ASUS laptop specs for Adobe Premiere CC

Report · Jul 17, 2017

Hi there,

I'm trying to learn to edit (for TV) and have found a laptop that I think matches the specs for the latest version of Adobe Premiere. It's an ASUS ZenBook UX330UA-DS74 with Intel Core i7 processor, Windows 10, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, 1920x1080 display. The only thing I'm not sure about is the sound card being compatible with Microsoft Windows Driver Model. I can't find any information on it. If anyone can offer any advice it would be greatly appreciated.

Apologies for sounding like such a pleb. I'm not technologically gifted at all.

Thanks a mil!

Report · Jul 17, 2017

You were a bit misled. That ZenBook is one of those laptops with a gimped version of the i7 CPU. In this case, it has an i7-7500U CPU that has only two physical cores - and no dual-core CPU, even one that's Hyper-threaded, is as powerful or as fast as even a mediocre quad-core CPU that has Hyper-threading disabled.

Second, it has no discrete GPU at all - nor can be upgraded at all whatsoever to add one, nor is it available at all with one. And the integrated Intel HD Graphics 620 on that CPU is simply too weak for Premiere - in fact, so weak that Premiere Pro will be permanently stuck on the MPE software-only mode (no GPU acceleration whatsoever). This makes the already overburdened dual-core CPU work even more.

Report · Jul 17, 2017

Sorry but that is only a 2-core CPU without a GPU that supports GPU acceleration (I believe) and depending on your media and the effects and features you will be using I would not recommend it.

Report · Jul 17, 2017

Thank you both. That's really useful information to have. This might be too broad a question, but are there reasonably priced laptops that are compatible with Premiere out there? I'm not flash for cash, so am looking to spend $1300 cad and I can't find many laptops that meet the recommended specs for that price.

Report · Jul 17, 2017

Have you considered a used laptop. I have an ASUS G750 JW that I love and have upgraded a bit, (it is not for sale) but I saw this one on ebay for $800 USD, that unit has a lousy 1 TB hard disk drive but if you get a Samsung T3 portable USB 3 SSD you can have what I consider a great laptop. It has a SSD inside which I assume has the OS/applications. It is very easy upgradeable. with a second SSD in place of the 1 TB hard drive. Just remember for editing on any laptop you really need it AC powered as otherwise on battery power everything gets powered down to retain battery life bragging rights

Report · Jul 17, 2017

Here's an ASUS alternative to the one that you picked that should provide strong performance:

B&H Photo Video

ASUS 15.6" FX Series Gaming Notebook

Of course, it's not as thin and light as the ZenBook.

Since you mentioned that you're cutting for television, I'd look for something with Thunderbolt 3; however, that ups the price tag quite a bit.

How and what you're editing is what's going to determine if the ZenBook is underpowered or not. If you're doing string-outs and/or rough cuts, it'll probably be fine. Try to purchase your laptop from a vendor that will allow you to exchange it.

-Warren

Report · Jul 18, 2017

Thanks Warren. For now, I'll just be editing videos shot on my DSLR while I'm learning, but I anticipate editing in 4k eventually and would like to make a long term investment. I think I'll have to start with upping my budget...

Thanks all for your advice