Gaming PCs usually can support video editing software. It is because gaming PCs have dedicated graphic cards, high RAM, two or more cores, high storage, and fast CPUs, fulfilling the requirements of video editing PCs. This help to cater to highly demanding tasks quickly and efficiently. The requirements for a gaming PC and a video editing PC overlap because both video editing and gaming involve providing good graphics.
Factors to Consider Before Buying a Gaming PC for Video Editing
Although we have discussed that the use of a gaming PC for video editing is possible, you still have to keep an eye out for the required traits. Below are some of the factors you need to consider while buying a gaming PC to run video editing software.
Good RAM Capacity
Having enough RAM space ensures the video editing process runs smoothly. RAM capacity required for video editing range from 24 GB to 64 GB, which helps video editing software run smoothly and avoid lagging. As gaming PCs usually come with a RAM capacity of 16 GB, you need always to check the RAM capacity of the PC you are buying and get the required one attached.
Higher Core and Thread Processor
Having more cores will allow your processor to work faster, and the video editing process will be quicker. While buying a PC, you can check the core count and the thread processor in the CPU specs. For video editing, the minimum range for cores and thread is 8 cores with 16 threads. As for the processor, an AMD processor performs better in video editing, than an intel one.
Storage Drive
There are surprisingly still a large number of people that don’t agree with the effect of storage drives on the workload of a PC. Having an SSD instead of a Hard Disk reduces a significant amount of workload from your processor, helping create the optimal working condition for the PC. The SSD helps in video editing by making it smooth and less jarring.
For a gaming PC, the ideal storage space to hold all of your games will range from 500 GB to 1 TB. While for video editing, the storage drives range from 1 T to 8 TB. It is because the requirement for 4K videos has become higher, and they require even more space than 1080 ones. While editing a lot of 4K video, the 1 TB storage space might run out quickly, so prepare accordingly.
Graphics Processing Unit
In a gaming PC, the GPU is the most important part, as it determines the performance of the games to a great extent. This is not the case while video editing, as GPU, is not required most of the time. You only need a GPU while video editing when you are doing 3D animation or putting some special effects. So keeping GPU to the minimum requirements will not affect your video editing performance.
Minimum Thresholds Between a Gaming PC and a Video Editing PC
As gaming PCs and video editing PCs have overlapping specs, here are some of the major differences that you have to consider if you are planning to use a gaming PC for video editing.
- Games do not depend on the number of cores, rather it depends more on the IPS (Instructions Per Second) and speed of the processor. So that means replacing a 6-core processor with a 12-core processor will not have much effect on the gaming performance of the PC. While video editing, the processor plays an essential part. Having a suitable processor helps in producing complex effects, warps, and many other functions. While editing, the software relies more on the processors, so having a good processor leads to making the editing process smooth.
- As the game performance depends highly on the Frames Per second (fps), investing in the GPU will surely not go to waste. If you are not doing any complex effects or 3D effects while video editing, the integrated GPU in your PC will suffice easily. While doing these effects, you will need a graphic card up to the range of RTX 3060. In case you are editing 4 K, 6K, or 8K videos, you might want a high-performing GPU paired with a powerful processor.
- If you have 16 GB of RAM for your gaming PC, it will suffice for most of your Quad HD or 4K games. For video editing, having 16 GB RAM will be sufficient if you are not editing any 4K videos. In case you need to use heavy effects with 4K videos, it is good to upgrade to 32 GB or 64 GB RAM, for your video editing program to run smoothly.
- While gaming, the graphic card requirement basically depends on your fps. If you are playing your game at 1080 fps, then a 4 GB VRAM GPU will suffice. While video editing, if you are not doing any complex effects, or editing with 3D effects, a built In GPU would suffice. If you are doing these effects or editing a video up to 8K, then getting a 6 GB above VRAM will be good.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a gaming laptop handle video editing?
Yes, a gaming laptop can handle video editing. It is because the hardware requirements for video editing overlap with the hardware requirements for gaming.
How much RAM do I need for gaming and editing?
Having 32 GB RAM is sufficient for running heavy games, and also supports most video editing software. In case you are doing video editing in 4K quality, and adding complex special effects, you might need to get 64 GB RAM to occupy the processing of these high-quality videos.
Is getting 64 GB RAM for gaming too much?
Yes, getting 64 GB RAM for gaming is too much. A 16 GB RAM can easily suffice because the important things for gaming are the GPU and your processor.
What PC part is essential for video editing?
The most essential part of a PC while video editing is the CPU, The GPU is required while dealing with special effects and graphics.
Conclusion
If you have a gaming PC and you are getting into video editing, using your gaming PC for this is possible in most cases. Got gaming, the most important component is the processor core and the GPU, whereas in order to run the video editing software to run smoothly, you need to have enough RAM capacity. These overlapping hardware requirements for both video editing and gaming allow the user to save a lot of money