Review Atlas

Menu

Sign In

Track orders & save items

Explore Content

ComparisonsHow-To GuidesPros & ConsTop RatedReal Owner ReviewsBeginner GuidesProfessional GuidesWhich to BuyBest ValueBudget PicksWorth It?Should I BuyDurability TestsNews

Shop by Category

Today's DealsNewHelp CenterSettings

Get the App

Better experience on mobile

$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
Under $1000

Complete Video Editing PC for Under $1000 (2025)

Powerful rig for 1080p/4K proxy editing in DaVinci Resolve or Premiere with 32GB RAM, RX 6600 GPU, and 27" 1440p monitor—all for $960.

💰 Actual Cost: $960.35Save $1500 vs PremiumUpdated December 11, 2025

Dreaming of professional video editing but stuck on a tight budget? Building a video editing PC under $1000 seems impossible with skyrocketing component prices, but it's doable—if you prioritize smartly. This guide delivers a complete, compatible build that handles 1080p editing flawlessly and light 4K work via proxies in free DaVinci Resolve or Adobe Premiere trials.

You'll get a custom tower PC with 6-core CPU, 32GB RAM, fast SSD, capable GPU for acceleration, plus monitor and basics. Expect smooth timelines for 1080p/4K proxies, exports in under 10-20 mins for short clips—not Hollywood 8K beasts, but perfect for creators starting out. Realistic trade-offs: no 4K native scrubbing without proxies, and future-proofing requires upgrades.

No fluff—just tested, compatible parts totaling $960 (with $40 buffer for tax/shipping). Let's build value over hype.

Budget Philosophy

For a $1000 video editing PC, I allocated 65% ($624) to core performance (CPU/GPU/RAM/SSD) because they directly dictate render speeds, playback smoothness, and multitasking—cheaping here kills productivity. 20% ($192) to chassis basics (mobo/PSU/case/cooler) for reliability without flash, and 15% ($144) to peripherals (monitor/inputs) since basics enable work without luxury.

Why prioritize CPU/GPU/RAM? Video editing is CPU/GPU-intensive; 32GB RAM handles 4K timelines without crashes (16GB chokes). Saved by skipping RGB bling, stock-like case, and modular PSU only where needed. Trade-offs: Entry-level mobo limits extreme overclocks, but perfect for stock use. This beats pre-builts by 20-30% value, leaving upgrade room.

Buffer $40 covers shipping/tax; shop Amazon/Newegg sales to dip under $950. Focus: Performance per dollar, compatibility via PCPartPicker-tested build.

Where to Splurge

  • CPU: Multi-core Ryzen powers rendering/encoding; skimping means 2x longer exports and laggy timelines.
  • GPU: Hardware acceleration for effects/export in Resolve/Premiere; integrated graphics crawl on 4K.
  • RAM: 32GB minimum for multi-layer timelines; 16GB causes crashes during exports.

Where to Save

  • Case: Airflow matters more than aesthetics; budget cases cool fine without $100+ premium looks.
  • PSU: Reliable 80+ Bronze suffices for this build; no need for Gold unless overclocking heavily.
  • Peripherals: Basic wireless inputs work for editing; save for performance cores instead.

Recommended Products (11)

#1essentialCPU

AMD Ryzen 5 5600 6-Core Processor

Handles multi-threaded rendering, encoding, and timeline scrubbing for efficient editing.

$133.90
14% of budget
AMD Ryzen 5 5600 6-Core Processor

The Ryzen 5 5600 is a 6-core/12-thread Zen 3 CPU at 4.6GHz boost, ideal for budget video editing. Paired with B550, it supports PCIe 4.0 SSD/GPU for fast data access.

At $134, it punches above its price vs Intel i5-12400F, offering better multi-core value for Premiere/Resolve. Vs $250 Ryzen 7, it's 20-30% slower on heavy renders but 90% as capable for 1080p/4K proxy.

Outstanding value: Efficient 65W TDP, included Wraith cooler (we upgrade it), future AM4 support.

Pros

  • +6 cores/12 threads excel in DaVinci Resolve exports
  • +PCIe 4.0 for fast NVMe/GPU
  • +65W low heat/power
  • +Great price/performance for editing
  • +AM4 platform for cheap upgrades

Cons

  • -No integrated graphics (needs discrete GPU)
  • -AM4 end-of-life (but cheap now)
  • -Slower single-core vs newer Zen 4

Upgrade Option: Ryzen 7 5700X ($189) - 8 cores for 30% faster renders

Budget Alternative: Ryzen 5 5500 ($95) - Lose 10-15% multi-core speed

Check Price on Amazon
#2essentialRAM

Corsair Vengeance LPX 32GB (2x16GB) DDR4 3200MHz C16

Enables smooth 4K proxy timelines and multitasking without swapping to disk.

$84.99
9% of budget
Corsair Vengeance LPX 32GB (2x16GB) DDR4 3200MHz C16

Low-profile black heatspreader kit optimized for Ryzen, XMP-enabled for easy 3200MHz.

Fits budget perfectly—handles 10+ layer 1080p or proxy 4K in Premiere. Vs $120 3600MHz kits, negligible 5% speed gain for editing. Vs 16GB ($45), double capacity prevents crashes.

Top value at this price; lifetime warranty, reliable for 24/7 renders.

Pros

  • +32GB ideal for video editing workloads
  • +Easy XMP overclock
  • +Low-profile fits most coolers
  • +Lifetime warranty
  • +Perfect Ryzen sweet spot speed

Cons

  • -DDR4 (not DDR5)
  • -C16 latency average
  • -No RGB (saves cost)

Upgrade Option: Corsair Dominator 64GB 3600MHz ($160) - Double capacity for heavy 4K

Budget Alternative: TeamGroup 16GB 3200 ($35) - Crashes on complex timelines

Check Price on Amazon
#3essentialGPU

PowerColor Radeon RX 6600 Fighter 8GB GDDR6

Provides GPU acceleration for effects, playback, and exports in Resolve/Premiere.

$189.99
20% of budget
PowerColor Radeon RX 6600 Fighter 8GB GDDR6

RDNA2 GPU with 8GB VRAM, 1792 shaders for excellent video editing acceleration. Supports AV1 decode/encode.

Under $200, crushes 1080p/1440p editing; 4K proxies smooth at 60fps. Vs RTX 3060 12GB ($280), similar performance but cheaper/better VRAM for Resolve.

Insane value—handles DaVinci Fusion effects flawlessly.

Pros

  • +8GB VRAM for 4K proxies/textures
  • +Great Resolve/Premiere acceleration
  • +Quiet dual fans
  • +AV1 encoding support
  • +PCIe 4.0 x8 efficient

Cons

  • -8GB limits native 4K heavy effects
  • -No DLSS (AMD FSR ok)
  • -Average ray tracing

Upgrade Option: RX 7600 XT 16GB ($320) - More VRAM/faster 4K native

Budget Alternative: RX 6500 XT 4GB ($130) - Struggles with 4K proxies

Check Price on Amazon
#4essentialStorage

WD Black SN770 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD

Fast boot/apps/scratch disk for quick timeline loading and exports.

$69.99
7% of budget
WD Black SN770 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD

DRAM-less but HMB-optimized PCIe 4.0 SSD hitting 5150MB/s reads.

Perfect budget editing drive—loads 4K footage fast. Vs premium SN850X ($100), 20% slower but irrelevant for most edits.

DRAM-less design saves $30 without real-world bottlenecks.

Pros

  • +PCIe 4.0 speeds on budget
  • +1TB for OS/apps/footage
  • +5-year warranty
  • +WD reliability
  • +Great thermals

Cons

  • -DRAM-less (fine for consumer)
  • -No heatsink (add $10 if needed)
  • -Write speeds drop sustained

Upgrade Option: WD SN850X 2TB ($159) - Double space, 15% faster

Budget Alternative: Crucial P3 500GB ($35) - Half space, slower PCIe 3.0

Check Price on Amazon
#5essentialMotherboard

Gigabyte B550M DS3H Micro ATX Motherboard

Connects all components with PCIe 4.0 support and BIOS flashback.

$96.99
10% of budget
Gigabyte B550M DS3H Micro ATX Motherboard

Solid B550 board with Realtek LAN, 4 RAM slots, M.2 slots.

Budget king for Ryzen 5000—easy BIOS update for 5600. Vs $150 WiFi boards, no wireless (use dongle $10).

Reliable VRM for stock use; great value.

Pros

  • +PCIe 4.0 GPU/SSD
  • +BIOS flashback easy
  • +2x M.2 slots
  • +USB 3.2 ports
  • +AM4 future-proof

Cons

  • -No WiFi/BT
  • -Basic audio
  • -mATX limits expansion

Upgrade Option: MSI B550 Tomahawk ($160) - Better VRM/WiFi

Budget Alternative: A520M ($70) - Lose PCIe 4.0

Check Price on Amazon
#6essentialPower Supply

Corsair CX550F RGB 550W 80+ Bronze PSU

Reliable power for stable 450W system draw with headroom.

$59.99
6% of budget
Corsair CX550F RGB 550W 80+ Bronze PSU

Semi-modular fully modular cables? Semi, 80+ Bronze efficiency.

Safe for RX 6600 (300W peak); 7-year warranty. Vs Gold units ($90), same reliability.

Essential safety without overspend.

Pros

  • +550W ample headroom
  • +Semi-modular cables
  • +7-year warranty
  • +Quiet fan
  • +80+ Bronze efficient

Cons

  • -Non-full modular
  • -No 12VHPWR
  • -Basic RGB

Upgrade Option: Corsair RM750x Gold ($105) - Fully modular, quieter

Budget Alternative: EVGA 500 W1 ($40) - Less headroom/warranty

Check Price on Amazon
#7essentialCase

DeepCool CC560 ARGB Mid-Tower Case

Provides airflow and space for components with tempered glass.

$64.99
7% of budget
DeepCool CC560 ARGB Mid-Tower Case

Mesh front, 4 ARGB fans included for cooling.

Great budget airflow—keeps GPU under 70C load. Vs $100 premium, same cooling less bling.

Value-packed for builders.

Pros

  • +4x ARGB fans included
  • +Mesh airflow
  • +Supports 360mm radiator
  • +Cable management
  • +Tempered glass

Cons

  • -Thin metal
  • -Basic I/O
  • -ARGB controller cheap

Upgrade Option: Corsair 4000D ($95) - Better build quality/airflow

Budget Alternative: Lian Li Lancool 205 Mesh ($50) - Fewer fans

Check Price on Amazon
#8recommendedMonitor

LG 27QN600-B 27-inch QHD IPS Monitor

Accurate colors and 1440p resolution for precise editing previews.

$169.00
18% of budget
LG 27QN600-B 27-inch QHD IPS Monitor

Running total: $736 (PC tower) + $169 = $905. Remaining: $95.

IPS panel with 99% sRGB, 60Hz, HDR10 for color grading.

Ideal editing display—wide view angles. Vs 4K ($250), easier on GPU. Budget 1440p champ.

Pros

  • +27" 1440p sharp for timelines
  • +IPS color accuracy (99% sRGB)
  • +Slim bezels
  • +HDMI/DP ports
  • +75Hz smooth

Cons

  • -60Hz (no 144Hz)
  • -Basic stand
  • -No USB hub

Upgrade Option: Dell S2722QC 27" 4K ($280) - Native 4K scrubbing

Budget Alternative: Acer 24" 1080p ($90) - Smaller/lower res

Check Price on Amazon
#9recommendedCPU Cooler

Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE CPU Cooler

Keeps CPU cool during long renders for sustained boosts.

$34.90
4% of budget
Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE CPU Cooler

Dual-tower 6-heatpipe air cooler, outperforms stock 20C cooler.

Quiet at 25dB; $35 best value. Stock Wraith ok but hotter/noisier.

Installs easy on AM4.

Pros

  • +Drops temps 20C vs stock
  • +Very quiet
  • +6 heatpipes
  • +$35 killer value
  • +AM4/AM5 compatible

Cons

  • -Large (check clearance)
  • -No RGB
  • -Push-pin mount fiddly

Upgrade Option: Noctua NH-U12S ($70) - Quieter/premium

Budget Alternative: Stock Wraith ($0) - 15-20C hotter loads

Check Price on Amazon
#10recommendedKeyboard & Mouse

Logitech MK270 Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Combo

Reliable wireless input for shortcuts and navigation. **Final total: $905 + $25 = $930.**

$24.99
3% of budget
Logitech MK270 Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Combo

Full-size keyboard + ambidextrous mouse, 36-month battery.

Budget essential—plug-and-play. Vs mechanical ($100), no typing feel but functional.

Proven durable.

Pros

  • +Wireless 10m range
  • +Long battery life
  • +Spill-resistant keys
  • +Quiet typing
  • +Affordable reliability

Cons

  • -Membrane keys
  • -No backlighting
  • -Basic mouse DPI

Upgrade Option: Logitech MX Keys Combo ($130) - Premium feel/wireless charging

Budget Alternative: Amazon Basics Wired ($15) - Lose wireless

Check Price on Amazon
#11optionalHeadphones

FIFINE AmpliGame A6V USB/XLR Headset

Clear audio monitoring for edits. **Grand total: $960 (buffer $40).** Optional—use phone buds initially.

$29.99
3% of budget
FIFINE AmpliGame A6V USB/XLR Headset

Noise-canceling mic, 50mm drivers for precise sound.

Great for voiceover monitoring. Vs $100 Audio-Technica, good enough starter.

USB plug-and-play.

Pros

  • +Clear mic for narration
  • +Comfortable long sessions
  • +USB/XLR versatile
  • +Detachable mic
  • +Budget sound quality

Cons

  • -Plastic build
  • -Average isolation
  • -No EQ software

Upgrade Option: Audio-Technica ATH-M20x ($50) - Better open sound

Budget Alternative: Skip ($0) - Use existing headphones

Check Price on Amazon

Start with PC tower assembly (1-2 hours, no tools beyond screwdriver): 1) Install CPU/RAM on mobo (align triangles, lock levers). 2) Mount mobo in case, add PSU/cables. 3) Install SSD in M.2 slot, GPU in PCIe x16, cooler (apply pea-sized paste). 4) Cable manage, power on—BIOS flashback if needed via USB.

Boot to BIOS (Del key), enable XMP for RAM, set PCIe 4.0. Download DaVinci Resolve (free), or Premiere trial. Windows? Use USB installer ($25 key from Amazon) or Linux for Resolve.

Peripherals: HDMI/DP monitor to GPU, USB KB/M/headset. Test: Import 1080p clip, add effects—smooth? Update drivers (AMD Adrenaline). Tips: Watch Linus Tech Tips build guide; ground yourself; PCPartPicker compatibility check done.

Total time: 3 hours first-time. Troubleshoot: No POST? Reseat RAM/GPU.

Budget Tips

  • Use PCPartPicker.com to verify compatibility and track sales—saved $50 here.
  • Buy during Amazon Prime Day/Black Friday; check Newegg/Amazon for bundles.
  • Skip Windows—DaVinci Resolve free on Linux/Windows trial; OEM keys $20-30.
  • Consider used GPU (eBay RX 6600 ~$150) with warranty sellers.
  • Prioritize sales on CPU/RAM; peripherals last.
  • DIY cable extensions $5 vs pre-sleeved $30.
  • Add HDD later for storage ($40 2TB); start SSD-only.
  • Avoid Micro Center exclusives unless local—Amazon ships fast.

Common Mistakes

  • Skimping on PSU—cheap units fail, risking $500 components.
  • 16GB RAM—crashes on 4K; always 32GB min.
  • No discrete GPU—integrated chokes acceleration.
  • Ignoring PCIe 4.0 mobo—bottlenecks SSD/GPU.
  • Pre-built over custom—20% less performance same price.
  • Forgetting monitor—blind editing kills workflow.

Upgrade Roadmap

First upgrade: 64GB RAM ($85) for native 4K/heavy effects—$100 total impact, doubles multitasking. Next: 2TB SSD ($100) or RTX 4070 Super ($500) for 4K real-time and AI tools—render times halve.

Then 4K monitor ($250) and Ryzen 7 5800X3D ($250 drop-in). Wait on case/PSU (solid now). $300 gets 50% faster; $800 to pro-level. Track via UserBenchmark post-build.

Prioritize based on pain: Slow exports? GPU. Crashes? RAM. Storage full? SSD.

Related Topics

budget pc buildvideo editing pcunder 1000ryzen 5600rx 6600davinci resolvebudget setuppc build guideaffordable editing2025beginners
Browse More Budget Guides