8GHz Unlocked LGA2066 X299 Series 165W and AMD Ryzen 9 3950X 16-Core, 32-Thread Unlocked Desktop Processor.
Table of Contents