10 Cutting-Edge laptops for Shotcut 22 in 2023

When it comes to video editing, finding the best laptop for Shotcut 22 can be a challenging task. Shotcut, a versatile and open-source video editor, offers an extensive range of features for content creators. As a user myself, I understand the importance of having a laptop that can handle the demands of editing high-quality videos efficiently. That's why I've dedicated time to review an extensive laptop spreadsheet of recent releases, comparing specs and reviews from both professionals and users like you.

In my search for the best laptop for Shotcut 22, I've considered the unique requirements and preferences of video editors, focusing on performance, display quality, and portability. A powerful processor, ample RAM, and a dedicated GPU are crucial for smooth video editing, while a high-quality display with accurate color reproduction will ensure your final product looks its best. Portability is also important for editors who need to work on the go or collaborate with others.

Having spent countless hours on Shotcut forums and subreddits, as well as interacting with fellow video editors, I've gained a deep understanding of the challenges and preferences you may face in selecting the ideal laptop for your needs. In this guide, I'll share my findings and recommend the top laptops that meet the requirements and price ranges specific to using Shotcut 22. Whether you're a professional content creator or an aspiring videographer, this guide will help you make an informed decision in choosing the best laptop for your Shotcut 22 projects.

Table of Contents

Processor Power

With the release of Apple's ARM-based M1, M1 Pro, M1 Max and M2 system-on-chip modules, there is no doubt that the silicon landscape has changed – offering exceptional single-core performance and battery life. AMD has also managed to take 20% of the CPU market with their 6th generation Ryzen processors, while Intel's 13th-gen processors have yet to reach laptops, with the 12th generation being Intel's latest. Both Intel's and Apple's silicon chips adopted a hybrid performance/efficiency core design, based on big.LITTLE. Ryzen models are the go-to option if you need a good battery life in a PC laptop.

However, if you're looking for a MacBook – you can skip this entire section, as it's easy to find out which MacBook models are suitable for video editing – those that have a "U" in their name.

When it comes to video editing, it is an intensive task, so we need a fast CPU to keep up with the demands of real-time effects and 4K footage; meanwhile, most other components (including the GPU) are often bottlenecked by the CPU.

There are two main types of processors: AMD and Intel. While there are some differences between these two manufacturers' chips, they're not significant enough to warrant an entire section on its own. Instead, I'll focus on the processor series, which is more important than the brand (Intel vs AMD).

For testing, I use Cinebench R23 to compare different processors since it's one of the most popular benchmarks for video editing; however, if you're on a budget – look for laptops with high scores in PassMark or PCMark benchmarks; these give a good indication of how well your laptop will perform when dealing with regular tasks such as browsing the web or writing documents.

If you're looking for an all-around laptop that can handle video editing and other demanding tasks – consider getting one with an H-series processor (from either brand) as these tend to be more energy efficient while delivering similar performance to U-series chips; however, they don't come cheap.

Recommendations

Here are some recommendations for processors that should give you good performance when it comes to video editing:

Minimum: AMD Ryzen 3 3200U

Recommended: i3-10110U

High-end: i5-10210U

These processors can be found in laptops ranging from budget to mid-range to high-end, so you should be able to find something that suits your needs and budget.

Graphics Card: Unlocking Visual Power

The laptop graphics card market continues to be dominated by Nvidia, with the recently released RTX 40 series cards not yet available on laptops (expected in 2023). Instead, the current lineup of cards are in the RTX 30 series, such as the RTX 3070 Ti.

Desktop GPUs are increasingly power-hungry, widening the gap between the power-limited notebook graphics and desktop graphics cards. Another change is that Nvidia has discontinued the Max-Q label for its RTX graphics cards. Now, a laptop manufacturer (OEM) determines an exact wattage for the GPU, resulting in a wide variance in graphics performance even in laptops with the same GPU chipset.

So if you're looking for a MacBook, there's no need to worry about the GPU – Apple has done a great job of optimizing their integrated graphics for video editing tasks. For laptops with dedicated GPUs, there are now enough models available for every budget.

An important point to consider is that a fast GPU is not needed for Shotcut (or any video editing app). In fact, the maximum benefit you can get from a GPU is usually gained with a midrange model. If you're doing GPU rendering, however, then a fast graphics card is essential. To assess a card's suitability for gaming, and thus its VRAM requirements, you can use Cinebench R23 as a benchmark.

Here's a list of recommended GPUs for Shotcut grouped by price bracket:

Minimum: Iris Xe Graphics G7

Recommended: Quadro T500

High-end: GeForce MX550

RAM Essentials

The amount of RAM you need to edit videos in Shotcut 22 depends on the size and complexity of the projects you're working on. For most projects, 8GB of RAM is more than enough. However, if you're working with 4K footage or editing longer-form projects, you should consider getting 16GB or even 32GB.

When it comes to RAM type and speed, mid-range laptops usually come with 16GB of DDR4, while high-end models have 32GB or more of DDR4. Intel and AMD CPUs are now supporting DDR5, however, it's still quite expensive and needs more time to mature as a technology.

In terms of specs, the CL (cas latency) and frequency (MHz) are also important. The higher the frequency, the faster the RAM. It's best to get the fastest RAM that your budget allows. However, bear in mind that RAM speed is not as important as your CPU or GPU when it comes to video editing.

Here's what to expect at various price levels:

Price Range	Minimum RAM (GB)	Recommended RAM (GB)	High-End RAM (GB)
Low	8	16	16
Mid-Range	8	16	32
High	8	32	32

Shotcut 22 FAQs

Q: What are the system requirements for Shotcut 22 on a laptop?

The system requirements for Shotcut 22 on a laptop are as follows:

Memory: Minimum 8 GB, Medium 16 GB, Maximum 16 GB
Processor: Minimum AMD Ryzen 3 3200U, Medium i3-10110U, Maximum i5-10210U
Graphics: Minimum Iris Xe Graphics G7, Medium Quadro T500, Maximum GeForce MX550

Can Shotcut 22 be installed on a laptop?

Yes, Shotcut 22 can be installed on a laptop that meets the minimum system requirements mentioned above.

Which laptops are compatible with Shotcut 22?

Laptops with compatible specs for Shotcut 22 include those with at least:

Minimum 8 GB of RAM
Minimum AMD Ryzen 3 3200U or equivalent processor
Minimum Iris Xe Graphics G7 or equivalent graphics

How to choose a laptop for Shotcut 22?

When choosing a laptop for Shotcut 22, consider the following factors:

Sufficient memory (RAM): Aim for at least 16 GB to ensure smooth editing and multitasking.
Powerful processor: Look for an i5-10210U or equivalent for optimal performance.
Dedicated graphics: While not necessary, having a dedicated GPU like the GeForce MX550 can enhance video editing capabilities.

Is a dedicated GPU necessary for running Shotcut 22 on a laptop?

A dedicated GPU is not necessary for running Shotcut 22 on a laptop. However, having one, such as the GeForce MX550, can provide improved performance and smoother video editing experience.

Does Shotcut 22 require a certain amount of RAM on a laptop?

Shotcut 22 recommends a minimum of 8 GB of RAM for smooth performance. However, for optimal results and improved multitasking, we recommend using a laptop with 16 GB of RAM.

Can a low-end laptop handle Shotcut 22?

While Shotcut 22 can run on low-end laptops, it is important to note that performance may be compromised. To ensure a smoother experience, it is recommended to use a laptop with higher-end specifications.

What are the recommended laptop specs for smooth performance in Shotcut 22?

For smooth performance in Shotcut 22, we recommend the following laptop specs:

Memory: 16 GB RAM
Processor: i5-10210U or equivalent
Graphics: GeForce MX550 or equivalent

Is an SSD necessary for using Shotcut 22 on a laptop?

An SSD (Solid State Drive) is not necessary for using Shotcut 22 on a laptop. However, having an SSD can significantly improve overall system responsiveness and reduce file load times, enhancing the editing experience.

What is the best budget laptop for running Shotcut 22?

For budget-conscious users, the ASUS ZenBook 13 UX325EA-EH71, priced at $730, is a great option for running Shotcut 22. It meets the minimum requirements and offers excellent value for its price range.

5 Best Laptops for Shotcut 22

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$290

| RTX 3060 | 12 GB RAM | 15 GB SSD | 15.6″; 7680x4320 |

1.MSI GeForce

Shotcut 22 laptop

Pros

Very good graphics card (RTX 3060)
Decent memory amount (12GB)

Cons

Small SSD
No IPS Panel (inferior color reproduction)

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Alternatives

$420

HP Pavilion

Pros

Up to scratch display (15.6 IPS Touch)
Very good memory amount (12GB)

Cons

Middle-of-the-road processor (i7-1165G7)
Unremarkable graphics card (Iris Xe Graphics G7 96EUs)

$730

2.ASUS ZenBook 13 UX325EA-EH71

ASUS ZenBook 13 UX325EA-EH71: Powerful and long-lasting, but with some trade-offs.

Pros

Sleek, lightweight frame
Powerful overall and gaming performance
Excellent battery life
Very comfortable keyboard

Cons

Weak speakers
Display could be brighter
No headphone jack

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Summary

The ASUS ZenBook 13 UX325EA-EH71 impresses with its sleek and lightweight design, powerful overall and gaming performance, and excellent battery life. However, it falls short with weak speakers, a display that could be brighter, and the absence of a headphone jack.

Reviews

Laptopmag

4.5/5

Asus ZenBook 13 UX325EA review

Notebookcheck

89%/100

Asus ZenBook 13 laptop review: Core i7-1165G7 versus Ryzen 7 5800U. Which one is the better ZenBook?