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Are you in the market for a graphics card for video editing? We will be discussing the best graphics cards for video editing in 2022. We’ll be looking at both budget and high-end cards, so you’re sure to find the perfect one for your needs. Whether you’re a beginner or a professional videographer, we have the perfect graphics card for you!
When it comes to video editing, having a powerful graphics card will not only boost your performance but allow you to make videos and films shine. Many elements such as special effects or motion graphics require top-tier cards to work in high resolutions like 4k – which graphics cards make this list?
Best Graphics Card for Video Editing in 2024
Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080
ZOTAC Gaming GeForce RTX 3080
Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 is our top pick for the best video editing graphics card. It’s packed with new technologies and delivers amazing performance in games and other applications. Nvidia’s new RTX platform provides significant improvements in image quality and performance, making it the ideal choice for video editors who demand the best from their hardware.
The Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 also comes with generous amounts of GDDR6 memory, which will be a huge boon for anyone working with large 4K or even 8K projects. Overall, the Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 is the best graphics card for video editing and should be at the top of any editor’s list.
Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 Ti
Gigabyte AORUS Xtreme RTX 2080 Ti
The Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 Ti is s powerful graphics card and a great choice for video editing. With it being a last-generation card it should be more affordable than current-gen GPUs. It has G-Sync and FreeSync for a more smooth gaming experience. The Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 Ti is also great for video editing since it saves time. However, because of this, the Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 Ti is on the expensive side, so you need to factor this in when looking at what sort of video editing you are doing.
AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT
XFX Radeon RX 5700 XT
Clock Speed: 1905 MHz
VRAM: 8GB GDDR6
Width: 2-Slot
Length: 267 mm
Ports: 3 DP, 1 HDMI
AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT is a great option for video editing in 2022. It has good performance and it supports FreeSync. With its great features, it will make your workflows more efficient and faster. The AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT is a great option for video editing in 2022. AMD’s latest flagship graphics card is the AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT. This graphics card is based on the new 7nm RDNA architecture and offers excellent performance for video editing workloads. The AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT also supports AMD FreeSync technology, which eliminates screen tearing and stuttering for a smoother gaming experience.
Overall, the AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT is a great option for video editing.
Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060
Gigabyte AORUS RTX 2060 Super
The Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 is the perfect graphics card for video editing in 2022. It delivers great performance and supports G-Sync and FreeSync technology, ensuring smooth and lag-free playback. Whether you’re a professional editor or an amateur enthusiast, the GeForce RTX 2060 will help you achieve great results.
Best graphics card for video editing 1080p
Gigabyte AORUS Xtreme RTX 2080 Ti
If you’re looking to create high-quality 1080p videos, then you’ll need a graphics card that can handle the demands of HD video editing. The best graphics card for video editing 1080p is the Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 Ti. This graphics card is based on the last-generation Pascal architecture and offers great performance for demanding video editing workloads and also comes with G-Sync and FreeSync support, ensuring smooth and lag-free playback of your edited videos. Overall, the Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 Ti is a great pick if you are only wanting to edit in 1080p.
Best graphics card for video editing 1440p
EVGA FTW3 Ultra RTX 2080 Ti
When it comes to choosing a graphics card for video editing, 1440p is the sweet spot that offers the best combination of quality and performance. And if you’re looking to create high-quality 1440p videos, then you’ll need a graphics card that can handle the demands of HD video editing. The EVGA FTW3 Ultra RTX 2080 Ti is one of the best graphics cards for video editing 1440p due to its exceptional power and performance.
It’s packed with features that make it ideal for video editing, including support for 4K resolution, HDR, and 10-bit color. Plus, it comes with EVGA’s exclusive iCX Cooling technology, which ensures that your graphics card stays cool even when under heavy workloads. With all of these features, the EVGA FTW3 Ultra RTX 2080 Ti is the perfect choice for anyone looking to create high-quality 1440p videos.
Best graphics card for video editing ultra HD
Gigabyte GeForce RTX 3080 Ti GAMING OC
Gigabyte GeForce RTX 3080 Ti GAMING OC is the best graphics card for video editing ultra HD it is based on the current-generation Pascal architecture and offers great performance for demanding video editing workloads.
The Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 also comes with G-Sync and FreeSync support, ensuring smooth and lag-free playback of your edited videos. In addition, this graphics card has a dual BIOS mode which allows you to easily switch between silent and performance modes. Gigabyte GeForce RTX 3080 has a great cooling system that features 3x 90mm fans and 6 heat pipes. Overall, Gigabyte GeForce RTX 3080 Ti GAMING OC is a great graphics card option for 4K video editing as it offers great features and performance.
Things to consider when upgrading your graphics card for video editing
There are a few things to consider when choosing the best graphics card for video editing. The first is budget. graphics cards can range from around $100 to over $1000, so it’s important to know how much you’re willing to spend. If you’re just starting out, a mid-range card will be more than sufficient. However, if you’re looking to do some serious video editing, you’ll need a high-end card that can handle large files and complex effects.
The next thing to consider is what resolution you’ll be working in. If you’re only working in 1080p HD, almost any graphics card will be able to handle it. However, if you’re looking to do some work in higher resolutions like 1440p or even UHD (ultra-high-definition), you’ll need a card that’s specifically designed for it. Many of the cards on this list are capable of handling resolutions up to and including UHD.
Finally, you’ll want to consider the features that are important to you. Some graphics cards come with special features like HDR (high dynamic range) support or multiple HDMI ports. Others come with overclocking capabilities, which can give you a significant boost in performance. It all comes down to what you need from your graphics card.
Now that we’ve gone over some of the things to look for when choosing a graphics card for video editing, let’s take a look at our top picks!
HDR support
HDR, or high dynamic range, is a new type of image and video support that allows for more accurate representations of real-world lighting conditions.
HDR images and videos contain more detail in both the shadows and highlights, resulting in a more realistic image. HDR support is becoming increasingly common in TVs, monitors, and smartphones. HDR content is also available on some streaming services, such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.
In order to view HDR content, you need a device that supports HDR. Most HDR devices also support HDR10, which is the most common HDR format. HDR10+ is another HDR format that is becoming increasingly popular. HDR10+ devices are backward compatible with HDR10 devices, but not all HDR10 devices are compatible with HDR10+. Dolby Vision is another HDR format that is used by some manufacturers.
Dolby Vision devices are not compatible with HDR10 or HDR10+, but they are compatible with standard dynamic range (SDR) content. If you’re looking to buy a new TV or monitor, be sure to check for HDR support before making your purchase.
Multiple HDMI ports
HDMI, or high-definition multimedia interface, is a type of digital video interface. HDMI is the standard connector type for HDTVs and most modern graphics cards.
Graphics cards usually have one or two HDMI ports. Some graphics cards have multiple HDMI ports so that you can connect multiple monitors to your computer. If you plan on connecting more than two monitors to your computer, you’ll need a graphics card with at least three HDMI ports.
Overclocking capability
Overclocking is the process of increasing the clock speed of a component beyond its rated maximum speed. Overclocking can increase the performance of a component, but it also increases heat output and power consumption.
Some graphics cards come with overclocking capabilities. This means that you can increase the clock speed of the graphics card beyond its rated maximum speed. If you’re interested in overclocking, be sure to get a graphics card with this feature.
vRAM for video editing
The graphics card vRAM, or video RAM, is used to store image data that the GPU needs to access. Graphics cards use vRAM to store the data that they need to render images and graphics.
If you’re just starting in video editing, you don’t need a lot of vRAM. A graphics card with 512 MB of vRAM will be sufficient for most tasks. However, if you’re working with large files or doing complex video editing, you’ll need a graphics card with at least 1024 MB of vRAM. Some high-end cards have 2048 MB or even 4096 MB of vRAM.
The amount of vRAM that a graphics card has can impact its performance. More vRAM means that the graphics card can store more data, which can lead to better performance. If you’re looking for a high-performance graphics card, be sure to get one with at least 4096 MB of vRAM.
Below is a list of VRAM types, from slowest to fastest:
- GDDR5 – Used by AMD Polaris and Nvidia Pascal GPUs.
- GDDR5X – Used by high-end Nvidia GPUs and low-end Turing GPUs.
- GDDR6 – Used by midrange and high-end Nvidia Turing GPUs.
- HBM2 – Used by AMD Vega cards and high-end Nvidia GPUs.
- VRAM capacities and matching resolutions:
- 2GB – Suitable for 720p and 1080p in most scenarios.
- 4GB – Suitable for 1080p and 1440p in most scenarios.
- 6GB – Suitable for 1440p and VR in most scenarios. 4K needs GDDR6 or better.
- 8GB – Suitable for 1440p, VR, and 4K. The underlying GPU will need to be powerful enough to keep up, though.
GPU Clock Speed for video editing
The graphics processing unit, or GPU, is the heart of the graphics card. The GPU is responsible for rendering images and graphics. The clock speed of the GPU is measured in megahertz (MHz) or gigahertz (GHz).
The higher the clock speed, the faster the GPU can process information. A higher clock speed can lead to better performance, but it also increases heat output and power consumption. If you’re interested in overclocking, be sure to get a graphics card with a high clock speed.
Framerates per second (FPS) for video editing
Frames per second, or FPS, is a measure of the speed of the graphics card. The higher the FPS, the smoother the image will be. If you’re editing video, you’ll want a graphics card that can render at least 30 FPS.
Some graphics cards are capable of rendering more than 60 FPS. However, for most video editing tasks, you won’t need a graphics card that can render such high frame rates. A graphics card with a lower FPS will be just as good for most tasks.
Framerate targets:
- 30 FPS – Anything below this is considered unplayable. Not smooth, but not jittery either- just okay.
- 60 FPS – Smooth, and the smoothest that a 60 Hz refresh rate display can show. The ideal target in most scenarios.
- 100 FPS – Very smooth- a common compromise made by those with high refresh rate displays, who want smoother gameplay without totally sacrificing visuals.
- 120 FPS – Ultra smooth.
- 144 FPS and higher – As smooth as it gets.
GDDR memory type
GDDR, or graphics double data rate, is a type of video RAM that is used by graphics cards. GDDR allows for higher data transfer rates than other types of video RAM. If you’re looking for a high-performance graphics card, be sure to get one with GDDR memory. GDDR memory is faster than other types of video RAM, which can lead to better performance.
PCI Express interface
The PCI Express interface is the standard interface for graphics cards. PCI Express is a high-speed data bus that allows for fast data transfer between the graphics card and the rest of the computer which is very important when video editing. Most graphics cards use the PCI Express interface. If you’re looking for a high-performance graphics card, be sure to get one with a PCI Express interface.
DisplayPort connection
The DisplayPort is a type of digital video interface that can be found on some graphics cards. This particular port has higher data transfer rates than HDMI, which makes it perfect for editing videos in demanding performance circumstances where speed matters!
Other Graphics Card Features you need to know
We’re going to list a few common terms you might see tossed around in this article and in product reviews elsewhere.
V-Sync
V-Sync is a technology that synchronizes the frame rate of a graphics card with the refresh rate of a monitor. This can help to eliminate screen tearing, which occurs when the graphics card produces frames at a higher rate than the monitor can refresh them. V-Sync can also help to reduce input lag, which is the delay between when an input is made and when it is displayed on screen. V-Sync can be enabled in the settings menu of most graphics cards and games. In general, V-Sync will slightly decrease the performance of a graphics card, but the trade-off can be worth it for a smoother gaming experience.
G-Sync and FreeSync
G-Sync and FreeSync are two technologies that help to improve the picture quality of computer monitors. G-Sync is an Nvidia technology, while FreeSync is an AMD technology. Both G-Sync and FreeSync work by synchronizing the refresh rate of the monitor with the framerate of the graphics card, which helps to eliminate screen tearing and stuttering. G-Sync and FreeSync are not compatible with each other, so you need to make sure that your monitor supports the same technology as your graphics card. However, both G-Sync and FreeSync are superior to traditional V-Sync and can provide a much smoother and more enjoyable gaming experience.
Upscaling
Upscaling is the process of converting a video or image from a lower resolution to a higher one. Upscaling is commonly used by upgraded consoles to achieve a 4K image and is an option in many PC games. However, upscaling an image will never produce the same quality as a true, “native” 4K image. This is because upscaling involves adding pixels to an image, which can often lead to blurring and loss of detail. When done correctly, however, upscaling can be an effective way to improve the quality of an image without having to start from scratch. Upscaling can also be used in video editing to convert standard-definition footage to high-definition. In this case, upscaling can help to improve the quality of the footage without requiring expensive new equipment.
AA (Antialiasing)
Antialiasing is a method for smoothing an image’s rough edges. It’s especially popular and necessary at resolutions of 1080p and lower, but it becomes less important as resolutions rise. Taking many samples of the initial picture and averaging them together is one way to perform antialiasing. This eliminates jagged edges and creates a smoother picture as a result
Antialiasing is an important aspect of video editing, as it may improve the look of your film. However, bear in mind that antialiasing might have a negative impact on performance, so if you’re working with low-end hardware, you might want to turn it off.
Choice of monitor
Choosing the best graphics card for video editing is only part of the equation. You also need to factor in your choice of monitor. There are a few things you need to consider; resolution, refresh rate, response time and inputs.
Resolution is the number of pixels your monitor can display. The most common resolutions are 1080p, 1440p and UHD (or Ultra HD). If you’re doing any kind of video editing, you’re going to want a resolution of at least 1440p. UHD monitors are becoming more affordable, but they’re not essential for video editing.
Refresh rate is the number of times your monitor can refresh the image onscreen per second. A higher refresh rate means a smoother image with less motion blur. For video editing, you’re going to want a refresh rate of at least 60Hz. If you can afford it, go for a monitor with a higher refresh rate like 144Hz or even 240Hz.
Response time is the amount of time it takes for a pixel to change from one color to another. A lower response time means less motion blur and a smoother image. For video editing, you’re going to want a response time of at least 14ms.
Inputs are the types of ports your monitor has. The most common input for graphics cards is HDMI, but some monitors also have DisplayPort or DVI inputs. Make sure your monitor has the right type of input for your graphics card!
Recommended monitors for video editing
- Dell UltraSharp U2719D 27″ WQHD 2560×1440 IPS DisplayPort USB-C LED Monitor
- LG 32UL950-W 32″ Class HDR UHD FreeSync IPS LED Monitor
- ASUS ROG Swift PG279QZ 27″ 1440p 165Hz IPS G-SYNC Eye Care Gaming Monitor
- Acer Predator XB271HU bmiprz 27″ WQHD (2560 x 1440) NVIDIA G-SYNC IPS Monitor
While there are many great graphics cards on the market, the ones we’ve listed are our top picks for video editing in 2022. They offer great value for your money and will help you create stunning videos that look professional and polished. If you’re looking to invest in a new graphics card for your video editing needs, any of these options would be a great choice.
