We have talked a fair bit about building your own video editing PC and which components you need to pick up. For some the idea of building your own computer just isn’t appealing for one reason or another. Could be a time thing, could be a lack of a warranty, or it simply could be that it just doesn’t sound enjoyable.
In those cases, you’ll be looking at some pre-built options, of which there are some good options. Videographer Matt WhoisMatt Johnson has a few choice picks for a 4K video editing PC that won’t even cost you an arm and a leg since they are generally able to be picked up for under $1,000.
In today’s world, the dream of building a computer might come to a halt when you start searching for a graphic card. It’s a tough world. It’s a good reason to consider a pre-built as these manufacturers can get a hold of cards to put together their machines.
First up is the HP OMEN 25L. Starting at $800 with a 6-core Intel processor and an NVIDIA GTX 1650 graphics card. This combo should handle 4K video. The problem is that it only ships with 8GB RAM. For video editing you’ll want at least 16GB. All you need to do is upgrade using HP’s configurator. Might want to also add in a larger SSD and give a bump to the CPU. That will bring the price up over $1,000 if that is important to you.
Image Credit: HP
A similar OMEN 25L build comes from Best Buy where they have the same specs plus an upgraded NVIDIA GTX 1660 SUPER. This new graphics card has an extra 2GB RAM (going from 4GB up to 6GB), which should help with 4K footage. If you also game you’ll see some higher frame rates and resolutions. The con is again the 8GB RAM. Upgrading yourself isn’t a big deal if you want to do it yourself. It should run close to $1,000.
HP has yet another build in the list with the OMEN 30L. This one shifts from familiar Intel processors to AMD Ryzen. Specifically, it is a Ryzen 5 5600X 6-core processor and an RX 5500 graphics card. It’ll be similar in performance to editing compared to the first two, though if you want to game Matt does recommend the second pick with the GTX 1660 SUPER graphics. Again, you will need to upgrade the RAM from 8GB again. Total will bring you to $1,050. If you have more budget spend it on the SSD and processor.
Image Credit: Lenovo
Back to Best Buy we have the Lenovo Legion Tower 5i. It’s similar to the other ones but has a newer 11th-gen Intel 6-core processor and NVIDIA 1650 SUPER. It hits $930 and will also need an upgrade to the RAM since it only comes with 8GB.
Image Credit: Apple
For PCs that is going to be a solid list and hopefully you can find one available. Interestingly, this is now a world where you can consider Apple in the under $1,000 price range since the release of the Mac mini with M1 chip (I actually have this at home myself and can vouch for its performance).
The base model does only come with 8GB RAM and it really needs to be upgraded – and you can’t do it yourself later. There is also a decent education discount if you are a student where you can get it for $830 compared to the original $900 price point. It’s nice to see Apple now available in this area. And, if you can afford it it is worth going to the 512GB SSD.
Which of these computers would you pick up?
[source: Matt WhoisMatt Johnson]
Order Links:
- HP OMEN 25L Desktop Computer w/ NVIDIA 1650 (HP)
- HP OMEN 25L Desktop Computer w/ NVIDIA 1660 SUPER (Best Buy)
- HP OMEN 30L Desktop Computer (HP)
- Lenovo Legion Tower 5i Desktop Computer (Best Buy)
- Apple Mac mini w/ M1 Chip (B&H, Amazon)
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate partner and participant in B&H and Adorama Affiliate programmes, we earn a small comission from each purchase made through the affiliate links listed above at no additional cost to you.
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