What are the recommended computer specs to edit HD video?

Report · Jun 08, 2023

hi!

I have been editing videos for a while now, but I have been using a different software (Cyberlink PowerDirector). However, I know that Adobe Premier Pro has more options and is more aligned for professional video editing. I would like to see if I can get some assistance in figuring out an issue that I have been experiencing. For some time, I have noticed that when I am editing 4K video on PowerDirector, there is some lagging going on. I experience the same issue the times that I have tried to use Premiere Pro when I have attempted to practice using it.

I am wondering if my laptop needs an upgrade, some formatting followed by a clean install, or perhaps I just need to get a brand new laptop designed to edit and process HDV (4K, 6K, 8K, etc) in the event that my current laptop can’t be upgraded that far ahead.

I currently own an Alienware Area 51-M with the following specs:

Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM) i9-9900 CPU @ 3.10GHz 3.10 GHz

Ram: 64.0 GB (63.8 GB usable)

System Type: 64-bit operating system, x64-based processor

OS: Windows 11 Pro

Graphics Card: Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060

Please let me know if the specs are good enough to process HD video. Although if that’s the case, then I may just need a format my computer. Otherwise, if you feel I definitely need to upgrade components, what are the recommendations? Specifically, what do I need to be able to run all of the Adobe Premiere Pro applications at it’s maximum potential? My goal is to produce high quality videos.

Thank you all so much for this help!

Report · Jun 08, 2023

Unless you're going to be working with more than three video tracks and applying many effects to one or more of the tracks, all at once, then your PC build would be more than sufficient for Premiere Pro based on your 1080p content criteria. Just make sure that your Nvidia (and if enabled, Intel) graphics drivers are up to date (and do make sure that you download them directly from the Nvidia and Intel Web sites, not via Microsoft Windows Update).

Report · Jun 08, 2023

Thanks for the response! I am actually happy you brought up the idea of working with multiple tracks and applying effects. And thank you for letting me know about updating the graphics card directly from the manufacturur rathan than widnows update.

To provide better clarification, I do use multiple video tracks (at the moment it hasn't been more than 2) and I have been wanting to learn about the different effects to be able to use them and produce very cool videos. I am actually trying to expand my business (photography/videography) and I want to be ready and be able to produce any type of video that's been requested. I also want to experiment with different styles and produce videos that I feel stand out and are unique.

Having said this, what upgrades do you recommend so that I can work with higher resolutions other than 4K (6-8K)?

Or, if upgrading my laptop is not possible, what specs do you recommend I get so that I have a computer that is capable or processing very high quality video?

Report · Jun 09, 2023

The problem with 4K is that it takes a lot. Your current PC is good. In my experience, even on the latest Macbooks, 4K is laggy at some point, especially on big projects. The easiest way in any case is to work with proxies. This will give you a better and more efficient workflow.

Now, if you want to upgrade your set-up, and really get into video editing, get yourself a real editing station. Laptops, even the best ones, overheat quickly and will never be as efficient as a rig.

G.