As a creative professional, finding the best laptop for Adobe Media Encoder is crucial to ensuring efficient and seamless media transcoding, compression, and exporting. Adobe Media Encoder is a powerful tool that allows you to render and process video and audio files in various formats for diverse applications such as YouTube, Vimeo, or even broadcasting. In this laptop buying guide, I'll discuss the crucial factors to consider when selecting the ideal laptop for this versatile and resource-intensive application.
Having experience working with Adobe Media Encoder, I know that performance is paramount. This is why I've reviewed an extensive laptop spreadsheet containing recent releases, comparing specs, and analyzing both professional and user-generated reviews. I've narrowed down the top laptops based on the specific requirements of Adobe Media Encoder users, including processor power, GPU capabilities, RAM, and storage, as well as considering different price ranges.
While the Adobe Creative Cloud suite is known for its integration and interconnectivity, Adobe Media Encoder's unique focus on media processing and encoding demands a laptop with a strong CPU and GPU, ample RAM, and fast storage. Additionally, a high-quality display and color accuracy are essential for precise video editing and output. With these factors in mind, this guide will help you make an informed decision on the best laptop for Adobe Media Encoder, allowing you to efficiently manage your media encoding and transcoding tasks without compromising on quality or performance.
Processor Power
With Apple's release of their own ARM-based M1, M1 Pro, M1 Max and M2 system-on-chip modules and AMD's 6th generation Ryzen processors taking up nearly 20% of the market, Intel's 13th-gen processors still have yet to reach laptops; the latest Intel-branded chip is 12th generation. Both Apple and Intel have adopted a hybrid performance/efficiency core design based on big.LITTLE architecture, while Ryzen models are best if you need a good battery life in a PC laptop.
Adobe Media Encoder is available for both Windows and macOS, so this guide will include MacBooks as a recommended choice for video editing. Adobe recently added support for AVX-512 instructions, so if you need maximum performance, you can go for an AMD Ryzen 9 or Intel Core i9 H-series CPU. However, if you're not dealing with 8K footage or working with many tracks simultaneously, then a regular Ryzen or Core i5/i7 CPU should be more than sufficient.
If you're going for a MacBook Pro, I'd recommend going for the higher end models. Editing videos at 4K or 8K resolutions will require a powerful CPU and GPU combination, making the MBP 15" and 17" models the better choice compared to the 13".
Clock speed is no longer a good indicator of performance; to get an accurate benchmark, you'll need to look at how well the processor performs in encoding benchmarks such as those from PassMark. It's important to note that a high-end CPU won't make up for other components that aren't up to par. If you're looking for a budget laptop for video editing, I'd suggest going for an AMD Ryzen 5 or Intel Core i5 processor paired with a fast SSD and plenty of RAM.
The following table includes some recommended processors for Adobe Media Encoder depending on your budget and performance needs.
| Processor | Price Range |
|---|---|
| AMD Ryzen 3 3200U | Budget |
| Intel Core i3-10110U | Mid-Range |
| Intel Core i5-10210U | High-End |
Graphics Power
The laptop graphics card market is constantly changing, and Nvidia is dominating the market with its recent RTX 40 series cards (which will become available on laptops in 2023). Desktop GPUs have become a lot more power-hungry, so the gap between notebook and desktop graphics cards has widened significantly in recent years. Additionally, Nvidia has discontinued the Max-Q label for its RTX graphics cards. This means that the exact GPU wattage is determined by the laptop manufacturer, which can result in varying levels of graphics performance among laptops with the same GPU chipset.
If you're looking for a MacBook, you can ignore this section as Apple's integrated graphics are more than enough for most video encoding tasks. Adobe Media Encoder (AME) requirements are not very demanding, so there's no need to worry about which graphics card model you should get. To compare different GPUs, I use 3DMark, which is a well-known industry standard benchmark, as well as Cinebench and PassMark GpuTest to fill in any gaps in the scores. If you're looking for a dedicated GPU for video encoding, make sure it has CUDA support (or OpenCL if you're using AME on Windows).
To help you decide on the right graphics card for your laptop, I have created a table below that provides recommended GPUs for various price ranges.
Recommended Graphics Cards for Adobe Media Encoder
| Price Range | Recommended GPU |
|---|---|
| Budget | GeForce GTX 1650 |
| Mid-Range | GeForce RTX 3050 |
| High-end | GeForce RTX 2060 |
RAM Matters
Adobe Media Encoder (AME) is one of the most popular applications for video encoding, and it can use a lot of RAM. Whether you're working with 4K footage or 8K footage, the amount of memory on your laptop is essential for optimal performance. It's not only the amount of RAM that matters though, the type and speed of the RAM is important too.
RAM Requirements
For the minimum requirement, 8 GB of RAM is the bare minimum if you're just starting out with media encoding. But if you want to get the best performance, you should look for 16 GB of RAM. If you're working with 8K footage, then 32 GB of RAM is recommended.
DDR5 vs DDR4
The latest generation of Intel and AMD CPUs support both DDR4 and DDR5 RAM. While DDR5 offers around 20% more performance compared to DDR4, it is still quite expensive and needs time to mature as a technology.
Upgradable Memory
If you're in the market for a new laptop for video editing, make sure to get one with upgradable memory. Some laptops come with soldered-on RAM which means that you can't upgrade it after purchase.
Recommended Configurations
To help you decide on the right laptop for Adobe Media Encoder, here are some recommended configurations by price range:
Under $1000
- 8 GB DDR4 RAM
$1000 – $1500
- 16 GB DDR4 RAM
Over $1500
- 16 GB DDR5 RAM
Adobe Media Encoder FAQs
Q: What laptop specs do I need for Adobe Media Encoder?
The recommended laptop specs for Adobe Media Encoder are GeForce RTX 2060 graphics card or higher, 16 GB of RAM, and i5-10210U processor or higher. However, you can still use Adobe Media Encoder on a laptop with lower specs.
What is the best laptop for Adobe Media Encoder?
The Lenovo Legion 5 Pro is the best laptop for Adobe Media Encoder among the recommended laptops. It has all the required specs and is priced at $1,350.
How much RAM do I need for Adobe Media Encoder?
Adobe recommends 16 GB of RAM for Adobe Media Encoder, but you can still use it with 8 GB of RAM. However, rendering time may be slower with lower RAM.
Which laptop is best for video encoding with Adobe Media Encoder?
The Acer Predator Triton 500 is the best laptop for video encoding with Adobe Media Encoder among the recommended laptops. It has the highest specs and is priced at $2,500.
What processor is best for Adobe Media Encoder?
The i5-10210U processor or higher is the best processor for Adobe Media Encoder among the recommended laptops. However, you can still use Adobe Media Encoder on a laptop with a lower processor.
Can you run Adobe Media Encoder on a laptop?
Yes, you can run Adobe Media Encoder on a laptop. However, it is recommended to use a laptop with a dedicated graphics card and higher specs for better performance.
Is it better to use a desktop or laptop for Adobe Media Encoder?
It depends on your needs. If you need to work on the go, a laptop is more convenient. However, a desktop with higher specs will perform better than a laptop for heavy video encoding tasks.
How to choose a laptop for Adobe Media Encoder?
When choosing a laptop for Adobe Media Encoder, consider the recommended specs, price, and portability. If you are going to work on the go, a lighter and thinner laptop is more convenient.
Is Intel i5 processor sufficient for Adobe Media Encoder?
Yes, an i5-10210U processor or higher is sufficient for Adobe Media Encoder. However, higher-end processors will result in faster render times.
Can I use Nvidia GPU for Adobe Media Encoder on a laptop?
Yes, you can use Nvidia GPU for Adobe Media Encoder on a laptop. In fact, Nvidia GPUs are recommended for faster encoding and rendering times. Make sure to check the laptop's graphics card compatibility with Adobe Media Encoder before purchasing.
6 Best Laptops for Adobe Media Encoder
1.MSI GF63 Thin
MSI GF63 Thin is a budget laptop suitable for office tasks, but not for gaming or content creation.- Inexpensive
- Powerful Intel Core i5 CPU
- Lightweight, partially metal chassis
- Limited gaming performance
- Dull screen
- Flat, uncomfortable keyboard
Summary
MSI GF63 Thin is a budget laptop with a lightweight and partially metal chassis, a powerful Intel Core i5 CPU, and is suitable for office tasks. However, its gaming performance is limited, and the screen is dull and uncomfortable to use.
Alternatives
HP
- Strong entry-level gaming
- Solid productivity performance
- Below-average display and webcam
- Bloatware
2.Lenovo Legion 5 Pro 16
Adobe Media Encoder laptop- Exceptional processor (Ryzen 9 6900HX)
- Splendid graphics card (RTX 3070 Ti)
- First-class display (16)
- Awesome memory amount (64GB)
- Weighty (5.48 lbs)
- No IPS Panel (worse viewing angles)
Alternatives
HP Omen 16
- Good processor (Ryzen 7 6800H)
- Sufficient graphics card (RTX 3060)
- Underwhelming memory amount (16GB)
- Heavy (5.98 lbs)
3.ASUS TUF F15 FX507ZM-ES74
ASUS TUF F15 FX507ZM-ES74 is a powerful and versatile laptop that can handle Adobe Media Encoder and other demanding software with ease.- Impressive GeForce RTX 3060 performance
- High refresh rate 300 Hz IPS panel with full sRGB coverage
- Multiple storage options
- MUX switch for improved gaming performance
- Chassis exhibits some flexing
- No per-key RGB lighting
- Shorter WLAN runtimes
- Larger power brick
Summary
The ASUS TUF F15 FX507ZM-ES74 is a gaming laptop that can deliver impressive performance with its high TGP target and 12th gen Alder Lake-H CPU. It also comes with a 300 Hz IPS panel and plenty of storage options.
Reviews
Alternatives
Acer Nitro 5
- High-performance hardware
- Responsive 165 Hz panel and QHD resolution
- Below average battery life
- No memory card reader
4.Lenovo Legion 5 Pro
Lenovo Legion 5 Pro delivers powerful performance at a competitive price, but lacks some design finesse.- Very bright display with good color reproduction
- Good cooling performance and robust case
- Class-leading multithreaded CPU performance
- Many replaceable modules and easy to open
- Drab design with poor RGB illumination
- Bulky chassis paired with hefty power brick
- Slow Western Digital SSD
- USB connections on the sides placed in the center
Summary
The Lenovo Legion 5 Pro packs a punch with its AMD Ryzen 7 and RTX 3070, making it a strong gaming and performance laptop. Its display is bright and colorful, and it has good cooling performance and a robust case. However, its design may not appeal to everyone, with poor RGB illumination and a bulky chassis with a hefty power brick.
Reviews
Alternatives
ASUS ROG Strix Scar
- Sturdy construction
- Fast Wi-Fi 6E
- Limited display angle
- No biometric login
5.ASUS ROG Zephyrus Duo
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus Duo is a powerful and stylish laptop with a unique dual-screen setup that comes with a hefty price tag.- Stunning dual-screen design
- Powerful gaming performance with GeForce RTX 3080 Ti GPU and Ryzen 9 CPU
- Sleek and elegant design despite having dual displays
- Very expensive
- Awkward keyboard and touchpad layout
- Poor battery life
Summary
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus Duo is a top-performing laptop with a sleek design and dual-screen display. However, it's a high-end machine that comes with a premium price tag.
Reviews
Alternatives
HP Omen 17
- QHD display with 165 Hz
- Advanced Optimus
- High noise level
- Clattery case
6.ASUS ROG Zephyrus Duo
ASUS ROG Zephyrus Duo 16: A High-End Laptop with Dual-Screen Setup and Top-End Performance- Sleek dual-screen design
- Impressive gaming performance
- Top-of-the-line hardware configuration
- Expensive
- Awkward keyboard and touchpad layout
- Poor battery life
Summary
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus Duo 16 is an expensive but impressive laptop that boasts a sleek dual-screen design and excellent gaming performance with its GeForce RTX 3080 Ti GPU and Ryzen 9 CPU.
Reviews
Alternatives
Dell XPS 17 9720
- Excellent 4K display with AdobeRGB
- High-quality case
- Lower graphics performance than the predecessor
- Performance not completely stable under a combined load
Table of the Best Laptops for Adobe Media Encoder
| Laptop | Price (approx) |
| MSI GF63 Thin | $630 |
| Lenovo Legion 5 Pro 16 | $700 |
| ASUS TUF F15 FX507ZM-ES74 | $1,300 |
| Lenovo Legion 5 Pro | $1,600 |
| ASUS ROG Zephyrus Duo | $3,170 |
| ASUS ROG Zephyrus Duo | $5,250 |
