The fastest way to kill creativity… a slow computer. It isn’t just annoying, it costs time and real money. Your workstation is the most important tool you own when it comes to editing. It needs to keep up with your ideas, not fight against them. But the decision on what to buy can be complicated, since there are a lot of different options out there. Do you just buy something sleek and simple off the shelf or dive into building your own custom workstation? And which specs actually make a difference when you’re using programs like Premiere Pro, After Effects or DaVinci Resolve?
Let’s figure out what you actually need.
Buy vs Build
Buying Pre-Built
This is how most people buy their systems and to be honest it’s just easier. You take it out of the box, plug it in and start working. You don’t spend hours figuring out which wire goes where or why it won’t turn on. If the computer breaks, you call the company and they fix it. You don’t need to be a tech expert to figure out what went wrong. However, it can be quite expensive and can sometimes be a bit limited. You only have options that the company sells. You can’t really customize every little part. Many modern computers, especially Apple products and laptops, have soldered parts. So if the system feels slower two years from now, you wont be able to do some upgrades. You often have to buy a whole new machine.
Building a Custom PC
The Downsides
Which option is best for you? What should you do?
The Specs: What You Actually Need
1. CPU (Central Processing Unit) - The "Brain"
2. GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) - The "Muscle"
3. RAM (Random Access Memory)
4. Storage
1. The OS/Applications Drive (NVMe SSD): A fast 1TB NVMe M.2 SSD for your operating system and
core applications. This ensures the system boots quickly and apps launch instantly.
2. The Active Project/Cache Drive (High-Speed NVMe SSD): Use a dedicated, very fast 2TB or 4TB
NVMe SSD for your current footage, project files and disk cache. This drive directly impacts timeline
scrubbing smoothness.
3. Archive Storage (HDD or NAS): For completed projects and long-term storage, use large, slower
traditional HDDs or a Network Attached Storage (NAS) solution.
Example Setups for the Modern Agency
Tier 1: The “Social Content Creator” (Portability and Speed)
For creatives primarily focused on Reels, TikTok, and graphic design, prioritizing portability and a great
screen.
System: Apple MacBook Pro (M3 Pro or equivalent) OR Dell XPS 15
Specs: 10-12 Core CPU, 16-Core GPU (or equivalent), 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD.
Tier 2: The “Agency Workhorse” (The Sweet Spot)
The standard desktop for editors handling 4K client projects, moderate motion graphics and complex
design files.
System (PC): Custom Build or High-End Pre-built
Specs: AMD Ryzen 9 or Intel i7/i9, Nvidia RTX 5080, 64GB RAM, 1TB OS Drive, 2TB Project NVMe
Drive.
System (Mac): Mac Studio
Specs: M2 or M3 Max (or equivalent), 64GB Unified Memory, 2TB SSD.
Tier 3: The “VFX Powerhouse” (Maximum Performance)
For colorists, VFX artists and 3D modelers who need maximum processing power.
System: High-End Custom PC or Mac Studio (Ultra Chip)
Specs: Top-tier Intel i9 or AMD Threadripper (or M-series Ultra), Nvidia RTX 5090, 128GB RAM,
dedicated high-speed NVMe drives for OS, Cache and Projects.
Conclusion
FAQ
Should I buy a pre-built computer or build my own?
What are the main advantages of buying a pre-built machine?
Convenience and support. They work right out of the box. If something breaks, you call the
manufacturer, and they handle the repairs. Companies like Apple also optimize their hardware and
software to work seamlessly together.
What are the downsides of a pre-built machine?
They are generally more expensive than building yourself (the “brand tax”). More importantly, many
modern systems, especially Apple products and laptops, cannot be upgraded later because the parts are
soldered in. If the machine feels slow in two years, you may have to replace the entire system.
Why would I want to build my own PC?
You get more bang for your buck and can decide exactly where the money goes—for example,
splurging on a graphics card for 3D work while saving on other components. It also allows you to upgrade
individual parts (like RAM or the GPU) anytime, so the machine grows with your needs.
Is building a PC difficult?
It’s a project that requires research, time, and a willingness to troubleshoot. You need to ensure all parts
are compatible. The main challenge is that if something breaks, you have to figure out which part failed
and handle the warranty for that specific component.
What are the most important components for video editing and design?
Four key components work together:
CPU (The Brain): Handles processing, exporting, and playback.
GPU (The Muscle): Accelerates effects, color grading, and 3D rendering.
RAM (The Workspace): Allows for smooth multitasking and handling large files.
Storage: Determines how quickly your files can be read and saved.
How much RAM do I actually need? Is 16GB enough?
For professional creative work involving multiple applications (like Photoshop and Premiere Pro),
16GB is rarely sufficient.
Minimum: 32GB.
Recommended (4K/Multitasking): 64GB (this is the sweet spot).
High-End (8K/Heavy VFX): 128GB.
What should I look for in a CPU (Processor)?
You need a balance of core count (for rendering) and clock speed (for a smooth user experience). For
general 4K editing and motion graphics, we recommend 8-16 Cores (e.g., Intel i7/i9 or AMD Ryzen 7/9).
How important is the Graphics Card (GPU) if I don't do 3D work?
It’s very important. Modern editing software uses the GPU heavily for color grading, visual effects,
resizing, and stabilizing footage.
What is VRAM?
\VRAM (Video RAM) is the memory dedicated to your GPU. High-resolution timelines eat up VRAM
quickly. We recommend a minimum of 8GB VRAM, but 12GB–16GB (e.g., Nvidia RTX 5070 Ti or
5080) is ideal for professional 4K work.
What kind of storage is best? Do I need an SSD?
Yes, speed is critical. You must use NVMe SSDs (Solid State Drives) for your operating system and
active projects. They are vastly faster than traditional spinning hard disk drives (HDDs). HDDs should
only be used for archiving old projects.
What is the ideal storage setup?
We recommend a tiered approach:
A fast NVMe SSD for your OS and Applications.
A separate, very fast NVMe SSD for your active project files and disk cache.
A large HDD or NAS for long-term storage.
Are Macs better than PCs for editing?
They are different. Apple’s M-series chips (M2, M3, etc.) are highly efficient and excellent for video
work, thanks to dedicated media engines. However, custom PCs generally offer more raw power for the
price and much better upgradability, especially for high-end 3D and VFX.
What’s a good setup for someone just doing social media content (Reels, TikTok)?
A high-quality laptop is usually best. A MacBook Pro (M3 Pro or equivalent) or a Dell XPS 15 with
32GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD is ideal for portability and speed.
What’s the recommended setup for general agency 4K video production?
This is the “Agency Workhorse” level.
Mac Option: A Mac Studio (M2/M3 Max) with 64GB of memory.
PC Option: A system with an Intel i9/Ryzen 9, Nvidia RTX 5080, and 64GB of RAM.
