Computers are used for a variety of different purposes from simple internet browsing to gaming and high end video editing. Each of these uses requires different levels of performance from the computer in order to complete the necessary tasks.
For video editing, a user requires smooth playback of video files, the ability to render graphics, produce visual effects and export the media into a usable format for viewers.
In order to achieve optimum performance here are 5 computer components you'll need to pay attention to and why they are important.
- CPU
- GPU
- RAM
- Storage
- Monitor
CPU
The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the brains of your computer. For video editing this will have an impact on how your video editing software performs. The CPU also will determine your rendering performance. Make sure you have a high speed processor in your editing workstation is critical!
GPU
Your Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) is responsible for rendering images, animations and video to be displayed on your screen. Since a video editor will be working with lots of video and visual effects, making sure you have a high-end graphics card with maximized video ram will get you the performance you really want.
RAM
Random Access Memory (RAM) is responsible for storing data for the programs running on your computer. Most computers off the shelf come with 2GB of RAM which is not enough for video editing which eats up RAM like crazy. In order to have decent video editing performance you'll need a minimum of 4GB RAM but upgrading to 16GB is even better. Essentially more RAM = faster video editing.
Storage
Video files take up a lot of space because they contain large amounts of information from the camera. Typical 500GB SATA storage in a computer is not enough so upgrading your storage is a necessity. We recommend adding 2TB internal or external storage.
Monitor
You'll need a way to view the video you are working on so having a proper monitor is important to see exactly what your project looks like. Choosing a large widescreen LCD monitor that is compatible with your graphics card is critical.
