By Robin Owens 9 days ago, SD and Graphics Cards
If you want to update your old video card or buy the best graphics card for video editing and color grading without lags, read article to find out which things you need to consider to make the right choice. Today, the importance of the graphics card for video editing has increased due to hardware acceleration. It allows you to speed up the 3D visualization of effects and improve rendering.
Video cards are based on AMD or Nvidia GPUs. The manufacturer modifies it into a video card, providing overlocking, housing or cooling. Therefore, comparing GPU vs video card is difficult. The graphics processor is often a part of a graphic card for video editing.
The best video card for video editing is based on GPU with the most successful production modifications, a large amount of video memory and high clock speed. The options are verified by graphics card benchmarks, graphics applications using hardware, and high-demand games.
Memory clock speed: 15.5 GHz | RAM size: 8.0 GB | Graphics memory: GDDR6 | Interface: PCI-Express 3.0 | Video output: DisplayPort, DVI, HDMI
The flagship Nvidia RTX 2080 is the first Turing RTX architecture map with new real-time ray tracing technology. Founders Edition is the factory version overclocked to 1815 MHz. Since it’s fitted with the best CPU for video editing, it supports resolutions from 4K with a high refresh rate.
In this generation, Nvidia increased the number of Cuda cores and also introduced new dedicated hardware RT cores for ray tracing and Tensor cores for three-dimensional arithmetic. This graphics card for video editing uses 8GB of newer GDDR6 memory with higher bandwidth.
This option is my choice because it has a large performance margin, supports several new technologies, and the manufacturer’s version is a guarantee that the card is properly overclocked and optimized.
Memory clock speed: 1680 MHz | RAM size: 6.0 GB | Graphics memory: GDDR6 | Interface: PCI-Express 3.0 | Video output: DisplayPort, HDMI
This card has almost all the technical characteristics of the Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 but it is more expensive due to factory overclocking up to 1800 MHz. This GPU for video editing is based on the new "Turing" architecture. It provides improved gaming performance and supports new technologies. The hardware-accelerated ray tracing and deep sampling provide a completely new visual level.
A compact dual-slot design and great blowing system make installation and work comfortably. This is a good choice for frequent and long corporate video editing. It has high performance and improved architecture. Besides, new technologies and capabilities are offered at an affordable cost and provide a better price-performance ratio.
Memory clock speed: 1.40 GHz | RAM size: 24 GB | Graphics memory: GDDR6X | Interface: PCI-Express 4.0 | Video output: DisplayPort, HDMI
The GeForce RTX 3090 FE is a next-generation graphics card with ultra-high speed. It is based on the new Ampere architecture. The card supports 60+ FPS for 4K Ultra video. Thanks to 8K video output, the RTX 3090 is suitable for a range of video editing tasks, including 3D content creation in real time.
This is a perfect option for those who work in Adobe Premiere Pro since this software runs more smoothly with Nvidia graphics cards than GPUs released by AMD.
This powerful graphics card delivers virtually noiseless performance. It is fitted with an impressive cooling system that makes it a perfect option for the best computer for video editing and other advanced tasks. It might be difficult to find a more powerful GPU on the market. It was created for professional designers and gamers. I have tested the Founders version since it’s the most affordable model of the RTX 3090.
Memory clock speed: 1770 MHz | RAM size: 6 GB | Graphics memory: GDDR6 | Interface: PCI-Express 3.0 | Video output: DisplayPort, HDMI
It is based on Turing's robust architecture, just like the new RTX line but without expensive tensor-ray cores. The reduced crystal size, the increase in the number of transistors and low power requirements make this graphics card for gaming a reasonable alternative to expensive RTX cards.
MSI added 1830 MHz factory overclocking, robust quiet cooling system and uncluttered backlighting. This was the best graphics card for under 500 bucks that is perfect for video post-production. Thanks to the impressive resolution, it is compatible with a professional monitor for video editing that supports a high frame rate and 4K video content.
The card is positioned as the best graphics card for 1080p gaming. However, it is good for hardware encoding/decoding and rendering 4K videos thanks to advanced Turing architecture and fast GDDR6 memory.
Memory clock speed: not declared | RAM size: 8 GB | Graphics memory: DDR DRAM | Interface: PCI-Express 3.0 | Video output: mini DisplayPort
The WX 8200 professional graphics card is based on the Vega architecture. It has 3,584 cores with 8GB of ultra-fast HBM2 memory and a great bandwidth of 512 Gbps. If you use Animator Blender, Adobe Creative Cloud, 3Ds Max, Maya, AutoCAD, or Solid Works, you will benefit from choosing this graphics card. This GPU has four mini DisplayPorts with alternative connector types adapters that support 10-bit color depth. You can use it with up to four 4K displays.
Depending on the software tools you use, the AMD card offers higher performance than other options available on the market. Open CL applications work fine with AMD graphics cards, and the WX 8200 can be called the best video editing graphics card for professionals. The AMD Radeon Pro series supports Windows 11, so you might need to find other options for your Mac for video editing.
Memory clock speed: 1785 MHz | RAM size: 6 GB | Graphics memory: GDDR5 | Interface: PCI-Express 3.0 | Video output: HDMI, DisplayPort, DVI
The GeForce GTX 1660 is one of the best mid-range video cards. It is based on Nvidia’s Turing GPU architecture. This version with 6GB of video memory and a 192-bit interface is more powerful. It comes with 1408 CUDA cores. Due to this, the data will be interpreted quickly and efficiently. As a result, it reduces rendering time.
This video card is suitable for online editing, so you won’t need to ask yourself how much RAM do you need for video editing. The card is powerful enough to run games with high graphics settings at a comfortable frame rate. This good graphics card for video editing and rendering 4K video allows you to get faster results when using such software as Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects, etc.
This compact card comes with a single fan and an aluminum radiator with heat pipes for cooling. The card has a 3-slot design and requires one 6-pin PCI-E power connector for its operation. Connection options on the rear panel included one DVI port, two HDMI and two Display Ports. Overall, this is a decent graphics card for video editing that delivers good performance and supports high-quality videos.
Memory clock speed: 1405 MHz | RAM size: 8 GB | Graphics memory: GDDR5 | Interface: PCI-Express 3.0 | Video output: HDMI, DisplayPort, DVI
This model is based on the Polaris architecture and has 8 GB of memory. The XXX version supports factory overclocking up to 1425 GHz. This is the best graphics card for video editing that supports 4K videos. It is perfect for OpenCL Framework graphics applications. You can use it to play games with high graphics settings and frame rates.
It has 2 fans and a radiator for better heat dissipation. Another advantage of this card is that it supports DVI, HDMI, DisplayPort, VR and FreeSync 2. This graphics card also supports AMD crossfire configuration for multiple GPUs. It has a large memory capacity for video editing and many useful features. If you still need something more powerful, make sure to order professional video editing services to enhance your RAW footage quickly and for an affordable price.
Memory clock speed: 1670 MHz | RAM size: 8 GB | Graphics memory: GDDR6 | Interface: PCI-Express 4.0 | Video output: HDMI, DisplayPort
Before its price skyrocketed because of global microchip shortage, the RTX 3060 Ti released by Nvidia was one of the best mid-range graphics cards in the GeForce series in terms of price-performance ratio. Unlike AMD graphics cards, it supports quick video export. It is used for rendering complex 3D scenes, editing 8K video, drone video editing or live-streaming, which explains why this card is so difficult to find even at a high price.
Many manufacturers that specialize in graphics cards produce the RTX 3060 Ti. Such models can be overclocked. The Nvidia RTX 3060 Ti graphics cards that deliver similar performance are more affordable than their alternatives based on the RX 6800, even though the latter is considered to be a good option for an external GPU for Mac.
| IMAGE | NAME | FEATURES | |
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NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080
OUR CHOICE
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CHECK PRICE → | |
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Zotac GeForce RTX 2060
AFFORDABLE
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CHECK PRICE → | |
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NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3090
LETSPLAY RECORD
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CHECK PRICE → |
Whether you are assembling a PC for video editing or simply updating your setup, choosing a video editing graphics card is an important decision. Read on to discover which criteria you need to consider to upgrade your system. I will tell you about future trends and technologies that may affect your decision.
Nvidia uses Cuda cores to describe graphics power, AMD refers to its GCN cores. The more recent is the model, the more cores and processing power it has, respectively. Under equal conditions, Nvidia products have a higher price and are more responsive in many applications, while AMD cards are noisier and more energy-intensive. However, the latter are better for applications based on the OpenCL platform.
There are two main types of graphic cards, for consumers (gamers, designers) and professionals. Nvidia released the GeForce RTX/Quadro brand for the former and Titan RTX for the latter. AMD created the Radeon RX for consumers and the Radeon Pro/Instinct for professionals.
The best video card for video editing for professionals is usually more expensive, has certified drivers, and is optimized for certain applications. After analyzing your needs, choose a GPU with multiple cores based either on the new Ampere or Navi architectures.
While a graphics card transmits and converts video data, it stores temporary information on the disk or RAM. For games, VRAM determines the resolution and level of detail. The more a graphics card for video editing can store, the more tasks are performed simultaneously. Higher quality video and resolution with complex editing tasks will require more space. If your graphics processor does not have enough video memory, then the computer uses the CPU for processing.
Memory bandwidth and its type also affect the data movement speed. The wider it is, the faster speed you will get. With new types of GDDR6 and RDNA memory, you can get an even higher speed. For this reason, I recommend you select a card with a minimum capacity of 6 GB, but ideally from 8 GB or higher for a smooth 4K, with a newer memory type and wider bandwidth.
Higher clock speeds mean a faster and more responsive GPU for video editing. Frequency is important for games, determining the FPS rate, plus for some 3D programs that allow you to apply video effects. The base frequency is different from the overclocking frequency. The latter is the rate at which the GPU can accelerate with increasing load for a limited time, as far as the allowable temperature limit lets it. It is determined by the reliability of the cooling equipment and the factory-set limitations.
You can increase the frequency manually at your own risk beyond overclocking settings through special utilities or BIOS settings. Many manufacturers offer an overclocked version of the processor, which ensures system stability. Therefore, I recommend partner cards with a deliberately high or factory-overclocked frequency, with large multi-channel coolers and a reliable cooling system offering the highest clock speeds.
If you plan to work on more demanding projects in the future or foresee upgrading other components of your system, consider choosing a graphics card that provides headroom for future expansion. Investing in a more powerful graphics card now can save you from upgrading again in the near future.
The remaining characteristics for the best video card for video editing are not so critical and depend on numerous factors: current equipment, quality and resolution of video content, software used and basic editing tasks. Compatibility is important unless you plan to change the motherboard. You will need support for this motherboard and a PCI Express slot, better 4.0. The length, height and thickness of your graphics card should match your system unit.
You will need PCI-E power connectors. Less energy-consuming cards are preferable since in the era of mining an electricity bill is relevant, it also indirectly affects noise and heat. Otherwise, take care of sufficient cooling and power supply to cover energy use.
Such features as multi-monitor support, FreeSync or G-Sync anti-aliasing, DVI, HDMI, DisplayPort, and VirtualLink ports for various connection interfaces usually come with an additional fee. They are only needed if you have certain monitors or plan to have them for future use.
Nowadays, almost all models of graphics cards are in high demand since they are used by crypto miners. Besides, the COVID-19 lockdown caused shipping delays from Asian countries. The available video cards are overpriced, which might be the main reason behind the poor reviews.
Modern software uses all the advantages of graphics cards and employs hardware acceleration for coding and rendering tasks. If you have a powerful mid-range graphics card, you will see a minor performance boost after acceleration. A powerful graphics card has even less impressive acceleration. Until recently, Nvidia cards had an upper hand thanks to CUDA acceleration, but now AMD OpenCL offers similar productiveness, even though Adobe programs are Nvidia-optimized. The only exception is DaVinci Resolve since its performance depends on whether you use the best CPU for video editing or not.
If you have a laptop, it might be impossible to replace its graphics card. You can upgrade only your desktop computer. However, you can increase the productivity of the in-built GPU on your laptop by adding an external GPU (eGPU). You can connect it via Thunderbolt and power it by plugging it in. Some laptops allow you to use two graphics cards simultaneously.
