The Best Graphics Cards for Video Editing

Video editing and production places heavy demands on a computer’s graphics processing capabilities. Using the right graphics card can significantly improve editing workflow and render times when working with high-resolution footage.

In 2024, these are some of the best graphics card options for video editing:

Nvidia RTX 4090 – The RTX 4090 is currently the most powerful consumer graphics card available. It features 24GB of GDDR6X memory and extreme processing power with its Ada Lovelace architecture. The 4090 breezes through 4K and 8K footage, effects, and color grading even on complex timelines. It’s overkill for most but ideal for professional editors working with RED and ARRI footage.

AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX – AMD’s new flagship RDNA 3-based RX 7900 XTX nearly matches the 4090’s performance at a lower price point. It has 24GB of memory and excellent performance in creative apps. The 7900 XTX handles real-time 8K edits and effects without slowing down. It’s the best high-end AMD option for video editors.

Nvidia RTX 4080 16GB – The RTX 4080 16GB model hits a sweet spot between price and performance. It’s around 30% faster than the previous generation RTX 3080 but more affordable than the top TI and 90 series cards. With its 12GB of GDDR6X memory, it can manage 4K and 8K video editing, color grading, and effects rendering with ease.

AMD Radeon RX 7800 XT – AMD’s RX 7800 XT is a good 1440p and entry-level 4K editing card. It has decent encode/decode capabilities and 16GB of memory. The RX 7800 XT runs quieter and cooler than the top-end options. It’s a good choice for editing 1080p and 1440p footage or basic 4K timelines on a budget.

The RTX 4090, Radeon RX 7900 XTX, RTX 4080 16GB, and RX 7800 XT all provide excellent performance for video editing workstations. Choosing between Nvidia and AMD comes down to budget, workflow requirements, and personal preference. For the best combination of video editing power and value, the RTX 4080 16GB is a standout choice in 2024. But the latest high-end cards from both AMD and Nvidia will boost editing and rendering to new levels.