Choosing a PC for Non-Linear Video Editing Software
Choosing a PC for Non-Linear Editing and Video Editing Software : A handy guide from PCAudioLabs (Updated for 2026)
If you’re looking for help Choosing a PC for Non-Linear Editing Software (Adobe Premiere, DaVinci Resolve, Adobe After Effects, Avid Media Composer and more), we've got you covered!
When you’re editing video in a Non-linear editing environment, you need a high-end PC that's great for professional video production and non-linear editing needs.
What do you need to know when Choosing a PC for Non-Linear Editing and Video Editing Software?
NLE software allows you to edit video footage, cut, modify, compile, composite, and render your videos for release to major platforms.
As the quality of video footage continues to get better and better, so increases the need for a powerful PC to keep up with large files containing footage shot in HD, 4k, 8k, and other formats.
The most common NLE applications are Adobe Premiere Pro and After Effects, MAGIX Vegas Pro, Avid Media Composer, and DaVinci Resolve.
All of these NLE applications offer different features for you to edit your video footage and release a finished product.
It is important to note that video footage rendering alone can be so demanding on your average off-the-shelf PC, that you may not even be able to load said footage in a PC that's not optimized for NLE Software and Video Editing.
This is why it is important to be careful when Choosing a PC for Non-Linear Editing Software. If you spend your money on a PC that's not suited for the NLE workflow you plan on using, you'll find yourself with an expensive mistake that won't let you get work done.
Most video producers in 2026 also compose music for their video productions, which is why having a PC built by PCAudioLabs can make your life easier; you know that your PC will be great for audio AND non-linear video editing software.
That's where PCAudioLabs Rok Box NLE PCs come in.
Three Reasons to Choose a PCAudioLabs Rok Box for Non-Linear Editing Software
- PCAudioLabs Rok Box Pro Audio PCs are specifically built for audio and video production in applications such as Adobe Premiere Pro, MAGIX Vegas Pro, Avid Media Composer, DaVinci Resolve, and more applications.
- Rok Box NLE PCs are backed by real-life testing to ensure that the components used to build them are compatible with your NLE Software.
- Rok Box NLE PCs are supported by OBEDIA, the leader in software training and tech support.
What Components are important when Choosing a PC for Non-Linear Video Editing Software?
It's very important to choose the right PC for Non-Linear Video Editing Software.
Using an off-the-shelf PC from your local big-box retail store or the like, you may find that you're unable to properly run non-linear video editing software, especially if you plan on using plugin-heavy workloads, compositing video, editing 4k or 8k footage, and rendering quickly and effectively while editing.
You may also find that the proprietary components in many PCs are simply not compatible with non-linear video editing software, and if you have questions about running non-linear video editing software on your PC, you won't be able to call the PC manufacturer to get help with your software.
When you choose a PCAudioLabs Rok Box NLE PC, you will get a PC that is specifically specified for non-linear video editing software and video editing, as well as support to back you up if you have questions.
The components that are most important when choosing a PC for non-linear video editing software are:
- CPU: The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the most important component when Choosing a PC for Non-Linear Editing Software. An Intel or AMD 8-core and above CPU is best for non-linear video editing software.
An underpowered CPU will lead to issues such as being unable to edit video at full-quality, slow render times, limitations on video FX chains, and more.
The CPU that you choose should plan for where your workflow is in the present time, but also where you may go down the road. Therefore, it's best to dedicate the bulk of your budget to the CPU when Choosing a PC for Non-Linear Video Editing Software.
- RAM: Random Access Memory is important when Choosing a PC for Non-Linear Editing Software. RAM is where your PC components, non-linear video editing software, and your Operating System store temporary data for your video rendering operations, dynamic render operations, plugins, and other components important for video production in NLE applications.
16GB of RAM is a good starting point, but you'll likely want to upgrade your RAM in order to keep up with demanding workloads. We suggest 32-128GB of RAM when Choosing a PC for Non-Linear Video Editing software.
- Storage and Motherboard: Most off-the-shelf PCs do not offer a lot of storage in the PC, and you may find that upgrading your storage is difficult in a PC that's not built for non-linear video editing software. If that is the case, you may find yourself using a USB hard drive to store your video editing sessions -- don't do this!
Using a USB hard drive to store your footage and NLE sessions is not recommended, because a USB hard drive may be incapable of keeping up with the quick read and write times needed for large video files.
PCAudioLabs Rok Box NLE PCs are built with fast internal storage using NVMe m.2 Solid State Drives (SSDs), which ensure that your video footage and other data is quickly written to and read from disk by prioritizing the read/write of video data from the drive on the PCIe bus, which is the fastest way for that data to be processed by the CPU.
The motherboard is of distinct importance as well; many off-the-shelf PCs use proprietary motherboard components which can cause issues with NLE software and other applications. Connectivity (such as USB ports, Thunderbolt ports, monitor outputs, and the like) is very important.
Motherboards which use firmware (the motherboard's internal operating system) which are built using proprietary software may not be compatible, leading to a stalled workflow. For instance, Avid Media Composer requires very specific motherboard configurations which, if not met, can lead to a non-functioning non-linear video editing software configuration.
- GPU (Graphics Processing Unit): This is a point of contention when Choosing a PC for Non-Linear Editing Software.
Most off-the-shelf PCs have underpowered GPUs pre-loaded, and these GPUs cannot keep up with a video-heavy workflow.
Your GPU should feature a high number of Nvidia CUDA cores, which are processing cores on your GPU which help your NLE software quickly render footage and speed up your editing process.
Non-linear video editing software such as DaVinci Resolve can offload video processing and rendering to the GPU, therefore giving you a faster workflow for editing and auditioning new FX presets, edits, and more -- especially when working with high-resolution video.
PCAudioLabs Rok Box NLE PCs can be built with high-end Nvidia GPUs such as the Nvidia RTX Quadro 5000, which are capable of keeping up with a demanding workflow from non-linear video editing software.
Why Choosing a PC for Non-Linear Editing Software is easier with PCAudioLabs
Simply put, Choosing a PC for Non-Linear Editing Software is easier with PCAudioLabs because you can ask specific questions about your new PC and get answers from our team, who understands the needs of running a PC with your favorite NLE software.
With our history of over 26 years in business as the premier builder of pro audio PCs, we have also worked closely with video editors, visual effects artists, podcasters, and video colorists to build PCs that meet and exceed their needs for fast, efficient, performance-built PCs for Non-Linear Editing Software, Podcasting, and Visual FX.
When you go to a big box store, or simply purchase a PC from Amazon, hoping that it will work for your NLE software, you cannot know with certainty that the PC will be able to keep up with your NLE workflow.
In contrast, when you choose a PCAudioLabs Rok Box NLE PC, you can be sure that the PC you are getting is great for NLE software and video editing. The hardware and components built into Rok Box Pro Audio PCs is chosen and tested specifically for NLE software.
You can speak via phone with a real person who can help you when Choosing a PC for Non-Linear Editing Software. Our team understands the needs of NLE software and pro audio hardware and software to ensure that you get a great experience with your NLE applications.
Our Windows operating system installations are optimized for Non-Linear Editing software. There are no additional applications, trial applications, or bloatware installed on your PC, all of which can slow your NLE workflow when using PCs not optimized for video production.
Best of all, you'll know that you are backed by the best support in the industry for not only your PC, but for NLE software, and pro audio hardware and software.
To speak with a professional for help Choosing a PC for Non-Linear Editing Software, feel free to contact us, we're happy to help! You may call 615-933-6775 to speak with a real human. PCAudioLabs is open Monday - Friday from 10am to 6pm CST.
Happy non-linear editing!
Browse PCAudioLabs Rok Box NLE PCs PCs for Non-Linear Video Editing Software
PCAudioLabs selects and configures the best components available to make sure you can achieve your creative goals.
We thoroughly bench-test and optimize each system to ensure you are getting every ounce of power available for your production. Our depth of services and support is unparalleled.
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Tuned for Performance
We say it and we mean it. Over 200 Tweaks applied to your custom windows installation that will unlock the power of your system for music production. Your computer's firmware will be optimized to your needs, overclocked if you wish, and fine-tuned to give you great performance. Get up to an 80% improvement in performance over off-the-shelf PCs.
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Since 2000, PCAL computers have been built specifically for Audio and Video editing by our team of experts. We select and test each component to ensure that it will meet the demands of your production and sound editing, sound mixing and sound design. Each computer is assembled with a focus on performance, noise reduction, proper airflow and durability. Then it is put through a series of burn in test and Quality Control ensuring your system arrives ready to Rock!
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No one else in the industry offers our OBEDIA support and training with your computer. Need to learn that new EQ Plugin? Want to learn more about mixing? Call us and you'll be connected with an OBEDIA technician who will work with you, one on one, to train you in using your new hardware and software.
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I recorded with my old pc for several years and could never get through a session without audio drop outs, glitches, etc.. I now have had several long sessions with your PC and it's been absolutely flawless, a real dream come true for me and my recording buddies. Thanks again for a great product and wonderful support. -Â Tom P - Indianapolis, IN
PCAudioLabs is the best place to purchase a DAW computer hands down! I compared several DAW PC builders and decided on PCAudioLabs. I'm glad I did. I've been enjoying my new system for a few weeks now and must say it's everything I wanted and more! - Mack J - Charlotte, NC
I have lived with my Rok Box for over two years and have been impressed with its performance and reliability. I would certainly replace it with another when that time comes. I spend more time on creativity and less on the technical stuff. -Â Paul Dreifus - Madison, WI
When planning to upgrade w/new computer & software, I looked extensively into every company providing such services. PCAudioLabs excelled in every aspect hands down, from the very best website to completion & cust. service. Thanx for being so helpful! -Â Michael E - Newark, DE
Why Choose PCAudioLabs
Through years of working closely with the Grammy-winning producers, engineers, musicians, sound designers, post production professionals, composers and DJs, PCAudioLabs have built a pristine reputation of delivering the power, stability and support necessary to facilitate the world's leading productions. Chances are, if you've heard it or seen it, PCAudioLabs and OBEDIA helped make it happen.
Designed for Work Flow
Rest assured, the Rok Box MC series is designed to accommodate many types of music software, music hardware and music creation. From multitrack recording to MIDI programming, MIDI editing to sample library streaming over a network, we've tried it all and can report that. Convert an audio track to MIDI, yes it works well! Never stop the creative flow.
Purpose Built for NLE Workflows
ROK BOX PCs are optimized to give you maximum performance with your NLE software and video footage. Bring your creative inspiration to life!