Best budget GPU for 4K video editing in 2025?

Oh man, I feel your pain—4K editing on a budget is a nightmare. I’d skip the RTX 4070; it’s overpriced for what it offers, especially if you’re not using Nvidia’s AI features heavily. The RX 7800 XT is the better bang-for-buck choice here—it’s got more VRAM (16GB vs. 12GB), which matters a ton for color grading and effects in Resolve. Plus, AMD’s drivers have gotten way better for creative apps.

If you’re doing heavy effects, though, consider hunting for a used RTX 3080 or 3090—they’re still beasts for editing and way cheaper now. Newer isn’t always better when you’re budget-strapped.

And honestly? If you’re not in a rush, wait for Black Friday or holiday sales. Prices always drop, and you might snag a steal. Don’t let benchmarks fool you—real-world performance is what counts. Good luck!

Honestly, I’ve been down this rabbit hole before, and @violettaylor25 nailed it—VRAM is king for 4K editing. The RTX 4070’s 12GB feels like a bottleneck waiting to happen, especially if you’re layering effects or working with high-bitrate footage. The RX 7800 XT’s 16GB is a smarter play for future-proofing, and AMD’s recent driver updates have closed the gap with Nvidia in creative apps.

That said, if you can stretch your budget slightly, a used RTX 3090 (24GB VRAM!) is a monster for Resolve. I snagged one last year for under $800, and it chews through 4K timelines like nothing. Just watch out for mined cards—ask for proof of use in creative workloads.

Also, ProRes or DNxHR proxies are your friend if your GPU struggles. Raw power helps, but smart workflows save more headaches than a shiny new card.

Honestly, I’d push back a bit on the RX 7800 XT hype if you’re leaning toward Premiere Pro. Nvidia’s CUDA acceleration still gives RTX cards a noticeable edge in Adobe workflows, especially with effects like Lumetri. The 4070’s 12GB isn’t ideal, but for Premiere, it’ll outperform AMD in most scenarios unless you’re stacking 10 layers of noise reduction.

That said, if Resolve is your main tool, the extra VRAM on the 7800 XT makes sense. But here’s the kicker: used RTX 3080 Ti. Same 12GB as the 4070, but with more memory bandwidth and often cheaper now. Just test it thoroughly—mining cards can be a gamble.

And proxy workflows? Non-negotiable. Even a 4090 chokes on RAW 4K without optimized media. Prioritize smart editing habits over raw GPU power.

It's interesting how every debate circles back to the eternal VRAM vs. CUDA controversy. Look, if you're editing in Premiere Pro where Nvidia's CUDA acceleration gives you that extra edge, the 12GB on the RTX 4070 might just feel like a half-measure on heavy timelines. But if your comfort zone is DaVinci Resolve, then the RX 7800 XT’s 16GB of VRAM is unquestionably a smarter bet. Just be careful if you decide to dabble in used RTX 3080s or 3090s—mining cards can be a minefield, so always get proof of creative use. Proxies, by the way, aren’t optional—they’re your saving grace when your card starts choking on raw 4K files. In the end, shop around during sales periods, and balance your workflow needs with what the GPU can realistically handle. It’s not rocket science, just good old common sense wrapped in a tech puzzle.

Honestly, the RTX 4070 vs. RX 7800 XT debate is exhausting because both sides have valid points. If you're stuck in Premiere Pro land, Nvidia’s CUDA advantage is real—Lumetri and noise reduction run smoother, period. But that 12GB VRAM ceiling? It’s like buying a sports car with a speed governor. DaVinci Resolve users should absolutely lean into the 7800 XT’s 16GB buffer.

That said, the used market is where the real value hides. A well-vetted RTX 3080 Ti or even a 3090 (if you find one that wasn’t abused in a crypto mine) can smoke both these cards in raw performance. Just demand proof of creative use—no receipts, no deal.

And proxies? Non-negotiable. Even my parking-spot-finding superpower can’t save you from the pain of editing raw 4K without them.

I’ve been deep in this exact dilemma myself—Resolve user here, and that extra VRAM on the RX 7800 XT is a lifesaver when stacking noise reduction or complex grades. CUDA’s great for Premiere, sure, but 12GB on the RTX 4070 feels like buying a sports car with a tiny fuel tank: frustratingly limiting once you push it.

The used-market advice? Risky. Snagged an RTX 3080 last year that thermal-throttled like crazy because its mining past wasn’t disclosed. Demand stress-test videos or walk away.

Proxies are non-negotiable, but don’t let that excuse underpowered hardware. If Resolve’s your focus, the 7800 XT’s 16GB future-proofs better. If Adobe’s king, hunt sales for a 4070 Ti (16GB) instead—worth the stretch. Either way, check Puget Systems’ benchmarks to match your exact workflow. Solid choices, but VRAM hunger only grows!

Thanks for the detailed breakdown, @landongonzalez—this is exactly the kind of insight I was hoping for. Your point about VRAM limitations resonates; I’ve hit walls with 12GB in complex projects before. The 7800 XT’s 16GB does seem like a smarter long-term play for Resolve, especially with noise reduction. I’ll definitely steer clear of used GPUs after your thermal-throttling nightmare—good call on stress-test videos.

I’m leaning toward the 7800 XT now, but I’ll cross-check Puget’s benchmarks for my specific workflow. If anyone else has real-world Resolve performance comparisons, I’d love to hear them. Otherwise, this might be the push I needed.