• September 20, 2024

Budget Video Editing PC: How to Build One for Under $500

In the realm of content creation, having a reliable video editing PC is crucial. However, building a budget-friendly video editing PC for under $500 is entirely feasible with the right component selection. This guide will walk you through the recommended components, key considerations, and additional tips to ensure you create a powerful system tailored for video editing.

Recommended Build for a Budget Video Editing PC

Here is a carefully curated list of components that strike a balance between performance and cost, ideal for video editing tasks:

2024 Best 5 Mini PCs Under $500

Best Mini PCs Under $500 Description Amazon URL

Beelink S12 Pro Mini PC

Sponsored Ad - Beelink SEi14 Mini PC, Intel Ultra 5 125H (up to 4.5GHz) 14C/18T, Mini Computer 32GB DDR5 5600MHz 1TB PCIe...
Intel 12th Gen Alder Lake-N100, 16GB RAM, 500GB SSD, supports 4K dual display. View on Amazon

ACEMAGICIAN Mini Gaming PC

KAMRUI Mini PC with AMD Ryzen7 5800U 8C/16T Processor Up to 4.4Ghz, 16GB DDR4 512GB SSD,Small Form Factor Desktop Compute...
AMD Ryzen 7 5800U, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, supports 4K triple display. View on Amazon

GMKtec Mini PC M5 Plus

GMKtec Mini PC NucBox G5, Intel 12th Gen Alder Lake N97 (up to 3.6GHz), 12GB RAM 256GB M.2 SSD, Home, Business, Office Min...
AMD Ryzen 7 5825U, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD, features WiFi 6E and dual LAN. View on Amazon

Maxtang ALN50 Mini PC

Maxtang Ryzen 7 7735HS Mini PC [8C/16T up to 4.75GHz] Windows 11 Home Supported 32GB DDR5 Ram 1TB PCIe4.0 Nvme SSD WIFI6 BT5.2 Mini Desktop Gaming Computer
Intel Core i3-N305, up to 32GB RAM, compact design with multiple connectivity options. View on Amazon

MINISFORUM Venus UM773 Lite

MINISFORUM Venus Series UM773 Lite Mini PC AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS up to 4.75GHz 32GB DDR5 1TB PCIe4.0 SSD AMD Radeon 680M Mini...
Ryzen 7 7735HS, up to 32GB RAM, supports dual displays and has solid performance. View on Amazon
Component Model/Description Estimated Price
CPU AMD Ryzen 5 5600G (6 cores, integrated graphics) $150
Motherboard ASUS Prime B450M-A II $90
RAM Kingston HyperX Fury 16GB (2x8GB) DDR4 3200MHz $50
Storage Kingchuxing 256GB SSD (for OS and applications) $30
Graphics Card NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 6GB (used) $150
Power Supply Corsair TX650W $70
Case SAMA Sama-M2-BK Black USB3.0 ATX Mid Tower $40
Total Estimated Cost $570 (Consider looking for used parts to lower costs further)

Note: Prices may vary based on availability and location.

Key Considerations for Each Component

CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 5600G

The AMD Ryzen 5 5600G is an excellent choice for budget builds, offering 6 cores with integrated graphics. This is particularly advantageous for users who may initially want to save on a dedicated GPU while still ensuring sufficient processing power for video editing tasks.

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Motherboard: ASUS Prime B450M-A II

The ASUS Prime B450M-A II motherboard is compatible with the Ryzen 5 5600G, providing essential features such as multiple connectivity options and decent expandability. Ensure that the motherboard supports the RAM speed you choose.

RAM: Kingston HyperX Fury 16GB

For video editing, having a minimum of 16GB of RAM is essential. The Kingston HyperX Fury 16GB (2x8GB) DDR4 3200MHz ensures smooth multitasking and the ability to handle larger video files without lag.

Storage: Kingchuxing 256GB SSD

A 256GB SSD is ideal for your operating system and essential applications, offering fast boot times and quick access to software. While this may not be enough for storing extensive video files, it lays a strong foundation for performance. Consider adding a larger HDD later for additional storage.

Graphics Card: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060

The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 (6GB) is a solid choice for video editing and gaming. If you can find a used one at a good price, it significantly enhances your editing capabilities, especially for rendering and effects.

Power Supply: Corsair TX650W

A reliable power supply is crucial for any build. The Corsair TX650W provides enough wattage to support all components and offers the possibility for future upgrades.

Case: SAMA Sama-M2-BK

The SAMA Sama-M2-BK USB3.0 ATX Mid Tower is an affordable yet functional case that allows for good airflow and cable management, helping maintain a clean and efficient build.

Additional Tips for Building Your PC

1. Look for Deals

When sourcing components, be proactive in checking platforms like eBay or local marketplaces. Many users sell parts that are still in great condition, allowing you to save significantly on your build.

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2. Upgrade Path

This build serves as a strong foundation for video editing. Consider starting with the current components and upgrading storage or RAM as your budget allows. This approach helps spread costs over time and keeps your system relevant.

3. Software Compatibility

Before purchasing components, ensure they are compatible with the software you plan to use, such as Adobe Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, or Final Cut Pro. Check the software’s system requirements to avoid compatibility issues.

Conclusion

Building a budget video editing PC for under $500 is entirely achievable with strategic component selection. By following this guide and utilizing the recommended components, you can create a powerful machine that meets your video editing needs without breaking the bank. Whether you are a beginner or an aspiring content creator, this build provides a solid platform to elevate your video editing capabilities.

With careful planning and smart purchases, we can construct a system that balances performance and affordability, ensuring your creative endeavors are supported effectively.