Best CPU for video editing in 2024 – Our top picks for December

Looking to do a ton of video editing? Here are the best CPUs to check out

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Looking for the best CPU for video editing? We have you covered. Depending on the project, video editing can turn out to be quite a demanding task. It can also be very CPU-intensive, especially for programs like Adobe Premiere, DaVinci Resolve, and even Final Cut Pro (for Mac users). So, what’s the best CPU for video editing in 2024?

Before we get into that, we want to mention that we keep this article constantly updated, to bring you the best CPU for video editing. A lot of video-editing programs now benefit a lot from multi-threaded performance. Fortunately, a lot of the recent Intel and Ryzen processors are good at this, so you’re in safe hands if you’re buying something relatively new. We have to mention the 14th generation, of course. We do not feel like it deserves the top spot on this list, because of the lackluster 14900K reviews and relatively small performance gains to be had over the 13th gen.

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Best CPU for video editing 2023

So, without further ado, let’s jump straight into our first pick and tell you all about it. Here are our best picks for the best CPUs for video editing.

Intel Core i9 13900K

Intel Core i9-13900K

Cores

24

Threads

32

Base speed

P-cores 3 GHz / E-cores 2.2 GHz

Boost speed

P-cores 5.8 GHz / E-cores 4.3 GHz

Cache

36MB

TDP

125 W / 253 W boost.

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Pros

• Powerful single and multi-core performance
• High boost speeds
• improved L2 cache capacity
• 32 logical processors

Cons

• pricey
• runs VERY hot

If you don’t want any sort of compromises in terms of CPU performance, then the Core i9 13900K is the processor to buy right now. We don’t really need to explain why that is the case, as you can figure that out by looking at the specs above.

Apart from the 24 cores, 32 threads, and insane 5.8GHz turbo, this processor manages to beat the 7950X in a lot of workloads. There are some scenarios where the Ryzen processor pulls ahead, but considering the Intel CPU is cheaper, this is an uphill battle for AMD.

Of course, to take full advantage of this CPU, you’ll need a beefy CPU cooler, a great Z790 motherboard, and blazing fast DDR5 memory. That’s quite an expensive build, and we haven’t talked about the GPU, power supply, or storage yet. However, if you don’t want to spare any expenses, then this is the CPU to buy.

Intel Core i9-14900K

Intel Core i9-14900K

Core configuration:

24 (8+16)

Threads:

32

P-Core Speed:

5.8GHz (boost) 3.2GHz (base)

E-Core Speed:

4.4GHz (boost) 2.5GHz (base)

DDR5 support:

Yes @ 5600MHz

TDP

125W base 253W PL1 & PL2

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Pros

• Efficient performance gains over the last generation
• Higher DDR5 XMP speeds beyond 8000MT/s
• Overclocking potential is high
• Intel Application Optimization is impressive

Cons

• Expensive, of course
• Has issues with ASUS MCE tech at present

The Intel Core i9-14900K is a strong candidate for the second-best CPU for video editing, thanks to some impressive features and top-notch performance. First, it’s a real powerhouse that can handle demanding tasks, whether you’re a professional video editor or just someone who loves gaming. It’s a big step forward for Intel, showing they’re serious about providing advanced computing solutions.

One thing that makes the Core i9-14900K stand out is that it works well not only when you’re doing heavy tasks like video editing but also when you’re just using your computer for everyday stuff. It strikes a good balance between being powerful and dependable, so you get a smooth experience no matter what you’re doing.

This CPU performs well in various tests, showing that it’s great for different things. It’s even better than its predecessor, the Core i9-13900K, in every way. That makes it the new leader in terms of performance among Intel CPUs. So, if you want the best of the best and don’t mind spending a bit more, the Core i9-14900K is a solid choice. It’s an investment in top-notch power and efficiency, even though it can be a bit expensive. But if you’re serious about video editing and high-performance tasks, it’s worth considering.

Intel Core i5 13600K

Intel Core i5-13600K

Cores

14

Threads

20

Base speed

P-cores 3.5 GHz / E-cores 2.6 GHz

Boost speed

P-cores 5.1 GHz / E-cores 3.9 GHz

Cache

20MB

TDP

125 W / 181 W boost.

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Pros

• High core count for an entry level CPU
• High base and boost speeds
• Efficient
• backwards compatible with 12th gen motherboards

Cons

• Runs very warm

The Core i5 13600K is an excellent choice for video editing, even though it may not outperform the i7 13700K or i9 13900K in gaming performance. The key reason is that the 13600K offers a more practical and cost-effective solution for most video editors.

In terms of specifications, it’s not surprising that the Core i5 13600K represents better value than its higher-tier counterpart, the i7 13700K. While the i7 does offer superior performance, the i5 shines when you consider the price-to-performance ratio, especially in gaming scenarios. For the average video editor, the 13600K is the top pick among Intel’s 13th-gen CPUs. Many people opt for Core i7 processors due to their higher core count. However, with the i5 13600K boasting 14 cores and 20 threads, the argument for the i7 is losing its relevance.

It’s also worth noting that Intel offers superior value and cost-effectiveness compared to AMD. In gaming, the Core i5 13600K and the AMD Ryzen 5 7600X are evenly matched. However, when it comes to productivity tasks like video editing, the i5 13600K outperforms the Ryzen 5 7600X. The Core i5 13600K stands out as an exceptional processor, particularly for those who haven’t upgraded their CPU in a while and are mindful of their budget. For video editing tasks, this CPU is the one you should consider as it strikes a perfect balance between performance and affordability.

Ryzen 5 5600X

AMD Ryzen 5 5600X

Speed

3.7GHz/ 4.6GHz

Core (Threads)

6/12

Socket

AM4

TDP

65W

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The Ryzen 5 5600X is a solid CPU for video editing for several reasons. It offers a competitive core and thread count with its 6 cores and 12 threads. Video editing software often benefits from multiple threads to efficiently handle tasks like rendering and encoding, and having 12 threads at your disposal significantly enhances performance during such operations.

The Ryzen 5 5600X boasts excellent single-core performance, which is crucial for tasks that are not heavily multi-threaded, such as real-time video previews and effects processing. Its strong single-core performance ensures smooth and responsive video editing, even when working with complex and high-resolution footage.

The CPU is built on AMD’s Zen 3 architecture, which represents a significant leap in performance over its predecessors. With improved IPC and higher clock speeds, the 5600X is more than capable of handling demanding video editing tasks efficiently and effectively. In terms of energy efficiency, the Ryzen 5 5600X is known for delivering excellent performance without consuming excessive power or generating excessive heat. This efficiency is crucial for maintaining system stability during long rendering tasks, where extended periods of high CPU usage are common.

One of the notable advantages of the Ryzen 5 5600X is its price-to-performance ratio. It’s more affordable than some high-end CPUs but still offers a level of performance that is more than sufficient for most video editing tasks. This makes it an attractive choice for budget-conscious content creators. Additionally, the CPU’s compatibility with the AM4 socket ensures that it can be used with a wide range of motherboards, providing flexibility when building or upgrading a system.

Things to consider when looking for the best CPU for Video Editing

When looking for the best CPU for video editing, several important factors should be taken into consideration to ensure optimal performance and productivity. Here are the key aspects to think about:

• Processor Cores and Threads: Video editing software can make good use of multiple cores and threads. A CPU with more cores and threads will be able to handle multitasking and video rendering more efficiently. A higher core count, such as a quad-core or hexacore, is beneficial.
• Clock Speed: A higher clock speed (measured in GHz) allows for quicker single-threaded performance, which can be important for some tasks in video editing software. A balance between core count and clock speed is essential.
• Cache Size: A larger CPU cache can help in storing frequently accessed data, improving processing speed. Look for CPUs with a decent cache size for video editing tasks.
• Performance in Multithreading: Video editing applications can utilize multithreading to speed up rendering and encoding. Ensure your CPU has strong multithreading capabilities for improved performance.
• Architectural Generation: Newer CPU architectures often offer improved performance and efficiency. Consider investing in the latest CPU generation for better overall performance.
• Integrated Graphics: If you don’t plan to use a dedicated GPU, look for a CPU with strong integrated graphics, as this can help with video playback and basic editing tasks.
• Thermal Design Power (TDP): A CPU’s TDP indicates its power consumption and heat generation. Lower TDP can result in less heat and noise, which can be important for systems with limited cooling.

Final word

In conclusion, choosing the right CPU for video editing is crucial to ensure smooth and efficient performance, whether you’re a professional or a casual user. The Intel Core i9-13900K stands out as the top choice for uncompromising CPU performance, boasting impressive specs, and the ability to handle even the most demanding editing tasks. On the other hand, the Intel Core i9-14900K is a close runner-up, delivering strong performance and versatility, making it an excellent choice for those who demand high-quality computing solutions.

For budget-conscious users, the Intel Core i5-13600K offers a practical and cost-effective option, excelling in both value and productivity. It’s a great choice for those looking to balance performance and affordability.

When selecting the best CPU for video editing, consider the number of cores and threads, clock speed, cache size, and multithreading capabilities to match your editing needs. Keep in mind the architectural generation, integrated graphics, TDP, and your budget to make the right choice for your video editing workstation. Whether you’re focused on power, versatility, or value, there’s a CPU option that suits your needs in 2024.