How to choose a laptop fo video editing and gaming that would be also suitable for photoediting, graphic design or webdesign would depend on the specific needs of the creator, such as the type of content they are creating and the software they are using. In this article I will tell you how I do it.
Before I start, I need to tell you one important thing: I never care about brand. Always I am looking what is inside of the laptop, I am checking specifications and compare with other laptops. And, as fun fact I spend more than one month to choose my actual laptop. I ordered one, and next day i found this one. I had to cancel my preview order and after this I ordered this one.
Let’s go and lt me explain you
The minimum specifications of a laptop for video editing and gaming.
However, my own general guidelines for minimum specifications for a video editing laptop include:
- Processor: A processor with at least four cores, such as an Intel Core i5 or i7 (if is possible I try to buy last generations of procesors), will provide sufficient power for most video creation tasks. For more demanding tasks, such as 4K video editing, a processor with six or more cores, such as an Intel Core i9 or AMD Ryzen 9, may be necessary.
- Memory (RAM): At least 8GB of RAM is recommended for basic video editing tasks. But if you want to render 4k or 3d videos, from my experience 16GB or more is a must!
- Storage: Forget about HDD! A solid-state drive (SSD) with at least 1TB of storage will provide sufficient space for most video projects. For larger projects or those that require a lot of storage, another SSD or a combination of an SSD and a hard drive may be necessary. Again, from my experience, if you have big projects, hours of filming, you need at least 3TB External HDD for storage. I had to buy a 12 TB external drive after another 2 (one of 1TB another of 2 TB) become full in one year.
- Graphics: A dedicated graphics card, such as an NVIDIA GeForce GTX or AMD Radeon RX, will provide improved performance for tasks such as video rendering and 3D modeling.
- Display: A 1080p display, minim `5.6 Inch, with a high refresh rate will provide a clear and smooth image for editing and previewing video. But also, because I am working from home I need a secondary dispaly monitor.
- Connectivity: A laptop with a Thunderbolt 3 port will allow for fast data transfer and the ability to connect external devices, such as hard drives and monitors. Also chose to a laptop with multiple USB ports (at least one USB 3.0) and an ethernal internet port. Of course you will need an HDMi output if you want to use an external monitor or TV.
- Keyboard: I am mostly a computer user and numepad key for me is a must be on laptop. Is realy usefull and fast to type various numbers with right hand.
A laptop like this is not cheap, because is not destinated for people use it at ordinary office jobs or normal home users (emails, browsing, watching movies). But if you are patient and check websites for discounts you can get a good one. My current laptop was (before Black Friday)_ 1800£ but I paid for it only 1200£.
In a future article I will show my actual setup: laptop, mic, monitor, cameras, tripods and, more importrant that hardware, I will explain what kind of software I am using for photo and video editing. maybe you will be surprised but you can find many FREE software who do a great job.
LE: be carefull, some sellers are increasing prices before BF (and Boxing Day in UK) and just pretend to make discounts. start doing your research with few monts before you choose a laptop for your needs 🙂
