If you’re a gaming enthusiast who also dabbles in video editing, you know how crucial it is to have a PC build for gaming and video editing. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the process of building a powerhouse PC optimized for gaming and video editing. So, grab your toolkit, and let’s dive into the process of selecting suitable PC components, performance optimization, and the art of creating a gaming/editing system that can tackle even the most demanding tasks.
Like they say, all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, so you need to game now and then. Gaming has been proven to help with mental alertness and responsiveness, aside from helping you relax, which is great for those of us who are perpetual workaholics.
In summary, you can set up a PC that can handle your video content creation tasks and intense gaming sessions by ensuring that you acquire specific hardware that will equip your PC to handle these tasks effortlessly. That’s what this article is all about, and we’ll explain it below.
We’ll examine the type of specific hardware to buy, go through the actual build, and recommend some optimizations that would keep your PC at optimal performance. Let’s go!
- The Basic Requirements
- PC Build for Gaming and Video Editing: Important Components
- PC Build for Gaming and Video Editing: Recommended Components for Intel Build
- PC Build for Gaming and Video Editing: Recommended Components for AMD Build
- Building the PC
- Optimizing for Gaming and Video Editing
- Concluding Thoughts
- Frequently Asked Questions
The Basic Requirements
Gaming and video editing might seem like vastly different tasks, but they share one common trait: they demand a lot from your hardware. Gaming requires a system that can render high-resolution graphics and maintain smooth frame rates, while video editing demands processing power and memory to handle complex video files.
Building a PC that excels at both requires careful consideration of each component’s capabilities. We’ve written about a PC built exclusively for gaming and a PC built for video editing in the past, but this article provides recommendations for a PC that can handle both workloads comfortably.
First, the components:
PC Build for Gaming and Video Editing: Important Components
The Processor (CPU)
The heart of your PC plays a pivotal role in both gaming and video editing. You’re gonna need a multi-core processor with high clock speeds. CPUs like the AMD Ryzen 9 5900X or the Intel Core i9-12900K fit the bill, offering the raw power needed for smooth performance in both tasks.
If you ask me, I’ll advise you to go for the Intel CPU because it delivers better performance in both workloads, though pricing may deter you, in which case you should opt for the AMD option.
Graphics Card (GPU)
When it comes to gaming and video editing, the GPU is your best friend. High-performance gaming GPUs make a whole lot of difference for memorable gaming. experiences Also, in video editing, most apps now support hardware video transcoding hence the need to install the best graphics card you can get your hands on.
Having said this, look for a GPU with ample VRAM, such as the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 or the AMD Radeon RX 6900 XT. These GPUs not only provide stunning gaming visuals but also accelerate video rendering tasks.
However, most software tends to favor NVIDIA GPUs because of their unique technologies, such as CUDA and hardware raytracing. In my opinion, go for the NVIDIA option.
The RTX 3080 GPU is a great choice for gamers, because of the position it occupies: it’s a high-end GPU without the hefty price tag of the 3090 or 3080Ti. We’ve even written a guide for a PC build based on the RTX 3080 GPU.
Memory (RAM)
Multitasking is the name of the game here. Aim for at least 32GB of fast DDR4 RAM, allowing you to seamlessly switch between gaming and video editing applications without slowdowns. I’ve seen rigs sporting up to 256GB of RAM, but then, isn’t that overkill?
You could up the ante with up to 64 GB, which is more than enough, even if you use the RAM-hungry Adobe apps, you won’t have memory shortage issues.
Storage Solutions
Speedy storage is a must for quick game loading and efficient video editing. Go for a fast NVMe SSD as your primary drive, like the Samsung 980 PRO. For bulk storage, consider a high-capacity HDD or SATA SSD to keep your game library and video files organized.
Motherboard Selection
Go for a motherboard that’s compatible with your chosen CPU and offers sufficient PCIe slots for your GPU and other expansion needs. The ASUS ROG Strix B550-F Gaming is a reliable choice. As a matter of fact, be sure that the motherboard can support the amount of RAM that you plan to install.
Power Supply Unit (PSU)
Stability is key, and a dependable PSU ensures just that. Calculate your power requirements and opt for a PSU with a bit of headroom. Look for models with 80 PLUS Gold or higher efficiency ratings, like the Corsair RM750x.
Cooling Solutions
Cooling is essential for maintaining optimal performance. Consider an all-in-one liquid cooler for your CPU, like the NZXT Kraken X63, and ensure your case has adequate airflow to prevent overheating.
PC Build for Gaming and Video Editing: Recommended Components for Intel Build
- Processor (CPU): Intel Core i9-12900K
- Graphics Card (GPU): NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080
- Memory (RAM): Corsair Vengeance RGB Pro 32GB (2 x 16GB) DDR4-3600
- Storage: Samsung 980 PRO 1TB NVMe SSD/Western Digital 2TB HDD
- Motherboard: ASUS ROG Strix Z690-E Gaming WiFi
- Power Supply Unit (PSU): Corsair RM850x 850W 80 PLUS Gold
- Cooling Solutions: NZXT Kraken X63
- Case: Phanteks Enthoo Pro Full Tower Chassis
PC Build for Gaming and Video Editing: Recommended Components for AMD Build
- Processor (CPU): AMD Ryzen 9 5900X
- Graphics Card (GPU): NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080
- Memory (RAM): G.SKILL Trident Z Neo 32GB (2 x 16GB) DDR4-3600
- Storage: Samsung 980 PRO 1TB NVMe SSD/Western Digital 2TB HDD
- Motherboard: ASUS ROG Strix X570-E Gaming
- Power Supply Unit (PSU): Corsair RM850x 850W 80 PLUS Gold
- Cooling Solutions: NZXT Kraken X63
- Case: Phanteks Enthoo Pro Full Tower Chassis
Building the PC
Now here’s the fun part, where you get to put your components together to get a working PC. Building a PC is easy—even a 5-year-old could do it. This helpful guide explains the whole procedure of building a PC step by step, and if you ever get stuck, don’t forget to reach out to us and we’ll help out.
In a nutshell, here’s what is involved:
Preparation and Safety Measures
Before you dive in, remember to ground yourself to prevent electrostatic discharge. Gather your tools and ensure you have ample space to work, such as a large tabletop.
Installing the CPU and Cooler
Carefully place the CPU in its socket, apply a pea-sized amount of thermal paste, and mount the cooler according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Mounting a water AIO cooler requires some proper knowledge of how to go about it, but if you stick to the manual, you’d be just fine.
A proper mount ensures efficient heat dissipation from the CPU. This helps prevent throttling due to overheating.
Installing Memory and Storage
Slot your RAM modules into the designated slots, and connect your NVMe SSD to the motherboard’s M.2 slot. Secure any additional storage drives in their respective bays and plug in the SATA cables and power cables.
Mounting the Motherboard
Carefully align the motherboard’s screw holes with those of the case, and secure it in place. Organize cables neatly and route them through designated openings for optimal airflow.
Installing the GPU and PSU
Slot your GPU into its PCIe slot, ensuring it clicks into place. Connect PCIe power cables from the PSU to the GPU. Mount your PSU in the designated area and connect all the remaining power cables to the components.
Connecting Cables and Final Checks
Finally, connect the front panel connectors and double-check all cable connections. Confirm that your RAM, GPU, and all other components are properly seated.
Test the PC by hitting the power button. You should see a signal on the monitor. If there is no signal or it powers on and off repeatedly, check the RAM to ensure that it is properly inserted and retry.
If all is OK, the system should POST successfully.
Optimizing for Gaming and Video Editing
Operating System and Drivers
Install your preferred operating system, with Windows being a top choice due to its gaming compatibility. Download and install the latest GPU drivers from the hardware manufacturer’s website to ensure optimal performance in both gaming and video editing applications.
Software Installation
Install essential software like Adobe Premiere Pro or DaVinci Resolve for video editing, and popular gaming platforms like Steam or Epic Games for gaming. You might also need to adjust specific game or software settings to strike a balance between performance and quality.
Concluding Thoughts
By now, you’ve successfully built a PC that’s not only a gaming powerhouse but also a capable video editing workstation. The key lies in the careful selection of components, efficient assembly, and smart optimization.
With this setup, you’re ready to conquer both the virtual battlefields and the realm of video production. So go ahead, enjoy your games, create stunning videos, and revel in the power of your custom-built PC.
Enjoyed this article? Let us know in the comments below. We have lots of other articles for different use cases, like a video editing PC build, a gaming PC build for different budgets, a 4K video editing PC build, a budget gaming PC build, and more custom PC builds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, a gaming PC can be used for video editing, especially if it meets the necessary hardware and performance requirements for video editing tasks.
The requirements for a gaming and video editing PC include a powerful processor, sufficient RAM, a capable graphics card, ample storage, and a high-resolution display for a smooth gaming and video editing experience.
For a combined usage of gaming and video editing, a minimum of 16GB RAM is recommended, but 32GB or more is preferable for smoother performance, especially when handling large video files.
For efficient 4K video editing, a minimum of 32GB RAM is recommended, and 64GB or more is highly beneficial for handling the substantial data requirements of 4K video editing.
A 4GB graphics card can handle video editing, but for smoother performance, especially with higher resolutions, it’s advisable to opt for a graphics card with 6GB or more VRAM.
While 64GB RAM may be considered overkill for basic video editing, it’s highly beneficial for professional video editing tasks, especially for 4K video editing and complex projects.
Yes, a good graphics card is crucial for video editing, as it assists in rendering, playback, and accelerating certain processes, resulting in a smoother editing experience.
For efficient video editing, especially at higher resolutions like 4K, a graphics card with 8GB or more VRAM is recommended for smoother performance.
While an i5 processor can handle 4K video editing, using an i7 or i9 processor (or their AMD equivalents) is preferable for more efficient performance, especially with complex 4K projects.
A high-end system with a powerful multi-core processor (e.g., i9 or Ryzen 9), 32GB or more RAM, a high VRAM graphics card, and fast storage (SSD or NVMe) is best for 4K video editing.
Video editing utilizes both the graphics card and CPU. The CPU handles various processing tasks, while the graphics card accelerates certain functions, enhancing overall editing performance.
A powerful multi-core processor like an Intel i7, i9, or equivalent AMD Ryzen processor is recommended for efficient video editing, especially for handling high-resolution video and complex projects.
Consider a powerful processor, sufficient RAM (at least 32GB), a capable graphics card with ample VRAM, fast storage options (SSD or NVMe), and a high-resolution display to optimize your PC for video editing tasks.
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