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Looking for a prebuilt PC that won’t break the bank but still packs the power you need for video editing?
In this article, we’ll review the top three budget-friendly prebuilt PCs for video editing at different price points—under $600, $800, and $1000—so you can find the perfect fit for your editing setup without sacrificing performance.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned editor, there’s something here for every budget.
3 Budget Prebuilt PCs For Video Editing in 2025 Round-Up
The table below will give you a quick look at our selections for the three best budget prebuilt PCs for video editing currently available on the market, ranging from under $600 to just under $1000. To read a full review, simply click on ‘read review’ in the respective row.
1. HP Pro Tower 290 G9 Best PC for Video Editing Under $600 |  | 9.5/10 | |
2. Lenovo ThinkCentre Neo 50S Best PC for Video Editing Under $800 |  | 9.7/10 | |
3. Dell OptiPlex 7020 Plus Tower Best PC for Video Editing Under $1000 |  | 9.8/10 |
1. HP Pro Tower 290 G9
Best PC for Video Editing Under $600
CPU: Intel Core i5-12400 | Graphics Card: Intel UHD Graphics 730 | RAM: 32 GB DDR4 | Storage: 512 GB SSD + 1TB HDD | Operating System: Windows 11 Pro
REASONS TO BUY
- Handles demanding editing tasks smoothly
- Easily manages large projects and multitasking
- Fast load times with plenty of space for files
- Supports dual monitors for efficient workflows
- Delivers exceptional value under $600
- Comes ready with modern security and tools
- Wireless connectivity for flexible setup
- Useful for those still working with physical media
REASONS TO AVOID
- May struggle with graphics-intensive effects
- Limited room for future upgrades
- Not built for high-end professional studios
Our Rating: 9.5/10
When you’re a video editor on a budget, finding the right machine that balances performance and price is crucial. The HP Pro Tower 290 G9 is hands down one of the best options you can get under $600, offering solid performance, flexibility, and great value for the money.
At the heart of the HP Pro Tower 290 G9 is the 12th-generation Intel Core i5-12400 processor. Now, we’re talking about a chip that can handle multitasking and video editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, or Final Cut Pro with ease. Video editing demands a lot from your CPU—rendering, encoding, and playback—and this processor does it all without making you wait forever. The 6-core, 12-thread design means you can smoothly work on 1080p and even 4K footage without your system slowing down during crucial tasks.
Couple that with 32GB of DDR4 RAM, and you’ve got a machine that can handle demanding video files and multitasking workflows. With this amount of memory, you won’t see your PC struggle with large project files, multiple timelines, or working with several applications simultaneously. Whether you’re working on short films, YouTube videos, or client projects, you can rest assured that this PC will keep up with you.
Storage is another critical factor for video editing, and the Pro Tower 290 G9 doesn’t disappoint. The combination of a 512GB SSD and a 1TB HDD gives you the perfect blend of speed and space. The SSD is your go-to for fast boot times and quick loading of your editing software, as well as smooth playback of video files. Meanwhile, the 1TB HDD offers ample space for storing large video files, project backups, and other assets, all at a very affordable price point.
One of the nice features of this PC is its dual-monitor support with 4K capability. If you’re editing videos, having multiple screens is a game-changer. You can have your timeline on one screen, your preview on another, and your assets or video clips right in front of you. With this PC, you’re not limited to a single display.
What really makes this PC stand out is the value it offers for the price. For under $600, you’re getting a reliable PC that delivers the power needed for serious video editing tasks. You’re not compromising on performance or features, and you’re getting a system that’s ready to handle the growing demands of your editing workflow.
Plus, the PC comes with Windows 11 Pro, which means you’re getting the latest operating system with all the security features and productivity tools you need for a professional editing setup. The inclusion of Wi-Fi ensures you won’t be tethered to a wired connection, and the DVD-RW drive (though not essential for every editor) can be a nice touch for those still dealing with physical media.
If you’re a video editor looking for a reliable, budget-friendly desktop that doesn’t skimp on the essentials, the HP Pro Tower 290 G9 should be at the top of your list. With a powerful Intel processor, plenty of RAM, ample storage, and 4K dual monitor support, it delivers real-world performance and value. This PC will help you cut down on lag, boost productivity, and keep your editing workflow smooth—all for a great price under $600.
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2. Lenovo ThinkCentre Neo 50S
Best PC for Video Editing Under $800
CPU: Intel Core i7-12700K | Graphics Card: Intel UHD Graphics 770 | RAM: 32 GB DDR4 | Storage: 1TB SSD | Operating System: Windows 11 Pro
REASONS TO BUY
- Amazing value under $800 with high-performance specs
- Handles high-resolution 4K footage and multitasking effortlessly
- 32GB RAM ensures smooth editing and rendering without lag
- 1TB SSD offers fast read/write speeds for quick access to files
- Compact design saves desk space, ideal for smaller workspaces
- Plenty of ports and a 7-in-1 card reader for easy media transfer
- Comes with Windows 11 Pro for security and optimized performance
REASONS TO AVOID
- May not be ideal for extremely demanding video effects
- Limited upgrade potential due to compact design
Our Rating: 9.7/10
When you’re stepping up your video editing game but don’t want to break the bank, the Lenovo ThinkCentre Neo 50S is a fantastic option under $800. It strikes the perfect balance between performance, storage, and value for money, and it packs some serious punch for video editing.
The Intel Core i7-12700K processor is a beast when it comes to handling video editing tasks. With its 12 cores (8 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores), this CPU can manage intensive rendering and multitasking with ease. Whether you’re working with high-resolution 4K footage or handling multiple timelines in software like Adobe Premiere Pro or DaVinci Resolve, this chip won’t let you down.
Video editing requires a lot of power from both the CPU and the RAM, and this i7 processor, paired with 32GB of RAM, ensures you’ll breeze through heavy workloads. You won’t experience lag during playback or delays when rendering your projects, which makes the editing process far more efficient and enjoyable.
One of the standout features of this PC is its 1TB SSD. Storage speed is critical for video editors, and this SSD offers incredible read and write speeds that will keep your projects running smoothly. Boot times are quick, applications load faster, and video files are accessible without delay.
While video editing setups often require multiple monitors and external devices, desk space is always at a premium. This PC is designed with a small form factor, so it’s compact and won’t take up too much space on your desk. It’s a great option if you’re working from a smaller workspace or need to keep your setup clean and organized.
For video editors, connectivity is just as important as raw performance. This PC comes with plenty of ports for all your peripherals. The 7-in-1 card reader is a standout feature for content creators who rely on SD cards and other media storage devices to import footage. Whether you’re using SD cards, USB drives, or external hard drives, this desktop makes it easy to transfer your media quickly.
The Windows 11 Pro operating system is the cherry on top of this already impressive package. With the latest version of Windows, you get enhanced security, a more intuitive interface, and optimized performance for modern video editing software. Plus, Windows 11 Pro is great for professional workflows with its advanced features like remote desktop, enhanced storage, and networking capabilities.
For under $800, the Lenovo ThinkCentre Neo 50S is an absolute steal for video editors. With its i7 processor, 32GB of RAM, and 1TB SSD, this desktop delivers impressive performance that will allow you to edit and render videos without frustration. Its compact size makes it ideal for anyone working in smaller spaces, while its ample storage and fast connectivity keep your workflow smooth and efficient.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly, high-performance PC for video editing, this PC is an excellent choice. It combines power, reliability, and excellent value for money—making it one of the best prebuilt PCs for video editors on a budget.
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3. Dell OptiPlex 7020 Plus Tower
Best PC for Video Editing Under $1000
CPU: Intel Core i7-14700 | Graphics Card: Intel UHD Graphics 770 | RAM: 32 GB DDR5 | Storage: 1TB SSD | Operating System: Windows 11 Pro
REASONS TO BUY
- Powerful 14th-gen Intel i7 with 20 cores and turbo boost for smooth 4K editing
- 32GB DDR5 RAM provides fast data transfer and efficient multitasking
- 1TB SSD ensures quick boot times and faster file transfers
- Windows 11 Pro for an optimized, secure editing environment
- Compact design fits in small workspaces without sacrificing power
- Excellent value under $1000 for high-performance video editing
REASONS TO AVOID
- Not be ideal for extremely graphics-intensive tasks
- Not built for large-scale professional studio environments
Our Rating: 9.8/10
For video editors who need solid performance without breaking the bank, the Dell OptiPlex 7020 Plus is a great option under $1000. This machine combines a powerful 14th-generation Intel i7 processor, 32GB of DDR5 RAM, and a 1TB SSD, making it an excellent choice for anyone working with video editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, or Final Cut Pro.
The 14th Generation Intel Core i7-14700 processor is a true powerhouse for video editing. With 20 cores (16 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores) and the ability to turbo boost up to 5.4GHz, this CPU is more than capable of handling intensive editing tasks. Whether you’re editing 4K footage, rendering complex timelines, or exporting large video files, this chip will deliver smooth performance without lag.
The 32GB DDR5 RAM in this system is another standout feature. Video editing software thrives on high memory, especially when dealing with large project files or multiple video tracks. The increased memory speed of DDR5 RAM allows for faster data transfer and improved system responsiveness, which is a major plus when you’re editing video, working with effects, or switching between multiple applications.
This combination of a beefy CPU and this type of memory ensures that you can work seamlessly, even on large and complex video editing projects. Whether you’re color grading, applying visual effects, or cutting together footage, you won’t run into slowdowns that can delay your workflow.
The 1TB SSD in this PC is a major upgrade over traditional hard drives. Video files can be large, and having a fast storage solution is key for keeping your editing smooth. With an SSD, boot times are quick, and file transfers are faster, reducing the time spent waiting for files to load.
The Windows 11 Pro operating system is pre-installed, providing you with the latest and most secure version of Windows. For video editors, Windows 11 Pro offers an optimized environment for working with editing software, thanks to its improved user interface and new features like virtual desktops and advanced multitasking. It also ensures that you’re working with a secure and modern OS, which is essential for professional-grade video production.
One of the advantages of this PC is its compact design. It is small enough to fit comfortably in most workspaces without taking up too much room, but it still offers all the power you need for video editing. If you’re looking for a clean and professional-looking setup without sacrificing performance, this system strikes that perfect balance.
All in all, if you’re a video editor looking for a high-performance PC under $1000, the Dell OptiPlex 7020 Plus is an outstanding choice. The 14th Generation i7 processor, 32GB of DDR5 RAM, and 1TB SSD offer fantastic value for money, giving you all the power and storage you need to edit in 4K and beyond.
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Final Words
When it comes to video editing on a budget, you don’t have to settle for sluggish performance or frustrating lag.
The prebuilt PCs we’ve reviewed offer a great balance of power, efficiency, and affordability at each price point. No matter which option you choose—under $600, $800, or $1000—you’ll be equipped to tackle your editing projects without breaking the bank.
Happy editing, and here’s to creating your next masterpiece with the right setup!
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