Buying a laptop for video editing | An Extended Review


 Contents 


  1. Screen resolution and size

  2. Role of CPU in Video Editing

  3. Significance of GPU in Video Editing

  4. RAM is also a Key Player in Video Editing efficiency. 

  5. Is a MacBook a better option for video editing? 

  6. Other video editing requirements from a professional perspective. 

  7. In conclusion, I'll summarize what I just said.



Video editing is like visual programming. You cut clips, add effects, sounds, render, etc., all by looking at small fractions of icons on the screen. The blog is based on my experience only. You can take it as an extended review from an experienced content creator. 


Screen resolution and size

Believe me, you need a good screen. It's a relatively big screen. If you are a professional content creator, and you are spending half of the day staring at a small laptop screen very intensely to grasp small details, it is not a good practice. It'll affect your eyesight. I have seen many coworkers already have the same problem. So in my opinion go for a big screen and good resolution. Considering the new trends in the market, you need at least a 4K resolution screen to satisfy your needs. And you can buy laptops with 8-inch screen size. But as I mentioned earlier, please buy a laptop with a 15-inch screen size if you value your eyesight.


But big laptops are very heavy. Sometimes you need to carry around your laptops for your work. If you are willing to buy a big additional monitor, a small laptop with enough specs will be sufficient for your needs. 


That being said, below are the three important factors you need to know before deciding to buy a laptop for video editing. 


CPU, GPU and RAM, are the most important things you need to understand before you are going to buy a video editing laptop. 


Role of CPU in Video Editing


The CPU is the brain of your computer. You need a good CPU for performing video editing. As you are aware, almost every CPU has multiple cores. A core is a small CPU that takes on tasks assigned to it. Multiple cores mean several smaller CPUs are working inside your multicore processor. And All these cores have a definite operation speed. This means the number of computing operations it can take within a second( a basic idea). You need a good clock speed, say 3.5 GHz per second if you want a smooth video editing experience. And you need more than 6 cores like this to give you this. 

I am suggesting an I7, I9, multicore processor if you are approaching video editing seriously in 2024. 

We cannot compare the M1, M2, and M3 processor series with the above-mentioned. Because Apple has a System Chip Approach for its processors. I'll talk about it after I complete the GPUs and RAM section. AMD also has an SoC approach. Some of its processors are GPU + CPU on the same chip approach. 


Significance of GPU in Video Editing


GPU is a kind of a special processor that has parallel processing capacities. This means it can run operations simultaneously in comparison with the serial working manner of a CPU. The 

GPU also has an inbuilt RAM called VRAM for speed and accessibility. Thus every GPU is termed with its speed and memory. Almost every new-generation laptop comes with a GPU. Nvidia is the leading GPU producer in the market. Almost every company is utilizing their GPU in their laptops and PC's. 


RAM is also a Key Player in Video Editing efficiency. 

Every computing device requires RAM. It is where the processing and processed data is stored. A RAM stores operating system and software files in its memory units for the CPU and GPU to access. Modern operating systems have a big size and good graphics. Storing it will take a significant amount of memory. Then we open application programs on that operating system, which increases the RAM load. If you don't have enough memory, say you have only 8 GB RAM, with Windows 11 and you are opening Chrome and Photoshop simultaneously. Within a few minutes, you'll get a memory warning, saying applications need to shut down due to low memory availability. And photoshop is one of the least Computing performance-demanding applications on the market. 

So in my opinion, 

  • you need at least 16 GB of RAM if you are a beginner and only taking light work. 

  • If you want to render 4K Videos at a professional level, you need 32 GB RAM 

  • and you can futureproof your setup if you opt for higher than 32 GB RAM. 


Is a MacBook a better option for video editing? 


Yes, Macbooks are a very good option for content creators. 

Apple utilizes an SoC architecture. It has CPU, GPU, Neural Engines, and Memory built into its M series chips. The M series chips are highly optimized for performance. If you are a beginner and don't want to indulge in the technicalities of customization, Apple is the best option for you. And also apple has a great battery backup compared to its competitors. You can get the same battery performance regardless of on-charging or off-charging. 


But you need to make sure that you are selecting your required specs while purchasing. Because Apple devices have very limited customization options. 


Other video editing requirements from a professional perspective. 


You need storage devices, if you are taking this profession seriously. External hard disks, more internal disk space. USB drives etc. You know what I am talking about. You will have to work with high-end video-capturing devices that store a small video at super high resolution. Storing such videos will require a high amount of memory space. I often require at least 128 GB memory cards to cover party photography gigs. So just imagine. And you need the memory as high-speed SSDs. The copying and processing of video requires high-speed memory storage devices. 


In conclusion, I'll summarize what I just said. 


  • If you are not opting for customization, an Apple laptop is sufficient if you spend enough money on it. Which means a lot ( like 7000 to 8000 dollars at least in 2024)


  • You need a CPU with at least 3.5 GHz speed and more than 6 Cores if you are opting for customization. 


  • You need a GPU with at least 4GB for 1080p, 6 GB and Higher if you want to edit 4 K videos. 


  • More than 8 GB GPU  if you want 6K, or 8K videos. And I haven't rendered any videos with more than 8K resolution. So this is the best Suggestions I can provide 


  • And please Buy a laptop/PC with a high memory capacity, at least 1TB if you are approaching this professionally.


But you do not necessarily need all this high-spec laptop / PC. You can do the same job with your small-end laptop / PC. But it will take a long time to render. And sometimes apps will shut down and crash. If you can resolve or adjust all these issues, your low-end PC will be enough for beginner-level video editing and rendering. 

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