Which GPU is best for 4K video editing and rendering?

Question

Is the RTX 4090 actually worth the jump for 4K editing or should I just stick with a 4080 Super? Ive been editing on a 3070 for years but my timelines are starting to drag like crazy now that Im working with raw footage from my new camera. I need something that can handle heavy color grading and fast renders because I have a huge project deadline coming up in three weeks. Budget isnt super tight but I dont wanna throw away money if the performance gain is marginal for my specific workflow. Im based in Chicago so I can grab parts pretty easily. Is anyone seeing a major difference in export times or is it just hype?

JavaScripter555 · Accepted Answer

In my experience, the 4090 is only worth it if you are doing heavy Fusion work or 8K multicam. If you are just doing standard 4K color grading, save your cash.The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 Super 16GB GDDR6X is a beast for 4K timelines.You get enough VRAM for heavy codecs like RED RAW or BRAW. Basically, don't waste the premium unless you are billing high-end production rates.

BlueWave404 · Answer

Honestly, upgrading from a 3070 is a huge jump either way. If you are doing heavy color grading, that extra VRAM on the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 24GB GDDR6X is a lifesaver for raw footage. It keeps the timeline snappy. If that feels like overkill, the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 Super 16GB GDDR6X is still a beast for rendering. Just make sure your power supply can handle the load before swapping them in.