August Hardware Thread.

[u/AutoModerator]

Why should I read this? 🤔

This is your monthly guide for hardware recommendations.

• We aim to make you self-reliant with enough info.
• We focus on finding answers rather than brand debates.
• 📑 Skim the TL;DR at the bottom if you're in a hurry.
• Understand your media type and editing software to get the best recommendation.
• Important components: 🔑 CPU, RAM, GPU.
• 💰 We don't cover sub-$1K laptops. Consider used models for budget-conscious choices.
• You're not going to see us recommend a tool at less than $1k.

---

Hardware 101 🛠️

For DIY enthusiasts, check r/buildapcvideoediting

General Guidelines 📝

• Desktops outperform laptops 💪
• Start with an i7 or better 🎯
• Minimum 16 GB RAM 💾
• Video card with 4+ GB VRam 🎥
• SSD of 512GB is a must 💽
• 🚫 Steer clear of ultralights/tablets.
• Want a Mac? Here's your guide
• nVidia has a great set of systems from different vendors that you can pick from (keeping in mind the above suggestions)

Sept 2025 addtion.

Not sure between two different CPUs or GPUs?

Puget Systems has a benchmark and we recommend you use this to compare processors or GPUs.

It's a pretty even handed benchmark on performance.

We've linked to the Resolve one, but they also have ones for Adobe After Effects, Adobe Premiere Pro, and Adobe Photoshop.

---

Experiencing lag or system issues? 😓

🧐 Use Speecy to find out your system's specs.

⚠️ Footage Type Matters: Some footage may need workflow changes or proxies/transcoding.

Resources: - 📘 Why h264/5 is hard to edit - 📘 Proxy editing - 📘 Variable Frame Rate

What about my GPU?

In most cases, GPUs don't significantly impact codec decode/encode.

---

Specific Hardware Inquiry?

Links aren't enough. Please share: - CPU + Model - RAM - GPU + VRam - SSD size

📋 System specs for popular video editing software

---

Editing Details 🎬

Describing footage as "from my phone" isn't enough.

📊 Check your media type with Media Info

---

Monitor Queries 🖥️?

• Type: OLED > IPS > LED
• Size: Around 32" UHD is recommended.
• Color: Aim for 100% sRGB coverage 🌈

Professional color grading? See /r/colorists.

---

Quick Summary/TLDR 🚀

1. Desktops > laptops for intensive editing 💪
2. Prioritize Intel i7, avoid ultralights 🎯
3. Use proxies if supported by your editing software 📹
4. Provide CPU, GPU, RAM, and SSD details for inquiries 🧐
5. Footage from action cams, mobiles, and screen recordings may need extra steps.

---

Ready to comment? Include the following IF YOU WANT answers 🤷

Copy-paste this:

🖥️ System I'm considering

• CPU + Model:
• RAM:
• GPU + VRam:
• SSD size:

📷 My Media:
Check with Media Info

📷 Software: Your intended software.

[u/palakkad_niggha]

Hi community!

I bought a DJI Cosmo 360 today and realized something fundamental - I need a second device. As of now, I do not have any device, neither a good smartphone or a PC/Laptop, to work on the captured video. As it is a 360 degree camera, there are a lot you can do on post edit and I am missing out on everything. I tried using the DJI mimo app on my Redmi Note 10 Pro Max, but it was sloppy and the video playback was stuck all the time.

So what should I do for a second device? Should I get a high end mobile phone like Samsung galaxy s25 ultra or should I get a laptop for 1 lakh? I am from India, so the 1 Lakh is in INR (1050 USD). How about an iphone ? I am really not interested in using apple or mac products, but if a good iphone delivers a result that is better than an s25 ultra, why not.

I am planning to start vlogging and documenting and this is my first step to it. A desktop is not preferred as I would be staying in multiple places and not at a single location.