What is the best laptop for 4K video editing in 2024?

Question

Honestly im so done with my current XPS it literally sounds like a jet engine every time I try to color grade in Resolve and then it just freezes. its ruining my workflow and driving me crazy.

My logic was to just get a top spec Macbook Pro but then I saw the price for 64gb ram and almost choked. So then I was thinking maybe the new Asus ProArt? But I havent used Windows for editing in years so im kinda scared to switch back. I have about 3000 saved up and I need something solid by next month for this big wedding video project I have in Chicago. What is actually the best 4K editing laptop right now that wont melt on my desk?

txemvwyitz · Accepted Answer

Unfortunately mac prices are just not as good as expected once you spec them out for 4k work. I had issues with thermal throttling on similar builds before. To maximize your budget, check the ASUS Vivobook Pro 16X OLED 64GB RAM RTX 4070. It is more stable for resolve than an xps and wont cost you that 64gb apple tax. Its a methodical choice for heavy color grading.

zlwqgdfins · Answer

> modern vapor chamber cooling handles 4k timelines without throttling @Reply #2 - good point! Honestly, I had issues with my last premium build just dying under load and it was so frustrating. Unfortunately, the Mac pricing is just insulting once you need 64GB. I grabbed a Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 9 Intel i9-14900HX RTX 4080 32GB RAM and upgraded the RAM myself for like 150 bucks. Saved a fortune and it runs Resolve like a beast for my wedding edits.

vktmhlwttd · Answer

Like someone mentioned, the value on the Windows side is just way better once you start specing out high RAM. I've been really satisfied with how modern vapor chamber cooling handles 4k timelines without throttling. It makes a massive difference for Resolve specifically because you can actually maintain high clock speeds during heavy color grades. Definitely check those thermal specs before you pull the trigger, its worth it.