CPU, GPU and storage play crucial roles in video editing performance. Let's look at how each of these components affects the video editing process.
CPU (Central Processing Unit)
The CPU is the main processor of your computer, and it's involved in almost every task your computer performs. When it comes to video editing, a powerful CPU can significantly speed up the process. Video editing software utilizes the CPU for rendering and exporting videos, decoding and encoding video files, and for running the editing software itself. Having a high-end CPU (for instance, with more cores and high clock speed) can help you preview your edits in real time without lag, render effects faster, and export your finished video more quickly.
GPU (Graphics Processing Unit)
The GPU is responsible for rendering graphics and image processing. Some video editing software can offload certain tasks from the CPU to the GPU, taking advantage of the GPU's superior ability to handle parallel processing tasks. This is especially useful for tasks like rendering effects and color correction. A more powerful GPU will generally allow for smoother playback in your video timeline, especially when working with high-resolution video or complex effects.
Now, let's take a look at the difference between local and cloud-based video editing:
Local Video Editing
This refers to the traditional method of video editing, where you use software installed on your own computer to edit video files stored on your local hard drives. The advantages of local editing include better performance (no latency issues), the ability to work offline, and not having to worry about ongoing subscription costs or data transfer charges. However, high-quality video editing requires a powerful (and often expensive) computer, and you are responsible for maintaining your own data backups.
Cloud-Based Video Editing
Cloud-based video editing is a newer approach where your video files are stored on a cloud server, and the actual rendering and processing of the video is done on the cloud server as well. You can then access and edit your videos from any device with an internet connection. The main advantage is that you can use a lower-spec (and less expensive) computer for video editing since the heavy lifting is done on the cloud server. It also makes collaboration easier, as multiple people can access and work on the same video files from different locations.
The Role of Storage
The role of storage in video editing cannot be overstated, particularly as video resolution continues to escalate. With files becoming larger and more complex, managing storage has become an intricate part of the video editing workflow. So how much storage is required for video editing and how can the cloud help in this context?
Traditionally, video editing is performed using local hard drive or SSD storage. However, the introduction of reliable and fast cloud storage solutions is changing the landscape. Cloud storage services, such as BeBop, provide substantial storage space that can be accessed from any device, anywhere.
For video editing of any length and complexity, 1TB of storage is the recommended minimum. If you work regularly with 8K resolution, more storage will be required as 1TB can hold around 83 minutes of 8K video. For Full HD video editing, 500GB should suffice. However, the continuous evolution towards higher resolution standards necessitates larger storage spaces.
How does cloud storage fit into the picture?
Cloud storage offers a significant advantage when it comes to accessibility and collaboration. You can access your videos from any location, and multiple users can work on the same project simultaneously. This makes cloud storage an attractive option for professional video editors and post-production teams.
Cloud Storage for Different Video Resolutions
A 500GB storage package could suffice if you're only editing videos in 1080p resolution. This can store up to 80 hours of Full HD video. However, to future-proof your setup and account for higher video resolutions, we recommend at least a 1TB storage package. For those working regularly with 4K or even 8K video projects, larger packages (2TB or more) would be necessary.
What type of storage is better for video editing?
While SSDs offer fast speed, low energy consumption, and higher reliability, cloud storage stands out for its scalability, accessibility, and collaboration capabilities. However, when choosing a cloud storage provider, make sure to consider factors such as upload/download speeds, reliability, security, and pricing.
Estimating Cloud Storage Requirements
The storage space needed depends greatly on the video format or codec you use. A commonly used format like H.264/AVC takes approximately 34.69 GB of space for 1 hour of 1080p video. As you move to higher resolutions like 4K, the space requirement increases proportionally. A 1-hour 4K video encoded in HEVC (H.265) would take about 33GB of storage space.
Considering the additional space needed for intermediate video editing footage (such as effects, audio files, and project files), a 100-hour video project might require roughly 4TB of cloud storage space.
A recommended starting point for video editing storage in the cloud is a 4TB plan. Depending on your needs, this can be scaled up. Many cloud providers offer flexible plans that let you add storage space as needed, which ensures you'll never run out of space in the middle of a crucial project. Always consider your project requirements and workflow when deciding on storage space for video editing.
Note: Keep in mind that while cloud storage offers numerous benefits, it also relies on a stable and fast internet connection. Therefore, always ensure you have reliable connectivity when opting for cloud storage solutions for video editing.
Get an estimate of how much storage you'll need by using our Video Size Calculator.