Which are the most important PC components for video editing?

[neonfr]

Hello! I'm a newbie on video editing and computer configuration and I want to apologize for this silly question. I'm planning to buy a new laptop so I'm wondering which components are the most important for video editing? RAM, Processor, or Video card? 

[John T Smith]

There is no simple answer, so I will say all computer components must be good enough... click this link and read

https://community.adobe.com/t5/video-hardware/premiere-pro-hardware-articles-to-read-before-you-buy-...

[RjL190365]

You do not want a cheap laptop for video editing! These cheapies, especially the sub-$500 ones, have substandard CPUs and substandard-performing graphics that would make even an old Yugo running in the Daytona 500 proud.

And even some expensive laptops may still underperform compared to a desktop that's much cheaper.

Therefore, you must look at all of the hardware specs on a particular laptop that tickles your fancy.

[neonfr]

Hello @John T Smith , @RjL190365 . I read that GPUs are not strictly necessary for video editing. Is that right?

These are the two laptop models I'm wondering to buy. The only significant difference I'm seeing here is the video card.  It is necessary to buy the expensive one? 

First laptop: (Price: $1380)

Intel Core i7-9750H 
32 GB DDR4
1 TB SSD | М.2 PCIe NVMe (2280)
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650, DDR5 - 4GB

Second laptop: (Price $1900)

Intel Core i7-10750H
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti
32GB (2x 16384MB) - DDR4, 2933MHz. 
1TB SSD NVMe

[RjL190365]

Relative performance wise, you do want an adequately powerful GPU to match the CPU that you're using. Otherwise, your system will only be as powerful as its weakest link.

And Premiere Pro is now increasing its reliance on a relatively powerful GPU in each newer version. Over time, the GDDR5 version of the GTX 1650 mobile will begin to feel a bit underpowered for even routine video editing and rendering tasks.

Under these circumstances, go with the second configuration. The first configuration already has one strike against it: Its CPU is one generation older. And that's before the GPU is accounted for.

[neonfr]

Thank you, my friend, You helped me a lot! 

[Kevin-Monahan]

Come back and let us know how it goes. Glad our experts were able to assist.

Kevin