Is Graphics Card Necessary for Video Editing?

The GPU consumption for video editing is significantly lower than for gaming.

This isn’t because video editing requires no power, but rather because today’s CPUs have become so powerful that they can handle many video editing tasks efficiently.

However, there are limitations to consider if you are planning to buy a new laptop or build a PC for video editing.

So, is graphics card necessary for video editing? If so, how much GPU power do you need? Let’s find out.

What is More Important for Video Editing: Processor or Graphics Card?

There have been many debates about whether the CPU or GPU is more important for video editing. Some argue that the CPU is the most crucial component, while others emphasize the GPU’s significance.

Major video editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro traditionally relies on the CPU. However, recent updates allow users to choose between the CPU and GPU for editing and rendering tasks.

It means you can offload some of the workload to the GPU, reducing the strain on the CPU.

Despite this, it is important not to underestimate the CPU’s role. Based on our experience with video editing in Premiere Pro, both the CPU and GPU are essential, but the GPU tends to be more critical for smooth video editing performance.

Ultimately, maintaining a balance between the CPU and GPU is key. A powerful GPU paired with a decent CPU works well for video editing, but the CPU should also be sufficiently robust to handle its share of the workload.

Is a GPU Necessary for Video Editing?

There are two scenarios where you might or might not need a GPU for video editing.

Scenario 1: You edit FHD videos occasionally with 2-3 layers, a few effects, and some color grading. In this case, you don’t need a dedicated GPU because today’s integrated GPUs are powerful enough to handle this level of editing.

Scenario 2: You are a professional video editor who works on videos most of the day, using numerous layers, filters, color grading, effects, and other intensive tasks. In this case, you absolutely need a dedicated graphics card because integrated GPUs can’t handle this much stress.

Additionally, video rendering (the time taken to export a video) is much faster with a dedicated GPU. An integrated GPU takes considerably longer to render videos.

Therefore, while a graphics card is essential for intermediate to intensive video editing, it is not crucial for basic editing tasks.

The same applies to laptops. In fact, the need for a GPU is higher on laptops because laptop CPUs are generally less powerful than desktop CPUs. This is why your laptop should have a dedicated GPU for video editing.

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Can You Do Video Editing Without a Graphics Card?

If you have a fairly new processor, you can handle video editing without a GPU because modern CPUs can manage the heavy stress of video editing. In fact, you can even perform some 4K video editing if you have a flagship CPU.

However, the situation changes when you add numerous animations, multiple layers, and various effects. In such cases, the CPU usage can spike to 95-100%, resulting in excessive heat.

It can cause the CPU to throttle to manage the temperature, slowing down processes and causing lag and stuttering during real-time editing.

Rendering will also take significantly longer.

We have conducted basic video editing on older laptops without dedicated GPUs multiple times. So, based on our experience, we can say that you can do video editing without a dedicated graphics card, but only to a limited extent. Beyond that, a graphics card becomes necessary.

How Much Graphics Card Do You Need for Video Editing?

So far, we have emphasized that a dedicated GPU is essential for professional video editing. But the question remains: how much does it need to be in size?

Is a 2GB Graphics Card Enough for Video Editing?

As we mentioned earlier, integrated GPUs can handle FHD video editing with limited animations and effects.

However, if you add a 2GB graphics card, you can seamlessly work with more settings, effects, layers, and filters. It means you have greater flexibility to edit FHD videos with multiple effects and animations.

But what about 4K video editing? For 4K video editing, a 2GB graphics card won’t be sufficient.

Is a 4GB Graphics Card Enough for Video Editing?

Video editing isn’t just about the size of VRAM. While memory size matters, the power of the GPU is more crucial. Before deciding if you need a 4GB GPU, consider the following:

• Budget GPUs now often come with 4GB VRAM.
• Mid-range and high-end GPUs typically have at least 6GB VRAM or more.

It means that 4GB GPUs generally use less powerful architecture compared to 6GB or 8GB GPUs. As a result, you can edit FHD videos seamlessly on a 4GB graphics card and even handle 4K videos, although the experience won’t be as smooth as with FHD editing.

Most content creators shoot in FHD resolution, so a 4GB graphics card is usually sufficient for them.

However, if you are a professional who frequently works with 4K footage, we recommend getting at least a 6GB GPU.

Regarding laptops, if you have a powerful laptop with a 4GB graphics card, you can perform FHD video editing seamlessly. However, proper 4K video editing might not be as smooth on such a laptop.

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Is a 4GB Graphics Card Enough for FHD and 4K Video Editing?

For FHD video editing, a 4GB graphics card is more than sufficient. However, for 4K editing, the experience might not be ideal.

If you edit 4K videos with minimal animations and effects, a 4GB GPU can handle it. However, when you add multiple layers, effects, and animations to a 4K video, a GPU with 4GB VRAM will start to struggle.

Therefore, for professional 4K video editing, a 4GB graphics card is not enough, and you should opt for at least a 6GB VRAM option.

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Conclusion

It’s not compulsory for everyone to have a dedicated GPU for video editing.

If video editing is your hobby and you do it occasionally, you don’t need to buy a dedicated GPU.

However, if you want to pursue video editing professionally, a dedicated GPU is essential.

Ultimately, you should decide whether you need a dedicated GPU for video editing based on your specific requirements.

Also Read: Is i3 12th gen good?

FAQs

So, is a graphics card necessary for video editing? We hope you know the answer now.

If you still have any confusion, feel free to ask us in the comment section.

Also, share your thoughts if you agree or disagree with the points mentioned above.