Extreme budget 4k video editing

The_Moose_is_Loose · October 11, 2020

Budget (including currency): $900

Country: USA

Games, programs or workloads that it will be used for: 4k video editing and photo editing

Other details (existing parts lists, whether any peripherals are needed, what you're upgrading from, when you're going to buy, what resolution and refresh rate you want to play at, etc):

Hey guys,

I'm wondering if I'd be better off buying a refurbished desktop and putting a graphics card and ram in it or just order a laptop capable of editing. I'm trying to do this as cheap as possible until I can get some paid jobs to upgrade to something a little better.

I'm looking at this desktop on Amazon...

But am open to any and all suggestions. I'm kind of in a time crunch and have spent the weekend looking at systems but can't really decide what would be the best route.

Thanks!

RAM555789 · October 11, 2020

I mean, technically it can do it, it will just take a really long time. Biggest issue as long as you have the time, will be the HDD, you will defiantly want to pick up a mass 2TB HDD since 4k takes up a lot of space.

The_Moose_is_Loose · October 11, 2020

With that desktop, I was budgeting for a gpu, ram and ssd. I'm wondering if I will get into the price of an entry level laptop though?

I'd appreciate any recommendations on components as well.

Electronics Wizardy · October 11, 2020

For a 900 dollar budget, you might as well just buy a new system.

What footage are you editing, what bitrate? What codec?

What program are you using?

Id probably get something with a faster cpu than that used desktop, a ryzen 3600 system should fit in your budget.

The_Moose_is_Loose · October 11, 2020

I don't have a monitor so that was my reason for the all in one packaging.

I'm editing 4k 30fps and 60fps and have been using Davinci Resolve. I believe it is H.264. It is being shot with a DJI Phantom 4, Mavic Pro, and Mavic Air.

I have been downgrading it to 1080 because of my current laptop and that's why I need something better.

I really like the idea of getting another laptop because of the portability but am figuring a desktop is more economical? I see all of the laptops rated for gaming but can't find any opinions on what specs would run Resolve smoothly. Especially since I usually have to color grade the footage.

I have been looking at Ryzen laptops and they seem to fall in at a lower price point, but would hate for it to struggle after I get it.