Finding a capable prebuilt PC for video editing without draining your savings can feel like a monumental task. You need a machine that balances a powerful CPU for smooth timeline scrubbing, sufficient RAM for handling multiple layers and effects, and fast storage for quick project loading. While a dedicated GPU is a massive bonus for accelerated rendering, it’s often the first component sacrificed in budget builds.
This roundup is designed to cut through the noise and present you with the best pre-configured desktops across three key budget tiers. We’ve analyzed specs from major brands to find systems that deliver genuine performance for editing 1080p and even 4K footage, ensuring you can focus on creating rather than waiting on renders.
Our Top Picks for Budget Video Editing PCs
- HP Pro Tower 290 G9 Desktop Business Computer | 12th Gen Intel Core i5-12400 | 32GB DDR4 RAM | 512GB PCIe SSD + 1TB HDD
- Lenovo ThinkCentre Neo 50T Business Desktop | Intel Core i7-12700K | 32GB RAM | 1TB SSD
- Dell OptiPlex 7020 Plus Tower 7000 Business Desktop, 14th Gen Intel 20-Core i7-14700, 32GB DDR5 RAM, 1TB PCIe SSD
- Skytech Gaming Blaze4 Mini Desktop PC, Ryzen 5 5600, NVIDIA RTX 4060 8GB, 1TB NVMe SSD, 16GB DDR4 RAM
- HP Victus 15L Gaming Desktop PC, AMD Ryzen 5 5600G, AMD RX6400, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD
- SkyTech Shiva Gaming PC Desktop – AMD Ryzen 5 5600G
- HP Pavilion Gaming Desktop TG01-2022 – Intel Core i5-12400
- Dell OptiPlex 7050 SFF Desktop – Intel Core i7-7700
HP Pro Tower 290 G9 Desktop Business Computer
This HP Pro Tower is a fantastic starting point for video editors who prioritize a strong CPU and ample memory. The 12th Gen Intel Core i5-12400 processor, with its 6 cores and 12 threads, provides excellent performance for encoding and multitasking. With 32GB of DDR4 RAM, you can run your editing software, a web browser, and other applications simultaneously without experiencing slowdowns.
The storage configuration is particularly practical for video work. The 512GB PCIe SSD offers lightning-fast boot times and quick access to your active project files and software, while the additional 1TB HDD provides plentiful space for archiving completed projects and storing raw footage. The integrated Intel UHD 730 graphics can handle basic timeline work, making this a solid choice for editors who primarily work with 1080p content.
Lenovo ThinkCentre Neo 50T Business Desktop
For editors needing more processing muscle, the Lenovo ThinkCentre Neo 50T delivers with its Intel Core i7-12700K processor. This overclockable CPU is a workhorse, significantly speeding up rendering times and improving performance when applying complex effects and filters. Paired with 32GB of RAM, this system ensures a fluid editing experience even with demanding projects.
The 1TB SSD provides a single, large, and fast storage drive for your operating system, applications, and current video files. The inclusion of a 7-in-1 card reader is a convenient bonus for content creators, allowing for quick and easy transfers from cameras and other devices. Built for reliability in business environments, this PC offers a robust foundation for a serious video editing workstation.
Dell OptiPlex 7020 Plus Tower Business Desktop Computer
At the forefront of performance in this roundup is the Dell OptiPlex 7020 Plus, featuring a 14th Gen Intel Core i7-14700 processor. This 20-core CPU is an absolute powerhouse for video editing, drastically cutting down on export and rendering times. The 32GB of next-generation DDR5 RAM offers superior bandwidth over DDR4, which improves performance in memory-intensive tasks like working with high-resolution footage.
The 1TB PCIe SSD ensures your system and projects load in a flash. While it uses integrated Intel UHD 770 graphics, the raw processing power of the CPU makes this system exceptionally capable for editing tasks that are more reliant on the processor than the GPU. This is an ideal machine for editors who prioritize the fastest possible rendering via the CPU and plan to add a dedicated graphics card later.
Skytech Gaming Blaze4 Mini Desktop PC
The Skytech Blaze4 is a standout option for video editors because it includes a dedicated NVIDIA RTX 4060 graphics card. This GPU is a game-changer, as it supports GPU acceleration in editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve, leading to buttery-smooth timeline playback and dramatically faster rendering times for effects and exports.
Powered by an AMD Ryzen 5 5600 CPU and 16GB of DDR4 RAM, it provides a balanced and responsive platform for editing. The 1TB NVMe SSD is exceptionally fast, reducing load times for applications and project files to a minimum. This PC offers the most significant graphics performance out of the box, making it perfect for editors who also enjoy gaming or work with GPU-intensive effects.
HP Victus 15L Gaming Desktop PC
The HP Victus 15L offers a compelling entry point for video editors who need a dedicated GPU. The AMD Ryzen 5 5600G is a capable 6-core processor, and the inclusion of an AMD Radeon RX 6400 graphics card provides a tangible benefit for GPU-accelerated tasks over integrated graphics alone. This can help with smoother previews in your editing timeline.
With 8GB of RAM, this system is best suited for 1080p video editing projects, though upgrading the memory in the future would be a wise investment for more complex work. The 512GB NVMe SSD provides a fast foundation for your system and software. For editors on a very tight budget who still want the advantages of a discrete graphics card, the Victus 15L is a strong contender.
SkyTech Shiva Gaming PC Desktop
The SkyTech Shiva is a budget-friendly gaming PC that translates well to basic video editing tasks. Its foundation is the AMD Ryzen 5 5600G processor, which includes powerful integrated Radeon Graphics. These integrated graphics are more capable than standard Intel UHD graphics, offering better performance for light editing and playback.
This system is ideal for beginners or those editing less demanding 1080p projects. The configuration typically includes an SSD for fast system responsiveness. While it may lack the dedicated GPU and large RAM capacity of higher-end models, it represents a solid starting point for new editors looking for an accessible and affordable machine to begin their video editing journey.
HP Pavilion Gaming Desktop TG01-2022
This HP Pavilion model brings a modern processor architecture to an affordable gaming and editing desktop. The Intel Core i5-12400 is the same capable 6-core CPU found in some of the business models on this list, providing reliable performance for encoding and multitasking within your editing software.
As a gaming desktop, it often comes with a dedicated graphics card, which is a significant advantage for video editing. The specific GPU will vary, but even an entry-level discrete card will outperform integrated graphics. This makes the Pavilion a versatile and often well-priced option for editors seeking a balanced system with both a good CPU and GPU from a major manufacturer.
Dell OptiPlex 7050 SFF Desktop
The Dell OptiPlex 7050 represents a value-oriented option for editors working with standard definition or 1080p footage. Its Intel Core i7-7700 processor, while from an older generation, is a quad-core chip that still holds up for less demanding editing workflows. The small form factor (SFF) design is a plus for those with limited desk space.
These refurbished business PCs often come with a solid-state drive and a reasonable amount of RAM, providing a responsive experience for the cost. This is a pragmatic choice for budget-conscious creators, students, or anyone who needs a functional secondary editing station without a large investment, accepting that rendering times will be longer than with newer hardware.
Buying Guide: How to Choose a Budget Prebuilt PC for Video Editing
When I look for a budget prebuilt PC for video editing, I know I can’t just pick the cheapest option and hope for the best. Video editing is a demanding task, and the wrong machine will lead to endless frustration with laggy playback and render times that feel like forever. My main focus is always on the core components that do the heavy lifting.
First, the processor, or CPU, is the brain of the operation. I prioritize cores and threads. For under $1000, I’m looking at modern AMD Ryzen 5 or 7 series CPUs or Intel Core i5 and i7 processors from the 12th generation or newer. These offer the multi-core performance needed for smooth scrubbing through timelines and faster encoding.
Next, and this is arguably the most important part for a smooth editing experience, is the graphics card (GPU). Most editing software, like DaVinci Resolve, uses the GPU extensively for effects, color grading, and playback. I aim for at least an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 or an AMD Radeon RX 6600 XT. Having a dedicated GPU with its own VRAM is non-negotiable for me; integrated graphics simply won’t cut it for anything beyond very basic 1080p work.
RAM is another critical area. With 16GB being the absolute minimum I would consider, I strongly prefer systems that offer 32GB, especially as I move into the $800-$1000 range. When I have multiple applications open, along with a browser with a dozen tabs, 32GB of RAM prevents the system from slowing to a crawl. For storage, a fast NVMe SSD is essential for hosting my operating system, software, and current project files. This makes everything from booting up to loading large video files incredibly fast. I also make sure there’s a secondary large hard drive (1TB or more) for archiving completed projects and storing my media library.
Finally, I consider the practicalities. I check for a good selection of ports, including USB-C, which is great for fast data transfer from external drives. I also look at the power supply unit (PSU) to ensure it’s from a reputable brand and has enough wattage to support future upgrades. Cooling is important too; a system with adequate fans will maintain performance without getting too loud. By balancing these components, I can find one of the best budget prebuilt PCs for video editing in 2025 that offers real performance without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I really get a good video editing PC for under $1000?
Yes, absolutely. While you won’t be editing 8K Red Raw footage in real-time, the current market for prebuilt PCs under $1000 is surprisingly capable. With smart component choices like a last-generation RTX 3060 or 4060 GPU paired with a modern 6-core or 8-core CPU and 32GB of RAM, you can very comfortably edit 1080p and 4K footage from drones, mirrorless cameras, and smartphones. The key is managing expectations and optimizing your workflow for the hardware you have.
Is a prebuilt PC worse than building my own for video editing?
It’s a trade-off. Building your own PC can sometimes get you slightly better specs for the same money, and you have total control over every part. However, for a beginner, a prebuilt system saves you the time, stress, and potential headaches of assembly. More importantly, it comes with a single warranty for the whole system and technical support, which can be invaluable. For most people looking for a straightforward solution, a well-chosen prebuilt is an excellent choice.
How much RAM do I actually need for video editing?
For basic 1080p editing, 16GB can work, but I consider it the bare minimum. If you regularly use multiple applications at once, have many browser tabs open for research, or work with higher resolution footage like 4K, 32GB of RAM is the sweet spot. It prevents your system from having to use the slower SSD as temporary memory (swap file), which can cause lag and stuttering during editing. For a smooth experience, aiming for 32GB, especially in the $800 to $1000 range, is a very smart move.
What is more important for video editing, the CPU or the GPU?
Both are crucial, but they handle different tasks. The CPU is vital for general timeline performance, applying complex filters, and the final export (encoding). The GPU, however, has become incredibly important for real-time playback, rendering effects, and especially for color grading and working with high-resolution codecs. For software like DaVinci Resolve, the GPU is often the performance king. My advice is not to severely compromise one for the other; a balanced system with a capable 6-core CPU and a modern mid-range GPU like an RTX 3060 or 4060 is the ideal target for the best budget prebuilt PCs for video editing in 2025.
Should I prioritize a better CPU or more storage?
I would always prioritize the core performance components like the CPU and GPU over storage. You can always add more storage later relatively easily and cheaply by installing a second SSD or a large hard drive. Upgrading a CPU, on the other hand, often requires a new motherboard and can be a much more complex and expensive process. Focus your budget on getting the best processor and graphics card you can afford first, then plan to expand your storage as your project library grows.