Best HP Desktops for Video Editing
You may have captured the best footage ever on film, but to make a Scorsese-worthy final movie your computer has to be able to handle video editing and the processing power it requires.
While you may know about the various programs video editors use on a regular basis, you may start to feel a bit overwhelmed when it comes to evaluating processor speed or SSD storage.
We’re here to help with a guide that includes our picks for the best video editing computers and the technical specs you’ll need to get your work done. We also made sure to include desktops in a variety of price ranges so you can find one that meets your budget, too.
1. HP ENVY All-in-One desktop PC
When it comes to gorgeous visuals and practical power, the HP ENVY All-in-One is a video-editing dream machine. It’s our top pick for the best computer for video editing, and it includes a 34-inch floating glass display, 12th Generation Intel® Core™ i5-12400, and Intel UHD or NVIDIA® GeForce® graphics to get you intimately close to your work.
Max memory and storage
The device comes equipped with 16 GB DDR5-4000 MHz RAM (2 x 8 GB), providing ample memory for multitasking and efficient operation. Users looking for more memory can choose up to 128 GB DDR5-3200 MHz RAM in various configurations. Storage is no issue with a 512 GB PCIe® NVMe™ M.2 SSD included, and options for larger or faster SSDs are available.
Incredibly versatile and budget-friendly
The HP All-in-One PC stands out for its exceptional adaptability and affordability. This PC caters to a range of needs and budgets, starting with a base model that offers great value. For those requiring more power, it can be customized with up to 128GB of DDR5-3200 MHz RAM, ensuring swift performance for demanding tasks like video editing and 3D rendering.
What sets this PC apart is its potential for upgrades. Whether you're a budding filmmaker or a professional creative, you can begin with the essential configuration and enhance it over time. The processor options extend to the formidable Intel® Core™ i9-12900, capable of reaching up to 5.1 GHz, allowing you to keep pace with evolving technological demands.
Visuals are a forte of this PC, boasting NVIDIA® GeForce® graphics options, including the RTX™ 3060, delivering outstanding performance for video editing and gaming. The immersive audio experience is powered by Bang & Olufsen, providing rich, high-fidelity sound that complements the stunning visuals.
The ergonomic design of the 34" WUHD micro-edge display maximizes workspace and visual engagement, creating an ideal environment for creative work. The space-saving design doesn't compromise on screen size, offering a premium look and feel.
2. HP Z2 Mini G9 Workstation
The HP Z2 Mini G9 Workstation is a compact yet powerful desktop PC designed for professionals who need high performance in a space-saving form factor. It runs on Windows 11 Pro, providing a modern and secure operating environment.
At its core is the Intel® Core™ i7-13700 processor, capable of reaching up to 5.2 GHz with Intel® Turbo Boost Technology. This processor has 30 MB L3 cache, 16 cores, and 24 threads, making it suitable for intensive multitasking and demanding applications. For graphics, it uses the integrated Intel® UHD Graphics 770, providing reliable performance for everyday computing tasks.
The workstation comes with 16 GB DDR5-6400 MHz RAM (2 x 8 GB) installed in its 2 SODIMM memory slots, offering ample memory for efficient operation. Storage needs are met by a 512 GB HP Z Turbo Drive PCIe® NVMe™ TLC M.2 SSD, ensuring fast data access and boot times.
Connectivity is enhanced with the Intel® Wi-Fi 6E AX211 (2x2) and Bluetooth® 5.3 wireless card, supporting gigabit data rate for fast and stable internet connections. The power supply is a 180 W unit, 88% efficient, with active PFC (Power Factor Correction), ensuring energy efficiency.
The workstation is equipped with a variety of external I/O ports, including USB Type-A and Type-C, RJ-45, and DisplayPort™ 1.4, facilitating easy connection to various peripherals. Expansion is possible via 2 M.2 2280 PCIe 4 x4 slots, 1 M.2 2230 for WLAN, and 1 PCIe® 4 x8 (low-profile connector).
In terms of audio, it features a Realtek ALC3205-VA2-CG chipset with a 2.0W internal mono speaker, delivering clear sound quality. The mini form factor of the workstation (8.3 x 8.6 x 2.7 inches) makes it an ideal choice for workspaces with limited room.
The workstation comes with the HP Wired 320M Mouse and HP USB 320K Keyboard, providing a complete setup right out of the box. It weighs starting at 5.29 lb, making it relatively lightweight for a desktop workstation.
HP offers a 3-year limited warranty, covering parts, labor, and on-site repair, ensuring peace of mind and reliability. Pre-installed software includes HP PC Hardware Diagnostics, Support Assistant, and ZCentral Remote Boost, among others, enhancing productivity and maintenance.
Security is paramount with features like HP Secure Erase, Sure Click, BIOSphere Gen6, and more, ensuring data protection and device integrity. It also comes with a 3-year license for HP Wolf Pro Security Edition.
The Z2 Mini G9 is environmentally conscious, made with 45% post-consumer recycled plastic and other sustainable materials, emphasizing HP's commitment to reducing environmental impact. This workstation is an ideal choice for professionals who require robust performance in a compact and eco-friendly package.
3. HP Z2 SFF Small Form Factor workstation
Versatile and Powerful Processing Options:The HP Z2 SFF G9 Workstation is designed to cater to various professional needs with a wide range of Intel® Core™ processor options. It offers everything from the efficient Intel® Core™ i3-12100 to the high-performance Intel® Core™ i9-13900K processor. These processors are suitable for a variety of tasks, from everyday computing to more intensive applications like graphic design, video editing, and 3D modeling. Integrated Intel® UHD Graphics provide solid baseline visual performance, crucial for creative and technical tasks.
Expandable Memory and Storage:The workstation starts with a base configuration of 8 GB DDR5-4800 UDIMM Memory, which can be upgraded to a maximum of 128 GB to handle more demanding applications and multitasking requirements. For storage, it offers a range of M.2 SSD options, starting from a 256 GB PCIe SSD to larger capacities like 4 TB HP Z Turbo Drive SSDs. These storage options ensure quick boot times, fast data access, and ample space for large files and applications.
Compact yet powerful, the HP Z2 SFF G9 Workstation is an ideal choice for professionals who require a desktop PC that combines flexibility, power, and a small footprint.
4. HP Z2 workstation
If you want to go all-out to support your video editing workflows, but you’d rather not bust your budget, the HP Z2 workstation is a stellar option. Customizable, upgradable, and affordable, this machine can start where you want it to and keep up with your imagination.
Load it with up to 28TB of SSD and HDD storage to keep all your raw files in one convenient place. You can also pack in up to 128GB of pro-grade, super-fast UDIMM ECC memory to head off system crashes before they start while you render projects at lightning speeds.
Pro-grade CPUs and GPUs
Load it with your choice of professional-level Intel Xeon and Core i5 and i7 processors, with integrated UHD graphics, or with up to 2 graphics cards like the NVIDIA Quadro RTX 6000 or AMD Radeon Pro WX 3200. Either one can drive up to an 8K display. The Quadro RTX 6000 is recognized as one of the best high-end professional video editing GPUs on the market thanks to its stability, pro video software support, and ECC RAM support.
Certified for video editing app support
The HP Z2 brings so much convenience to the video editor’s day, with certifications for video apps like Premiere, AVID, Blackmagic, and more. It’s also rackable for easy installation, and adds RAID support to make all your storage units act as one. It uses HP Z Turbo Drive technology for faster boot-ups and response as well, which means less waiting throughout your workday.
You can pick Windows or Linux as your OS, and expand at will with a roomy 4 PCIe slots to add more memory, storage, or graphics options. The HP Z2 Tower comes with WiFi 6 connectivity in a 2-antenna setup, too. Plus, a flexible I/O module gives you ultimate control over your ports and connections.
5. HP OMEN gaming desktop PC
Video editing PCs and gaming PCs have a lot in common. They both need high-end graphics processing, speed, and plenty of RAM. Both are constantly evolving, so they rely on upgradability and customization. It should come as no surprise, then, that the HP OMEN gaming desktop makes our list as one of the best desktops for video editing.
Both the HP OMEN 30L and HP OMEN 25L are designed to be both beautiful and powerful, with tool-less access to their interiors. The HP OMEN 30L boasts up to a 10th Generation Intel Core i9 processor, with 10 cores to handle multi-threaded apps. A high performance Cooler Master 120 mm RGB fan keeps things breezy when work gets heavy.
Powerful video editing graphics
Stock it with up to an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3090 GPU, which delivers HDR gaming with millisecond-sized latency and elevated frame rates. The card’s 24GB of video RAM and 8K monitor support make it a lock for cranking out David-Fincher-level Adobe Premiere Pro projects.
Up to 64GB of blazingly-fast HyperX® DDR4-2666 SDRAM and optional dual-storage make this one of the best non-workstation video editing PCs on the shelf. WiFi 6, 8 USB-A ports, a USB-C port, and RAID support sweeten the video editing deal.
6. HP Victus gaming PC
The gaming and video editing crossover continues with HP’s all new line of gaming PCs – the HP Victus. All the pro-gamer tech packed into this entirely new device is integrated to push gamers, and professional video editors, to new levels.
The HP Victus edits video with Russo-brother ease, thanks to a maximum 11th Generation Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7 5800H processor, with base clock speeds up to a blistering 4.9 GHz. You can load it with up to 32GB of speedy DDR4 RAM to make sure your renders stay real time.
Its NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 graphics card works like a champ with Adobe Premiere Pro, thanks to orders-of-magnitude faster processing than the competition for both Premiere Pro performance and 4K playback. It also renders 3D fast, keeping your PC cool and quiet.
Speaking of cool, the HP Victus gaming laptop keeps your work and play at the right temperature with an upgraded cooling system. It also gives you maximum fidelity to see your projects as they truly are thanks to an available 16.1-inch 165 Hz Quad High Definition (QHD) display. You’ll also rule the audio stripe, with the now-legendary Audio by Bang & Olufsen.
Add WiFi 6 connectivity and plenty of ports, and you’ve got a screaming machine, in the arena or while you’re stacking tracks.
How many cores does a video editing PC really need?
It’s important to note that while computers have a single processor chip, that chip typically has anywhere from 1 to 10 cores. Dual (2) and quad (4) cores are the most common options, although specialist PCs such as the HP Z8 G4 workstation can have up to 56 cores.
Generally speaking, more cores mean faster processing, but that’s not always true. More cores are faster only if programs can split up the tasks for the cores, and not every program can do this.
Cores vs clock speed
Clock speed also makes a difference in how fast your computer is. For example, a newer dual-core with a high clock speed is usually faster than a quad-core from a previous generation. It’s also important to keep power consumption in mind. With more cores, you’ll be consuming more power, which means higher heat levels and the need for additional cooling solutions.
What’s most crucial here is knowing specifics about the software you’re using for editing, because the best programs are often developed to maximize multiple processors. Look into your software of choice to help determine how many cores you need.
What about RAM?
Too little RAM is a big problem when it comes to selecting a good computer for video editing. Most digital filmmaking software performs perfectly fine with 8GB or 16GB of memory if you’re editing in 1080p without any other programs open.
RAM is a major consideration for film pros who plan to use their video editing computer as their main workstation. For example, if you’re using a few editing tools at a time, you’ll want to opt for more memory like 32GB or even 64GB, especially if you’re working in 4K.
Most of the options on our list start at 8GB of RAM, but you can upgrade to get more RAM.
More RAM is better for video editing
Our recommendation? Opt for the extra RAM. When you’re operating close to capacity, the whole system slows down, and when you’re working in a medium such as film, the lag can really impede your workflow.
Processors are key to rendering
RAM doesn’t necessarily affect the rendering speed of your film projects, though. Instead, the CPU and GPU are the components responsible for speed, responsiveness, and ensuring visual representations like color adjustments and layer blending meet your expectations.
Is SSD storage a big deal in a video editing computer?
An SSD features no moving parts and can read and write data faster than a traditional hard drive. An SSD takes some of the pressure off of other components, like your graphics card and your RAM, making for better all-around performance.
If you upgrade to an SSD, you’ll notice a big difference when you first open a program. For example, Adobe software won’t take an extended period of time to load up, so you’re no longer left waiting every time you sit down to get some work done.
SSDs are not generally available in units over 2TB. You also want to avoid units that offer less than 256GB of space – it’ll fill up fast if you’re editing video content.
Summary
You’re probably approaching your next computer purchase with cost vs value at the forefront of your decision-making process. Remember, though, if you’re looking for high performance video editing, you’ll want to look for the equipment that meets your editing programs’ needs. Narrow your search for the best computer video editing and multimedia by reviewing the software specs of the programs you plan to use.
Your strongest bet when selecting a video editing computer is to choose a device that exceeds the minimum requirements needed to support the software you plan to work with. You’re setting yourself up for frustration if you don't invest in the necessary specs.
Start your search by looking for computers with a multi-core CPU plus plenty of RAM. Browse our selection of HP desktops, and if you plan ahead, you can keep your eye out for a sale on the desktop that works for you.
About the Author: Tom Gerencer is a contributing writer for HP Tech Takes. Tom is an ASJA journalist, career expert at Zety.com, and a regular contributor to Boys' Life and Scouting magazines. His work is featured in Costco Connection, FastCompany, and many more.
Popular HP Products
1618950737757863.jpg)
