How to Choose the Best PC for Adobe Premiere Pro: System Requirements

Adobe Premiere Pro is a powerful video editing software that can be used for professional or personal use. In order to get the most out of this program, you need a PC that meets the system requirements. In this blog post, we will discuss what those requirements are and how to choose the best PC for Adobe Premiere Pro. We’ll start by saying that Premiere Pro computer specs can be a little confusing, but we’ll clear it all up.

At Gillespie Productions, we're extremely familiar with the professional video production process. We know that the right computer can make or break your workflow. We’re seeing a lot of people searching “Can my computer run Adobe Premiere?”, “Can my computer run Premiere pro?”, etc. Therefore, let's dive right in!

Adobe Premiere Pro PC Requirements for macOS and Windows

macOS

macOS is required to support certain hardware configurations for Adobe Premiere Pro to function properly.

Adobe Premiere pro’s latest version requirements for mac, macOS Catalina v10.15 or later, Intel 6thGen or newer CPU, and 8 GB of RAM are all system requirements for macOS for Adobe Premiere to function properly.

2 GB of GPU VRAM is also required for macOS for Adobe Premiere to function properly. 8 GB of available hard-disk space is also required for installation, as well as additional free space which is required during installation (Adobe Premiere Pro will not install on removable flash storage).

Windows

For Adobe Premiere pro’s latest version requirements for windows, you'll need a CPU that's either an Intel 6th Gen or newer, or an AMD Ryzen 1000 Series or newer. You'll also need to be running Microsoft Windows 10 (64-bit), v1909, or later.

Additionally, your computer should have 8 GB of RAM, 2 GB of VRAM, and 8 GB of available hard-disk space. Finally, you'll need a monitor with a resolution of 1280x800 and a sound card that's either ASIO compatible or uses the Microsoft Windows Driver Model.

If your computer meets all of these requirements, then you should be able to run Adobe Premiere Pro without any issues.

Processor (CPU) for Adobe Premiere Pro

A CPU, or central processing unit, is the main chip in a computer that handles all the instructions a computer receives. It is essentially the brain of the computer. CPUs are made up of two parts, the control unit, and the arithmetic logic unit.

The control unit is responsible for fetching instructions from memory and then deciding what to do with them. The arithmetic logic unit performs all the calculations needed to carry out those instructions. CPUs are important, especially for Adobe Premiere Pro, because they determine how fast a computer can carry out instructions and how many instructions it can carry out at the same time.

What Is the Best Processor for Adobe Premiere Pro?

The CPU is the most important component for Premiere Pro, as it handles all video decoding, effects, and transitions, as well as overall playback performance. The software benefits significantly from higher clock speeds, and Intel's Core i7 and Core i9 processors offer the best performance. AMD's equivalent processors are also very good, but not quite on the same level.

Apple's M1 processor is also very fast. Premiere Pro benefits from Quick Sync technology, which accelerates the decoding of H.264 and HEVC videos. This can be found on Intel's latest processors, as well as some AMD and Apple CPUs. Overall, these specs will provide the best Premiere Pro experience.

How Many Cores Should Your CPU Have?

For Adobe Premiere Pro, you'll want a CPU with at least 4 cores. However, if you're looking to do more intense video editing, you may want to consider a CPU with 6 or even 8 cores. The more cores your CPU has, the faster it will be able to handle demanding tasks like rendering video.

For example, a CPU with a single core may take three minutes to render a video, while a CPU with four cores could potentially do it in just one minute. And 6 or 8 can do it even faster.

Intel CPU or AMD CPU: Which One to Choose?

Both Intel and AMD CPUs offer good performance for Premiere Pro. While Intel's latest processors may have slightly better single-core speeds, AMD offers more cores for a lower price. So, if you're on a budget and don't need the absolute highest performance, AMD may be a better option for you. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and budget.

But, no matter which CPU you choose, make sure it meets or exceeds the minimum system requirements for Adobe Premiere Pro. This will ensure that you have a smooth and enjoyable editing experience.

GPU for Adobe Premiere Pro

Now let's talk about the graphics processing unit or GPU. This is a separate processor from the CPU, and it handles all of the graphical tasks for a computer, including rendering video. It is important for Premiere Pro, as it can significantly improve playback and rendering performance.

What Is the Best GPU for Adobe Premiere Pro?

For Adobe Premiere Pro, you'll want to make sure your GPU has at least 2048 MB of dedicated VRAM (video memory) and supports OpenCL or CUDA technology. NVIDIA's GeForce GTX series and AMD's Radeon RX series offer the best performance for Premiere Pro. However, it's important to note that GPU performance is not as important for Premiere Pro as CPU performance.

Should You Get Multiple GPUs?

Multiple GPUs can improve performance, but it's not necessary for Premiere Pro. The software doesn't currently support using multiple GPUs at the same time, and adding multiple GPUs can also increase power consumption and generate more heat. Unless you plan on doing extremely intensive video editing, a single GPU should be enough.

How Much VRAM Does Adobe Premiere Pro Require?

Adobe Premiere Pro requires a minimum of 2048 MB (or two gigabytes) of dedicated VRAM. However, more is always better, as it allows for faster rendering and playback. If you plan on doing more intense video editing, consider a GPU with 4096 MB or even higher VRAM. And if you want to future-proof your rig, look for a GPU with the ability to upgrade its VRAM through additional memory modules.

Storage Specs for Adobe Premiere Pro

Moving on, let's talk about storage. Storage is important for Premiere Pro, as it needs to load all of your project files and media to edit them. If you have a slow or inadequate storage setup, it can cause lag and slow down your editing process. For example, using a traditional spinning hard drive for storage can significantly slow down your performance.

What Type of Storage Device Is the Best for Adobe Premiere Pro?

For Premiere Pro, it's best to use a Solid State Drive (SSD) for your main storage device. SSDs are much faster than traditional hard drives, and can greatly improve the speed at which Premiere Pro loads and saves projects.

If you have a lot of media files and need additional storage, consider using a secondary hard drive for archiving older projects or media that you don't currently need access to. It can also be helpful to have a separate drive for your operating system and applications, as this can improve overall performance.

What Storage Configuration Should You Use?

For optimal performance, aim for a storage setup that includes an SSD for your main operating system and projects, and additional hard drives for archiving old projects and media files. When configuring your storage, make sure to keep frequently-accessed files and projects on the faster SSD, while archiving older files on slower hard drives. Some people also prefer to use an external SSD for their media files, as it can improve performance when working with footage from a camera over USB or Thunderbolt.

Conclusion

Choosing the right PC for Adobe Premiere Pro can be a daunting task when not familiar with the technical specs and system requirements, but paying close attention to the Premiere Pro recommended specs we are offering can lead to the best possible experience.

If you're in need of a commercial videographer company, Gillespie Productions offers top-notch services using high-performance computers and equipment.Contact us today to learn more!