16GB edits 4K, 32GB edits it well, 64GB is for effects-heavy and 8K work. Premiere, DaVinci and After Effects, broken down.
Updated 11 Nov 2026 · 6 min read
Quick answer
For 4K video editing, 32GB is the right recommendation: 16GB works for simple 4K cuts in Premiere Pro or DaVinci Resolve but chokes on effects, denoising and multitasking; 32GB gives smooth timeline scrubbing and background exports; 64GB is for After Effects-heavy work, 6K/8K footage and running several Adobe apps at once.
Contents
Capacity by editor and footage
| Scenario | Recommended |
|---|---|
| 1080p, any editor | 16GB |
| 4K, simple cuts, Premiere/Resolve | 16GB minimum, 32GB better |
| 4K with effects, colour, noise reduction | 32GB |
| After Effects motion graphics | 32GB minimum, 64GB ideal (RAM previews live in memory) |
| 6K/8K RAW, multicam | 64GB |
RAM vs GPU vs storage — where the money goes
Editors split work: the GPU accelerates effects and rendering (VRAM matters), storage speed feeds footage, and RAM holds timeline media and previews. A balanced 4K machine pairs 32GB RAM with a mid-range GPU (8GB+ VRAM) and a fast NVMe scratch disk. Upgrading RAM past your footage’s needs does nothing — an unbalanced one part starves the others.
Premiere’s memory settings
In Premiere Pro → Preferences → Memory, you can reserve RAM for other apps. On a 32GB system editing only, reserve ~3–6GB for the OS/other apps and let Premiere use the rest. If you see ‘low memory’ warnings at 16GB with simple timelines, check for a background app leak first (usage guide).
Frequently asked questions
Can I edit 4K on 16GB?
Yes, with proxies and patience. Use proxy/optimised media, close other apps, and expect slower exports. It is a workable starting point, not a professional setup.
Does RAM speed matter for editing?
Far less than capacity. A dual-channel configuration matters (don’t run one stick); beyond that, spend on capacity and storage before MHz.