What to look for in a Video, Photo & Creating PC: A Comprehensive Guide

What to Look for in a Photo or Video Editing Computer: A Comprehensive Guide

Choosing the right computer for photo and video editing can be a daunting task. Read on for a comprehensive guide on what to look for in a photo or video editing computer.

Photo and video editing require high-end computing power and performance, and not all computers are created equal. If you're a professional photographer or videographer, investing in a high-quality editing computer is essential to achieve the best results. With so many options available in the market, it can be challenging to know what to look for in a photo or video editing computer.

This guide will provide you with an overview of the essential components and features that you should consider when buying a photo or video editing computer. By the end of this guide, you'll be equipped with the knowledge you need to make an informed decision and purchase the best computer for your editing needs.

What to look for in a photo or video editing computer:

1. Processor: The processor is the brain of your computer and is responsible for carrying out all the computations necessary for photo and video editing. The faster the processor, the better the performance of your computer. A processor with multiple cores, such as Intel Core i7 or i9, is recommended for photo and video editing.

2. Motherboard: When choosing a motherboard for video editing, there are a few key factors to consider:

   1. Compatibility: Make sure the motherboard is compatible with the processor you plan to use, as well as the other components in your system, such as the graphics card and RAM
      
      

   2. Processor Support: Look for a motherboard that supports high-end processors such as Intel Core i9 or AMD Ryzen 9, which can provide the processing power you need for video editing.

   3. RAM Capacity and Speed: Look for a motherboard that supports a high amount of RAM, ideally 32GB or more, and supports high-speed RAM modules for faster data transfer.

   4. PCI Express slots: Make sure the motherboard has enough PCI Express slots to accommodate your graphics card and other expansion cards you might need for video editing, such as a dedicated audio card or a high-speed storage device.

   5. Storage Options: Look for a motherboard that supports multiple high-speed storage options such as M.2 and NVMe, which can provide fast read/write speeds for video editing applications.

   6. Overclocking Support: If you plan to overclock your processor for better performance, look for a motherboard with robust power delivery and cooling options that can handle the increased power demands.

   7. Ports and Connectivity: Consider the number and type of ports available on the motherboard, including USB ports, Ethernet ports, and audio jacks, and make sure they meet your needs.

3. RAM: RAM or Random Access Memory is the temporary storage used by your computer to process data. The more RAM your computer has, the more applications you can run simultaneously without slowing down your computer. A minimum of 16 GB of RAM is recommended for photo and video editing, but if your budget allows, go for 32 GB, 64 GB or even 128GB. Not sure how much RAM you will need? Call or email us and we can help guide you! Remember, RAM is a very easy upgrade in the future so do not be too worried about buying too little, you can easily add more! 

4. Graphics Card: A graphics card is crucial for photo and video editing, as it handles the rendering and display of visual content. Look for a graphics card with at least 8 GB of dedicated memory, such as NVIDIA or AMD Radeon. We recommend starting with a RTX 3060ti and going up from there!  

5. Storage: The amount of storage your computer has determines how much data you can store on your computer. Solid State Drives (SSDs) are recommended for photo and video editing, as they provide faster read and write speeds compared to traditional Hard Disk Drives (HDDs). Aim for a minimum of 1TB of storage, but if you work with large files, go for 2 TB or more. 
   
   The main difference between SSD (Solid State Drive) and HDD (Hard Disk Drive) hard drives is in the way they store and retrieve data.

   An HDD uses spinning disks and mechanical read/write heads to store and retrieve data. Data is written to the disk in the form of magnetic charges, and the read/write heads move across the disk to access the data. HDDs are generally cheaper than SSDs, but they are slower, and the mechanical components can be more prone to failure.

   An SSD, on the other hand, uses NAND-based flash memory to store and retrieve data. There are no moving parts in an SSD, which makes it faster and more reliable than an HDD. SSDs are generally more expensive than HDDs, but they are also more durable and consume less power, making them ideal for use in laptops and other portable devices.

   Overall, the main benefits of SSDs over HDDs are faster read/write speeds, greater reliability, lower power consumption, and quieter operation. However, SSDs are typically more expensive and offer less storage capacity than HDDs. For this reason, many users opt for a combination of both types of drives, using an SSD for the operating system and frequently accessed programs, and an HDD for data storage.

6. Display: When choosing a display for video editing, there are a few key points to consider:

• Display Resolution: A higher resolution display can provide greater detail and clarity, which is especially important when editing high-resolution video. Look for a display with at least 1080p resolution, and preferably 4K resolution or higher.
• Color Accuracy: A display with accurate color reproduction is essential for video editing. Look for a display that covers a wide color gamut, such as 100% sRGB or Adobe RGB, and has good color accuracy, as measured by Delta E (dE) values.
• Brightness and Contrast: A display with high brightness and contrast can help you see details in both bright and dark areas of your video. Look for a display with a brightness of at least 250 nits and a contrast ratio of 1000:1 or higher.
• Panel Type: There are three main types of display panels: IPS, TN, and VA. IPS panels typically offer the best color accuracy and viewing angles, while TN panels are known for their fast response times and low input lag. VA panels offer high contrast ratios, but may have slower response times. Choose a panel type that best suits your needs and preferences.
• Size and Aspect Ratio: The size and aspect ratio of the display can affect your editing workflow. A larger display can provide more screen real estate for your editing workspace, while a wider aspect ratio can allow you to view more of your video timeline at once. Choose a size and aspect ratio that feels comfortable and efficient for your editing needs.
• Viewing Angles: A display with wide viewing angles can allow multiple people to view the screen at once, which can be useful for collaborative editing. Look for a display with an IPS panel or similar technology for wide viewing angles.
• Overall, a good video editing display should have high resolution, color accuracy, brightness, contrast, and viewing angles, as well as a panel type, size, and aspect ratio that best suits your needs.

FAQs:

Q. Is a laptop or a desktop computer better for photo and video editing?

A. Both laptops and desktops can be used for photo and video editing, but desktops tend to have more powerful components and better cooling systems, making them more suitable for professional editing work.

Q. Can I upgrade my computer for better performance?

A. Yes, you can upgrade certain components of your computer, such as RAM, storage, and graphics card, for better performance. However, the processor and motherboard cannot be upgraded super easy, like RAM so choose them wisely when buying a new computer.

Conclusion:

Choosing the right computer for photo and video editing is crucial to achieve the best results. Consider the essential components and features outlined in this guide, such as processor, RAM, graphics card, storage, and display, to make an informed decision when buying a new computer. By investing in a high-quality editing computer, you can ensure that your work is efficient, fast, and of the highest quality.


We have a few options for PC built and spec'd specifically for creating! 

Our Entry level "Freelancer" model was built with budget in mind but still able to edit and render 4k footage, run photoshop smooth and be a power house for years to come! Check that out here! https://www.vyralteq.com/collections/video-editing-pcs/products/freelancer

If budget isn't too much of a concern and you are wanting to get the best of the best consider our Freelancer PRO model, we held nothing back on this one and put the best, and top available parts together for this one. This thing is so powerful, we haven't found its limitations yet! AND its still cheaper than a MAC! 

As always, if any of our "Pre-Configured" PCs still dont look the best for your need or if you would like to consult first before you buy please call us at 937-993-7765 or email us at Support@vyralteq.com and we would be happy to help!