Video Editing Benchmarks Compared: Intel vs AMD Performance Breakdown

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Video editing workloads demand a delicate balance between single-threaded speed, multicore scaling, thermal efficiency, and software compatibility. Whether you’re editing short films in Adobe Premiere Pro or color grading 4K projects in DaVinci Resolve, the CPU is the performance backbone of any workstation.

Intel vs AMD Performance Breakdown
Intel vs AMD Performance Breakdown

In this comprehensive report, we evaluate CPU benchmark editing performance, offering direct Intel vs AMD speed comparisons through editing test results. The data reflects real-world workflows across common editing suites to ensure practical, relevant insight for creators.

Methodology: How We Tested Editing Performance

To reflect a real editor’s experience, we used the following conditions:

  • Software Platforms: Adobe Premiere Pro 2024, DaVinci Resolve Studio 18.6, After Effects 2024

  • Footage: 4K H.264 and 6K ProRes footage with multi-layer timelines

  • Render Settings: Hardware-accelerated encoding enabled (where supported)

  • System RAM: 64GB DDR5 (or DDR4 where platform limits)

  • GPU: NVIDIA RTX 4080 for GPU-accelerated tasks

Each CPU was benchmarked for:

  • Timeline playback stability

  • Export speed (H.264 and ProRes)

  • Multitasking under load (editing + background tasks)

CPU Benchmark Editing Scores (2025 Update)

Top Editing CPUs – Real-World Performance Overview

CPU Model Cores/Threads Export Time (4K, 10min) Playback (Layers) DaVinci Fusion Test Adobe Effects Render Price (USD)
Intel Core i9-14900K 24 (8P+16E) 4m 22s 12 layers smooth Excellent 3m 55s $589
AMD Ryzen 9 7950X 16 / 32 4m 10s 11 layers smooth Excellent 3m 48s $549
Intel Core i7-14700K 20 (8P+12E) 4m 45s 10 layers smooth Very Good 4m 02s $439
AMD Ryzen 9 7900X 12 / 24 4m 50s 9 layers Very Good 4m 18s $429
Intel Core i5-14500 14 (6P+8E) 5m 30s 7 layers Moderate 4m 55s $239
AMD Ryzen 5 7600 6 / 12 5m 12s 7 layers Moderate 4m 50s $229

Adobe Premiere Pro

Intel continues to dominate timeline playback and H.264 exports due to its Quick Sync Video hardware encoder. This gives Intel chips a noticeable edge in real-time responsiveness and faster exports on compressed codecs.

  • Best Intel Performer: Core i9-14900K

  • Best AMD Performer: Ryzen 9 7950X

  • Winner: Intel (especially for H.264/HEVC projects)

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DaVinci Resolve

AMD excels in multicore rendering and Fusion compositions thanks to higher raw thread throughput. The Ryzen 9 7950X and 7900X particularly shine in Fusion node graphs and timeline caching.

After Effects

After Effects benefits from high single-thread speed and RAM efficiency. Intel CPUs with P-cores lead here, though Ryzen isn’t far behind in modern versions that better utilize multicore pipelines.

Thermal and Power Behavior During Editing

Video editing sessions often last hours, meaning heat output and power draw matter for stability.

Intel (14th Gen):

  • Peak power draw: ~250W (Core i9)

  • Heat spikes during export, but fast cooldowns

  • Requires robust cooling (240mm AIO recommended)

AMD (7000 Series):

  • Lower sustained power (170–230W typical)

  • Slightly more consistent thermal curve

  • Ideal for long render sessions in confined cases

Platform Longevity and Upgrade Paths

Intel (LGA1700 Platform)

  • Ends support with 14th Gen

  • DDR4/DDR5 compatibility offers flexibility

  • Limited futureproofing beyond 2025

AMD (AM5 Platform)

  • Supported through at least 2027

  • PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 standard

  • Ideal for future component upgrades

Top Editing Test Results: Summary Table

Use Case Best CPU Choice Reason
Fastest H.264 Export Intel Core i9-14900K Quick Sync leads for compressed footage
Fusion + Color Grading AMD Ryzen 9 7950X Thread-heavy workflow optimization
Budget 4K Timeline Ryzen 5 7600 Affordable, responsive, supports future upgrades
All-Round Stability Intel Core i7-14700K Balanced P/E-core setup, great thermals
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Which CPU Wins for Editing?

Both AMD and Intel bring compelling strengths to editing workflows in 2025. The choice depends on software preferences, budget, and workflow intensity.

  • Choose Intel if: Your workflow is H.264/HEVC dominant, requires real-time exports, or you use Adobe apps exclusively.

  • Choose AMD if: You handle long renders, color grading in Resolve, or want a cooler, longer-term platform with upgrade options.

No matter which platform you choose, pairing your CPU with high-speed NVMe storage, adequate RAM, and a capable GPU is essential for unlocking full performance in modern editing suites.