Unlike mobile workstations, gaming laptops are not the ultimate go-to options for video editing. They are heavy, often noisy, and hot, and comparatively expensive too. But yeah, performance-wise, gaming laptops are some of the best laptops for video editing, etc. you can bet on.
Even an entry-level gaming laptop can easily get by your medium-range video editing tasks. Gaming laptops always pack some seriously powerful CPUs, discrete GPUs, mighty RAMs, and massive SSDs. They have some top-notch displays too.
Hence, while doing those massive trims, cuts, adding multiple effects, and transitions comes naturally because of the deluxe interior, watching what you do is also a next-level delight here.
That said, yeah, there are a few reasons gaming laptops are not much recommended for video editing only; until and unless you are a gamer too. But regarding “are gaming laptops good for video editing?”, it’s always a Yes in reply.
Anyways, roll up your sleeves if you are a part gamer, part content creator. Because we are gonna explore things in detail below regarding if or not gaming laptops are good for video editing.
Spec[s] Requirements and Recommendations – What’s Must in a Laptop for Video Editing Like Works?
Plenty of RAM is mandatory for more system fluency, a good graphics card is mandatory for pro-level gaming, and so on. Similarly, there are two things, in fact, three, crucial for video editing i.e. a high-end processor, a fine discrete GPU, and abundant RAM. At times, storage also makes it to the list.
Well, here’s in detail, what couple of things you must consider in a laptop while buying it for video editing, etc.
#1: Display
Well, the need to look for a lavish display is obvious for a screen-worm like you. Because you really want to witness what you are doing in some seriously pure and healthy pixels.
The first thing to look for in the display department is the display size. The wider the display, the plenty of room for you to enjoy what you are doing. I think you must go for a display bigger than 13 inches or at least 13″.
Regarding the display resolution, a Full HD display is a strict minimum – it’s basic for such kinds of jobs. What’s generally suggested in this regard is that always aim for a richer display. So that if you at times play with 4K or even more fancy media, you can just take full out of it.
#2. Processor
As I said, the processor is verily the life-and-death stuff for video editing. Let alone the 4K-level things where you truly need some insane processing powers, a Quad-core i5 CPU is an absolute minimum for even the simple HD or FHD video editing.
When you think you aren’t doing much but just some normal trimming, timeline hopping, or adding a few effects/transitions, etc. your processor is actually moving mountains. Hence, the more the cores and the crazier the hyperthreading, the smoother will be working.
So again, always aim for a multi-core i7 or the even latest processor if you are getting a laptop for pro-level video editing.
#3. RAM
After CPU, RAM is the most critical requirement for the likes of video editing works. For most of the videography software available in the market like Adobe Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, and Filmora, etc. the least required RAM is 16GB.
Whereas if you are planning to play with 4K or even bigger resolutions, aim for 32 gigs then. So, usually, it’s 16GB RAM that is required for normal video editing tasks. But, the more the RAM, the smoother the overall functioning.
#4. Storage [SSD]
Compared to older HDD storage, SSDs are considered much faster and snappier. That’s why storage has also become an important thing to factor in at the time of purchase.
Well, for video editing purposes, 512GB SSD is the absolute minimum. First for installation of the heavy videography applications and then for those mighty files/folders storage, later on, you always need ample gigs of storage.
Thus, one must always aim for a mightier, better NVMe PCIe, SSD while getting a laptop for video editing, etc.
#5. Video Card [GPU]
Unlike gaming, video editing isn’t that much GPU-hungry thing. Except for if you do some harsh 3D renderings, or deal with special effects, and animations, etc. there isn’t much GPU involved in video editing overall. So you don’t need to worry about frittering thousands to get a flagship GPU setup.
What’s ideal for a video editor’s laptop is a flagship CPU with onboard [integrated] graphics. To be on a much safer side, you can go for those workstation-specific and precision-focused GPUs i.e. NVIDIA Quadro, AMD FirePro, and Iris Pro, etc. Otherwise, from those general ones, the entry-level GPUs like GTX 1650, 1660, etc. are enough for video editing.
#6. Well-Off I/O Suite
Seems an extra thing but a rich connectivity base is always cherished by a content creator. Because a hassled external workflow is one definite thing doesn’t matter if one is just an amateur photo editor or a professional video artist.
Therefore, being a video editor, you must seek a laptop with plenty of USB ports, a media card slot, and other extra apertures. Better if you get Thunderbolt support too.
A gaming laptop always boasts much more power compared to its same-tier non-gaming counterpart. That said, looking at the specs requirements for video editing, even a mid-range gaming laptop can be a perfect pick for you.
Yes – After the Workstations, Gaming Laptops Are Some Great Machines for Video Editing
If we go for a fleeting comparison between the specs requirements for video editing and the specs that a normal gaming laptop comes with, we easily get a YES in the answer.
Well, let me show you how.
#1. Excellent Displays
Almost all gaming laptops come with a display bigger than 13 inches. And that Full HD is sort of an average display resolution for a laptop. That said, if you come a bit generous, you can get some excellent display refresh rates with gaming laptops. These higher refresh rates certainly add to that eye-satisfaction thing.
Anyways, although you’d need a flagship gaming machine for that 4K or even high-end working. Still, an entry-level gaming laptop also easily fulfills those basic display requirements for the likes of video editing works.
#2. High-End Fighting-Fit Processors
When it comes to gaming laptops, you’ll never find a machine that packs anything less than an i5 CPU. Not to mention the flagship laptops with insane hardware, even most mid-range gaming laptops boast an i7 or the latest processor.
And things like hyper-clocking and plenty of cores and threads, etc. are natural with a gaming laptop.
#3. Discrete GPUs Are a Must
For a gaming laptop, it’s almost impossible to not come with a discrete GPU setup. And as mentioned earlier, for video editing you hardly need a dedicated GPU. Or at most that GTX 1650 or 1660-level graphics chip.
So don’t worry about that. Because these are some of those cheap and mainstream graphics chips in the world of gaming laptops.
#4. RAM and SSD Has Never Been an Issue with a Gaming Laptop
Gaming laptops always come with mighty RAMs and SSDs. That required duo i.e. 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD is quite a regular thing for those fine mid-range gaming laptops.
Most of them come fitted with the sticks by the manufacturer. Whereas some come with empty slots for user-defined upgrades later on. Still, video editing on a gaming laptop has never imperiled due to this duo.
#5. Rich External Connectivity Suites
And lastly, a gaming laptop will never disappoint you in terms of the external connectivity suite. If not Thunderbolt, almost every gaming laptop seats an ample amount of USB A, C, and other I/O slots. So your external workflows are never compromised.
So, are gaming laptops good for video editing? Well, with more incline towards YES apropos the question, there are a few rebuffs as well. Let’s check them out.
Why Still Are Gaming Laptops Not the Ultimate Go-To Options for Video Editing?
No doubt a gaming laptop leaves no stone unturned in proving that it subtly conforms to all the video editing requirements. The fact remains in place that they are not the perfect machines for such purposes.
Yes. Besides those common disadvantages that come with a gaming laptop i.e. poor batteries, heat, and noise issues, and heavy beings, there are a few other legit reasons for this. Let’s briefly discuss them too.
#1. Gaming Laptops Have No Creators-Specific Professional Processors
Unlike workstations, gaming laptops don’t have those creators-specific and professional-caliber CPUs like Intel’s Xeon or AMD’s APU [accelerated processing unit].
They have, no doubt, lower clocking frequencies than the gaming-grade processors but these are perfectly built for content creators.
#2. No Professional-Grade GPUs
For content creators [workstations], there are some special types of graphics chips i.e. NVIDIA Quadro, Intel Iris Pro, etc. [all named above].
These GPUs boast lesser rushes but more accuracy and are so well-designed thermally as well. Furthermore, these graphics chips often come corroborated with different videography software too i.e. Premiere Pro, etc. Thus, you get next-level ease and suaveness using those applications with these chips.
Gaming laptops lack the likes of these chips and seat those other gaming-perfected GPUs. You certainly get the speed with them but not that needed precision. Plus, these GPUs cause higher heat buildup issues which can be annoying for a non-gamer.
Also read: Best Chromebooks 2022
#3. No ECC [Error Correction Code] RAM
Because gaming laptops are not powered by professional CPUs like Xeon, etc., they don’t feature ECC RAMs. ECC memories are specially designed for workstations, etc. to minimize the data corruption to an uttermost level. In a word, if you want some flawless renders, ECC RAM is never gonna disappoint you.
With a gaming laptop used for video editing, etc. this could be one other big issue. They usually have non-ECC RAMs which are less reliable and not much watchful for data slips and errors. So, although chances are less, you can somehow experience flaws in video renders with a gaming laptop.
Bottom Line
All things considered, here is my final touch on it. Specs and performance-wise, these laptops can do almost anything you ask them to do. They are some seriously power-punched beasts.
Given this, if you are still asking, “are gaming laptops good for video editing too?” the answer is “yeah, without a doubt!”.
The thing is, you can just do all that stuff on a gaming laptop. But you never know if you’ll get those desired workstations-like perfect results or not. Yeah, because these laptops get the gaming-optimized hardware innards and not the professional/creators-caliber CPU, GPU, or RAM.
That’s why with a gaming laptop doing video editing is yeah, possible, but not perfect. But again, if you get a premium laptop with rich figures, chances are really less that you’ll face any issues with your video editing, etc. too.
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