Video editing is one of those computing tasks which requires highly powerful hardware for a smooth and efficient experience. Because of this, having powerful hardware like a high-end processor is quite important. For the same, we have stated the best CPUs for video editing down below that offer these features to the user, making them great for video editing:
- Socket: Before taking a look at the performance numbers of your computer’s performance, you should check its socket to get an idea of its compatibility. The most popular sockets that you can find include AMD AM4, AMD TR4, LGA 1151, LGA 1200, and a few others. You have to make sure that your motherboard and CPU use the same socket and are compatible with each other in terms of the chipset model.
- Core Count: When it comes to video editing, one of the most important factors to consider is the CPU core count, as a higher core count is always great for video editing. Even though entry-level CPUs may offer 6 cores or 8 cores, higher-end models can come with 12 cores, 16 cores, and even more where more cores are always great for tasks like video editing.
- Clock Speed: You should also check the clock speed of your CPU to get an idea of the performance offered by the cores. This includes a lower base clock speed like 3.5 GHz or 4 GHz and a boost clock like 4.8 GHz or 5 GHz, wherein both cases, a higher clock speed offers better performance. As for the base clock and boost clock, the base clock is the minimum speed of all the cores at once, and the boost clock is for specific cores at a given time.
Surely you can consider these factors to get the best CPU for video editing. But to be sure, you can also check out all the various factors and specifications of the different CPUs for video editing present down below as well as the extensive “Buying Guide” to go with the best CPU for video editing by the time you make it to the end.
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Best CPUs for Video Editing 2024
| CPUs for Video Editing | Socket | Core Count | Warranty | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AMD Ryzen Unlocked Desktop Processor | AMD AM4 | 12 cores, 24 threads | 3 year long | Check On Amazon |
| Intel Core i9-9900K Desktop Processor | LGA 1151 | 8 cores, 16 threads | 3 year long | Check On Amazon |
| AMD Ryzen 7 3700X 8-Core Desktop Processor | AMD AM4 | 8 cores, 16 threads | 3 year long | Check On Amazon |
| AMD Ryzen 7 2700X Processor | AMD AM4 | 8 cores, 16 threads | 3 year long | Check On Amazon |
| Intel Core i7-10700K Desktop Processor | LGA 1200 | 8 cores, 16 threads | 3 year long | Check On Amazon |
| AMD Ryzen 5 3600X 6-Core Desktop Processor | AMD AM4 | 6 cores, 12 threads | 3 year long | Check On Amazon |
| AMD Ryzen 5 3600 6-Core Desktop Processor | AMD AM4 | 6 cores, 12 threads | 3 year long | Check On Amazon |
| AMD YD195XA8AEWOF Ryzen Desktop Processor | AMD TR4 | 16 cores, 32 threads | 3 year long | Check On Amazon |
| AMD YD299XAZAFWOF Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX Processor | AMD TR4 | 32 cores, 64 threads | 3 year long | Check On Amazon |
| Intel Core i9-10920X Desktop Processor | LGA 2066 | 12 cores, 24 threads | 3 year long | Check On Amazon |
Best CPUs for Video Editing Reviews
1. AMD Ryzen Unlocked Desktop Processor
AMD Ryzen lineup is known for high performance and high value for money consumer-grade CPUs that can be used for all kinds of uses, including video editing.
The AMD Ryzen 9 5900X CPU for video editing is present at the 1st position in this list since it is one of the best all-rounder options out there. Even at its given price tag, you get a total of 12 cores and 24 threads with it. When combined with its 70 MB of cache, you can expect excellent performance from it.
Unlike other 12 core CPUs, this one comes with superb clock speeds of 3.7 GHz base and 4.8 GHz boost making this CPU great for both gaming and video editing. And the best part about this processor is that it offers all of this with just a 105-watt TDP. Since this CPU uses the AMD AM4 socket, it is also highly versatile with the different options out there.
Best Features:
- Features a total of 12 cores and 24 threads
- Rated for clock speeds of 3.7 GHz base and 4.8 GHz boost
- Offers 70 MB cache
- TDP rating of 105 watt
- Uses the AMD AM4 socket
- Comes with a 3-year warranty
Pros:
- Highly versatile CPU for all kinds of usage
- Superb clock speeds for a 12 core CPU
- Quite a large amount of cache
Cons:
- Lacks an iGPU
2. Intel Core i9-9900K Desktop Processor
Intel’s Core lineup of processors is one of the most popular options out there when it comes to gaming CPUs that can also be viable for other computing tasks like video editing.
This Intel Core i9 9900K CPU for video editing is present at the 3rd position in this article because this is a great gaming CPU that can also be used for video editing. Even though this CPU is made for gaming, you still get 8 cores and 16 threads with it. However, it only features 16 MB of cache, which is a bit low for tasks like video editing.
Fortunately, you get excellent clock speeds with this octa-core CPU which includes a base clock of 3.6 GHz and a boost clock of 5.0 GHz resulting in good performance. Even though it has an iGPU in the form of Intel UHD 630, it has a TDP rating of just 95 watts. Being a mainstream CPU, it uses the highly popular LGA 1151 socket from Intel.
Best Features:
- Features a total of 8 cores and 16 threads
- Rated for clock speeds of 3.6 GHz base and 5.0 GHz boost
- Offers 19 MB cache
- TDP rating of 95 watt
- Uses the Intel LGA 1151 socket
- Comes with a 3-year warranty
Pros:
- Perfect for both gaming and video editing
- Superb clock speed ratings
- Includes an iGPU for video output without a GPU
Cons:
- Cache capacity is a bit low
3. AMD Ryzen 7 3700X 8-Core Desktop Processor
AMD Ryzen is known for offering high value for money processor models, out of which its Ryzen 7 is considered as a great mid-range option for many in terms of its performance.
The AMD Ryzen 7 3700X CPU for video editing is one of the best value for money options out there. Despite having a mid-range price tag, you get a total of 8 cores and 16 threads with this CPU. In fact, you also get a total of 36 MB of cache, which is great for video editing.
Even though this is a previous generation CPU from AMD, you still get a decent base clock speed of 3.6 GHz and a boost clock speed of 4.4 GHz. One of the best things about this CPU is that it is just a 65-watt TDP processor making it highly efficient. And since this is an AMD CPU, it uses the AMD AM4 socket for easily using it with a wide range of motherboards.
Best Features:
- Features a total of 8 cores and 16 threads
- Rated for clock speeds of 3.6 GHz base and 4.4 GHz boost
- Offers 36 MB cache
- TDP rating of 65 watt
- Uses the AMD AM4 socket
- Comes with a 3-year warranty
Pros:
- Excellent value for money CPU
- Highly efficient octa-core CPU
- Decent clock speeds for the price
Cons:
- Does not offer an iGPU
4. AMD Ryzen 7 2700X Processor
We have yet another mid-range CPU option from AMD that can be a good option for those who want a high-core count processor without paying a premium for the same.
AMD’s Ryzen 7 2700X CPU for video editing is one of the cheapest octa-core options out there. To be exact, this processor features an 8 core and 16 threads that are great for video editing. But because it is a fairly old CPU model, you only get 20 MB cache with it.
But the biggest letdown of this processor is that you only have a base clock of 3.7 GHz and a boost clock of 4.3 GHz, which does not offer performance close to the recent options because of IPC differences. Because of the older architecture, its TDP is also a bit high at 105-watt TDP. Fortunately, since it is an AMD processor, it still uses the AMD AM4 socket.
Best Features:
- Features a total of 8 cores and 16 threads
- Rated for clock speeds of 3.7 GHz base and 4.3 GHz boost
- Offers 20 MB cache
- TDP rating of 105 watt
- Uses the AMD AM4 socket
- Comes with a 3-year warranty
Pros:
- Affordable octa-core CPU
- Decent core clock speeds
- Highly popular CPU socket
Cons:
- Older generation of CPU
5. Intel Core i7-10700K Desktop Processor
Intel has also caught up with AMD in terms of offering high core count processor models with its newer models under the Intel Core lineup of processors like the one mentioned here.
This Intel Core i7 10700K CPU for video editing can be a great value for money octa-core processor for many users. Since it supports hyper threading, you get a total of 8 cores and 6 threads with this CPU. And unlike older Intel CPUs, this one even comes with a decent amount of 16 MB cache, which is on par with higher-end Core i9 models.
Being an Intel CPU model, it features very high clock speeds of 3.8 GHz base and 5.1 GHz making it perfect for both video editing and gaming on your computer. Unfortunately, because this Intel CPU still uses 14 nm architecture, its TDP is quite high at 125 watts. As Intel has moved to a new generation, it uses the newer LGA 1200 socket.
Best Features:
- Features a total of 8 cores and 16 threads
- Rated for clock speeds of 3.8 GHz base and 5.1 GHz boost
- Offers 16 MB cache
- TDP rating of 125 watt
- Uses the Intel LGA 1200 socket
- Comes with a 3-year warranty
Pros:
- Excellent clock speed ratings
- 8 cores with hyperthreading support
- Newer socket for newer motherboards
Cons:
- Quite a high TDP rating
6. AMD Ryzen 5 3600X 6-Core Desktop Processor
AMD Ryzen processors also come at an entry-level price tag that can be a great option for buyers on a budget who want to build an entry-level editing computer.
The AMD Ryzen 5 3600X CPU for video editing is a great affordable option for all those of you who are on a tight budget. Because of its low price tag, you get a total of 6 cores and 12 threads. Despite that, you still get 35 MB of cache with it, which is much higher even than Intel’s high-end offerings.
Since this processor only offers 6 cores, its clock speeds are decently high with a 3.8 GHz base and a 4.4 GHz boost clock. Even though AMD offers high-efficiency processors, this one has a TDP rating of 95 watts as this is an X edition CPU. Fortunately, you still get the standard AMD AM4 socket with this processor.
Best Features:
- Features a total of 6 cores and 12 threads
- Rated for clock speeds of 3.8 GHz base and 4.4 GHz boost
- Offers 35 MB cache
- TDP rating of 95 watt
- Uses the AMD AM4 socket
- Comes with a 3-year warranty
Pros:
- Entry-level CPU for video editing
- Pretty high clock speeds
- Decent cache for given core count
Cons:
- TDP is a bit high
7. AMD Ryzen 5 3600 6-Core Desktop Processor
For those of you who are on a tight budget, you can even find non-X editions of AMD’s Ryzen processor that can be a great budget-friendly option for many.
AMD’s Ryzen 5 3600 CPU is the cheapest option stated here in this listicle which is the perfect option for entry-level computers. Since this is more or less a slightly slower version of the previously stated 3600x, you get a total of 6 cores and 12 threads with this one too. This is combined along with 35 MB of cache, which is important for high-performance video editing.
The only difference between this and the X edition of this CPU is its slightly different clock speeds of 3.6 GHz base and 4.2 GHz boost clocks. With these slightly lower clock speeds, you get a TDP rating of 65 watts, making it one of the most efficient options out there. You also get the AMD AM4 socket with this CPU for easily using it with any AMD motherboard of your choice.
Best Features:
- Features a total of 6 cores and 12 threads
- Rated for clock speeds of 3.6 GHz base and 4.2 GHz boost
- Offers 35 MB cache
- TDP rating of 65 watt
- Uses the AMD AM4 socket
- Comes with a 3-year warranty
Pros:
- Perfect for buyers on a budget
- Quite high cache and cores for the price
- Highly efficient processor
Cons:
- Does not offer video output
8. AMD YD195XA8AEWOF Ryzen Desktop Processor
AMD also offers HEDT processors under its Threadripper that can be a great competitor to Intel’s offerings and a great option for video editing, thanks to their high-end performance numbers.
This AMD Ryzen Threadripper 1950X CPU for video editing is one of the cheapest high-core options out there. Even though this is an older generation CPU model, you still get a total of 16 cores and 32 threads which are great for video editing. And you also get a total of 40 MB cache with it, making it viable for heavy-duty computing tasks.
Unfortunately, because this is an old gen CPU, it has a base clock of just 3.4 GHz with a boost clock of up to 4.2 GHz with XFR. Due to its high core count, it’s given TDP of 180 watt is quite high, which is to be expected. Coming to its socket, the HEDT platform from AMD uses the AMD TR4 socket.
Best Features:
- Features a total of 16 cores and 32 threads
- Rated for clock speeds of 3.4 GHz base and 4.2 GHz boost
- Offers 40 MB cache
- TDP rating of 180 watt
- Uses the AMD TR4 socket
- Comes with a 3-year warranty
Pros:
- Budget-friendly 16 core CPU
- Decent cache capacity
- Supports AMD HEDT platform features
Cons:
- Poor clock speeds being an old gen CPU
9. AMD YD299XAZAFWOF Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX Processor
AMD Threadripper can be the perfect option for those who do not have any budget restriction and want one of the best performing options out there, thanks to its excellent core count.
The AMD Threadripper 2990WX CPU for video editing offers the highest amount of cores out of the various options given here. To be exact, you get a total of 32 cores and 64 threads with it which is perfect for high-end usage. In fact, you also get a very high cache capacity of 80 MB, making it the perfect CPU for video editing and heavy multitasking.
For a 32 core CPU, its given clock speed ratings of 3.0 GHz base and 4.2 GHz boost clock speeds are quite respectable. And this high-end CPU from AMD relies on the AMD TR4 socket allowing you to use all AMD HEDT features. Unfortunately, all of these performance numbers come at the cost of its TDP of 250 watts.
Best Features:
- Features a total of 32 cores and 64 threads
- Rated for clock speeds of 3.0 GHz base and 4.2 GHz boost
- Offers 80 MB cache
- TDP rating of 250 watt
- Uses the AMD TR4 socket
- Comes with a 3-year warranty
Pros:
- Superb core count for video editing
- Decent clock speeds for given core count
- High cache capacity for multitasking
Cons:
- Very high TDP rating
10. Intel Core i9-10920X Desktop Processor
If you do not want a CPU for daily usage but for high-end computing tasks like video editing, then the Intel HEDT platform can be a great option, including its CPU model present here.
Intel’s Core i9 10920X CPU for video editing is present in this listicle is a great HEDT option for video editing thanks to its high-end performance numbers. Similar to the previous Ryzen CPU, this one also comes with 12 cores and 24 threads. Although, it only has a total of 19 MB of cache, which might not be enough for some users.
Coming to the clock speeds of this CPU, it is rated for a base clock speed of 3.5 GHz and a boost clock speed of 4.8 GHz, which is quite decent for a HEDT CPU. Being a HEDT CPU from Intel, it uses the X299 chipset along with the LGA 2066 socket. Unfortunately, being based on an older architecture, it is not the most efficient as it has a very high TDP of 165 watts.
Best Features:
- Features a total of 12 cores and 24 threads
- Rated for clock speeds of 3.5 GHz base and 4.8 GHz boost
- Offers 19 MB cache
- TDP rating of 165 watt
- Uses the LGA 2066 socket
- Comes with a 3-year warranty
Pros:
- HEDT CPU with multiple handy motherboard features
- High core and thread count for video editing
- Decent clock speeds rating
Cons:
- Very high TDP output
Buying Guide for the Best CPUs for Video Editing
Even though there are a lot of components in any computer, the CPU plays a major role in its performance in all kinds of computing tasks. Due to this, if you want to use your computer for something intensive like video editing, going with a powerful process is quite important.
Thus, some of the best CPUs for video editing have already been given up above. With these different CPUs, you can also find all their features and specifications explained for choosing the right one. And in case you wish to know more, make sure to check out this detailed buying guide for the best CPUs for video editing:
Socket
While it is quite important to go with a powerful CPU, it should also be compatible with your computer’s motherboard. To check this, you can check the socket of your motherboard and CPU and make sure that they are the same. This includes sockets like AMD AMD4, AMD TR4, LGA 1151, LGA 1200, and others. You can also check the chipset of your motherboard and make sure your CPU supports it. This includes chipset models like B450, B550, X470, X570, Z490, Z590, and others.
Core Count
One of the most important things to have in a CPU ideal for video editing is the core count offered by it. In most cases, any CPU that offers multiple cores will offer excellent video editing and multitasking performance. Similar to the cores, you can also find threads in CPUs which further improves the performance of your CPU. While budget CPUs may offer 6 cores and 8 cores with 12 threads and 16 threads, respectively, higher-end models can come with 12 cores and 16 cores with 24 threads and 32 threads for much better performance while editing videos.
Clock Speed
Other than having multiple cores, your computer’s processor should also have a high clock speed to ensure that each core offers great performance. This includes the base clock and the boost clock of your CPU. While the base clock is the minimum speed that each core can offer at all times, the boost clock speed can be temporarily achieved by specific cores at a time. As for the clock speed ratings you can find, you can find base clock speeds like 3.5 GHz or 4.0 GHz and boost clock speeds like 4.8 GHz or 5.0 GHz, where in both cases, a higher clock speed always offers better performance.
Cache
The cache of your CPU can also affect its performance when you are using it for heavy computing tasks like video editing. While entry-level models may only offer 20 MB or 30 MB of cache, higher-end models may offer 70 MB or 80 MB of cache, which offers much better processing power and multitasking performance.
TDP
Just like any other processor, CPUs for video editing also output heat during operation. And for proper cooling, checking the TDP of your CPU is quite important. This can include TDP ratings like 120 watts, 150 watts, 180 watts, and even higher in some cases. Any CPU that offers a high TDP output will need a high-end cooling system for the same.
GPU
Even though you will be using a dedicated graphics card for your video editing needs, you might rely on an iGPU temporarily if you are building a new PC and planning to get a GPU later on. Unfortunately, only Intel CPUs come with iGPU, which are important for video output from your computer. On the other hand, all the AMD CPUs given above will need a dedicated GPU, even for basic video output from your computer.
Warranty
Since most CPUs for video editing are a bit on the expensive side, you would want yours to be highly reliable and ideal for long-term usage. Because of this, all CPUs, including both Intel and AMD offerings, come backed with a 3-year long warranty. This is on par with most other components present in your computer in terms of the warranty included with them.
Conclusion
Whether you want to upgrade your existing PC or get a new one for heavy computing tasks like video editing, having a powerful CPU is highly important. But since there are a lot of CPUs out there, choosing the right one can be quite difficult. To help you with the same, we have already discussed a few of the best CPUs for video editing alongside details like their features and factors. There is also a complete buying guide for the best CPUs for video editing, which takes you through all the factors related to CPUs for video editing. However, if you are still confused, you can go with one of our favorite picks for the best CPUs for video editing:
- If budget is not a restriction for you, the AMD Threadripper 2990X is quite a great option for high-performance computers. It features a total of 32 cores and 64 threads along with 80 MB cache, which is much higher than most other options. Even with the given core count, you get a decent base clock of 3.0 GHz and a boost clock of 4.2 GHz with this HEDT CPU.
- However, if you want a highly versatile CPU for video editing, gaming, daily computing, and more, then the AMD Ryzen 9 5900X can be a great pick. With this CPU, you get a pretty good core amount of 12 cores and 24 threads. But the best thing about it is its base clock speed of 3.7 GHz and a boost clock of 4.8 GHz, making it highly versatile.
- Those of you who are on a budget and willing to go with older CPU models can go with the AMD Ryzen 7 3700X. Thanks to its 8 core and 16 thread design which is combined with 36 MB of cache, it offers great video editing performance. You also get a clock speed of 3.6 GHz base and a 4.4 GHz boost for versatile usage on your computer.
