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Budget PC for Video Editing 2026: Build Guide and Parts Picks

2/1/2026 · Builds · 8 min

Budget PC for Video Editing 2026: Build Guide and Parts Picks

TL;DR

  • Under $600: focus on CPU with good single core plus NVMe scratch drive and 16 GB RAM. Good for 1080p editing and proxy workflows.
  • $600 to $1000: aim for 6 to 8 core CPU, 16 to 32 GB RAM, 1 TB NVMe and a dedicated GPU with 6 to 8 GB VRAM. Best balance for 4K 30p and faster exports.
  • $1000+: prioritize 12+ cores, 32 GB or more RAM, fast NVMe scratch and a GPU with 8 to 12 GB VRAM for Resolve and GPU accelerated codecs.
  • Key priorities: CPU cores and IPC, RAM capacity, NVMe scratch drive, GPU for effects and hardware encoding.

Why parts order matters

  • CPU first: timeline scrubbing and encoding benefit from cores and single core speed.
  • GPU second: effects, color grading, and hardware encode accelerate many apps.
  • Storage third: fast NVMe scratch drive reduces stutters during playback.
  • RAM fourth: editing uses lots of memory, especially with high resolution footage and multiple layers.

CPU: cores vs clock

  • 6 to 8 cores is a minimum for modern editing.
  • 12 to 16 cores give better export performance, especially with software that scales well to threads.
  • Prefer CPUs with strong single thread performance for timeline responsiveness.
  • Recommended families: midrange Ryzen 5/7 or Intel Core i5/i7 2024-2026 generational equivalents.

GPU: how much VRAM you need

  • 4K timelines and heavy effects recommend 8 GB or more VRAM.
  • DaVinci Resolve benefits from powerful GPUs. Premiere and Final Cut use GPU for effects and some encodes.
  • NVENC and equivalent hardware encoders speed up H264 and H265 exports if supported.

RAM and memory layout

  • 16 GB is bare minimum for 1080p workflows.
  • 32 GB is the sweet spot for 4K editing and multitasking.
  • Use dual channel kits and populate slots per motherboard manual.
  • Leave room for upgrade if budget is tight.

Storage: NVMe scratch and archive

  • Use a fast NVMe as scratch disk for media cache and previews.
  • Store raw footage on a larger SATA SSD or separate NVMe if budget allows.
  • Backups should be on external drives or NAS with redundancy.

Motherboard and connectivity

  • Choose a motherboard with enough M.2 slots and PCIe lanes for your storage needs.
  • Look for USB Type-C with USB 3.2 or Thunderbolt if you use fast external drives or capture hardware.
  • Check memory support and BIOS stability.

Power, cooling and case

  • Use a reliable PSU from a recognized brand sized 20 to 30 percent above peak load.
  • Good airflow or an AIO cooler for high core count CPUs helps long export sessions.
  • Choose a case with adequate drive bays and cable management.

Monitors and color

  • A 27 inch 1440p IPS panel is a strong budget choice for color and screen real estate.
  • For color critical work consider a calibrated 4K IPS or an external colorimeter.
  • Consider a dual monitor setup for timeline and preview.

Software and codecs

  • Use proxies for high resolution raw footage to speed up editing.
  • Choose hardware accelerated export when quality loss is acceptable for faster turnaround.
  • Keep codecs and drivers updated for best performance.

Export tips

  • For online video use hardware H264 or H265 with a target bitrate matching resolution and frame rate.
  • For archive use higher quality VBR settings or DNxHR/ProRes if your workflow needs it.
  • Test export settings on short sections to confirm quality and speed.

Budget builds

  • Under 600: Used CPU with 6 cores or new entry Ryzen 5, 16 GB RAM, 512 GB NVMe, integrated or low end GPU. Use proxies for 4K.
  • 600 to 1000: Ryzen 5 or Core i5 8 core, 32 GB RAM, 1 TB NVMe, GTX 1660 Super or RTX 3050 class GPU.
  • 1000 to 1500: Ryzen 7 or Core i7 12 core, 32 to 64 GB RAM, 1 TB NVMe plus SATA SSD, RTX 3060 Ti or equivalent.
  • 1500+: Ryzen 9 or high end Core i9, 64 GB RAM, multiple NVMe drives, RTX 4070 or better for fast rendering and grading.

Buying checklist

  • Confirm CPU socket and cooler compatibility.
  • Minimum 32 GB RAM for serious 4K work.
  • At least one NVMe for scratch.
  • GPU with 8 GB VRAM for 4K timelines.
  • PSU with headroom and reliable brand.
  • Backup plan for footage.

Bottom line

  • Balance matters. CPU cores and RAM give the most real world gains for editing, followed by fast NVMe storage and a capable GPU.
  • Start with a solid CPU and NVMe, then upgrade RAM and GPU as budget allows.

Found this helpful? Check our curated picks on the home page.