5 Best Desktop Computer for Video Editing (2025)

In this guide, we focus on helping video editors make informed, confident choices when selecting a desktop computer tailored for post-production work. We’ve crafted it specifically for content creators, filmmakers, YouTubers, animators, and motion graphics professionals who depend on high-efficiency machines for rendering, playback, color grading, and export.

Laggy previews, constant rendering, and crashes can kill momentum mid-edit. You can’t afford downtime when client deadlines loom or when you’re deep in a creative flow.

Video editing is demanding. Software like Adobe Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, and Final Cut Pro relies heavily on multi-threaded processing, GPU acceleration, and ultra-fast storage. If your machine lacks the right specs, you’ll hit bottlenecks in real time playback, effects rendering, and final delivery. There’s also the question of expandability—your system must grow with your ambitions.

We assess these critical areas: Processor (CPU), Graphics Card (GPU), RAM, Storage, Ports, and Cooling & Build Quality. Every desktop we recommend meets minimum thresholds. At the very least, you should be looking for:

• A multi-core processor with high clock speed—Intel i7 or AMD Ryzen 7, or above
• A dedicated GPU with hardware acceleration support—NVIDIA RTX 3060 or better
• 32GB RAM for comfortable multi-app workflows
• 1TB NVMe SSD as a primary drive for OS and scratch disk
• Thunderbolt or USB-C ports, and DisplayPort or HDMI 2.1 output
• Effective cooling that maintains thermal stability under load

Let’s break this down so you understand why each feature matters, and how it affects your editing sessions.

CPU (Processor)
A fast CPU accelerates encoding, effects processing, and timeline responsiveness. Multi-threaded performance helps during exports and background rendering, especially in software that taps into all available cores. Choosing a CPU like the AMD Ryzen 9 or Intel Core i9 gives you speed and headroom. It prevents stutter during playback of high-res timelines and shortens export times. Great for editors working with RED RAW, 6K, or layered After Effects comps.

GPU (Graphics Card)
Video editing software increasingly offloads tasks to the GPU, color correction, effects, and real-time rendering benefit directly. NVIDIA’s RTX line, especially cards like the RTX 4070 or 4080, and similar 50 series, supports hardware encoding (NVENC), which can dramatically reduce export durations. A strong GPU turns sluggish 4K timelines into fluid, responsive sequences, and it’s essential for DaVinci Resolve’s GPU-accelerated color grading.

RAM
Editing apps consume memory fast—especially as you open multiple projects, use proxies, or keep After Effects and Premiere open side-by-side. 32GB is ideal, although some editors working with larger assets or higher bit-depth footage may benefit from 64GB. Adequate RAM ensures smooth scrubbing, fewer cache purges, and reliable playback without freezing.

Storage
You need speed and capacity. NVMe SSDs outperform SATA SSDs, delivering fast read/write speeds that help with project load times, media scrubbing, and caching. 1TB for the OS and apps, plus an optional 2TB SSD or HDD for archived footage, is a practical setup. Slow drives lead to choppy previews; fast ones let you edit straight from the disk.

Ports & Expandability
You’ll connect cameras, external drives, monitors, and control surfaces. Thunderbolt 3/4 or USB-C, plus multiple USB-A ports, make your setup more flexible. DisplayPort and HDMI ports help when working with dual-monitor setups or HDR displays. A good desktop gives you the I/O you need.

Thermal Design & Build Quality
Video editing generates heat. A well-cooled case with smart airflow and low-noise fans keeps your system stable. Poor thermals throttle performance, especially during long renders. Solid internal layout also makes future upgrades easier—like adding more RAM or swapping GPUs.

Now, here’s what you can expect next. We’ve selected the top-performing desktops across budget ranges—professional studio rigs, mid-tier workstations, and entry-level setups that still handle 1080p and 4K projects well. Each system meets or exceeds the criteria above and supports modern editing pipelines.

If you’re a full-time editor, freelance motion designer, or a passionate YouTuber building your post-production suite, you’re about to see machines that match your ambition.

Also check: the best desktop computers for Vegas pro in addition to the best desktop pcs for Avid Media composer.

These are the Best Desktop Computers for Video Editing:

Skytech Gaming Nebula Gaming PC Desktop – Intel Core i5 13400F 2.5 GHz, NVIDIA RTX 4060, 1TB NVME SSD
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CPU	Intel Core i5 13400F
Processor Speed	2.5 GHz
GPU	NVIDIA RTX 4060
Graphics Card Memory	8 GB
RAM	16GB DDR4
Storage Space	1TB NVME SSD
Operating System	Windows 11
Dimensions	‎22.5 x 20.5 x 13.5 inches
Keyboard & Mouse	Sold Separately
Computer Monitor	Sold Separately
Advantages	Design and Build
Disadvantages	Storage

Corsair Vengeance i7500 Series Gaming PC - Liquid Cooled Intel Core i7 14700KF CPU - NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070Ti GPU - 32GB
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CPU	Intel Core i7 14700KF
Processor Speed	‎3.4 GHz
GPU	NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070Ti
Graphics Card Memory	‎12 GB
RAM	32GB
Storage Space	1TB M.2 SSD
Operating System	Windows 11
Dimensions	17.8 x 9.1 x 18.3 inches
Keyboard & Mouse	Sold Separately
Computer Monitor	Sold Separately
Advantages	design and performance
Disadvantages	Storage

Thermaltake Reactor 380 Liquid-Cooled PC (AMD Ryzen 7 5800X, RTX 3080, 16GB 3600Mhz
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CPU	AMD Ryzen 7 5800X
Processor Speed	‎3.8 Ghz
GPU	RTX 3080
Graphics Card Memory	10 GB
RAM	16GB
Storage Space	1TB
Operating System	Windows 11
Dimensions	‎14 x 14 x 24 inches
Keyboard & Mouse	Sold Separately
Computer Monitor	Sold Separately
Advantages	Performance, Price
Disadvantages	Storage

iBuyPower Pro Y60 Gaming PC Computer Desktop Y60BI9N4701 (Intel i9-13900KF 3.0 GHz, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 12GB, 32 GB
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CPU	Intel i9-13900KF
Processor Speed	3.0 GHz
GPU	Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070
Graphics Card Memory	12GB
RAM	32 GB
Storage Space	1TB NVMe SSD
Operating System	Windows 11
Dimensions	18 x 11.2 x 18.2 inches
Keyboard & Mouse	Included
Computer Monitor	Sold Separately
Advantages	Performance
Disadvantages	Storage

Thermaltake Reactor 380 Liquid-Cooled PC (AMD Ryzen 7 5800X, RTX 3080, 16GB 3600Mhz DDR4 RGB ToughRAM, Seagate FireCuda 520 NVMe 1TB
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CPU	AMD Ryzen 5 3600
Processor Speed	RTX 3060 Ti
GPU	RTX 3060 Ti
Graphics Card Memory	8 GB
RAM	16GB
Storage Space	1TB
Operating System	Windows 11
Dimensions	24.5 x 22.3 x 17.5 inches
Keyboard & Mouse	Sold Separately
Computer Monitor	Sold Separately
Advantages	Very good performance
Disadvantages	Storage

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