The best CPU for video editing is needed for any content creators looking to push their content to the limits without compromise. This is especially true of rendering high-resolution projects at even higher frame rates, so if you want to stand out with quality videos on YouTube and other platforms, then keep these models firmly in mind.
In order to stay cutting-edge, your video editing CPU must be able to utilize the full capabilities of the processor. This means that you’re going to want to turn your attention to those chipsets that feature the highest clock speeds combined with the most cores. Things only get more intense when rendering the likes of 4K or even 8K video for extended periods, too.
Here at PCGuide, we’ve reviewed a good number of CPUs and have selected the ones that delivered great performance in productivity tests. So, without wasting another second, let’s dive in!
Products at a glance
- Best CPU for video editing overall
Intel Core i9-13900K
- Cores: 24 (8P-16E)
- Threads: 32
- Boost speed : P-Core 5.8GHz / E-Core 4.3GHz
- Base speed: P-Core 3.0GHz / E-Core 2.2GHz
- L3 Cache: 36 MB
- TDP: 253 W
- Best gaming CPU for video editing
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D
- Cores: 8
- Threads: 16
- Boost clock speed: 5.2GHz
- Base clock speed: 4.7GHz
- L3 cache: 96MB
- TDP: 120W
- Best budget CPU for video editing
Intel Core i5-13600K
- Cores: 14 (6P-8E)
- Threads: 20
- Boost speed : P-Core 5.1GHz / E-Core 3.5GHz
- Base speed: P-Core 3.5GHz / E-Core 2.6GHz
- L3 Cache: 24MB
- TDP: 181W
- Best overkill CPU for video editing
Intel Core Ultra 9 285K
- Cores: 24
- Threads: 24
- Boost clock speed: 5.7GHz
- Base clock speed: 3.7GHz P-cores/3.2GHz E-cores
- L3 Cache: 36MB
- TDP: 125W base/250W max
- Best AMD CPU for video editing
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X
- Cores: 16
- Threads: 32
- Boost clock speed: 5.7 GHz
- Base clock speed: 4.3 GHz
- L3 Cache: 64 MB
- TDP: 170 W
- Best budget AMD CPU for video editing
AMD Ryzen 7 9700X
- Cores: 8
- Threads: 16
- Boost clock speed: 5.5 GHz
- Base clock speed: 3.8 GHz
- L3 Cache: 32 MB
- TDP: 65 W
How we chose the best CPU for video editing
Wading the waters of choosing the best processor for a creative workstation isn’t easy, but we like to think we’re fairly well-equipped to take on this task. First and foremost, we have an expansive, in-depth topic knowledge of CPUs and what makes them good for specific use cases such as editing. As mentioned above, video editing can be rather a CPU-heavy task, as it does most of the lifting when it comes to effects and overall playback performance.
So, in terms of what you should be looking for in general, you should prioritize high clock speeds and a number of cores, as these will impact its ability to take on computational tasks. Alongside this, it’s good to take into account the requirements of your preferred software, whether that be Premiere Pro or DaVinci Resolve, and use this as a guideline of what works well and what doesn’t.
However, theoretical power is obviously just one side of the coin, and the real test is getting reliable and consistent performance under the actual conditions of 4K editing and processing. Luckily, we prioritize showcasing cards that we’ve been able to ensure can achieve this through our benchmarking and that we’ve had hands-on experience with. All of this takes place in the PC Guide Testing Lab, and you can follow that up if you’re interested.
Fortunately, now both of the latest processor generations from AMD and Intel utilize DDR5 memory and PCIe 5.0 compliance. This means increased bandwidth for your CPU and other components, such as your graphics card, which can help with intensive rendering tasks. As such, our selections are not just tailored for video editing alone but also ensure a future-proofing aspect, ensuring longevity.
Top Black Friday CPU deals
Here’s our hand-picked list of today’s CPU Black Friday deals. Our deals team is always hard at work to keep this list updated, so be sure to check back in if there’s nothing that piques your interest at the moment.
- AMD Ryzen 7 5700X3D – Save 21% now!
- Intel Core i7-12700K Gaming Desktop Processor – SAVE 17% NOW!
- AMD Ryzen™ 7 7700 8-Core – SAVE 20% NOW!
- AMD Ryzen™ 7 9700X 8-Core, 16-Thread Unlocked Desktop Processor – Save 12% NOW!
- Intel Core i9-14900K – Save $149 now!
- Cores: 24 (8P-16E)
- Threads: 32
- Boost speed : P-Core 5.8GHz / E-Core 4.3GHz
- Base speed: P-Core 3.0GHz / E-Core 2.2GHz
- L3 Cache: 36 MB
- TDP: 253 W
- Platform: Intel Socket 1700
- Extreme overclocking
- Powerful performance both single and multi-threaded
- Represents better value than its 14900K successor
- Runs hotter than previous iteration
- No longer worth it at MSRP
- Can still be pricey despite its age
To no surprise, first up on our list is one of the best performers from Intel, the Intel Core i9-13900K. The previous flagship Raptor Lake model excels with its 24-cores and 32 threads. The new hyperthreaded E-cores mean that this chipset is able to overclock to 5.8 GHz, too. That’s a feat we hadn’t previously seen from either AMD or Intel at the time, excelling far past the previous ‘world’s fastest processor’ (the 12900KS) for a solid price.
Despite being older, this positions the i9-13900K just a step under the speed of the current flagship 14900K (6 GHz), and shows there’s still plenty of potential left in the LGA 1700. Of course, with the 13900K, you’ll also have the option of dipping your toe back into DDR4 should you need it, which can be helpful if you’re gradually upgrading your rig.
While the Intel Core i9-13900K is no longer the flagship it was at release, generous discounts and high performance still make it an ideal processor to consider in 2024.
PC Guide
Another reason to choose this CPU over the i9-14900K was the price difference and the minimal performance gap, and you can read more about that in our i9-13900K review. Our synthetic benchmarking pulled through strong figures for single-core but especially powerful multi-core performance across CPU Z, Cinebench R23, and Geekbench. Notably, it reached 16,852 in CPU Z Multi and 39,318 in Cinebench R23 Multi. Basically, you should be able to run resource-intensive tasks such as video editing in parallel.
That’s what makes the Intel Core i9-13900K the definitive alternative option for those looking for elite computing performance in video editing software, offering exceptional value even over its flagship successor. However, keep in mind that leading single-core and multi-core performance doesn’t come cheap, and this model carries an MSRP of $589: you can often find it falling below this price point now, though. This is good, as you might need to invest that extra cash into a sufficient cooler because if there’s one thing to note before purchase, it’s that this is a CPU that tends to run hot.
What users say
As the previous flagship from Intel, it’s no surprise that the Core i9-13900K has a wealth of positive reviews on Amazon. Similarly to us, users have highlighted performance and versatility as some of their favorite features but made sure to mention the high temperatures of the CPU when under load. For example, one review states that “its 24 cores offer a level of processing power that’s perfect for gamers, content creators, and professionals seeking exceptional performance”, and another that the 13900K offers a “level of performance that’s truly in a league of its own”.
- Cores: 8
- Threads: 16
- Boost clock speed: 5.2GHz
- Base clock speed: 4.7GHz
- L3 cache: 96MB
- TDP: 120W
- Platform: AM5
- Amazing performance for gaming
- Better productivity performance than predecessors
- Good value-for-money
- Not exactly the best for work
- Cooler not included
- AM5 upgrades can be costly
For those who want excellent gaming and productive performance out of their system, we recommend the Ryzen 7 9800X3D. We’ve tested this processor in-house for our Ryzen 7 9800X3D review, and it showcased significantly better performance than the Ryzen 7 7800X3D. It is based on the Zen 5 architecture, which means it uses 4nm CPU processor technology, resulting in better performance and efficiency.
To begin with, this CPU is powered by 8 cores and 16 threads, which isn’t anything out of the ordinary for a Ryzen 7 processor. It features a base clock speed of 4.7 GHz and a boost clock speed of 5.2 GHz, meaning each core can handle 5.2 billion instructions per second at its maximum.
The chip’s redesign has now made rendering and productivity tasks much more of a possibility on the X3D, with scores soaring above its predecessor and in line with the rest of AMD’s line-up, improving on one of its previous cruxes.
PC Guide
In addition, this processor can be overclocked, which wasn’t possible with the previous X3D processors. So, you can take its gaming or professional performance to the next level. However, remember that overclocking will also increase its power draw and thermal output. To prevent thermal throttling, we recommend using the best thermal paste combined with the best CPU cooler for 9800X3D.
When it comes to video editing, there are plenty of processors that are better than this CPU, but this is the best gaming CPU, and it can still do pretty well in other tasks. According to Puget Systems, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D managed a score of 9,774 in Adobe Premier Pro, while the Ryzen 9 7950X3D, which we’ve also reviewed, managed 1,133 points. So, the difference between generations is huge, and if you want the best of both worlds, the 9800X3D shouldn’t disappoint.
However, if your work consists of high-level editing, an “X” processor, like the Ryzen 9 7900X, would be better due to the higher clock speeds and better productivity performance. If you’re looking to complete your 9800X3D build, we’ve got you covered with the best motherboards and GPU for the Ryzen 7 9800X3D.
- Cores: 14 (6P-8E)
- Threads: 20
- Boost speed : P-Core 5.1GHz / E-Core 3.5GHz
- Base speed: P-Core 3.5GHz / E-Core 2.6GHz
- L3 Cache: 24MB
- TDP: 181W
- Platform: Intel (LGA 1700)
- Aggressive price point
- Overclocks to 5.1 GHz
- Beats the Ryzen 5 CPU
- Higher power consumption than before
- If you haven’t yet, you’ll need to upgrade to an LGA 1700 motherboard
Much has been said about the 13600K, as it’s somewhat of an anomaly with its price point of $339. That’s because it’s a 14-core (20 threads) processor which overclocks to 5.1 GHz, a pretty much previously unheard-of achievement at this price point. It goes to show the refinements made with Raptor Lake’s newly revised E-cores. Realistically soeaking, it’s just as good as the 14600K but costs a lot less.
While its specs on paper speak for themselves, the editing and productivity performance of the 13600K is supported by high mufti-core scores, and this was certainly the case in our i5-13600K review.
An excellent CPU through and through with fierce single and multi-core performance for the money.
PC Guide
In CPU-z, the Core i5 scored 830 points in single-core benchmarks and 9,846 in multi-core benchmarks, whilst in Cinebench, the i5 managed to get a single-core score of 1,992 and a multi-core score of 24,024. Gaming performance was nothing to shake a stick at either, with the 13th-gen mid-range keeping up with even the latest market options.
All those extra cores and threads over the competing Ryzen 5 7600X, 6-core and 12 threads is why this chipset makes the cut. and the latter doesn’t. Having that extra overhead is going to help with rendering times and encoding for streaming and VOD content. At a touch over the $330 mark, that’s a hard act to follow.
What users say
User reviews on Amazon are a testament to the high levels of performance the i5-13600K offers at its price point, often exceeding expectations: one review even goes as far as to say it’s the “best price-to-performance ratio in a CPU you would find today”. It’s also versatile, with one user commenting that “whether I’m gaming, streaming, video editing, or running intensive software applications, this processor handles it all with ease”.
- Cores: 24
- Threads: 24
- Boost clock speed: 5.7GHz
- Base clock speed: 3.7GHz P-cores/3.2GHz E-cores
- L3 Cache: 36MB
- TDP: 125W base/250W max
- Platform: LGA 1851 (Arrow Lake)
- Great temperatures even under full loads
- Impressive multi-core performance
- Plenty of cores and threads with a good split into performance and efficiency
- Not the best gaming performance
- No longer supports DDR4 like its predecessors
- Falls behind the 14900K in plenty of scenarios
Video editing relies on the CPU for its multi-core performance, and the Core Ultra 9 285K has better multi-core performance than its predecessors and the competition. We reviewed this CPU in-house for our Core Ultra 9 285K review and put it through its paces. While the single-core performance wasn’t anything impressive, the improvement in the multi-core score was significant.
Intel made some changes to the Core Ultra 200S lineup, primarily focusing on efficiency and reducing the number of threads. This processor has 24 cores and threads, split between eight performance-core (P-cores) and 16 efficient-core (E-cores). It has a maximum boost clock of 5.7 GHz and a base clock speed of 3.2 GHz and 3.7 GHz for P- and E-cores, respectively.
The Core Ultra 9 285K is a great processor there’s no doubt about it. Even as it cut back on the thread count and hyper-threading I was worried about its multi-core processing power, but that seems to not be the case as it leads in benchmarks for multi-core performance.
PC Guide
Many might wonder if a lower thread count would impact its performance, but since it also uses 3nm CPU process technology, its performance and efficiency have gotten a boost. This processor is also only compatible with DDR5 RAM and has stopped supporting DDR4 RAM, as we’ve seen with previous Intel processors.
Video editing is a resource-intensive process, meaning the P-core likely handles it and relies on hyperthreading or multi-core performance. During our testing, we ran CPU-Z, Cinebench R23, and Geekbench 6 to test its multi-core performance, and it didn’t disappoint.
It managed a score of 18753.7, 41536, and 23550 in all three respective software. For reference, the 14900K had 17074.2, 39973, and 22713 points, while the 9950X managed 16960, 40938, and 22248 in the same benchmark tests. So, the 285K is much better for video editing or other intense multi-threaded tasks, and while it does cost a premium, you get a processor that can do much more than video editing and should power your rig for a good while.
- Cores: 16
- Threads: 32
- Boost clock speed: 5.7 GHz
- Base clock speed: 4.3 GHz
- L3 Cache: 64 MB
- TDP: 170 W
- Platform: AMD Socket AM5
- It has exceptional multi-core performance
- The multi-core performance can be increased by utilizing PBO
- Perfect to workstation-level workloads
- It costs a premium
- Held back a bit due to AMD’s efficiency obsession
- Requires a powerful CPU cooler to cool it, especially with PBO enabled
If budget constraints do not restrict you and you want the best of the best, the Ryzen 9 9950X has everything you’ll need to edit videos in the highest quality without a hitch. In our Ryzen 9 9950X review, we tested it against various benchmarking software, and it blew through those without breaking a sweat.
For starters, this processor is powered by 16 Zen 5 cores, each hyperthreaded, meaning it has 32 threads. Each core also has 4nm processes, meaning a total transistor count of 16,630 million. This is important because smaller CPU processes mean better efficiency and performance. So, whether you’re editing 4K or 8K videos, with this CPU powering your rig, it should be a breeze.
It has a 4.3 GHz base clock speed, a 5.7 GHz boost clock speed, and a 170W TDP. That said, TDP isn’t a set value as it can fluctuate depending on the workload and if you’ve utilized PBO or overclocked the CPU. In that case, we recommend using the best thermal paste combined with the best CPU cooler for 9950X to ensure it doesn’t thermal throttle and keeps performing optimally.
The 9950X is certainly a capable CPU with a lot to offer those looking for strong multi-threaded performance. PPBO can ramp this CPU up a few notches, but you’d better be ready to cool it. It eats 240mm AIOs for breakfast when PBO is enabled
PC Guide
Regarding its performance, we tested it against our industry suite of software. In Cinebench R23 single- and multi-core tests, it scored 2,275 and 40,938 points, respectively. As a reference, the 9900X scored 2,205 and 31,502, while the 7900X managed 2,017 and 28,006 points, respectively. So, there is clearly a massive gap in performance for multi-threaded workloads between the 9950X and the 9900X and 9700X. That said, the gap is smaller in single-core tests, but there is a gap nonetheless, so there is some improvement from the previous generation as well as between the Ryzen 9000 family as well.
However, it doesn’t end there. We turned on PBO, and its multi-core score went from 40,938 to 43,202. So, you can squeeze out more performance, but at this point, the 240mm AIO cooler couldn’t handle the heat this CPU was generating, and there was some thermal throttling.
The emphasis on multi-core performance is crucial because video editing can be a demanding task. As technology advances, video resolutions keep ramping up, demanding more processing power to render and edit them. However, with the Ryzen 9 9950X by your side you should be able to keep knocking out videos with ease for a good while, future-proofing your setup for years to come.
What users say
According to Amazon reviews, this processor is a beast and can handle anything you throw its way. One reviewer said: “As far as I can tell, a 9950X is somewhere around 30% faster in aggregate than my Threadripper 3960X while using about half the power and only 2/3rds the cores. I use my system for video editing and I’m happy to have both the performance and the break on my power bill.”
- Cores: 8
- Threads: 16
- Boost clock speed: 5.5 GHz
- Base clock speed: 3.8 GHz
- L3 Cache: 32 MB
- TDP: 65 W
- Platform: AMD Socket AM5
- Comes with a Wraith Prism cooler
- Good gaming and productivity performance
- Latest Zen 5 architecture
- AM5 is an expensive platform
- You’ll need an AM5 motherboard for it
We understand that not everyone has a high budget to invest in an expensive CPU. If you’re currently in the same boat, we’d recommend getting the AMD Ryzen 7 9700X. While the processor is considered a mid-range option, it falls in the budget category for video editing. And in our 9700X review, it delivered great results in multiple tools.
To begin with, the 9700X is based on the Zen 5 architecture. For those who don’t know, this is the latest architecture that is being used in the AMD 9000 series processors, and it brings several improvements to the table compared to the Zen 4. Thanks to this, we saw high scores during our tests in multiple tools like CPU Z, Cinebench, and Geekbench.
The CPU comes packed with eight cores and 16 threads, so you’ll have plenty of resources at your disposal. On top of that, as the 9700X offers the 4nm process technology, each core packs a good number of transistors. We put these cores to test in CPU Z single and multi-core tests, where we got 766 and 6,192 points, respectively. In gaming, we were getting 325 FPS in Cyberpunk 2077 and 246 FPS in Days Gone.
This CPU is very good at being efficient, especially when stacked up against Intel’s latest offerings, so if you want a low-power PC with a decent amount of punch, then this CPU could be for you.
PC Guide
As far as the speeds are concerned, it operates at a base frequency of 3.8 GHz. However, under load, this can go up to 5.5 GHz. There’s also a 33MB L3 Cache, thanks to which the CPU can store plenty of data that it needs to access frequently. What does this translate to? Smoother overall performance.
Even though the processor packs a lot of power for the price it comes at, it still has a fairly low TDP of only 65W. This is something great about the 9000 series processors, as almost all of them are power efficient. However, we’d still recommend getting one of the best PSUs for the 9700X, just to be on the safe side. Also, under load, the processor can generate too much heat, so you’ll need to make sure you’re using one of the best CPU coolers for the 9700X.
Overall, the 9700X provides enough power to help you complete those video editing projects. Sure, it may not offer top-tier performance like some of the other options on our list, but it gets the job done and provides excellent value for money.
What users say
According to Amazon reviews, this processor has good generational improvement over its predecessor and runs much cooler. One reviewer said: “Impressive chip, but expensive. Very fast all around and just sips power. It gets a lot of hate, but I personally love the efficiency gains with this gen. 7700x was hot and hungry. This out performs it and is very easy to keep cool. Perfect for SFF PC’s!”
What to consider with the best CPU for video editing
Editing video is incredibly intensive for even the most powerful processor, especially in higher resolutions at high frame rates. Clock speeds of up to and over 5.0 GHz allow for superior single-core performance. Thankfully, the most recent chipset generations from both AMD and Intel are capable of reaching these speeds.
Cores/Threads
Video editing benefits from CPUs with a higher number of cores and threads, as video rendering and encoding can utilize multiple cores simultaneously. Look for CPU architecture with at least 6 cores and 12 threads, but higher core counts are even better for handling complex projects efficiently.
Clock Speed
While more cores are beneficial, clock speed (measured in GHz) also matters. A balance between high clock speeds and multiple cores is ideal for smooth editing performance. So check both the base and boost clock speed.
Compatibility
Ensure the CPU you choose is compatible with your motherboard’s socket and chipset. Also, verify that your motherboard’s BIOS is updated to support the chosen CPU.
Cooling and TDP
Higher-end CPUs generate more heat. Make sure your cooler can handle the thermal demands of the CPU. Check the Thermal Design Power (TDP) rating to get an idea of the cooling requirements.
Overclocking
Some CPUs can be overclocked to achieve higher clock speeds. If you’re comfortable with overclocking, this can provide additional performance gains. However, it may also require better cooling solutions.
Budget
High-end CPUs can be expensive. Consider your budget and balance the performance gains against the cost. Creative professionals may be more willing to splash out on the latest gen.
Who makes the better CPUs for video editing – AMD or Intel?
It’s incredibly close between both AMD and Intel at the end of 2022. The flagship Zen 4 and Raptor Lake options are pretty much neck and neck, but things are more clear in the mainstream and mid-range. While the 13600K wins out against the 7600X, the 7700X does lead ahead of the 13700K. This is a short summary. For a deep dive, we’ve got dedicated features. These are Intel Core i5-13600K vs AMD Ryzen 7600X, Intel Core i7-13700K vs AMD Ryzen 7700X, and Intel Core i9-13900K vs AMD Ryzen 9 7950X for more.
Is i7 or i9 better for video editing?
The i7 is more so tailored for enthusiasts and gamers, while the i9 is intended for beefier workloads. While the i7 can be utilized for video editing, it’s not going to run the gamut of potential, whereas an i9 can handle most editing workflows.
