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What’s The Best CPU For Video Editing 2021
Choosing the right CPU for video editing can be an overwhelming task because the processor is an essential part of your workstation.
In this guide we’ll be showing you what’s the best CPU for video editing.
In this topic, we are going to discuss the eternal question about going with Intel or AMD, what’s the importance of the CPU’s cores and if the price matters.
We try to produce an easy to follow guide to be for every reader. Choosing the best CPU for video editing should be an easy task and possible for everyone, no matter your experience someone has in tech.
We’ve done our research and concluded to the top 5 CPUs for video editing for 2021. Now it’s up to you which one to select as the best CPU for video editing. Don’t worry, we will guide you along the way so you won’t get confused.
Contents
The Top 5 CPUs For Video Editing
Intel 9th Gen Core i9-9900K
Cores
8
Threads
16
Base Frequency / Overclocked
3.6GHz / 5GHz
| CPU | Cores | Threads | Frequency | Overclocked | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
AMD Ryzen 9 3950X
|
16 | 32 | 3.5 GHz | 4.7 GHz | |
Intel Core i7 9700K
|
8 | 8 | 3.6GHz | 4.9GHz | |
AMD Ryzen 9 3900X
|
12 | 24 | 3.8 GHz | 4.6 GHz | |
AMD Ryzen 7 3800X
|
8 | 16 | 3.9 GHz | 4.5 GHz | |
Intel Core i9 9900K
|
8 | 16 | 3.6GHz | 5GHz |
The Best CPU For Video Editing For 2021
1
AMD Ryzen 9 3950X
The 3950X uses its 16 cores to make performance in both Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve go to a whole new level. Premiere, unfortunately, lacks a performance boost and we didn’t see the results we’ve expected. 3950X works better with DaVinci. Also money wise you pay 50% more than the other CPUs of the list and doesn’t come with a cooler, though you get twice the cores of the Intel Core i9-900K.
Few sources reported a 15% overall performance increased for Premiere which is not a huge difference compared to the other processors. Luckily, if you really want to get the advantage of the % then lookup for the new 32-core AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3970X which gives up to 47%-50% more performance. Bellow, you will find the Benchmarks for Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve Studio and After Effects. Having the cores and the speed needed the 3950X can easily qualify as the best CPU for video editing.
AMD Ryzen 9 3950X Specs:
| Socket | AM4 |
|---|---|
| Core / Threads | 16 / 32 |
| Base Frequency / Boost Frequency | 3.5GHz / 4.7GHz |
| Memory Speed / Controller | 3200 MHz / Dual-Channel |
| Cache | 73MB |
| Intergraded Graphics | No |
| Unlocked Multiplier | Yes |
| Thermal Design Power | 105W |
| Process | 7nm |
Pros
- Fastest CPU for pros in the market
- Unparalleled power efficiency
- Compatible with Socket AM4 motherboards
- Native PCIe Gen 4.0
- 16 Cores & 32 Threads
Cons
- Not recommended for gaming
- Expensive
2
Intel Core i7 9700K
We chose Intel Core i7 9700K based on budget and performance, i7 is still a beast when it comes to video editing. It comes with eight cores and eight threads, the half of the Ryzen 3960X. With a frequency of 3.6GHz and amazingly goes up to 4.9GHz. When it comes to video editing, that’s the power you will need.
I7 9700k is the processor that combines power with a budget, if you are a starter and you don’t want to spend a fortune on the best CPU for video editing, that’s an excellent option for you. We placed the i7 second on the list because i9-9900K sells for more than $500, needs a high-end cooler, a beefy motherboard, and a great fast memory set. Like Intel’s Core i9-9900K, the i7-9700K includes eight physical cores.
It comes with improved multi-core Turbo Boost ratios, a solder-based thermal interface material that improves heat transfer and overclocking while having an eight-core configuration. But with AMD’s release of Ryzen 3000 chips winning the title of the best value-focused chip in this price range.
"If you're looking to lower the temperatures of your i7 down, then make sure to check out our review on the best CPU cooler for i7 9700k"
Intel Core i7 9700K Specs:
| Socket | LGA 1151 |
|---|---|
| Core / Threads | 8 / 8 |
| Base Frequency / Boost Frequency | 3.6GHz / 4.9GHz |
| Memory Speed / Controller | 2667 MHz / Dual-Channel |
| Cache | 12 MB |
| Intergraded Graphics | Intel UHD 630 |
| Unlocked Multiplier | Yes |
| Thermal Design Power | 95W |
| Process | 14nm |
Pros
- Great gaming performance
- Soldered IHS
- 8-cores / 16-threads
Cons
- No heatsink
- Not cheap
- No bundled cooler
3
AMD Ryzen 9 3900X
The AMD Ryzen 9 3900X is the best mainstream processor on the market right now, not only for video editing. With multi-threaded performance that destroys everything in its path and the inclusion of PCIe 4.0, you can’t find a better processor without stepping up to the HEDT market.
Like the previous two picks, the best processors for us are the ones that give an outstanding performance at a reasonable price. And the Ryzen 9 3900X is definitely built on this concept. It offers a 12-cores and 24- threads and all these with a similar price as the Intel Core i9-9900K, which has 8-cores and 16-threads. Ryzen 9 3900X is the best budget CPU for gaming as well.
Overall if you want to have a high-end desktop (HEDT) 12-core processor that can compete with the AMD Ryzen 9 3900X, you will need to add more dollars to your budget. Even if you go with the Intel’s chip, don’t think that you will end up with the same level of performance.
It’s not surprising that a 12-core, 24-thread processor with a 4.6GHz boost clock performs like an absolute monster. The AMD Ryzen 9 3900X is straight up the fastest piece of silicon you can buy without wading into the HEDT scene – at least until the Ryzen 9 3950X came out in September 2019. If price is a crucial aspect for the best CPU for video editing then you might consider going with the 3900X.
AMD Ryzen 9 3900X Specs:
| Socket | AM4 |
|---|---|
| Core / Threads | 12 / 24 |
| Base Frequency / Boost Frequency | 3.8 GHz / 4.6 GHz |
| Memory Speed / Controller | 3200 MHz / Dual-Channel |
| Cache | 64MB |
| Intergraded Graphics | No |
| Unlocked Multiplier | Yes |
| Thermal Design Power | 105W |
| Process | 7nm |
Pros
- Outstanding performance
- Better than Intel's same price CPU
- Supports PCIe 4.0
- 12 Cores & 24 Threads
Cons
- Needs X570 motherboards for PCIe 4.0 support
- No integrated graphics
- Intel beats it in gaming performance
- No integrated graphics
4
AMD Ryzen 7 3800X
There are definitely more powerful CPUs to pick between the Zen 2 from AMD, if you are one of the editors who don’t need that much performance then the Ryzen 7 3800X is for you.
If you need more core count then you can go with the Ryzen 9 3900X’s, though it will cost you more, that’s why we suggest you the 3800X, for a cheaper option. It uses the AM4 socket and it comes with a 105W TDP and AMD’s strong Wraith Prism cooler, but if you plan to overclock it we suggest getting a more powerful and reliable cooler. If you consider the number frequencies and that it’s an 8-core, 16-thread CPU, it’s going to have you more than covered for video editing.
It starts with 3.9GHz which is higher than Ryzen 9’s 3.8GHz and it can get to 4.5 GHz with a turbo boost. Ryzen is known for using the power of memory, so we recommend using fast memory. So to sum, if you don’t need a CPU with 12 cores, then the Ryzen 7 3800X is definitely one of the best processors for video editing.
AMD Ryzen 7 3800X Specs:
| Socket | AM4 |
|---|---|
| Core / Threads | 8 / 16 |
| Base Frequency / Boost Frequency | 3.9 GHz / 4.5 GHz |
| Memory Speed / Controller | 3200 MHz / Dual-Channel |
| Cache | 32MB |
| Intergraded Graphics | No |
| Unlocked Multiplier | Yes |
| Thermal Design Power | 105W |
| Process | 7nm |
Pros
- Bundled cooler
- PCIe 4.0 support
- Good single and multi-threaded performance
Cons
- Needs X570 motherboard for PCIe 4.0
- Limited overclocking headroom
5
Intel 9th Gen Core i9-9900K
Intel’s i9- 9900K is one of the best CPU for video editing, but it’s a perfect processor for those who can afford it, and it surely gives the quality the buyer pays. It has eight-cores and sixteen threads. We believe it’s more than enough for you to edit in 4k videos, especially if your starting frequency is 3.6GHz.
This is not the important part, if 3.6GHz is not enough for you, you can boost it with the turbo up to 5GHz which is impressive. That’s an amazingly powerful performance for video editing! It has a TDP of 95 watts operating on the LGA 1151 socket. The STIM cooling material ensures that heat transfer from the CPUT to the cooler is perfect, so you can proceed and safely overclock the CPU. It comes with intergraded graphics card Intel UHD 630, supporting Intel’s Optane memory, having 40 PCIe lanes and 16MB of the cache.
If you want to spend more money on the CPU and you want a more (HEDT) then that’s one of the best processors for your video editing experience.
Intel i9-9900K Specs:
| Socket | LGA 1151 |
|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 8 / 16 |
| Base Frequency / Boost Frequency | 3.6GHz / 5GHz |
| Memory Speed / Controller | 2666 MHz / Dual-Channel |
| Cache | 16MB |
| Intergraded Graphics | Intel UHD 630 |
| Unlocked Multiplier | Yes |
| Thermal Design Power | 95W |
| Process | 14nm |
Pros
- Supports up to 128 GB memory
- Peaking at 5GHz
Cons
- Power consumption under heavy load
- Small improvements on gaming performance
- Lacks stock cooler
Summary
Is it performance, design, or pricing the most crucial aspect of the best CPU for video editing. These were the top 5 CPUs for video editing for 2021. We hope that helped you to choose the best CPU cooler for video editing, and you’ve cleared your mind, especially if you’re looking for the best CPU for i7 9700k. All people should be able to make the right choices no matter their PC building knowledge background, that’s why we’re here to help you with every difficulty.
Now you might want to keep your CPU cold enough! Here are the top 3 coolers for i7 9700k.
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