×

The Best Graphics Cards for Video Editing in 2024

The Best Graphics Cards for Video Editing in 2024

We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

When you’re a video editor, having the best tools to do your job is extremely important but if your current technology is out of date, how do you know what the best replacement would be?

Well, we thought we would offer some help and share our picks of the best graphics cards for video editing in 2024.

sponsored message

Adobe Creative Cloud Discount

With the options on our list, we feel like any video editing work that you need to do will be done with ease, not only making things easier for you this year but hopefully making you more successful as well.

So get rid of that old graphics card and get ready for an upgrade!

For our other articles on video editing, check out our recommended selection on the best video editing courses, best free video editing software, and best After Effects lower thirds templates.

Our Top Pick
Best Budget
Best for Mac
4.7
4.6
4.7
$1,539.99
$119.59$105.99
$1,453.36

With 4K ultra videos, the GeForce RTX 3090 FE delivers lightning-fast performance. It is our top pick for serious designers and gamers because it runs professional applications 30% faster, providing supernova speed.

Radeon RX GTS graphics cards are backed by AMD LiquidVR technology for smooth, low-latency VR experiences. Featuring 256-bit architecture and dual-dissipation cooling, it offers 3x quieter gaming.

With its 10-core CPU and 16-core GPU, the 2023 Apple Mac Mini M2 Pro boasts power-packed features. In a compact, stylish design, it ensures seamless multitasking and fast data access with 16GB of unified memory and 1TB SSD.

Our Top Pick
4.7
$1,539.99

With 4K ultra videos, the GeForce RTX 3090 FE delivers lightning-fast performance. It is our top pick for serious designers and gamers because it runs professional applications 30% faster, providing supernova speed.

Best Budget
4.6
$119.59$105.99

Radeon RX GTS graphics cards are backed by AMD LiquidVR technology for smooth, low-latency VR experiences. Featuring 256-bit architecture and dual-dissipation cooling, it offers 3x quieter gaming.

Best for Mac
4.7
$1,453.36

With its 10-core CPU and 16-core GPU, the 2023 Apple Mac Mini M2 Pro boasts power-packed features. In a compact, stylish design, it ensures seamless multitasking and fast data access with 16GB of unified memory and 1TB SSD.

02/22/2024 12:24 am GMT

15+ Best Graphics Cards for Video Editing

When you look at our list of the best graphics cards for video editing, there are two things you’ll notice right off the bat: a lot of cards are either AMD or Nvidia. These are the two big players in this space so a lot of the best graphics cards come from them. We also managed to sprinkle in a few other brands just to make things easier.

  1. NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3090 Founders Edition Graphics CardBest graphics card for video editing (Editor’s Choice)
  2. SHOWKINGS Radeon — Best graphics card for those on a limited budget
  3. NVIDIA ZOTAC  GeForce RTX 3060 Twin Edge — Best graphics card for performance and price
  4. AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT — Best for Mac Pro
  5. MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 4090 — Best graphics card with excellent cooling and MSI’s optimizations
  6. Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Super — Best budget-friendly video editing graphics card
  7. GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 3080High-end value graphics card
  8. AMD Radeon Pro VII — AMD’s Pro powerhouse
  9. Apple 2023 Mac Mini M2 Pro — The best graphics card for Mac
  10. Nvidia Quadro RTX 6000 — Best graphics card for professional video editing
  11. MSI Gaming GeForce GTX 1660 — The best graphics card at a mid-range price
  12. Nvidia Quadro RTX 5000 — Best for CUDA acceleration
  13. AMD RX 570 — Best graphics card for budget-conscious
  14. Zotac GeForce RTX 2060 Super Mini — Best mini graphics card
  15. Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1660 OC 6G — Best entry-level graphics card
  16. Nvidia Titan RTX — Best performing graphics card

Also, see our blog on the best graphics cards for AutoCAD.


sponsored message



What is the Best Graphics Card for Video Editing?

Thumbnail
Best Overall
Nvidia GeForce RTX 3090 Founders Edition Graphics Card
Best Budget
PNY GeForce GTX 1660 Super 6GB XLR8 Gaming Overclocked Edition Single Fan
Best Entry Level
Gigabyte Gv-N1660OC-6GD GeForce GTX 1660 OC 6G Graphics Card, 2X Windforce Fans, 6GB 192-Bit GDDR5,...
Best Performance
NVIDIA Titan RTX 24GB gddr6 Graphics Card
Best For Mac Pro
ASUS TUF Gaming AMD Radeon™ RX 6800 XT OC Edition Graphics Card (PCIe 4.0, 16GB GDDR6, HDMI 2.1,...
Best Compact
ZOTAC Gaming GeForce GTX 1650 OC 4GB GDDR5 128-Bit Gaming Graphics Card, Super Compact,...
Title
Nvidia GeForce RTX 3090 Founders Edition Graphics Card
PNY GeForce GTX 1660 Super 6GB XLR8 Gaming Overclocked Edition Single Fan
Gigabyte Gv-N1660OC-6GD GeForce GTX 1660 OC 6G Graphics Card, 2X Windforce Fans, 6GB 192-Bit GDDR5,...
NVIDIA Titan RTX 24GB gddr6 Graphics Card
ASUS TUF Gaming AMD Radeon™ RX 6800 XT OC Edition Graphics Card (PCIe 4.0, 16GB GDDR6, HDMI 2.1,...
ZOTAC Gaming GeForce GTX 1650 OC 4GB GDDR5 128-Bit Gaming Graphics Card, Super Compact,...
Prime Status
-
-
-
-
-
-
Star Rating
-
-
-
-
Reviews
201 Reviews
-
-
-
127 Reviews
-
Architecture
-
Turing architecture
Turing architecture
Turing architecture
-
Turing architecture
RAM
24GB
6GB video RAM
8GB video RAM
24GB video RAM
16GB
6GB video RAM
Price
$1,449.99
$269.99
$179.99
$885.57
$549.99
$389.00
Best Overall
Thumbnail
Nvidia GeForce RTX 3090 Founders Edition Graphics Card
Title
Nvidia GeForce RTX 3090 Founders Edition Graphics Card
Prime Status
-
Star Rating
Reviews
201 Reviews
Architecture
-
RAM
24GB
Price
$1,449.99
Buy Now
Best Budget
Thumbnail
PNY GeForce GTX 1660 Super 6GB XLR8 Gaming Overclocked Edition Single Fan
Title
PNY GeForce GTX 1660 Super 6GB XLR8 Gaming Overclocked Edition Single Fan
Prime Status
-
Star Rating
-
Reviews
-
Architecture
Turing architecture
RAM
6GB video RAM
Price
$269.99
Buy Now
Best Entry Level
Thumbnail
Gigabyte Gv-N1660OC-6GD GeForce GTX 1660 OC 6G Graphics Card, 2X Windforce Fans, 6GB 192-Bit GDDR5,...
Title
Gigabyte Gv-N1660OC-6GD GeForce GTX 1660 OC 6G Graphics Card, 2X Windforce Fans, 6GB 192-Bit GDDR5,...
Prime Status
-
Star Rating
-
Reviews
-
Architecture
Turing architecture
RAM
8GB video RAM
Price
$179.99
Buy Now
Best Performance
Thumbnail
NVIDIA Titan RTX 24GB gddr6 Graphics Card
Title
NVIDIA Titan RTX 24GB gddr6 Graphics Card
Prime Status
-
Star Rating
-
Reviews
-
Architecture
Turing architecture
RAM
24GB video RAM
Price
$885.57
Buy Now
Best For Mac Pro
Thumbnail
ASUS TUF Gaming AMD Radeon™ RX 6800 XT OC Edition Graphics Card (PCIe 4.0, 16GB GDDR6, HDMI 2.1,...
Title
ASUS TUF Gaming AMD Radeon™ RX 6800 XT OC Edition Graphics Card (PCIe 4.0, 16GB GDDR6, HDMI 2.1,...
Prime Status
-
Star Rating
Reviews
127 Reviews
Architecture
-
RAM
16GB
Price
$549.99
Buy Now
Best Compact
Thumbnail
ZOTAC Gaming GeForce GTX 1650 OC 4GB GDDR5 128-Bit Gaming Graphics Card, Super Compact,...
Title
ZOTAC Gaming GeForce GTX 1650 OC 4GB GDDR5 128-Bit Gaming Graphics Card, Super Compact,...
Prime Status
-
Star Rating
-
Reviews
-
Architecture
Turing architecture
RAM
6GB video RAM
Price
$389.00
Buy Now

 

The Best Graphics Cards for Video Editing in 2024

1. NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3090 Founders Edition Graphics Card (Editor’s Choice)

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3090- Best Graphics Cards
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3090. Image credit: Amazon

The best graphics card for video editing

Architecture: Ampere architecture | RAM: 24GB

The GeForce RTX 3090 FE is a titan-class graphics card that is flash-fast. It delivers exceptional performance on all fronts and comes with a lot of memory.

The card provides 60+ FPS constantly for 4K ultra videos. With minimal noise and amazing power, it is equipped with cooling technology to keep your PC up and running smoothly for a long duration.

sponsored message


You won’t be finding a GPU more powerful easily and it is for serious designers and gamers. The professional applications used by creatives run 30% faster with RTX 3090 FE. So, if you are in for some real supernova speed, then this is the finest piece out there in the market.

Pros

Cons

➕ Astounding value for professionals ➖ RTX 3080 isn’t far behind
➕ Beast gaming performance ➖ Quite expensive
➕ Some 8K gaming is possible with HDMI 2.1, AV1 decode
➕ Quiet and smooth operation
➕ Super cooling

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

Sale
Nvidia GeForce RTX 3090 Founders Edition Graphics Card
201 Reviews
Nvidia GeForce RTX 3090 Founders Edition Graphics Card
  • Chipset: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3090
  • Video Memory: 24GB GDDR6X
  • Memory Interface: 384-bit
  • Output: DisplayPort x 3 (v1.4a) / HDMI 2.1 x 1
  • Nvidia India 3 Year *

 

2. SHOWKINGS Radeon

SHOWKINGS Radeon- Graphics Cards for video editing
SHOWKINGS Radeon
Image Credits: Amazon

Best graphics card for those on a limited budget

Architecture: GCN 4 architecture  | RAM: 8 GB Video RAM

You may enjoy a new generation of intriguing virtual reality entertainment with the Radeon RX GTS graphics card and the newest VR headsets.

In combination with AMD LiquidVR technology, the Radeon RX GTS graphics card delivers a virtually stutter-free, low-latency experience essential for outstanding virtual reality experiences.

256-bit graphics card with dual-dissipation cooling technology from XFX. Dual cooling fans improve cooling performance and provide a 3x quieter gaming experience. High-quality electrical components and a PCB board assure its safety and stability.

Pros

Cons

➕ Impressive features. ➖ Slower than many of the options out there.
➕ Does not require an additional power connector.
➕ Does not overheat.

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

Sale
SHOWKINGS Radeon RX 580 8GB Graphics Card, 256Bit 2048SP GDDR5 AMD Video Card for Pc Gaming, DP HDMI...
701 Reviews
SHOWKINGS Radeon RX 580 8GB Graphics Card, 256Bit 2048SP GDDR5 AMD Video Card for Pc Gaming, DP HDMI...
  • ✔【Superior Gaminig Experience】AMD Radeon RX 580 8G is a mainstream gaming GPU built on the 14 nm process. The gpu has equipped with 2048SP and 8GB GDDR5 memory with a 1750 MHz. Providing...
  • ✔【High Definition Display Effect】SHOWKINGS RX 580 graphics card has 3 monitor ouput included 1X Display Port + 1X HDMI Port + 1X DVI Port, can support three monitors siultaneously. 580 is...
  • ✔【Powerful Cooling Performance】Composite heat pipes of this RX580 can directly and greatly contact the GPU core. Dual cooling fans provide more airflow for optimal cooling performance and 3x...
  • ✔【Multifunctional Use】This video card is designed to meet the needs of different people on the computer, powerful performance not only in the game to show quality graphics, the face of the...
  • ✔【Good Support】Drivers for the RX580 8G graphics card you can find at AMD, you can download the drivers directly here. Before installing the driver for the new graphics card, you need to...

 

3. NVIDIA ZOTAC Gaming GeForce RTX 3060 Twin Edge

ZOTAC Gaming GeForce RTX 3060 Twin Edge- Top powerful Graphics Cards
ZOTAC Gaming GeForce RTX 3060 Twin Edge. Image credit: ZOTAC / Amazon

Best graphics card for performance and price

Architecture: Performant Ampere Architecture | RAM: 12GB video RAM

The ZOTAC Gaming GeForce RTX 3060 is a graphics card right in the mid-range. With 12GB of video RAM, this graphics card is more than enough for most of your video editing and gaming needs.

With IceStorm 2.0 Cooling, Active Fan Control, and Freeze Fan Stop, this card makes sure things don’t get overheated. Other than this, the device is also 8K ready and comes with DirectX 12 Ultimate, so running games and high-definition videos is almost effortless.

Whether you’re looking to mine crypto, work on visual effects for videos, or even do 3D modeling, the Gaming GeForce RTX 3060 can get the job done smoothly.
While there are several heavier hitters, this one from GeForce is one of the best graphics cards in the mid-range.

Pros

Cons

➕ 12GB of Video RAM. ➖ Better alternatives are available in a slightly higher price range.
➕ More affordable compared to competitors.
➕ Comes with Performant Ampere Architecture.

sponsored message


 

Latest Price on Amazon:

ZOTAC Gaming GeForce RTX 3060 Twin Edge OC 12GB GDDR6 192-bit 15 Gbps PCIE 4.0 Graphics Card,...
  • NVIDIA Ampere architecture, 2nd Gen Ray Tracing Cores, 3rd Gen Tensor Cores
  • 12GB 192-bit GDDR6, 15 Gbps, PCIE 4.0; Boost Clock 1807 MHz
  • IceStorm 2.0 Cooling, Active Fan Control, Freeze Fan Stop, Metal Backplate
  • 8K Ready, 4 Display Ready, HDCP 2.3, VR Ready.Avoid using unofficial software
  • 3 x DisplayPort 1.4a, 1 x HDMI 2.1, DirectX 12 Ultimate, Vulkan RT API, OpenGL 4.6

 

4. AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT

AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT
AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT. Image credit: Amazon

The best graphics card for a Mac Pro

Architecture: Big Navi architecture | RAM: 16GB

AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT delivers some record-breaking results at a price that won’t be burning a hole in your pocket. Surely, it gives tough competition to Nvidia’s extreme range of GPUs.

Gamers can easily get a 4K gaming experience using this high-end graphics card. With a memory of 16GB (GDDR6) and higher clock speed plus added die space, you are sure to get a power-packed performance while playing games and running high-end applications.

If you play a lot of DirectX 11 games, then this is definitely the right GPU for you. Also, if you are looking for some decent graphic designing experience, then you expect some good stuff from this GPU.

Pros

Cons

➕ Splendid build ➖ A great amount of power supply is required (750W)
➕ Great for gaming ➖ Driver-stability issues were reported
➕ 7-nanometer production process ➖ Runs hotter compared to most GPUs
➕ Solid DX11 performance ➖ Loud fans
➕ Lots of overclocking headroom

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

Sale
ASUS TUF Gaming AMD Radeon™ RX 6800 XT OC Edition Graphics Card (PCIe 4.0, 16GB GDDR6, HDMI 2.1,...
127 Reviews
ASUS TUF Gaming AMD Radeon™ RX 6800 XT OC Edition Graphics Card (PCIe 4.0, 16GB GDDR6, HDMI 2.1,...
  • Axial-tech fan design has been enhanced with more fan blades and a new rotation scheme.
  • Dual ball fan bearings can last up to twice as long as sleeve bearing designs.
  • An all-aluminum shroud, reinforced frame, and metal backplate enhance durability.
  • MaxContact heat spreader features a super flat surface for improved thermal transferAvoid using unofficial software
  • 144-hour validation program puts cards through a series of stringent tests to ensure compatibility with the latest games.

 

5. MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 4090

MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 4090
MS Gaming GeForce RTX 4090. Image credit: Amazon

sponsored message


Best graphics card with excellent cooling and MSI’s optimizations

Architecture: Ada Lovelace architecture | RAM: 24GB

The MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 4090, featuring the formidable GeForce RTX 4090 chipset, is a powerhouse of a graphics card. Boasting a massive 24GB of GDDR6X video memory and a 384-bit memory interface, it’s primed for handling even the most demanding gaming and professional tasks with ease.

Its support for a digital maximum resolution of 7680 x 4320 ensures stunning visuals, making it a top choice for 8K gaming and content creation. And, with an impressive array of three DisplayPort 1.4a and one HDMI 2.1 outputs, this graphics card offers versatile connectivity options.

But to deliver its full potential, the MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 4090 GPU’s power-hungry nature will demand a hefty 850W PSU. Tailored for enthusiasts and professionals alike, this beasty graphics card offers unmatched performance and resolution capabilities.

Pros

Cons

➕ Astounding value for professionals ➖ Overkill for most setups.
➕ Powerful gaming performance ➖ Expensive price should be considered for non-professionals
➕Robust power supply
➕Excellent cooling system

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

Sale
MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 4080 16GB GDRR6X 384-Bit HDMI/DP Nvlink Tri-Frozr 3 Ada Lovelace Architecture...
  • Chipset: GeForce RTX 4080
  • Video Memory: 16GB GDDR6X
  • Memory Interface: 256-bit
  • Output: DisplayPort x 3 (v1.4a) / HDMI 2.1 x 1
  • Digital maximum resolution: 7680 x 4320

 

6. Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Super

Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Super
Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Super. Image credit: Amazon

The best budget-friendly graphics card for video editing

Architecture: Turing architecture | RAM: 6GB video RAM

While it’s not the newest graphics card on our list, the GeForce GTX 1660 Super from Nvidia is still an excellent option if you’re looking for a good graphics card for editing video and happen to be on a budget.

While it’s not dirt cheap, the cost of a card like the 1660 Super will provide you will better performance and last a lot longer than if you spent much less.

While video export speeds are slower than the GeForce RTX-series cards, the lower price makes up for that. The only real downside is the amount of video RAM the card has.

With 6GB, higher performance cards will have an obvious edge when it comes to editing 8K and high frame rate 4K video.

Pros

Cons

➕ Good performance ➖ Lacking RTX features
➕ It doesn’t get too hot ➖ Just 1 HDMI and DisplayPort
➕ Idle fan stop feature is available

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

PNY GeForce GTX 1660 Super 6GB XLR8 Gaming Overclocked Edition Single Fan
  • NVIDIA Turing architecture, with 1530MHz core clock and 1830MHz boost clock speeds to help meet the needs of demanding games.
  • 6GB GDDR6 (192-bit) on-board memory, plus 1408 CUDA processing cores and up to 336GB/sec of memory bandwidth provide the memory needed to create striking visual realism.
  • PCI Express 3.0 interface: Offers compatibility with a range of systems. Also includes DisplayPort, DVI-D and HDMI outputs for expanded connectivity.
  • Turing Shaders: Featuring concurrent execution of floating point and integer operations, adaptive shading technology, and a new unified memory architecture with twice the cache of its predecessor,...
  • NVIDIA GeForce Experience: Capture and share videos, screenshots, and livestreams with friends. Keep your drivers up to date and optimize your game settings. GeForce Experience lets you do it all,...

 

7. GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 3080

GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 3080
GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 3080. Image credit: Amazon

A great graphics card with high-end value

Architecture: Ampere architecture | RAM: 10GB

Gigabyte GeForce RTX 3080 is another huge GPU that utilizes the WINDFORCE 3X system for cooling and offers an awesome boost in clock speed.

When compared with RTX 2080Ti, it delivers 30-50% improved performance and a great cooling plus noise-free experience. If you compare this beast with the RTX 3090 FE, then you will find aesthetics better for the 3090 FE.

However, the performance is similar and cooling is better for 3080. The high-end graphics card delivers next-gen 4K performance and gamers, creatives, and professionals will find this expensive piece extremely cool (literally).

This card comes with the new Windforce 3X cooling system. This card uses two larger 90mm fans in the center and rear of the card. It also has an 80mm fan near the mount.

These are lined with ridges to guide airflow smoothly down to the heatsink. The center fan spins in the opposite direction to decrease the turbulence effect and reduce the heat.

Pros

Cons

➕ Improved build quality ➖ Hefty design
➕ Effective cooling solution
➕ Long lifespan
➕ High out-the-box clock boost

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

Gigabyte GeForce RTX 3080 Gaming OC 10GB GDDR6X Graphics Card, GV-N3080GAMING OC-10GD
73 Reviews
Gigabyte GeForce RTX 3080 Gaming OC 10GB GDDR6X Graphics Card, GV-N3080GAMING OC-10GD
  • GeForce RTX 3080
  • 1‎0 GB GDDR6X Memory
  • Memory Clock: 19000Mhz
  • PCI Express x16 4.0
  • Digital Maximum Resolution: 7‎680 x 4320 Pixels @ 60Hz

 

8. AMD Radeon Pro VII

AMD Radeon Pro VII
AMD Radeon Pro VII. Image credit: AMD

AMD’s Pro powerhouse is a great value

Architecture: Vega architecture | RAM: 16GB video RAM

While they are cheaper than their Nvidia equivalents, the Pro series from AMD is certainly up for any tasks that you need them for and the Radeon Pro VII is no exception.

If the work you’re doing doesn’t require you to have CUDA, then the Pro VII is one of the best all-around Pro cards that are available today.

A great card for video editors and gamers alike, the card can drive 6 screens at 4K, 3 at 5K, and even drive an 8k display (if you can find one).

The Radeon Pro VII from AMD is a great card at a not so cheap price but compared to other options on the market, the capabilities it offers make it worth the cost.

Pros

Cons

➕ 16GB VRAM ➖ Lacks HDMI port
➕ PCle 4.0 support
➕ A great number of display port outputs (6)

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

Apple Radeon PRO VII 16GB
  • 100-506163
  • Item Package Quantity: 1
  • Country of origin:- China
  • Package Dimensions : 10.0L x 10.0W x 5.0H (centimeters)
  • English (Publication Language)

 

9. Apple Mac Mini M2 Pro

Apple 2023 Mac Mini M2 Pro
Apple Mac Mini M2 Pro. Image credit: Apple / Amazon

The best graphics card for Mac

The Apple Mac Mini M2 Pro is an impressive computing device packed with powerful features.

Powered by the M2 Pro chip, with its combination of 10-core CPU and 16-core GPU, the Mac Mini provides excellent performance over a wide range of tasks, making it suitable for multimedia applications, including video editing and graphic design.

With 16GB of unified memory, the Mac Mini ensures smooth multitasking and efficient handling of memory-intensive applications. The 1TB SSD storage offers ample space for your files, applications, and media, ensuring fast data access and system responsiveness.

Running on the Mac OS, this Mini PC provides a seamless and user-friendly computing experience within the Apple ecosystem. Its compact design and sleek silver color make it an attractive addition to any workspace.

Whether you’re a creative professional or a general user, Apple Mac Mini M2 Pro offers impressive performance and reliability in a compact package.

Pros

Cons

➕ Fast performance ➖ Memory and storage not upgradeable
➕ Great support for most software
➕ High RAM capacity from the outset

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

Apple 2023 Mac Mini M2 Pro with 10-core CPU / 16-core GPU / 16GB Memory / 1TB Storage - Z170000FG
  • M2 Pro Chip
  • 10-Core CPU
  • 16-Core GPU
  • 16GB Unified Memory
  • 1TB SSD Storage

 

10. Nvidia Quadro RTX 6000

Nvidia Quadro RTX 6000
Nvidia Quadro RTX 6000. Image credit: Amazon

The best professional graphics card for video editing

Architecture: Turing architecture | RAM: 24GB video RAM

If you’re a video editor or perhaps work in CAD design, you need to have a graphics card that can handle 3D modeling and producing the final renders of a design you’ve been working on in the best possible detail.

This is where the Quadro RTX 6000 from Nvidia shines. With 4608 CUDA cores and 24GB of RAM, the RTX 6000 isn’t designed for gamers, it’s specifically designed to be used by professional apps that require perfection frame-by-frame.

While the price may cause some sticker shock, the RTX 6000 is a stable card for graphic and design professionals looking for a graphics card that can handle everything they do during their day.

Pros

Cons

➕ Suitable for dense GPU configurations ➖ No backplate
➕ Two power connections (6-pin and an 8-pin)

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

11. MSI Gaming GeForce GTX 1660

MSI Gaming GeForce GTX 1660
MSI Gaming GeForce GTX 1660. Image credit: MSI / Amazon

The best graphics card at a mid-range budget

Architecture: NVIDIA Ampere Architecture | RAM: 12GB video RAM

When it comes to running VR, gaming, capturing live streams, and editing videos, the MSI Gaming GeForce GTX 1660 is a great option to work with. The GTX 1660 comes with a dual-fan design to ensure things don’t overheat.

This graphics card comes in the mid-range, making it a good choice for those working on a restricted budget. While there are several graphics cards out there, the GTX 1660 comes with an MSI Afterburner that enables full control of the graphics card.

Pros

Cons

➕ No external power cable is needed ➖ Performance is mediocre
➕ Compact
➕ Quiet

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

Sale
MSI Gaming GeForce GTX 1660 192-Bit HDMI/DP 6GB GDRR5 HDCP Support DirectX 12 Dual Fan VR Ready OC...
  • Chipset: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660
  • Boost Clock: 1830 MHz
  • Memory Interface: 192 bit
  • Video Memory - 6GB GDDR5. Power consumption- 120 W. Recommended PSU - 450 W
  • Output: DisplayPort x 3 (V1; 4)/ HDMI 2; 0B x 1

 

12. Nvidia Quadro RTX 5000

Nvidia Quadro RTX 5000
Nvidia Quadro RTX 5000. Image credit: Amazon

CUDA acceleration and peace of mind in one bundle

Architecture: Turing architecture | RAM: 16GB video RAM, latest GDDR6 RAM

There’s an old saying. “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” For many video editors, this adage sums up choosing a graphics card that works with their editing software, runs quietly, has good support, a solid warranty, and is worth the extra money paid for it.

Many insist on using Quadro cards from Nvidia despite the power-to-cost ratio being hard to justify.

For those stalwarts, because of its more stable drivers, we would pick the RTX 5000. It offers 16GB of video RAM and has benchmarks in Premiere Pro from Adobe that are comparable to the RTX Titan or RTX GeForce 2080ti and with the price coming down, it’s a bargain compared to other professional Nvidia graphics cards.

Pros

Cons

➕ Power connections located at the top end that avoid humping ➖ No backplate
➕ Easy to integrate into existing platforms ➖ No HDMI port

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

Sale
NVIDIA Quadro RTX 5000
  • CUDA Cores: 3072 / NVIDIA Tensor Cores: 384 / NVIDIA RT Cores: 48
  • GPU Memory: 16 GB GDDR6 with ECC / Bandwidth: 448 GB/Sec
  • System Interface: PCI Express 3.0 x16
  • Four DisplayPort 1.4 Connectors

 

13. AMD RX 570

AMD RX 570

A great graphics card for the budget-conscious

Architecture: GCN architecture | RAM: 8GB video RAM

A fantastic entry-level graphics card for video editing, the RX 570 from AMD comes with 8GB of memory and has more than enough power for just about all of your video editing needs.

At such an affordable price, it’s almost too good to pass up. The card is more powerful than many other comparable options as well as being more affordable.

If you’re in the market for a high-quality graphics card without a high-quality price, you may want to consider the RTX 570 from AMD.

Pros

Cons

➕ Excellent gaming performance ➖ In comparison to Nvidia GPUs, it is lagging in power efficiency
➕ Compact ➖ Architecture is not much changed in comparison to previous-gen
➕ Great build quality ➖ Not much improvement over RX 470

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

14. Zotac GeForce RTX 2060 Super Mini

Zotac GeForce RTX 2060 Super Mini

The best mini graphics card

Architecture: Turing architecture | RAM: 8GB video RAM

If you’re building a mini PC, it doesn’t mean that when it comes to adding a graphics card, you have to choose a lightweight GPU.

With the GeForce RTX 2060 Super Mini from Zotac, they’ve made sure that you can access Tay Tracing at an affordable price.

While some features like SLI support, RGB lighting, and VirtualLink for VR are missing because of its smaller size, if you’re looking for a graphics card that can give you excellent performance in a small package, the GeForce RTX 2060 Super Mini from Zotac is a great choice.

Pros

Cons

➕ Excellent ventilation ➖ Caught between two cracking AMD RX cards
➕ Great performance ➖ Yet not cheap

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

ZOTAC GAMING GeForce RTX 2060 SUPER MINI 8GB GDDR6 256-bit 14Gbps Gaming Graphics Card, Ice Storm...
  • Turing architecture ray tracing cores tensor cores nvidia dlss
  • 8gb 256-bit gddr6 14gbps boost clock 1650 MHz
  • Ice storm 2 0 cooling
  • 4k ready 4 display ready super compACt 8 3-inch length
  • 3 x DisplayPort 1 4 1 x HDMI 2 0b

 

15. Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1660 OC 6G

Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1660 OC 6G

A great entry-level graphics card

Architecture: Turing architecture | RAM: 8GB video RAM

When you look around at the sheer number of different graphics cards available, it can feel like the only ones you can find are the uber-expensive ones that are hard to afford. Thankfully, the GeForce GTX 1660 OC 6G from Gigabyte is a great entry-level card at a great price.

The affordable price is just the start of this great card. With a quality factory overclock plus all of the ports you’re gonna need, you should have no problem editing videos on several monitors or even playing a game in your downtime.

A great price and a multi-display capability? That’s a great bargain in our books.

Pros

Cons

➕ Great cooler (WindForce 3X cooler) ➖ Plastic backplate
➕ Logo lights up with RGB lighting ➖ No NVLink SLI support
➕ Fans turn off when idle ➖ Overclock doesn’t do much for real-world performance
➕ Can do 1080p games at over 60 FPS

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

Sale
Gigabyte Gv-N1660OC-6GD GeForce GTX 1660 OC 6G Graphics Card, 2X Windforce Fans, 6GB 192-Bit GDDR5,...
  • Powered by GeForce GTX 1660 integrated with 6GB GDDR5
  • Wind force 2x cooling system with alternate spinning fans
  • Intuitive controls with AORUS engine
  • 6GB 192 bit GDDR5; 90 millimeter unique blade fans
  • 1 x HDMI, 3 x DisplayPort

 

16. Nvidia Titan RTX

Nvidia Titan RTX

When you need the absolute best performance from a graphics card

Architecture: Turing architecture | RAM: 24GB video RAM

For those of us who might not be professional video editors, it shouldn’t mean that we can’t access high-end graphics cards to help us get the performance we deserve. That’s where the Titan RTX from Nvidia comes in. The Titan is designed to excel in video editing, CAD design, and machine learning.

With two eight-pin connectors, you need to make sure you have a power supply that can handle such a beast. 24GB of video RAM is more than enough memory to process high-resolution video files and rendering is done with ease.

If you’re looking for a card that can turn your PC into a video editing beast, then the Titan RTX from Nvidia is a perfect choice.

Pros

Cons

➕ Memory is large and ideal for professionals (24GB) ➖ Only marginally faster than 2080 Ti
➕ Great performance ➖ Expensive
➕ Extraordinary frame buffer ➖ Poor FP64 abilities in comparison to Titan V
➕ It’s golden in color

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

Sale
NVIDIA Titan RTX 24GB gddr6 Graphics Card
  • OS Certification : Windows 7 (64 bit), Windows 10 (64 bit) (April 2018 Update or later), Linux 64 bit
  • 4608 NVIDIA CUDA cores running at 1770 MegaHertZ boost clock; NVIDIA Turing architecture
  • New 72 RT cores for acceleration of ray tracing
  • 576 Tensor Cores for AI acceleration; Recommended power supply 650 watts
  • 24 GB of GDDR6 memory running at 14 Gigabits per second for up to 672 GB/s of memory bandwidth

 

How to Choose a Graphics Card for Video Editing

 

How to Choose the Best Graphics Card
How to Choose the Best Graphics Card

Graphics Card Memory

You want to find a graphics card with at least 4GB though 6GB would be better. In addition to video editing, if you do any kind of gaming in your off-hours, having enough memory to handle video editing and gaming is ideal.

If you play at a very high resolution such as 4K, then you will want to look for a card with 8GB of memory.

Ports

Having the right ports on your graphics card is critical as not every monitor is the same. Some have HDMI, some have DisplayPort and older monitors may only have a DVI port.

Before you buy a graphics card, you want to make sure that the card has the right ports for your monitor so you don’t need to spend more money on an adapter.

Form Factor

Buying an incredible graphics card won’t help you at all if you can’t get it to fit in your case. You will want to pay attention to the card’s length, height, and thickness.

A graphics card can come in different variations from half-height or slim, single-slot, double-slot, or even triple-slot. Even if a graphics card only takes up one or two slots in your case, if it comes with a big heatsink and fan shroud, it might end up blocking an adjacent slot.

You want to be sure you check the specs before you choose.

TDP

TDP, otherwise known as Thermal Design Power measures how the heat dissipates but it also provides you with an estimation of the number of watts you’ll need to operate the card at stock settings.

Generally, a 600W power supply unit (PSU) can handle just about any graphics card except for some of the most powerful ones. In those cases, a PSU of 800W is enough for any single GPU even without it being over-clocked.

Power Connectors

Many graphics cards tend to need more power than the standard maximum of 75W that is provided by the x16 PCle slot and need to connect to supplemental PCle power connectors.

These come in 6- and 8-pin varieties and some cards may have one, two, or even six-and-eight-pin ports on the same card. You may want to upgrade your power supply if it doesn’t have the supplemental connectors that you need.

TFLOPS / GFLOPS

TFLOPS or GFLOPS are also known as an indication of the maximum theoretical performance that a GPU can deliver. The core count multiplied by the clock speed, and then multiplied by two will give you the TFLOPS for a GPU. This will tell you how much faster one chip is in comparison to another.

Price

While not as important as the other features, what you need to keep in mind when it comes to purchasing the best graphics card is the price.

Keeping in mind your requirements, you should look for cards that match your price range. That said, for VFX designers and video editors who rely on VRAM, spending a few additional dollars can help immensely in the long run.

But, for newbies just getting started and working on a budget, a $200 graphics card will more than suffice. If you’re a student, on the other hand, check out our best video editing computers that can make things easier for you when on the move.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best graphics card for video editing?

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3090 Founders Edition Graphics Card is the best graphics card for video editing as it has 8GB of GDDR6 memory, and the RTX 3060 is clocked at 14 Gbps.

What is the best budget graphics card for video editing?

Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Super is the best budget graphics card for video editing. Although the video export speed is slower than the GeForce RTX-series cards, the lower price makes up for it.

Is RTX 3080 good for video editing?

Yes, the RTX 3080 Ti is good for video editing and other creative tasks. But if you are looking forward to high-resolution (for say 4k) video editing, RTX 3090 is a better bet.

How much RAM do I need to edit a 4K video?

For HD video, 16 GB of RAM is fine. But for 4k and 6k video editing, you need a minimum of 32 GB of RAM.

 

The Best Graphics Cards for Video Editing in 2024

The best graphics cards can make any of your work look incredible. From video editing to animation, having a good graphics card can mean the difference between taking your career to the next steps or watching as you miss out on another client.

We hope that our list of the best graphics cards for video editing in 2024 has shown you the possibilities that are out there so you can choose the best one for you.

If you’re working with videos, you’ll likely need to transcribe your audio into text for captions and beyond. We use and recommend Rev.com for their transcription services that feature same-day delivery and 99% accuracy.


More Top Gear:


Share This Post: