The demand for video editing is rising day by day. If you’re serious about video editing, your computer should be smart and able to process many files in video files. A high-quality core is needed if you want your video output to look smooth.
However, many computers are out there that are made up of multiple cores to take instructions and perform fast calculations based on the given instructions. If you want to make videos in bulk, you need a more powerful and best computer processor that creates the best and fast video performance.
Now, the question is, how many cores are needed for video editing? However, its answer mainly depends on the type of software and the amount of editing you want to complete since each software has minimum cores requirements to optimize the performance.
In this article, we will discuss the cores and other important facts one should know about. So, without further ado, let us get started!
Table of Contents
- Is 4 cores enough for video editing?
- Is 6 cores enough for video editing?
- Is 8 cores enough for video editing?
- Is 12 cores enough for video editing?
- Best Processor Speed for Video Editing
- Central Processing Unit (CPU)
- Random Access Memory (RAM)
- Graphical Processing Unit (GPU) & VRAM
- Storage Systems
- How many cores for 720p, 1080p, 4k, and 8k video editing?
- Best Video Editing Software 2021
- What is the Minimum core needed for video editing?
- What are the PC requirements to edit a 4K video?
- Wrapping it up
Is 4 cores enough for video editing?
The expert often recommends 6-10 cores if you need high-quality video. However, four cores can be enough for video editing only if the size of the video is small and requires less editing. Moreover, the core size depends on the type of video you are trying to edit.
Four core is generally stated as a 4-quad processor that includes 4 different core units that read and implement the CPU instructions such as move data, branch, add data, and many more. It is also referred to as a multi-core processor that has become general computing and can be used for mobile devices.
The quad-core processor renders the video slowly and takes long hours to edit when it comes to videos. Even though playing games are difficult on this PC, thus, it might not be the best option to use it for video editing.
Is 6 cores enough for video editing?
When it comes to video editing, a CPU with multiple cores is always recommended. It says that the more cores you have, the more you can perform best with video editing. Six cores create an important base for accomplishing the work on time. Cores are actually the hardware components that manage the virtual tasks perfectly.
Apart from that, 6 cores are enough for video streaming and gaming as well. Moreover, 6 core helpful in making multitasking easier. However, it is a hot discussion among editors, and they believe that working with higher clock rates/speed is more beneficial than working in cores.
Is 8 cores enough for video editing?
As per the experts, 6 cores are ultimately best for video editing and streaming. However, 4 cores can still use for accomplishing small goals. Well, indeed, eight cores might provide the best performance and include basic improvements that might assist you in making fast videos.
But the issue is, the performance will depend on the type of software you are using for editing videos. Also, the type of CPU and GPU matters a lot when it comes to checking the worth of using eight cores.
Is 12 cores enough for video editing?
Of course! While working on 12 cores, you can easily experience the real difference between working 4 cores to 12 cores. If you want to do occasional editing 12 cores are just perfect for rendering and editing. The chips of 8 and 12 just do fine with everything.
However, 12c is a little expensive. Thus, many people avoid upgrading their systems and working with 6c and 8c.
Best Processor Speed for Video Editing
If you are looking to buy the best processor that offers high speed for video editing and rendering, so one must understand the needs of CPU, GPU, RAM, and storage options.
In this section, we will look into these key factors in-depth, so you can easily identify what you can expect from your system.
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
There is no doubt to say that the CPU is a core part of any computer. In scientific language, the CPU is the brain of the computer since every task complies with it to the computer. In early times, CPUs were based on single cores that did not allow multitasking. Hence, thinking about video editing was not possible.
However, with the advancement of technology today, computers are available in multiple cores and threads even though many systems offer multiple CPUs with a single system with the same clock speed.
Multiple cores mean your system has multiple CPUs that naturally boost the loading speed and work superbly to render and edit videos. And for the video editors, using multi-cores is just enough to come up with a high-quality output. Furthermore, multiple cores allow the users to do multitask at a time without affecting the quality of another.
Apart from cores, threading is another way to improve CPU performance. It is also good as cores that can be said as an added feature to modern PCs. It is called the best feature that gives an additional layer to make your performance much better than your expectation.
However, most video editors require a dual-core processor. The quad-core processor with 2.5Hz or faster will give you the best performance.
Random Access Memory (RAM)
Random-access memory is the second most important factor you should consider while working on videos. RAM does not generally contribute to speeding up the performance that you want while working out with the things. But it also works in enhancing the capabilities of size and type of processes you can perform.
The DDR5 RAM is much faster than the DDR4 RAM, which means the more you have RAM, the more you can run your program at speed. For video editing, one should look for 8GB RAM, which is safe and one of the best to make the best performance.
Another is ECC RAM, which you should consider. However, it is not so expensive and does not add additional security on performance layers. These ECC RAM are significantly builds with extra chips that easily transfer and increase the temporary storage. Thus, when you are working on your client’s project, it enhances speed and gives easy workflow.
Graphical Processing Unit (GPU) & VRAM
VRAM is the part of GPU. The graphical processing unit is the major component for editing videos in high quality. On the other side, CPU and RAM are the crucial factors to run major tasks of your computer while GPU works with CPU to target graphics, textures, videos, and anything else related to it.
However, most video editing software provides a wide range of offers, including cards that allow working on animations and various effects. Also, there are few software that does not offer GUI, so you must check GUI that works on your system and help you save a lot of headaches.
Storage Systems
For the most powerful composition, it is a must to check the storage capacity that runs down your applications fast and give you easy output. While looking for the best video editing PC, ensure that it has high storage files, mainly working on SSD. Ensure the PC has 500 GB to 1TB space.
However, one should check the entire portfolio of space. Thus, it can help you capture, monitor, and save the entire data without issues.
How many cores for 720p, 1080p, 4k, and 8k video editing?
The cores mainly depend on the size and type of video you are editing. Here we have stated the table and mentioned the cores with different video editing file sizes.
For 4K & 8k video, 8-12 cores are essential to meet the high-quality output. While 720p and
1080p Quad-core processor and 4 core-6 core are enough.
Let us understand via Tabular Form.
| Video Size | Cores | Intel processor |
|---|---|---|
| 720P | 4 | Quad-core processor |
| 1080P | 6 | Intel i5-11400F |
| 4K | 8/12 | Intel i5-11400F |
| 8K | 12 | Xeon/AMD-Ryzen |
Best Video Editing Software 2021
1. Adobe Premiere Pro CC
Adobe Premiere Pro CC is one of the best video editing programs that accomplish all your needs. It includes creative tools, graphics, and integration with numerous apps that help you develop the best output for your video.
Pros:
- Based on the straightforward and interactive user interface
- Includes various organizational tools
- Offers high speed
- Provides ultimate power in video editing
- Give excellent stabilization
- Provides unlimited multi-cam angles
Cons:
- No keywords are tagging for media
- Some additional applications may be required for the better output
2. Adobe After Effect
Adobe after effect is yet another best asset for creating fantastic videos using various visual, motion, and composting effects. This software can be used for creating fascinating video effects for TV, film, and the web.
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Available on a free trial
- Allow you to cut, capture, and edit
Cons:
- Expensive premium package
- Cloud membership automatically starts after the ending of a free trial
3. Camtasia
Camtasia is the most-used application by marketing experts for creating interactive videos. Also, it is a powerful formula that works for both beginners and experts to dip into the features and polish your video content thoroughly.
Pros:
- Easy to use by anyone
- Amazing screen captures
- Give impressive cursor effects
- Provide interactive features
- Available on mobile
Cons:
- Contain lot of bugs
- Limited customization
- No tracking of keywords
- Poor Keyboard commands
- Exporting issues
4. Wonder Share Filmora
Wonder Share Filmora provides you with a standard solution to make your video content expressive. Recently, the company has added numerous features that come to give you the best output you need. The interface is straightforward and gives you the pleasing success that you want.
Pros:
- Smart user interface
- Provides cut, copy, and crop
- Include various transitions
- Special colours and effects
- Keyframing
Cons:
- Watermark is big that ruin video
- For additional features, one needs to buy its premium version
5. DaVinci Resolve
DaVinci is the most powerful and best application that includes all the features, including keyframing, colour grading, cutting, and more. In addition, this is the most capable tool that offers high-quality video output.
Pros:
- Well-designed software
- Includes motion graphics
- Includes separate apps for editing
Cons:
- Complex software
- Need lot of resources
6. Movavi Video Editor
Movavi Video is yet another powerful software that looks simple, interactive, and based on a simple interface. Furthermore, it is pretty straightforward and includes various features that make your video more competitive and attractive.
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Based on the best user interface
- Includes motion tracking
- Chroma keying
- Gives quick-creation tool
Cons:
- Issues while trimming
- Rendering may not be done perfectly
- It is not compatible with Silicon M1
7. Adobe Premiere Elements
Adobe Premiere Elements is an innovative and easy-to-use tool that provides fantastic editing tools and allows your video to come out with perfect after-effects and rendering.
Pros:
- Based on a simple user interface
- Include solid text tools
- Cross-browser support platform
- Best for creating advanced projects
Cons:
- Offer slow output
- Poor multicam support
- No option of screen recording
- Poor 3D editing quality
What is the Minimum core needed for video editing?
For the best video editing features, one must have enough cores in the computer that support editing in large amounts and are capable of rendering and editing with ease. However, a computer processor is made up of various cores, which translates the video in a faster mode.
So, if you are looking for the exact number of cores, one need to understand it depends on the type of video you are doing and the software you are using. Regardless, for the high-quality videos, one must have high scores of 6, 8, 12 to enjoy the excellent output. As per the expert, six core is essential to have the best video output.
What are the PC requirements to edit a 4K video?
The minimum requirement depends on the type of video you are working on. However, the basic needs are as follows:
- 8 GB RAM
- 4 GB Disk drive space
- A graphic Card
- High SSD
Wrapping it up
All things mentioned above are unbiased, so you could trust us blindly. However, the simple answer to your query- how many cores are needed? It depends on the type of video you are going to edit.
If you need a minimum core for video editing, then 6 core is essential to get the output at a faster rate. Also, the video editing software is the best that can make your work easier. Therefore, before making your buying decision, consider the complete details. Good Luck!
