As a follow-up to our previous hardware-related article where we talking about how much RAM you need for video editing, in this article we are looking at the best video processor for video editing, depending on your budget and needs.
I personally used both Intel and AMD CPUs and I’ve been satisfied with both.
Intel seemed to be a little bit more stable than AMDs in my experience, but maybe that’s just me.
Anyways let’s get to it.
With so many options available the audience can afford to pick and choose videos of the highest quality for consumption.
This also means only those brands that use quality videos (well created, produced, and edited) have a better chance of impressing the customers.
To bring even a touch of professionalism, editors need powerful machines with impressive computing ability.
The computers we use for our daily needs or for that matter even gaming computer platforms are not suitable for professional-level video editing.
A computer with a powerful processor is vital for reducing rendering time and streamlining the flow of the videos.
Although GPU is responsible for the special effects in a video, editors need a solid CPU to render and encode the VFX.
All in all, a better processor (CPU) is indispensable for video editing.
Today, we discuss the factors to consider before buying a CPU and the best processors out there for video editing.
The Factors to Consider Before Choosing a Processor for Video Editing
We use a vastly different set of muscles for golf and football.
The same analogy applies to CPUs as well. The demands of video editing are different from gaming or even basic everyday use.
Hence, we have compiled a small list of factors that editors (beginners and professionals) must consider before buying a processor.
A Good Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)
Don’t be surprised by the inclusion of GPU. There is a perfectly good reason for that.
As a beginner, many editors might not feel the need for a good GPU.
However, with modern trends where video creators are increasingly using effects, transitions, AI tools, and color grading, GPU importance has increased significantly.
Bear in mind that although the processor is at the core of video editing, you need to focus also on GPU to work on complex VFX and post-production functions.
The Central Processing Unit (CPU) will handle the bulk of the processing and rendering work.
But, if you’re planning to use After Effects or Adobe Premiere Pro to include complex special effects then offload some of the work to GPU.
Rendering Time
Irrespective of the workload or the complexity of the task you should look for a processor that would reduce the rendering time.
In video marketing, time is money and a key factor that can impact the success of the marketing campaign.
As the software works its magic on video, turning your many requirements into results, generating a smooth video, you don’t have to wait for hours.
A powerful processor will reduce your wait and ensure you never miss a deadline.
While quick rendering is crucial for video editors, even for beginners who will benefit from rapid rendering in the long run, you need to spend more for the privilege.
Rendering time is not such a crucial factor if your video editing is just a hobby or you have plenty of time on your hands.
Video Resolution
Nowadays, not many choose to record videos below 4K resolution, and many creators now work with 6K and even 8K footage.
Why would they when GoPro and smartphones come readily equipped with 4K and in some cases even 8K resolution cameras.
Interestingly, as the video resolution – the clarity and quality – increase the resources needed to edit also goes higher and higher.
Do you constantly work with 4K, 5K, and 8K videos?
You need a powerful CPU.
It’s as simple as that.
Working on high-resolution videos on the average processor will prolong the rendering time and ruin your editing experience.
Those working on high-resolution videos must look for a higher number of cores and threads.
Cores and Threads
The audience sees only smooth and dynamic content.
But to produce that result the processor had to perform millions of functions.
To deliver beautiful videos, editors need to use a lot of computer power.
To bring the changes, transitions, and efforts you want, the video editing software employs every core which is at its disposal.
The threads also play a vital role in smooth and fast rendering.
The computing machine must come with at least six cores if you plan to use it for any type of video editing.
Don’t limit yourself to six cores if budget isn’t a limitation.
Opting for a processor with a higher number of cores will enable you to take on more workload and complex projects.
A modern video editing CPU should have at least 6 cores, but 8 or more cores are recommended in 2026.
Clock Speed
The clock speed is another factor to consider before deciding on a processor.
According to some experts, clock speed is a far more important factor than cores in a video editing processor.
Given a choice between low clock speed and more cores combination and higher clock speed and fewer cores, one must always choose the latter.
However, processors with both high clock speeds and many cores are ideal for 4K–8K workflows.
The 7 Best CPUs for Video Editing
#1 AMD Ryzen 9 7950X / 8950X
Cores: 16
Threads: 32
The Ryzen 9 remains the processor of choice for professionals with demanding workloads.
Modern Ryzen 9 CPUs deliver outstanding multi-core performance, faster rendering times, and excellent efficiency.
They are ideal for editors working with 4K, 6K, and 8K footage.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Exceptional rendering performance | Expensive |
| Ideal for professionals |
#2 Intel Core Ultra 9 Processor
Cores: 16+ (hybrid architecture)
In the pecking order, the Intel Core Ultra 9 is not too far behind the Ryzen 9.
While it may concede a slight edge in raw core and thread count compared to AMD’s highest-end Ryzen chips, the Intel machine certainly makes up for it with very high clock speeds and a modern hybrid architecture.
This machine is certainly the top video editing processor that Intel has to offer in its mainstream lineup.
Under the neat package come a hybrid core design with high-performance and efficiency cores, offering a high total thread count, along with very high boost clock speeds that often exceed 5.0GHz, depending on the workload.
The Intel Core Ultra 9 also maintains a competitive power profile, although under heavy workloads it benefits from proper cooling to sustain peak performance.
Professionals wanting a first-class video editing experience but also seeking strong single-core performance and responsive timeline playback will find the Intel Core Ultra 9 offers the best of both worlds.
This Intel machine can take up a variety of processor-intensive tasks including 4K and 8K video editing, gaming, live streaming, and AI-assisted creative workflows.
Why is Intel Core Ultra 9 often pitted against AMD Ryzen 9 even when AMD may offer higher core counts?
The Intel machine’s higher boost clock speed, advanced thread scheduling, excellent single-core performance, and competitive pricing make it an attractive alternative for professional video editors.
Plus, the Intel Core Ultra 9 can do everything that AMD Ryzen 9 does, including fast rendering, efficient encoding and decoding, and smooth handling of complex timelines with multiple effects.
A downside that some users have noticed is the need for a high-quality cooling solution to maintain peak clock speeds during extended rendering sessions.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| High-end video editing processor with excellent single-core performance | Still trails Ryzen 9 in raw multi-core workloads |
| Ideal for video creators and gaming channels | Requires good cooling under sustained heavy loads |
| Very high boost clock speeds (often exceeding 5GHz) | |
| Excellent timeline responsiveness in Adobe Premiere Pro |
#3 AMD Ryzen 7 7800X / 8800X
Cores: 8
Threads: 16
The Ryzen 7 appears to be the go-to choice of professionals looking for performance and affordability.
The processor features 8 cores and 16 threads, which is comparable to many high-end Intel processors, while offering strong multi-core performance for modern editing workloads.
Thanks to significantly improved clock speeds and architectural advancements, modern Ryzen 7 processors no longer lag far behind Intel in single-core performance.
he AMD Ryzen 7 offers more than enough power for smooth and fast video editing at the professional level, especially for editors working with 4K and even 8K footage.
Video editors who are not working on ultra-large studio projects with massive budgets can confidently choose a Ryzen 7 processor, as it delivers excellent performance per dollar.
The machine boasts of superior multithreading performance which is the hallmark of all AMD processors and is especially beneficial for rendering and encoding tasks.
Although the Ryzen 7 does not sit at the absolute top of the consumer CPU hierarchy, it can smoothly handle all major video editing tasks, is suitable for intensive multitasking, and delivers very competitive rendering speeds.
Inside the machine is modern Zen 4 / Zen 5 architecture, which powers the Ryzen 7 7800X and 8800X, bringing major improvements in efficiency and performance over older generations.
The 8-core, 16-thread design, combined with high base and boost clock speeds, makes the Ryzen 7 an excellent choice for video editing, streaming, and gaming.
If you can accept rendering speeds that may be slightly slower than flagship Ryzen 9 or Threadripper processors, the AMD Ryzen 7 is one of the best value CPUs for video editing.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Excellent intensive task handling capability. | Not a true flagship-level CPU |
| Solid performance at affordable cost. | Trails Ryzen 9 in extreme multi-core workloads |
| Can handle 4K/8K footage with ease. |
#4 Intel Core Ultra 7
Cores: Hybrid architecture (Performance + Efficiency cores)
Threads: Modern multi-threaded design
Base Speed: Varies by workload
Boost Speed: Up to ~5.0GHz (model dependent)
We all have our favorites which we never give up under any circumstances.
The Intel Core Ultra 7 is for that Intel loyalist who wants strong performance without stepping into flagship pricing.
Just because the Ultra 7 sits below Ryzen 7 or Ultra 9 in Intel’s lineup doesn’t mean you are settling for a lesser processor.
The Intel Core Ultra 7 is an excellent choice for video editing professionals and serious content creators.
It’s an ideal processor for performing intensive editing tasks on 1080p and 2K footages and it is also fully capable of handling 4K projects with proper optimization.
Compared to Ryzen 7 processors, Intel Core Ultra 7 focuses on strong single-core performance and responsive timeline playback, while trailing slightly in raw multi-core workloads.
This Intel processor delivers high boost clock speeds, excellent responsiveness in applications like Adobe Premiere Pro, and improved efficiency thanks to Intel’s modern architecture.
The Core Ultra 7 also includes integrated graphics and AI acceleration, which can benefit encoding, playback, and certain creative workloads.
This is an ideal video editing processor for beginners and intermediate editors who want reliable performance without overspending.
It can handle most content creation needs at the early and intermediate stages, and once your projects grow in complexity, upgrading to a higher-tier CPU remains an option.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Excellent all-around processor for 1080p, 2K, and light 4K editing | Not ideal for heavy 4K/8K workflows |
| Affordable editing processor for Intel loyalists. | Trails higher-end CPUs in multi-core rendering |
| High boost clock speeds and responsive timeline performance |
#5 Intel Core Ultra 5
Cores: Hybrid architecture (Performance + Efficiency cores)
Threads: Modern multi-threaded design
Base Speed: Varies by workload
Boost Speed: Up to ~4.8GHz (model dependent)
Although not a match for mid-range and high-end video editing CPUs, the Intel Core Ultra 5 can stand on its own.
The processor is built to handle HD and Full HD video editing, and it can also manage basic 2K and light 4K projects with optimized timelines.
While it is not designed for heavy professional workloads, expectations remain reasonable for editors working with short timelines and simple effects.
The Core Ultra 5 is not ideal for complex 4K or 8K workflows, especially those involving frequent rendering or advanced effects.
Thanks to Intel’s newer architecture, the processor no longer relies on traditional hyperthreading alone and benefits from improved task scheduling and integrated graphics acceleration.
The Intel Core Ultra 5 is for those who are just starting their content creation and video editing journey.
If you plan to predominantly work on smartphone footage, HD videos, or social-media content, then the Intel Core Ultra 5 is a solid and affordable starting point.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| An editing CPU designed for beginners. | Not suitable for heavy 4K or 8K workflows |
| Relatively high boost performance and responsive playback | Lower multi-core performance compared to mid-range CPUs |
| Can comfortably handle HD and light 2K editing | |
| Affordable entry-level video editing platform |
#6 AMD Ryzen 5 7600 / 8600
Cores: 6
Threads: 12
Base Speed: Varies by model and workload
Boost Speed: Up to ~5.1GHz (model dependent)
Compared to other processors, the Ryzen 5 is an oldie but a goodie.
It’s a low-budget editing processor for novice content creators and video editors.
Editors just starting their professional journey should look no further than the AMD Ryzen 5.
Like all other AMD processors, the machine offers strong multi-threaded performance for its price range, making it competitive against similarly priced alternatives.
Built on modern Zen 4 architecture, the Ryzen 5 7600 / 8600 delivers significantly improved efficiency and performance compared to older generations.
Thanks to higher boost clocks and architectural improvements, the Ryzen 5 is capable of handling 1080p and 1440p video editing, and can also manage light 4K projects with optimized timelines.
While it is not designed for heavy 4K or 8K workflows, it serves extremely well as a learning and starter editing processor.
As editors improve their skills and workloads grow in complexity, upgrading to a higher-tier Ryzen processor remains a natural next step.
With the Ryzen 5, low-resolution, smartphone footage, and social media videos can be edited smoothly and efficiently.
You can expect a responsive and stable workflow when working with 1080p content and shorter timelines.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Budget-friendly editing CPU for beginners | Not ideal for heavy 4K or 8K projects |
| Strong performance for 1080p and 1440p editing | Limited headroom for advanced effects |
| Can be used as a learning platform | |
| Excellent value for money |
#7 AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO
Cores: 32
Threads: 64
Base Speed: ~3.7GHz
Boost Speed: Up to ~4.5GHz (model dependent)
The Threadripper is an absolute beast of a processor.
It’s the most powerful and expensive CPU machine on our list.
The Threadripper PRO will always find a place in the top-tier video editing, VFX, and workstation platforms.
With an astounding core and thread count — 32 cores and 64 threads — the Threadripper PRO is the ultimate workstation processor for professional video editors, animators, and content creators.
The Threadripper PRO is the dream processor of high-end professional video editors.
It can handle virtually any workload, ripping through multiple intensive editing, rendering, and encoding tasks like no other machine.
It promises and delivers supreme performance, helping editors take on massive workloads and still deliver results on time.
The Threadripper PRO is one of the best editing processors that AMD has to offer.
This processor now competes directly with modern Intel Xeon and high-end Core Ultra workstation-class CPUs, rather than older Core i9 models.
One wonders, why isn’t this multithread processor the automatic choice for video editors?
Why is it placed last on our list of best editing processors?
The answer lies mostly in price, power consumption, and platform cost.
The Threadripper PRO is designed primarily for workstations, not casual builds. While it can handle gaming, it truly shines in VFX-heavy workflows, animation, 3D rendering, and large-scale video production.
That said, the Threadripper PRO is an outstanding choice for content creators who work extensively with special effects, animation, 8K timelines, and multi-camera projects.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Extremely powerful video editing and workstation CPU | Very expensive top-tier processor |
| Can handle multiple intensive tasks simultaneously | Platform cost (motherboard, cooling) is high |
| Ideal for animation, VFX, and special effects workflows | Overkill for most beginner and mid-level editors |
Final Thoughts
The processors that you find here are chosen because they have been tested by a wide range of creators and professionals and have consistently delivered strong real-world performance.
Each processor has its pros and cons and each has something unique to offer.
Choose your processor for video editing after carefully considering your budget, workload, software requirements, and the resolutions you plan to work with.
Ultimately, the machine you pick must deliver a fast, stable, and smooth editing experience, allowing you to focus on creativity rather than waiting on renders.
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Cristian Stanciu is a freelance video editor, owner, and post-production coordinator of Veedyou Media – a company offering video editing services to videographers, marketing agencies, video production studios, or brands all over the globe.