Buying Guide
The Best PCs for Video Editing
From the HOENGAGER RX 9060 XT to the Skytech Archangel 5: five gaming PCs ranked on VRAM and memory, with who should skip each one.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
Video editing leans on RAM for long timelines and on the GPU for effects and exports. Every pick has 32GB or more of RAM and a graphics card with 12GB or more, ordered from the lowest price.
We sorted these picks by graphics card, VRAM and processor, working from the makers' own data; nothing here was tested in-house, and if a maker skips warranty, the guide says so.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Lowest Price Here
HOENGAGER Panorama (Ryzen 7 5700X, Radeon RX 9060 XT 16GB)
The cheapest way into this group, below the MSI Codex R2.
Best for: Keeping the budget tight.
Our take Check price for HOENGAGER Panorama (Ryzen 7 5700X, Radeon RX 9060 XT 16GB) (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
MSI Codex R2 (Core i5-14400F, RTX 5070 12GB)
Air cooling and Wi-Fi 6E.
Best for: Buyers who want air cooling and Wi-Fi 6E.
Our take Check price for MSI Codex R2 (Core i5-14400F, RTX 5070 12GB) (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
HOENGAGER Panorama (Ryzen 7 5700X, RTX 5070 12GB)
A 240mm AIO and software-controlled ARGB fans.
Best for: Buyers who want 240mm AIO and software-controlled ARGB fans.
Our take Check price for HOENGAGER Panorama (Ryzen 7 5700X, RTX 5070 12GB) (opens in a new tab)
Largest SSD Capacity
CyberPowerPC Gaming PC (Ryzen 7 8700F, RTX 5060 Ti 16GB)
The largest SSD capacity here (2TB).
Best for: Buyers who put SSD capacity first.
Our take Check price for CyberPowerPC Gaming PC (Ryzen 7 8700F, RTX 5060 Ti 16GB) (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
Skytech Archangel 5 Gaming PC (Ryzen 7 7700X, RTX 5070 12GB)
The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with a 360mm ARGB AIO cooler.
Best for: Buyers who want the most complete package.
Our take Check price for Skytech Archangel 5 Gaming PC (Ryzen 7 7700X, RTX 5070 12GB) (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
HOENGAGER Panorama (Ryzen 7 5700X, Radeon RX 9060 XT 16GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Inside the HOENGAGER RX 9060 XT are a Ryzen 7 5700X and an RX 9060 XT with 16GB of VRAM, backed by 32GB of DDR4 and 1TB of SSD storage.
Best for
- Keeping the budget tight.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: sSD capacity of 1TB, behind the CyberPowerPC 5060 Ti 16GB (2TB).
Why we like it
It also comes with a 16GB RX 9060 XT under $1,500 at the time of writing. Its PSU wattage isn't published, so ask the seller before a GPU upgrade. On VRAM it ties with the CyberPowerPC 5060 Ti 16GB at 16GB.
On SSD capacity it ties with the MSI Codex R2, the HOENGAGER RTX 5070 and the Skytech Archangel 5 at 1TB. An RX 9060 XT graphics card is unique to it among these picks, while the HOENGAGER RTX 5070 uses an RTX 5070 graphics card. It shares a ryzen 7 5700X processor with the HOENGAGER RTX 5070; the CyberPowerPC 5060 Ti 16GB goes with a ryzen 7 8700F processor.
No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the MSI Codex R2 was closest. What it gives up: SSD capacity of 1TB, behind the CyberPowerPC 5060 Ti 16GB (2TB); by contrast, the CyberPowerPC 5060 Ti 16GB is rated for 2TB.
Key dimensions & specs
- Graphics card: RX 9060 XT
- VRAM: 16GB
- Processor: Ryzen 7 5700X
- Memory: 32GB
- Memory type: DDR4
- SSD: 1TB
Pros
- A RX 9060 XT graphics card
- 16GB of VRAM for high texture settings
- 32GB of RAM
- 16GB RX 9060 XT under $1,500 at the time of writing
Cons
- SSD capacity of 1TB, behind the CyberPowerPC 5060 Ti 16GB (2TB)
Also Consider2 of 5
MSI Codex R2 (Core i5-14400F, RTX 5070 12GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
MSI's Codex R2 pairs a Core i5-14400F with an RTX 5070 12GB and 32GB of DDR5.
Best for
- Buyers who want air cooling and Wi-Fi 6E.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the HOENGAGER RX 9060 XT was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
It is air cooled and offers Wi-Fi 6E. It matches the HOENGAGER RTX 5070 and the Skytech Archangel 5 on VRAM (12GB). Like the HOENGAGER RTX 5070 and Skytech Archangel 5, it has an RTX 5070 graphics card, while the HOENGAGER RX 9060 XT uses an RX 9060 XT graphics card.
No other pick in this guide offers a core i5-14400F processor; compare the CyberPowerPC 5060 Ti 16GB, which has a ryzen 7 8700F processor. Like the CyberPowerPC 5060 Ti 16GB, it has a DDR5 memory type, while the HOENGAGER RTX 5070 uses a DDR4 memory type. Check the MSI Codex R2's ports against your monitor: most graphics cards use DisplayPort and HDMI, so match the cable to the refresh rate you want. On price it sat second of 5, between the cheaper HOENGAGER RX 9060 XT and the pricier HOENGAGER RTX 5070, at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Graphics card: RTX 5070
- VRAM: 12GB
- Processor: Core i5-14400F
- Memory: 32GB
- Memory type: DDR5
- SSD: 1TB
Pros
- A RTX 5070 graphics card
- 12GB of VRAM for high texture settings
- 32GB of RAM
- Air cooling and Wi-Fi 6E
Cons
- Costs more than the HOENGAGER RX 9060 XT at the time of writing
Strong Alternative3 of 5
HOENGAGER Panorama (Ryzen 7 5700X, RTX 5070 12GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Inside the HOENGAGER RTX 5070 are a Ryzen 7 5700X and an RTX 5070 with 12GB of VRAM, backed by 32GB of DDR4 and 1TB of SSD storage.
Best for
- Buyers who want 240mm AIO and software-controlled ARGB fans.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the HOENGAGER RX 9060 XT cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It also comes with a 240mm AIO and software-controlled ARGB fans. Its PSU wattage isn't published, so ask the seller before a GPU upgrade. On VRAM it ties with the MSI Codex R2 and the Skytech Archangel 5 at 12GB.
On SSD capacity it ties with the HOENGAGER RX 9060 XT, the MSI Codex R2 and the Skytech Archangel 5 at 1TB. It shares an RTX 5070 graphics card with the MSI Codex R2 and Skytech Archangel 5; the CyberPowerPC 5060 Ti 16GB goes with an RTX 5060 Ti graphics card. It shares a ryzen 7 5700X processor with the HOENGAGER RX 9060 XT; the Skytech Archangel 5 goes with a ryzen 7 7700X processor.
It shares a DDR4 memory type with the HOENGAGER RX 9060 XT; the Skytech Archangel 5 goes with a DDR5-6000 memory type. It was priced above the MSI Codex R2 and below the CyberPowerPC 5060 Ti 16GB at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Graphics card: RTX 5070
- VRAM: 12GB
- Processor: Ryzen 7 5700X
- Memory: 32GB
- Memory type: DDR4
- SSD: 1TB
Pros
- A RTX 5070 graphics card
- 12GB of VRAM for high texture settings
- 32GB of RAM
- 240mm AIO and software-controlled ARGB fans
Cons
- Costs more than the HOENGAGER RX 9060 XT at the time of writing
Largest SSD Capacity4 of 5
CyberPowerPC Gaming PC (Ryzen 7 8700F, RTX 5060 Ti 16GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Inside the CyberPowerPC 5060 Ti 16GB are a Ryzen 7 8700F and an RTX 5060 Ti with 16GB of VRAM, backed by 32GB of DDR5 and 2TB of SSD storage.
Best for
- Buyers who put SSD capacity first.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the HOENGAGER RX 9060 XT was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
It also comes with the 16GB version of the RTX 5060 Ti and liquid CPU cooling. Its PSU wattage isn't published, so ask the seller before a GPU upgrade. It matches the HOENGAGER RX 9060 XT on VRAM (16GB).
Its 2TB SSD capacity is the largest here; the HOENGAGER RX 9060 XT comes next at 1TB. No other pick in this guide offers an RTX 5060 Ti graphics card; compare the HOENGAGER RTX 5070, which has an RTX 5070 graphics card. No other pick in this guide offers a ryzen 7 8700F processor; compare the HOENGAGER RTX 5070, which has a ryzen 7 5700X processor.
Like the MSI Codex R2, it has a DDR5 memory type, while the HOENGAGER RX 9060 XT uses a DDR4 memory type. On price it sat fourth of 5, between the cheaper HOENGAGER RTX 5070 and the pricier Skytech Archangel 5, at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Graphics card: RTX 5060 Ti
- VRAM: 16GB
- Processor: Ryzen 7 8700F
- Memory: 32GB
- Memory type: DDR5
- SSD: 2TB
- Warranty: 1 year parts and labor
Pros
- A RTX 5060 Ti graphics card
- 16GB of VRAM for high texture settings
- 32GB of RAM
- A 2TB SSD
Cons
- Costs more than the HOENGAGER RX 9060 XT at the time of writing
Premium Pick5 of 5
Skytech Archangel 5 Gaming PC (Ryzen 7 7700X, RTX 5070 12GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Skytech's Archangel 5 pairs a Ryzen 7 7700X with an RTX 5070 12GB, 32GB of DDR5-6000 and a 360mm ARGB AIO cooler.
Best for
- Buyers who want the most complete package.
Skip if
- Skip it if VRAM matters most to you; the HOENGAGER RX 9060 XT offers 16GB.
Why we like it
The case is white, and the PSU is a 750W Gold unit. On VRAM it ties with the MSI Codex R2 and the HOENGAGER RTX 5070 at 12GB. It shares an RTX 5070 graphics card with the MSI Codex R2 and HOENGAGER RTX 5070; the CyberPowerPC 5060 Ti 16GB goes with an RTX 5060 Ti graphics card.
You get a ryzen 7 7700X processor here, which sets it apart from the CyberPowerPC 5060 Ti 16GB and its a ryzen 7 8700F processor. A DDR5-6000 memory type is unique to it among these picks, while the MSI Codex R2 uses a DDR5 memory type. Only the CyberPowerPC 5060 Ti 16GB came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 5 picks. It gives ground on VRAM, where the HOENGAGER RX 9060 XT offers 16GB.
Key dimensions & specs
- Graphics card: RTX 5070
- VRAM: 12GB
- Processor: Ryzen 7 7700X
- Memory: 32GB
- Memory type: DDR5-6000
- SSD: 1TB
- Power supply: 750W
- PSU rating: 80 Plus Gold
- Warranty: 1 year parts and labor
- Case colour: White
Pros
- A RTX 5070 graphics card
- 12GB of VRAM for high texture settings
- 32GB of RAM
- A 750W power supply
Cons
- VRAM trails the HOENGAGER RX 9060 XT (16GB)
- SSD capacity trails the CyberPowerPC 5060 Ti 16GB (2TB)
- Costs more than the HOENGAGER RX 9060 XT at the time of writing
How We Chose These PCs for Video Editing
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Balance
- We compared how the CPU, memory and storage match the graphics card's class.
- Power and upgrades
- We recorded PSU wattage and rating where listed, which decides later GPU upgrades.
- Stated parts
- We included only listings that name the CPU, the GPU with its VRAM, the RAM and the SSD capacity.
- Price and warranty
- We compared prices at the time of writing and the warranty terms each listing states.
What to Look for in a PC for Video Editing
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Decide on SSD capacity first
Among these picks, SSD capacity runs from 1TB on the Skytech Archangel 5 to 2TB on the CyberPowerPC 5060 Ti 16GB. Settle how much you need before comparing prices, since paying for more rarely helps if your use never reaches it.
Start with the graphics card
The GPU decides gaming performance more than any other part. Match it to your monitor: an RTX 5060 class card suits 1080p, an RTX 5070 suits 1440p, and 4K high-refresh play needs an RTX 5080 or above.
Check the VRAM figure too; 8GB cards can need lower texture settings in newer games.
Check memory and storage
16GB of RAM runs games; 32GB leaves room for streaming, browsers and editing. A 1TB SSD holds a handful of large games, so plan for a second drive if you keep a big library.
Read the warranty terms
Prebuilt warranties vary from one year of parts and labor to three years. Check who handles repairs and whether shipping is covered.
Pair a sensible processor
A current six- or eight-core CPU is enough for most games. X3D chips with extra cache help at high frame rates, while older or unnamed CPUs are a warning sign in a listing.
How to Choose a PC for Video Editing
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Keeping the budget tight | HOENGAGER RX 9060 XT | The cheapest way into this group, below the MSI Codex R2 |
| Buyers who want air cooling and Wi-Fi 6E | MSI Codex R2 | Air cooling and Wi-Fi 6E |
| Buyers who want 240mm AIO and software-controlled ARGB fans | HOENGAGER RTX 5070 | A 240mm AIO and software-controlled ARGB fans |
| Buyers who put SSD capacity first | CyberPowerPC 5060 Ti 16GB | The largest SSD capacity here (2TB) |
| Buyers who want the most complete package | Skytech Archangel 5 | The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with a 360mm ARGB AIO cooler |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
Figures as each maker states them.
| Prebuilt PC | Graphics card | VRAM | Processor | Memory |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HOENGAGER RX 9060 XT | RX 9060 XT | 16GB | Ryzen 7 5700X | 32GB |
| MSI Codex R2 | RTX 5070 | 12GB | Core i5-14400F | 32GB |
| HOENGAGER RTX 5070 | RTX 5070 | 12GB | Ryzen 7 5700X | 32GB |
| CyberPowerPC 5060 Ti 16GB | RTX 5060 Ti | 16GB | Ryzen 7 8700F | 32GB |
| Skytech Archangel 5 | RTX 5070 | 12GB | Ryzen 7 7700X | 32GB |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
Prices change often; these tiers reflect Amazon prices when this guide was updated.
| Price tier | Prebuilt PCs |
|---|---|
| About $1000 to $1500 | HOENGAGER RX 9060 XT |
| Over $1500 | MSI Codex R2, HOENGAGER RTX 5070, CyberPowerPC 5060 Ti 16GB, Skytech Archangel 5 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which of these gaming PCs has the most VRAM?
The HOENGAGER RX 9060 XT leads at 16GB, ahead of the CyberPowerPC 5060 Ti 16GB at 16GB; the Skytech Archangel 5 sits at the other end with 12GB.
What is the least I can spend on one of these gaming PCs?
The HOENGAGER RX 9060 XT cost the least when we checked, and the Skytech Archangel 5 sat at the top of the range. Prices move often, so check the current listing before buying.
Is 16GB of RAM enough for gaming?
For most games, yes. 32GB helps when you stream, keep many browser tabs open or edit video alongside gaming.
How much VRAM do I need?
8GB works at 1080p with some texture compromises in newer games; 12GB to 16GB is more comfortable at 1440p and 4K.
What does "brand may vary" mean in a listing?
The builder may ship an equivalent part from a different maker. The model and capacity should match; ask the seller if it matters to you.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the HOENGAGER RX 9060 XT, chosen for the cheapest way into this group, below the MSI Codex R2. Look at the MSI Codex R2 for air cooling and Wi-Fi 6E, the HOENGAGER RTX 5070 for a 240mm AIO and software-controlled ARGB fans and the CyberPowerPC 5060 Ti 16GB for the largest SSD capacity here (2TB) if those matter more to you.
Add a second SSD for footage and cache.