Video editing is a demanding task that requires a powerful processor to handle high-resolution footage, effects, and rendering times. As the year unfolds, the landscape of CPUs has evolved to include a variety of options that cater to the needs of video editors at different skill levels and budgets. In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the best CPUs for video editing in 2024. We’ll explore their features, and performance, and provide you with buying links to make your decision easier.
Contents
1. AMD Ryzen 9 5950X
The AMD Ryzen 9 5950X is the undisputed king of video editing performance. Boasting a massive 16 cores and 32 threads, this CPU is designed to handle even the most demanding tasks with ease. With a base clock of 3.4 GHz and a boost clock up to 4.9 GHz, the 5950X is perfect for high-resolution video editing and complex visual effects and color grading tasks.
Key features:
- 16 cores and 32 threads
- 3.4 GHz base clock, 4.9 GHz boost clock
- 64 MB cache
Buy the AMD Ryzen 9 5950X here: buying link
2. Intel Core i9-12900K
Intel’s flagship Alder Lake processor, the Core i9-12900K, is a powerful contender in the video editing space. The 12900K has 16 cores and 24 threads, combining 8 Performance-cores (P-cores) and 8 Efficient-cores (E-cores) for optimal power efficiency and performance. The CPU also supports DDR5 memory, which delivers faster performance compared to DDR4. With a base clock of 3.2 GHz and a boost clock up to 5.2 GHz, the 12900K can handle 4K video editing and other demanding tasks without breaking a sweat.
Key features:
- 16 cores and 24 threads
- 3.2 GHz base clock, 5.2 GHz boost clock
- 30 MB L3 cache
Buy the Intel Core i9-12900K here: buying link.
READ ALSO: 9 Best AI-powered Video Editors and Software in 2024
3. AMD Ryzen 7 5800X
For video editors who want high performance at a more affordable price, the AMD Ryzen 7 5800X is an excellent choice. With 8 cores and 16 threads, this CPU can handle most video editing tasks with ease. The 5800X has a base clock of 3.8 GHz and a boost clock up to 4.7 GHz, which ensures fast and smooth performance during video editing and rendering. It also has a 32 MB cache, which further contributes to its impressive performance.
Key features:
- 8 cores and 16 threads
- 3.8 GHz base clock, 4.7 GHz boost clock
- 32 MB cache
Buy the AMD Ryzen 7 5800X here: buying link
4. Intel Core i7-12700K
The Intel Core i7-12700K is another strong contender for video editors who need a mix of performance and affordability. With 12 cores and 20 threads, this Alder Lake processor has 8 P-cores and 4 E-cores, offering a balance of power and efficiency. The 12700K has a base clock of 3.6 GHz and a boost clock up to 5.0 GHz, making it suitable for handling 4K video editing and other demanding tasks. The CPU also supports DDR5 memory for faster performance.
Key features:
- 12 cores and 20 threads
- 3.6 GHz base clock, 5.0 GHz boost clock
- 25 MB L3 cache
Buy the Intel Core i7-12700K here: buying link
5. AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
The AMD Ryzen 5 5600X is a budget-friendly option for video editors who don’t require the highest level of performance. With 6 cores and 12 threads, the 5600X still offers enough power to handle 1080p and 4K video editing tasks. It has a base clock of 3.7 GHz and a boost clock up to 4.6 GHz, delivering solid performance for the price. The 5600X also features a 32 MB cache, which helps improve overall editing and rendering speeds.
Key features:
- 6 cores and 12 threads
- 3.7 GHz base clock, 4.6 GHz boost clock
- 32 MB cache
Buy the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X here: buying link
6. Intel Core i5-12600K
The Intel Core i5-12600K is an affordable yet powerful option for video editors who need a balance between price and performance. With 10 cores and 16 threads, this Alder Lake CPU has 6 P-cores and 4 E-cores, making it a versatile choice for editing and rendering. The 12600K has a base clock of 3.7 GHz and a boost clock up to 4.9 GHz, allowing it to handle most video editing tasks without issue. It also supports DDR5 memory for better performance.
Key features:
- 10 cores and 16 threads
- 3.7 GHz base clock, 4.9 GHz boost clock
- 20 MB L3 cache
Buy the Intel Core i5-12600K here: buying link
Conclusion
Selecting the best CPU for video editing depends on your needs, preferences, and budget. The AMD Ryzen 9 5950X and Intel Core i9-12900K offer the highest level of performance, making them perfect for professionals and serious enthusiasts. The AMD Ryzen 7 5800X and Intel Core i7-12700K provide a balance of performance and affordability, suitable for most video editors. Finally, the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X and Intel Core i5-12600K are budget-friendly options that still offer decent performance for less demanding tasks.
Before making your final decision, consider the specific requirements of your video editing software and workflow, as well as any potential compatibility issues with your existing hardware. By carefully evaluating your needs and comparing the available options, you can find the perfect CPU to power your video editing projects in 2024.