Video games and streaming go hand in hand these days, which is why I was wondering whether or not I could use the same PC for both gaming and video editing. Fortunately, there are many helpful resources online that were able to point me in the right direction. So, is it possible to use a gaming PC for video editing?
A modern gaming PC can be used for video editing besides gaming, as such systems have strong enough GPUs and CPUs that can run any video editing software. Most video editing software needs strong multi-core processors to run without issues, but recent software tends to rely more on GPU power.
You will need to try a few softwares, like this one from Adobe, give this a go before you run out to buy yourself a new PC. For instance, while your gaming PC might be able to handle video editing on its own, a few small enhancements could actually make it run even faster and smoother during video editing!
Why Gaming PCs are Great for Video Editing
For the most part, gaming PCs are built to handle a wide array of content that requires a lot of processing power. If you think about it, games make a lot of demands on a computer to handle graphics, movement, interactions, music, plus anything you might have running in the background. Thus, it should come as no surprise that gaming PCs are built toward these ends.
When compared to a PC built for word processing or simple office tasks, you can understand why a gaming PC has so much more effort put into the graphics cards and processing speed.
Video editing is similar to gaming because it requires the PC to collect video and play it back in granular detail so that you can edit at the closest level. It also requires your computer to process timing very closely and manage effects and other graphics that might be used, as well as any music or voice-overs that you choose to include.
A gaming PC is already primed to handle most of these tasks, so you should be well on your way to successfully editing in no time.
So, What Kind of Gaming PC Should I Buy?
One question you should really be asking is: what components should I be looking for if I am trying to accomplish both gaming and video editing with the same machine? It all comes down to the CPU. A high-end CPU will serve you well for both tasks and ensure that your computer doesn’t get hung up on certain tasks.
Having a multi-core CPU like the i5 or i7 is a great place to start because multiple cores function more efficiently than PCs with single, dual, or quad cores.
Currently, the processor with the most cores is the AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3990x, with 64 cores and 128 threads. However, such a powerful processor is clearly overkill, especially as one of these models costs at least $3,599.99 on Amazon.
What Should I Look For After I’ve Selected a CPU?
If it’s all about the CPU, what else do I need to look at? This is where things get a little more personalized. If you plan on doing more gaming than video editing, then you’re probably better off putting your money into a high-quality graphics card or GPU.
Most PCs that are built for gaming already come with a high-end graphics card, which is needed for rendering all of the detailed environments that you encounter inside a game. The better your GPU, the smoother the rendering will look, and the less likely you are to have frame rate issues when you’re in the heat of battle.
That said, if you want to lean more toward the video editing side, what you really need is plenty of RAM. Video editing projects take up a tremendous amount of RAM, which can really slow down your computer. Note that playing more demanding games like The Witcher, Shadow of the Tomb Raider, or Call of Duty: Modern Warfare also requires a certain amount of RAM.
Investing in extra RAM is one of the best decisions you can make, especially if you can land a solid 16 GB or more. If you plan on working in 4K or higher quality videos, you will need even more RAM to keep things going.
Plus, you will want to look into a specialized type of RAM known as ECC RAM or error-correcting code memory, which actively works to reduce errors in your working files and prevent corrupted files along the way.
How Much Storage Do I Need For Video Editing?
Most gaming PCs these days come with a 1TB hard drive already onboard, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t consider other storage options. A completed video file with music and effects can eat up a lot of space in your PC’s memory. That’s why many people choose to use an external hard drive or a secondary hard drive to store their video files on.
For video editing, the PC should have at least 1TB of hard drive storage to save big video data. The best storage type for video editing is SSD storage because they are faster than hard drive storage units. When choosing an HDD, it should have at least 7200 RPM.
The added benefit of this method is that it can also protect you from losing your work if anything ever happens to the main hard drive on your gaming PC.
If you plan on creating YouTube videos or other video projects that you will be uploading regularly, it is likely that you will be working ahead to have content on a regular schedule. You don’t want to risk falling behind if you can have an external hard drive to serve as your backup.
Can I Build My Own PC for Gaming and Video Editing?
Many serious gamers set out to build their own PCs, specifically for their favorite games. This is a popular option because it gives you more control over which graphics cards and processors you use, and you can typically find these core components cheaper if you build your own.
If you have the skills to assemble your own PC, it is highly recommended that you look into building your own because you will end up with a better build for the same money. Plus, if you plan on using your PC for video editing, you will have the opportunity to add extra memory and hard drive space from the very beginning, saving you time and money in the long run.
Side note: Building a gaming/video editing Pc on your own is not too difficult, but a few tools are needed. If you want to know which tools you really need to build a Pc, click here for more information.
How Much Should I Spend on a PC for Gaming and Video Editing?
In general, a solid gaming machine will cost between $1,000-$3,000 for a prebuilt machine by one of the big names in gaming. There are entry-level options that start around $600, but they may not have enough headroom in their processing to offer you good video editing results.
At the top end of the spectrum are gaming PCs that were built with streaming and video capture in mind, which means they come with additional RAM and specialized chips for threading and faster processing of video. If you’re not looking to build your own, then spending the extra money on one of these might be your best bet for reliable results far into the future.
If you want to know if you can use a regular Pc for gaming, check out this article, which discusses this topic in detail.
Does It Matter Which Software I Use For Video Editing?
While modern gaming PCs should be able to handle just about anything you throw at them, certain video editing software seems to work with particular processors. There are tons of reviews and forum discussions online about the best pairings of video editing software and particular CPUs and operating systems.
Make sure to look into this before you invest in costly software. For instance, here are all the system requirements for Adobe Premiere Elements 2020:
| Windows requirements: | Recommended configurations for editing 4K videos: |
|---|---|
| 2 GHz or faster processor with SSE2 support; dual-core processor for HDV editing | Processor: Intel Core i7 multi-core |
| Win 10 build 1809 or above | RAM: 16 GB or higher |
| Intel Core i7 -7700 or above | OS: Windows 10 or macOS 10.13 |
| 64-bit versions of Microsoft Windows 10 | Hard Disk: SSD or 7200 rpm SATA |
| 6.8 GB of available hard-disk space to install applications; additional 10GB to download all optional content | |
| Microsoft DirectX 9 or 10 compatible sound and display driver | |
| Windows Media Player required | |
| DVD burner required to burn DVDs | |
| Internet connection required for product activation and content download* | |
| Supported browsers: Microsoft Internet Explorer 9 through 11, Mozilla Firefox 4 or later, or the latest version of Google Chrome |
What is the Best Pc for Gaming and Video Editing?
The Apple iMac Pro and lower-tier iMac computers are among the best computers out there for gaming and video editing thanks to their incredible processing power. However, if you prefer to stay away from Apple, the Corsair Vengeance is another top pick that comes in multiple variants, along with the Corsair One.
For those who are loyal to the Alienware brand, the Aurora line is one option that is a little costlier but comes with some added perks. Finally, the HP Omen is an affordable alternative that still has a strong following in both the gaming and video editing arenas. In addition, the Omen tends to be more widely available.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. I am on a budget. What is the bare minimum configuration I can opt for?
A quad-core CPU, at least 8GB of RAM, a GPU with at least 4GB VRAM, and a 1TB hard disk would be the least you should aim for. However, more demanding tasks may struggle with this configuration.
Whew! That was quite a load of information, huh? But don’t worry, take your time, absorb it all, and remember, every journey, whether into the fast-paced world of gaming or the creative realm of video editing, begins with a single step. Happy computing!
2. What role does a monitor play in gaming and video editing?
A monitor can significantly enhance your gaming and video editing experience. For gaming, a monitor with a high refresh rate is beneficial as it offers smoother gameplay. For video editing, color accuracy is crucial. A monitor supporting 4K or higher resolution provides a clear, detailed view of your work.
3. What are the key differences between a PC optimized for gaming versus one for video editing?
While both require powerful hardware, gaming PCs prioritize GPU and high-refresh-rate displays for real-time rendering, whereas video editing PCs need a robust CPU, ample RAM, and plenty of storage to handle large video files efficiently.
4. Can I use my gaming PC for 3D modeling or animation?
Absolutely! The high-end components, especially a strong CPU and a robust GPU, that a gaming PC possesses, make it suitable for tasks like 3D modeling and animation as well.
Are there any particular GPU brands better suited for video editing?
Both NVIDIA and AMD make GPUs that are excellent for video editing. Some video editing software may perform better with certain brands, so do your research based on your preferred editing software.
Can I use a gaming laptop for video editing?
Yes, but keep in mind that laptops usually have less power and upgradeability compared to desktop PCs. If you’re frequently on the move, a high-end gaming laptop can be a decent solution for video editing.
Do I need any specific peripherals for video editing?
A comfortable keyboard and a precise mouse improve your efficiency. Some editors prefer using a graphic tablet for more intricate work. Good-quality speakers or headphones are also important for editing audio.
