How Much Does a Video Editing Computer Cost? (Explained)

Have you ever wondered how much does a video editing computer cost? Well, what if I told you that the answer is not as expensive as it seems. There are plenty of affordable options out there for beginners and even seasoned professionals looking to build their own budget-friendly PC for video editing.

Desktop PC for video editing should cost between $600 and $3000 depending on what features are included in the purchase (e.g., processor speed, RAM capacity). But beginners can invest less in a laptop to start video editing from scratch. That’s why they can invest in the M1 Macbook Air for $999.

It’s entirely possible that you can enjoy the satisfactory performance from less expensive options (e.g., using existing devices like your smartphone), but check out this article for ideas about what kind of customization might be needed to get your price point down.

In this article, we will explain how to save money on your next video editing system purchase.

What is the typical cost of a computer capable of video editing?

A computer capable of video editing typically costs about $650. The price will vary based on the amount of power needed to complete your video editing tasks, what kind of accessories you need to edit graphics and videos, how many monitors you need for work and whether or not you’re looking for a mobile device.

When your building a budget-friendly computer for video editing, make sure it meets the following criteria:

• $650 is the typical cost of a computer capable of video editing.
• The price will vary based on how powerful it needs to be. You’ll need more power if you plan to edit graphics and videos, have multiple monitors for work or want it to be mobile.
• You should invest in separate parts of your custom build pc and not purchase a pre-built computer if your budget is only $500-$600.
• The price will vary based on how powerful it needs to be to complete video editing tasks, you’ll need more power if you plan to edit graphics and videos.

Desktop vs Laptop: which device should you invest in for video editing?

So far, we’ve covered how much a video editing computer typically costs and what factors will influence the price. Next, let’s discuss why you should invest in a laptop for your next purchase.

• You’ll be able to edit graphics on the go – professionals are always busy people who need flexibility with their work hours.
• Laptops come with graphics cards that are often more powerful than those in custom builds.
• Custom PCs always require an expensive monitor to use and laptops only need a screen, which can be cheaper if you’re budget-conscious.
• Cost less than a custom build pc.
• Using your laptop instead of building or buying a desktop will save lots of time and money.

If you’re working from home then a laptop will be a perfect tool for you and your family. Laptops are more mobile than desktops with their own power supply meaning they can go anywhere with ease.

But If you’re trying to get into video editing as a hobby and you have got a ton of time to learn a skill, then why not buy computer parts separately so that it’s affordable in the long run.

Is Mac or PC Better for video editing?

For the vast majority of things you would want to do with a computer, one will work about as well as the other. Macs are generally easier for beginners and have an aesthetically pleasing design and user interface. Windows is usually cheaper and allows more customization, usability, and compatibility with older software.

It ultimately comes down to what kind of machine you want – if you’re looking for a general purpose computing device that’s not too expensive then go for a PC. If you’re looking for something really sleek that can handle applications like Photoshop or Final Cut Pro then go for Macs since they specialize in creative tasks of that nature (both companies make laptops as well).

In 2021, Apple comes with its new M1 processor for both iMac and MacBooks. The interesting part of the processor is these are very fast and power-efficient. Creative professionals are always like Apple iMacs. Apple claims that their M1 series of devices are more powerful than any other windows device.

If you are already using Apple products, then buying an iMac or MacBook makes sense to you.

Is core i5 good for video editing?

I have a lot of thoughts on this. Personally, I would not recommend Core i5 for video editing (even if you are beginner level). However, other people may be able to advise me better and tell me what computer they use with much success.

I am afraid that the core i5 starter edition is just too basic when it comes to video editing. Perhaps this question should be asked again in another article if you are interested in it. Here is a detailed article about the basic processor for video editing.

Cost for both video editing and gaming

I’ve been editing videos since 2010 when I started making Youtube videos. There were no choices back then, you had to buy your computer with the purpose of video editing in mind if you wanted any performance at all. This leads me to build a lot of computers over the years and also try various configurations on various price points. Now that there are more options out there.

Because there are a lot of people who want to create videos and play games but not everyone has enough money to cover their cost. That’s why I have tried my best to find the best gaming PC under 500 dollars as well as a video editing PC under 700 dollars which can be used for both. Here is some of my finding for both gaming and video editing laptop and PC.

4k video editing pc build cost

Starting off, what is your budget? If you were looking to spend $1200 on a new PC, there are hundreds of options out there. For around this price point, I would recommend the AMD Ryzen 9 5900X which offers 12-cores and is reasonably priced. This will work great for many modern games including 4K video editing in Adobe Premiere Pro CC Or Davinci Resolve. It also offers onboard graphics that will handle most basic tasks with ease while saving up for an upgrade in the future when needed.

For memory, I would recommend buying DDR4-3200Mhz RAM in order to get the full potential out of this machine’s power however you can purchase any lower speed if needed but might not reach full performance in some applications like gaming and other intensive tasks. Here is our best finding of 8gb ram for video editing.

But if you’re just into video editing, then I will highly recommend you to buy a base M1 Macbook air just for $999. This little thing is a beast of all the expensive video editing machines right now. I’m personally using one and loving it so much.

Best video editing computer build list

If you’re building a custom PC for video editing and gaming. Then below this following chart helps you to make a purchase decision.

1. CPU – Intel Core i5-9600K 3.7GHz 6-Core Processor ($245)
2. Motherboard – Gigabyte Z390 Aorus Elite 164-in-1 ATX Mid Tower ($240)
3. 8 GB Kingston ( 2 x 4GB ) DDR4 2400MHz Memory ($40) or,
4. 16GB Corsair ( 2 x 8GB ) DDR4 3000MHz Memory ($180) + Corsair H80i V2 Liquid Coolant ( $45) or, invest in better GPU like AMD 580 or Vega 56 ti for better performance and stability, check benchmark tests*
5. CPU Cooler – Noctua NH-D15S Intel & AMD Durable Dual Tower CPU Cooler
6. Case – NZXT H510 Compact ATX Mid-Tower PC Gaming Case
7. Display – LG Carved Display LG 29WN600

Conclusion

We know there are a variety of factors that go into the cost of video editing computers. Knowing your budget and what you need from a computer can help to narrow down which one is right for you. You might consider how often you edit videos, as well as whether or not you want an all-in-one system like those offered by Dell, HP, Apple and Asus.

If this blog was helpful in finding out more about the price range for these systems we recommend checking out our other blogs on vlogging and starting a small business.