Best Intel CPU for 4K video editing in 2024?

Question

freaking out cuz my rig died and I have a 4K project due next week. torn between the i7-14700K and the i9-14900K.

budget is $550

heavy multi-cam editing

terrified of the i9 heat

is the i9 actually worth the extra cash or will the i7 be fine...

jptmrtrwdy · Accepted Answer

> torn between the i7-14700K and the i9-14900K. Honestly, the Intel Core i7-14700K 3.4 GHz 20-Core LGA 1700 is probably your best bet here. It has 20 cores and that extra bump in E-cores over the 13th gen really helps with heavy timeline scrubbing. You wont notice a massive difference in real-time playback compared to the i9, tho the i9 does export slightly faster. The Intel Core i9-14900K 3.2 GHz 24-Core LGA 1700 is a beast but the heat is no joke. Unless you're running a high-end cooler like the Arctic Liquid Freezer III 360 AIO, itll likely thermal throttle during long renders. Since you're on a deadline, the i7 is way more stable and easier to manage. Both use QuickSync which is basically magic for 4K. Put the saved money toward fast storage or RAM. You'll finish that project just fine.

nkrffvwohk · Answer

Same here!