Seeking Advice: Upgrading PC for 4K DaVinci Resolve Editing — Ryzen 7 7800X3D + RTX 5070 Ti/5080 vs Current Intel NUC i9-9980HK

Tekuza on 27/05/2025 - 15:46

Hi OzB Community,
I’m reaching out for some advice on upgrading my PC specifically for 4K video editing in DaVinci Resolve.

Current Specs:

  • Operating System: Windows 11 Pro 64-bit (Build 26100)
  • System Manufacturer: Intel(R) Client Systems
  • System Model: NUC9i9QNX
  • BIOS: QXCFL579.0054.2020.0810.2239 (UEFI)
  • Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM) i9-9980HK CPU @ 2.40GHz (16 CPUs)
  • Memory: 64GB RAM
  • GPU: RTX 3060 Ti

I’m finding that my current setup (NUC9i9QNX with i9-9980HK and RTX 3060 Ti) struggles with DaVinci Resolve when working on 4K projects, especially once I start adding Fusion, transitions and effects. My workflow is about to get much heavier, so I want to make sure I can handle more demanding projects smoothly.

I’m considering upgrading to one of these AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D | RTX 5070 Ti Gaming PC or AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D | RTX 5080 Gaming PC https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/907532

My questions is:
1. If anyone here using DaVinci Resolve for heavy 4K editing on either of these setups, or something similar? How’s the performance?
2. Would upgrading to one of these combos make a noticeable difference for video editing (not just gaming)?
3. Alternatively, is there anything in my current rig worth upgrading (rather than a whole new build) to get better performance for 4K video editing with lots of effects?

I’d really appreciate any advice from the community, especially as most reviews online focus on gaming rather than creative workloads like video editing.

Thanks so much for your help!

Computing Computer Desktop Computer

Comments

  • TrdiK89 on 27/05/2025 - 16:06

    Better GPU

  • Master Bates on 27/05/2025 - 20:28

    The internet suggests a GPU with 16GB of VRAM for 4K projects, so the 5070Ti should be enough.

  • cerealJay on 27/05/2025 - 20:50
    +3

    Sure your Resolve settings are correct? Scratch disk and cache etc, and using proxy clips the way you're meant to?

    Even top-end systems will chug along if you're trying to force a bunch of raw 4K through a bunch of effects. Also beware other programs on your PC doing stuff in the background. These days Windows will sniff your chair when you're not looking if you don't show it who's boss. Your system with 64GB of RAM sounds capable, but maybe something is throttling your mojo.

    • Tekuza on 27/05/2025 - 21:20

      Yea, @Cerealjay I'm noticing it freezing especially when I'm doing zoom in and out effects and certain titles. The end output is fine but I can't preview it which is a pain when I have certain effects

  • sntc on 28/05/2025 - 06:07
    +1
    1. not me but research into optimisation settings for it and 4k video editing as a whole based on the files you work, types of effects you use, export etc
    2. yes, 5080 if you can stretch it for it to hold a little longer in the future
    3. let it go, it has served its purpose

    - it's not just parts but you are also looking at the whole build with better motherboard, with bigger/faster caches, bandwidth, interconnection of CPU, gpu, ram, ssd etc which makes a lot of difference

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