What GDU (GPU) to choose for video editing?

St_Bosse

Hi guys,

I need some technical assistance. If the post is in the wrong section, I apologies and please move it to the right section.

I am planning to upgrade my hardware (new laptop) to run VideoPad and other NCH apps. The big question comes regarding the GDU choice. There are lots of discussions and videos reviews on GDU’s but mostly with regards to gamming. Most tests are performance results on selected games which I must admit, is a good way of testing. Video reviews on GDU’s for video editing applications seem to be very scarce.

However, I am looking at GDUs for use with video editing (no gamming), the thing we all do with VideoPad etc.

Options I have at the moment is: 1) NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti, or 2) NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Laptop GPU. The processor is an Intel i7 and 16GB memory, type DDR4 in both cases. (Price difference on the laptop, 3050 to 3060 is +/- $250)

Question is, which one will do the job and or, are these GDU’s an overkill for what I want it for? Also thinking of 4k jobs and so on. On my current i7 laptop, I often get VideoPad messages such as busy with reloading preview or some or other task that causes a delay before I can continue with editing. What part of the GDU specs are the important ones for video editing?

Anybody gone through this exercise before?

Please let me know your suggestions or recommendations.

St Bosse

borate

Explore the links here for suggestions on PC editing capabilities. The 'sweet spot' - performance vs cost - will depend on your needs and level of sophistication.

Run the 64-bit version of Videopad, which best utilizes Windows memory. The VP download page may not offer that release; this link will.

With a capable PC and judicious project management, there should not be extensive delays. If working with very high-res files becomes tedious, consider Proxy editing.

Occasionally, breaking a lengthy project into segments is useful. Each exported segment can later be assembled for the final export.

Prior to starting a new project, go to OPTIONS | DISK tab and Clear Unused Cache Files. This can also be done at anytime during edit. But don't clear the cache if reloading the same project, as that will require a much slower rebuild of cache.

Of course, Save Project File AS routinely, giving it a unique # or name, so as not to overwrite prior saves. Using Save Project Files (no AS) will overwrite. From the HOME tab, that choice is available by clicking the chevron to the right of the Save Project button on the toolbar.

St_Bosse

Thanks for the response borate. Interesting build configurations. It takes me back to the days when I custom build desktops for people after consultations with them (not video stuff). However, now I have a video editing configuration “measuring stick”. Thanks for that.

I do run the 64-bit version as well (you gave me the link some time ago)

The “save as” and working in segments principles are very good. Standard practice by me in all computer jobs, building spreadsheets, type word docs, program coding etc.

I do the “clear cache” thing regularly and it does help. (still remember that from some time ago when you suggested it) .

Main reason why I look at upgrading (my +/-14 month old laptop), is not because of a low configuration. My laptop ASUS i7 with 1TB SSD is quite fast but the NCH developers still can’t get the Intel iRIS Xe GDU drivers working, which was sort of okay up to some release in the past, can’t remember the number.
(I currently run video processing “CPU only”). My “waiting for . ./busy with . . “ problems this week was on a 8 minute clip. I also noticed that multitasking isn’t a good idea, so I have to close all other windows.

All that said, the Intel iRIS Xe GDU isn’t exactly fantastic when it comes to video editing according to articles on the internet, so maybe upgrade is in order.

Thanks for the information. It will definitely help me to decide on a configuration.

St Bosse

borate

How much GPU is used by Videopad varies with the video adapter, file type and encoder, as you know. Put up that eight-minute project and others may test it for speed comparisons. Even without high GPU usage, rendering/exporting can be fast.

Back up --- With your project on the timeline, click on MENU at the top-left. Click FILE|BACK UP PROJECT FILES TO FOLDER. Choose a folder and SELECT FOLDER.
Upload --- Use a free server - Google Drive, MS OneDrive, etc.* - to upload the saved, numbered FOLDER. Do NOT upload the individual VPJ or export file.
Get link --- Get a public link. If using Google Drive click GET SHAREABLE LINK. If necessary change "restricted" to "anyone with the link can view"
Share --- Click COPY LINK | DONE. Paste that link here, or click the folder at the top-right of this forum to message it privately to me. It won't be shared.

* Before uploading, right-click the folder, click PROPERTIES. Look at the File Size to confirm that it's not too big for the free space on the server.

St_Bosse

Thank you borate,

Your info helped in that I come to the decision that I will upgrade to i7 + Nvida 3060 which will allow me to work with 4k videos. I also got similar suggestions from other sources. Rumour has it that the latest low wattage consumption design GPU's are on the horizon and that waiting may be advantages. I have learned through the years that waiting for the "new development" before buying, will result in one never buying anything because as soon as it is here, talk of the next new development will already be floating around. Laptop stocks are beginning to run low and what the Chinese embargos will result in, is also very questionable.

Any case, I have thoroughly studied the configuration of the specific model and it will do the job.

St B