The 5 Best Computers for Video Editing & Content Creators

The 5 Best Computers for Video Editing & Content Creators

Most content creators are pouring thousands of dollars down the drain on overpriced gear that's killing their profitability.

I finally discovered the truth about what matters in a video editing machine – and what's just expensive marketing fluff that does nothing for your bottom line.

The difference between a £500 and a £5,000 editing setup often comes down to seconds of rendering time, not hours. Yet those thousands could be reinvested into your business to generate actual revenue.

Today, I'm breaking down the five machines that deliver maximum editing performance per pound spent. These business assets will help you produce more content faster and with higher quality while maintaining healthy profit margins.

If you're serious about scaling your content business, pay close attention. I've tested dozens of setups across multiple price points to find the perfect balance of power, reliability, and value.

These five machines consistently outperform their competitors where it matters.

Navigating the Sea of Video Editing Computers

If You're Serious About Video Editing, Stop Using a Toy

Video editing punishes your computer. It's not browsing cat videos or sending emails—this is war.

Rendering high-res footage, stacking layers of effects, and scrubbing through 4K in real-time demands horsepower.

Most people don't realise this until their machine starts overheating, crashing, or quitting on them. If you want your gear to keep up, here's what you need to focus on:

1. CPU: Your Editing Engine

This is the brain. No brain? No speed. You want an Intel Core i7/i9 or AMD Ryzen 7/9. Don't get caught up in marketing fluff—focus on core count and clock speed. More cores = more multitasking. Higher clock speed = faster rendering.

Also, look at TDP (thermal design power). That tells you how well the chip handles heat under pressure. Higher TDP? Usually, it means better performance sustained over time.

If you're mobile or running lightweight edits on the go, CPUs with integrated graphics can give you just enough juice without frying your lap.

Pro Tip: Make sure whatever CPU you choose plays nicely with the rest of your setup—compatibility matters. You don't want to spend a grand on gear that doesn't talk to your software.

2. GPU: The Unsung Hero

Most people overlook this. Don't. Your graphics card (GPU) is your video editor's best friend. It accelerates playback, crunches effects, and powers through exports. You want something like an NVIDIA RTX series or AMD Radeon Pro.

VRAM matters. 8GB is entry-level. 16GB+ is where the magic happens—especially if you're dealing with 4K, 360°, or 3D content.

3. RAM: More = Smoother

32GB should be your starting point. You'll feel anything less the second you load up a big project. If you're editing in 4K or pushing into VR/360° content, go for 64GB or more. RAM is your buffer—it keeps your project from choking under pressure.

4. Storage: Speed Over Size (But You'll Want Both)

Forget traditional hard drives. If you're not using SSDs, you're wasting time. Period. You want 1TB+ of high-speed SSD storage—not just for storing footage but for working efficiently.

Why? Slow drives bottleneck your workflow. SSDs make playback smooth, scrubbing seamless, and exports snappy.

5. Form Factor: Mobile vs Desktop

You've got options. Want power and portability? Go for mobile workstations like the Dell Precision 7760 or Lenovo ThinkPad P1 Gen 4. These aren't your average laptops—these are beasts in a backpack.

Do you prefer something that works out of the box with minimal fuss? Try an all-in-one like the iMac Pro or HP Z1 G8. It has a clean look and good performance.

Do you want maximum performance and complete control? Custom desktops like Puget Systems Deluge or Origin PC Millennium let you specify precisely what you need and upgrade it when necessary.

6. No One-Size-Fits-All

Here's the truth: No single machine will be “perfect” for everyone. Your best setup depends on three things:

• Your budget
• Your workflow
• Your preferred software

Get clear on those, and then build around the core four: CPU, GPU, RAM, and Storage. That's where performance lives or dies.

7. macOS vs Windows: Choose Your Weapon

This isn't about brand loyalty. It's about what works best for you.

macOS? Smooth. Reliable. Tight integration with software like Final Cut Pro. Great if you're already in Apple's ecosystem—AirDrop, iCloud, and that seamless device sync.

Windows? More flexible. More compatible. And a lot more options when it comes to hardware customisation. Windows gives you more bang for your buck if you're using Adobe, DaVinci Resolve, or any software that benefits from GPU acceleration.

Pick the system that fits your tools, workflow, and plans.

If your computer's struggling, your creativity suffers. Don't let your gear bottleneck your potential. Invest once in the proper setup—and you'll spend more time creating and less time waiting on load bars.

This isn't about shiny tech. It's about buying back your time.

5 Best Computers for Video Editing

1 – Apple iMac Pro: The Powerhouse Performer

The Apple iMac Pro is in a league of its own in terms of video editing performance.

As an all-in-one workstation, the iMac Pro integrates a stunning 27-inch 5K Retina display and an astounding amount of processing power into a sleek, space-saving design.

Under the hood, the iMac Pro can easily be configured with up to an 18-core Intel Xeon W processor and 128GB of RAM, giving it the muscle to handle even the most demanding 8K video projects.

AMD Radeon Pro Vega graphics cards supplement this raw power, which provides outstanding performance for GPU-accelerated tasks like rendering complex effects and colour-grading high-resolution footage.

The fusion of macOS optimisation and cutting-edge hardware makes the iMac Pro a video editing powerhouse. Complex timeline playback is smooth and responsive, allowing editors to work more efficiently.

Encoding times are blazing fast, delivering final exports in a fraction of the time compared to other systems.

The expansive 27-inch 5K display provides ample screen real estate and pin-sharp clarity for immersive editing sessions. Seeing footage rendered in full 5K resolution is a game-changer for identifying subtle details and imperfections.

The display's support for the P3 wide colour gamut shows video content in its vibrant colours.

While the iMac Pro commands a premium price, it justifies its cost for professionals who need uncompromising performance.

Video editors who regularly work with 4K, 6K or 8K footage will benefit tremendously from the iMac Pro's speed and responsiveness. The iMac Pro is one of the best all-in-one machines money can buy for high-end post-production work.

Bestseller No. 1

Apple iMac Pro 27in All-in-One Desktop,Intel,32 GB, Space Gray (MQ2Y2LL/A) (Renewed)1000 GB,macOS…

• Radeon Pro Vega 56 with 8GB HBM2 memory
• 3.2GHz 8-core Intel Xeon W processor w/Turbo Boost up to 4.2GHz
• 32GB 2666MHz ECC memory

$1,119.00

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Specifications: Apple iMac Pro

Pros:

• Exceptional processing power.
• Stunning Retina display.
• macOS optimisation.
• Ideal for 4K and 8K editing.

Cons:

• High price point.
• Limited upgradeability.

Colour Accuracy in Displays for Video Editing

High display colour fidelity is essential for video editing, ensuring that what you see on screen matches real-world outputs.

Displays with factory calibration, broad colour gamut support like Adobe RGB or DCI-P3, and low Delta E values offer more precise colour reproduction.

These features help editors make accurate adjustments, crucial for colour-grading work where every hue and shade matters.

Many displays now offer hardware calibration support, allowing you to adjust settings for perfect tonal balance without relying heavily on software calibration tools.

IPS and OLED panels are also popular for their superior viewing angles and consistent colour output.

By investing in a display with these capabilities, editors can ensure that their visual environment faithfully represents subtle details and contrasts, instilling confidence that the final product aligns with their creative vision.

2 – Dell XPS 17: Balancing Power and Portability

Creative professionals need a laptop to keep up with today's high-resolution video editing and effects-heavy workflows. The recently released Dell XPS 17 aims to fit that need, offering desktop-caliber performance in a slim, portable chassis.

At the heart of the XPS 17 lies Intel's latest 10th generation Core processors, available up to an octa-core i9 that can boost up to 5.3GHz.

With NVIDIA's powerful GeForce RTX graphics, this hardware can readily handle 4K and 8K video editing in programs like Adobe Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve. The XPS 17 chews through renders and effects, allowing editors to work smoothly even with multiple resource-intensive tasks.

Despite its performance, the XPS 17 retains a thin profile of 0.77 inches thick and weighs only 4.65 pounds. The lightweight aluminium and carbon fibre body makes slipping into a bag or backpack easy for on-the-go editing sessions.

Dell managed to fit a large 17-inch 4K display into the compact chassis, providing expansive workspace for video timelines and effects controls. Vibrant colour and inky blacks bring videos to life.

Content creators with large video files will appreciate the dual Thunderbolt 3 ports on the XPS 17. These high-bandwidth connectors offer lightning-fast speeds when hooked to external drives or peripherals. Transferring raw 8K footage from an external SSD is remarkably quick.

With desktop-class power, ample screen space, and portability, the Dell XPS 17 hits the sweet spot for video editors and creators needing serious performance from their laptops. It blends speed, display size, and mobility into one appealing package.

For those editing on the go, the XPS 17 delivers workstation-level capability in a form factor that won't weigh you down.

Bestseller No. 1

Dell XPS 17 9700 (Latest Model) 17.0″ Core i7-10750H(Six Core, Up to 5.0Ghz) 1TB PCIe SSD 32GB RAM…

• Dell XPS 17 9700 (Latest Model) Factory Certified Refurbished with Dell 1YR Warranty
• 10th Gen Core i7-10750H (Six Core, 2.60-5.0Ghz) | 1TB PCIe SSD | 32GB DDR4 RAM
• 17.0 inch FHD+ (1920 x 1200) Anti-Glare InfinityEdge 500-Nits Non-Touch Display | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 TI 4GB GDDR5

$1,449.00

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Specifications: Dell XPS 17

Pros:

• Powerful performance.
• Large and vibrant 4K display.
• Sleek and portable design.
• Thunderbolt 3 support.

Cons:

• Limited upgrade options.
• It can get expensive with higher configurations.

Benefits of Thunderbolt 3/4 Ports

Thunderbolt 3 and 4 ports are particularly valuable to video editors, offering up to 40Gbps data transfer speeds.

This makes them ideal for transferring large video files swiftly between devices. These ports support daisy-chaining multiple peripherals, simplifying complex workspace setups with fewer cables.

They also accommodate high-resolution displays and external GPUs, enhancing performance and visual quality for editing tasks.

Thunderbolt ports streamline connectivity by combining PCI Express and DisplayPort signals over a single cable, reducing clutter while maintaining high speeds.

This is beneficial in video editing, where multiple high-resolution monitors and fast external SSDs might be used.

The versatile nature of these ports often encourages future-proofing your setup, as they are continually advancing to support the latest in data transfer and peripheral technology.

3 – HP ZBook Studio G8: Creativity Unleashed

For creative professionals who demand peak performance and seamless workflows, the HP ZBook Studio G8 mobile workstation stands ready to fulfil your vision.

This powerful laptop is engineered for intensive creative applications like video editing, 3D modelling, animation, visual effects, and more.

Under the hood, professional-grade components are selected to blaze through demanding tasks. Configuration options include Intel Xeon or 11th Gen Core i9 processors, providing robust multi-threaded performance perfect for rendering complex timelines and effects.

NVIDIA RTX graphics with up to 16GB of video memory provide the visual muscle to work with huge assets and accelerate ray tracing workflows.

The ZBook Studio G8 features a stunning 15.6-inch 4K OLED display with factory colour calibration for outstanding colour accuracy. This high-resolution touchscreen display delivers true blacks, vivid hues, and expansive screen real estate ideal for creative work.

With up to 64GB of RAM and speedy storage in RAID 0/1 configurations, you can tackle extensive projects with huge assets. ISV certification ensures seamless compatibility with major creative apps like Adobe Creative Cloud, Autodesk software, Avid tools and more.

Designed for maximum productivity on the go or in the studio, the ZBook Studio G8 offers robust build quality in a slim 0.7-inch profile and just 4.01 pounds.

Plentiful ports like Thunderbolt 4, HDMI 2.0, SD card reader, and more allow flexible workflows. With elite-calibre power, display, and ISV certification packed in a durable chassis, the HP ZBook Studio G8 empowers creative pros to bring imaginative projects to life.

Bestseller No. 1

HP ZBook Studio G8 Workstation Workstation 15.6″ 60Hz IPS FHD Display (Intel i7-11850H, T1200 4GB,…

• [Upgraded] Seal is opened for Hardware/Software upgrade only to enhance performance. 15.6″ IPS FHD (1920×1080) 60Hz Display; Wi-Fi 6 AX201 Wifi, Bluetooth 5.2, Webcam, Fingerprint, Backlit KB Standard Keyboard
• [Powerful Performance with Intel Core i7-11850H Octa Core] 11th Gen Intel Core i7-11850H 2.50GHz Processor (upto 4.8 GHz, 24MB Cache, 8-Cores, 16-Threads, ); NVIDIA T1200 4GB GDDR6 Dual (Integrated+Dedicated) Graphics
• [High Speed and Multitasking] 32GB OnBoard RAM; 150W PSU, No, 6-Cell 83 WHr Battery; Turbo Silver Color

$1,244.99

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Specifications: HP ZBook Studio G8

Pros:

• Workstation-grade performance.
• 4K OLED color-accurate display.
• ISV-certified for software compatibility.
• Extensive storage options.

Cons:

• Relatively expensive.
• Heavier than traditional laptops.

4 – ASUS ROG Strix G15: Gaming Prowess for Editing

Gaming laptops like the ASUS ROG Strix G15 are becoming increasingly popular choices for video editing due to their powerful hardware. Packed with high-end components tailored for smooth gaming performance, these machines provide the muscle needed for creative work like editing videos.

The ROG Strix G15 exemplifies this with its mix of AMD Ryzen processors and NVIDIA GeForce RTX graphics.

Configurable with up to an 8-core Ryzen 9 CPU and RTX 3080 graphics, it delivers exceptional multi-threaded performance and fast rendering speeds – precisely what video editors need.

The RTX 30-series GPUs also provide additional advantages thanks to dedicated encoder and decoder cores for accelerated H.264, HEVC and other video codecs.

Catering to gamers' needs, the 15.6-inch display on the ROG Strix G15 features a rapid 165Hz or 300Hz refresh rate. This high refresh ensures smooth visuals and can make scrubbing through timelines more fluid during editing. The display also offers good colour accuracy, covering 100% of the sRGB gamut.

Keeping high-end components cool under load is crucial for sustained performance.

The ROG Strix G15 handles thermals through various cooling technologies, including liquid metal thermal compounds on the CPU, anti-dust tunnels to prevent fans from clogging, and ample airflow ventilation. This allows the laptop to maintain boost clocks when exporting videos or rendering effects, saving you time.

While it doesn't offer a 4K display or professional certifications like some mobile workstations, the ROG Strix G15 packs excellent power for video editing at a more affordable price point.

Its gaming pedigree also brings welcome extras like RGB lighting and a more stylish design than bulkier workstation laptops. If you need solid video editing capabilities alongside gaming prowess, the ROG Strix G15 is a very compelling choice.

Bestseller No. 1

ASUS ROG Strix G16 Gaming Laptop, 165Hz Display, NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4060, Intel Core…

• POWER UP YOUR PLAY – Win more games with Windows 11, a 13th Gen Intel Core i7-13650HX processor, and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Laptop GPU at 140W Max TGP.
• BLAZING FAST MEMORY AND STORAGE – Multitask swiftly with 16GB of DDR5-4800MHz memory and 1TB of PCIe Gen4 SSD.
• ROG INTELLIGENT COOLING – The Strix G16 features Thermal Grizzly’s Conductonaut Extreme liquid metal on the CPU, and a third intake fan among other premium features, to allow for better sustained performance over long gaming sessions.

$1,309.00

Buy on Amazon

Specifications: ASUS ROG Strix G15

Pros:

• Powerful hardware for gaming and editing.
• High refresh rate display.
• Effective cooling system.
• Good value for the performance.

Cons:

• Less workstation-oriented.
• Build quality might not be as premium as other options.

5 – Custom-Built PC: Tailored to Your Needs

For those who relish having complete command over every aspect of their computer system, constructing a customised PC offers the ultimate flexibility and personalisation for video editing.

You can engineer a machine flawlessly suited to your editing needs by manually selecting each component.

The processor is the heart of any video editing computer, and choosing the right CPU is crucial. Opt for the latest generation chip with the most cores and threads within your budget, prioritising raw processing power over other factors.

Cooling is also vital – invest in a high-end air cooler or liquid cooling solution to enable maximum boost speeds during extended editing sessions.

RAM capacity plays a massive role in Premiere Pro and After Effects workflow.

32GB is recommended for 4K editing, but power users can benefit from 64GB or even 128GB to smoothly handle complex projects with multiple layers and effects. Pay attention to RAM speed, with 3200MHz or 3600MHz kits delivering the best performance.

Storage is where your source footage, scratch disks, and final rendered videos reside. Splurge on a fast M.2 NVME SSD as your primary drive for the operating system and applications.

Supplement with ample SATA SSD or hard drive storage for your media files and project archives. A tiered storage configuration balances speed and capacity.

Balancing speed with reliability ensures that your editing suite operates without a hitch, accommodating everything from simple edits to complex, multi-layered projects efficiently and effectively.

The graphics card accelerates effects and playback. For Premiere, GPUs like the NVIDIA RTX 3080 with 10+GB of VRAM should be prioritised. After Effects relies more heavily on CPU power, so focus on budget here rather than overspending on a GPU.

A custom PC lets you curate every aspect for peak editing efficiency. However, diligent part selection and assembly know-how are required. There's also tremendous long-term upgradability and cost savings over pre-built options.

A tailored PC is the way for video editors who crave complete control.

Pros:

• Complete customisation.
• Potential cost savings.
• Personal satisfaction in building.

Cons:

• Requires technical knowledge.
• Research for compatibility.
• There is no single-point warranty.

When it comes to assembling your custom PC, every component plays a crucial role in achieving the desired level of performance. Whether you're a seasoned pro or new to PC building, selecting the proper hardware is paramount.

Here's an in-depth guide on how to build a powerhouse of a PC that caters to your needs:

1. Processor: Unleash Processing Power. The heart of your custom PC lies in the processor. Opting for a high-performance processor is non-negotiable for seamless editing, video rendering, and multitasking. Consider Intel Core i9 or AMD Ryzen 9 processors, known for their raw computing power and multitasking capabilities. These processors are engineered to effortlessly handle the demands of modern content creation, ensuring that you can edit and render videos, manipulate images, and run resource-intensive applications without a hitch.
2. Graphics Card: The Visual Powerhouse robust graphics card is paramount when working with graphics-intensive tasks. Choose a graphics card that can handle the demands of smooth rendering and playback. NVIDIA GeForce RTX and AMD Radeon RX series are solid contenders, revered for their superior graphical prowess and support for real-time ray tracing. These cards elevate your editing experience and enable you to tackle complex 3D projects and immersive gaming easily.
3. RAM: Empowering Multitasking and Creativity Multitasking is the hallmark of efficient content creation, and having ample RAM is essential to facilitate this. Aim for a minimum of 32GB of RAM. This ensures you can seamlessly switch between resource-intensive applications like video editing software, graphic design tools, and web development platforms. Additionally, leave room for expansion, as your creative endeavours demand even more memory as time passes.
4. Storage: The Balance of Speed and Capacity Storage solutions are the cornerstone of a well-rounded custom PC. To strike a balance between speed and capacity, consider a dual-drive setup. An SSD (Solid State Drive) provides lightning-fast loading times for your operating system and software, while an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or a larger SSD caters to your storage needs, accommodating large project files, media assets, and personal data. This combination ensures both high-speed responsiveness and ample storage space.
5. Motherboard: The Nexus of Compatibility Selecting the correct motherboard is akin to laying a solid foundation for your PC. Ensure it has the necessary ports, connectors, and compatibility for your chosen components. Form factor, socket type, and chipset are critical factors to consider. Whether you're looking to accommodate multiple graphics cards, M.2 NVMe drives, or specialised connectivity options, a well-matched motherboard guarantees a seamless integration of all your hardware components.
6. Cooling: Tackling Heat Effectively Intensive tasks generate heat, and a proper cooling system is paramount to prevent overheating that could hinder performance or even damage your components. Invest in effective cooling solutions, such as CPU coolers and case fans. High-quality air or liquid cooling solutions ensure your processor and graphics card remain within safe temperatures even during demanding workloads and extended gaming sessions.

Conclusion: Deciding Your Editing Powerhouse

Your computer isn’t just a tool—it’s the engine behind every frame you cut, every effect you render, and every story you tell. If it sucks, your work suffers. You win back time, speed, and creative momentum if it's solid. Simple.

Whether you’re drawn to the polished power of an iMac Pro, the brute performance of a Dell XPS, the workstation muscle of an HP ZBook, or the gamer-grade punch of an ASUS ROG—you’ve got options. There are tons of them. What matters is this: Can it keep up with how you work?

Want total control? Build your PC. Want plug-and-play simplicity? Buy pre-built. There’s no “best” setup—only what’s best for your workflow, budget, and goals.

Don’t overthink the poetry of it all. The machine doesn’t make the edit—you do. But the right machine removes friction, accelerates output, and helps you get in the zone faster, stay there longer, and create better.

This is about more than specs—it’s about leverage. You’re not buying a computer; you’re buying speed, focus, and freedom. So, stop researching for weeks.

Make the call. Get the machine. Start producing.

The best editor in the world is still limited by slow gear. Don’t be that person.

Last update on 2025-05-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API