How Much RAM Do You Need in a DaVinci Editing PC?

Recommended RAM: 16GB 

For the users who are going to use the software for simple operations like editing HD videos, adding simple effects, and basic color correction, 16GB DDR4 RAM or 16GB DDR5 RAM should be enough. This setup is ideal for : 

• HD Video Editing: Working with 1080p material with a few video and audio tracks.

• Simple Effects and Transitions: Using the basic effects and transitions.

• Basic Color Grading: Carrying out basic colour correction and grading operations.

However, it is clear that 16GB of RAM is sufficient for these tasks, but it should be noted that multitasking with other applications or working with higher resolution video may require more memory.

Recommended RAM: 32GB

For other video editing and colour grading tasks, 32GB RAM is recommended. This configuration is suitable for:This configuration is suitable for:

• 2K Video Editing or 4K Video Editing using proxies: 2K footage or 4K footage with proxies with multiple layers, effects, and colour corrections.

• Intermediate Effects and Transitions: Using more complicated effects and transitions that consume more memory in the course of their operation.

• Intermediate Color Grading: Applying more complex colour correction and grading techniques such as the use of LUTs and power windows.

The 32GB RAM allows your system to tackle larger projects and multitasking more efficiently, which in turn makes for a more seamless editing in DaVinci Resolve.

Recommended RAM: 64GB or More

For professional video editing, VFX work, and advanced colour grading, it is recommended to have 64GB or more of RAM. This level of memory is essential for:This level of memory is essential for:

• 4K and High-Complexity Video Editing: Working with large files – 4K and above RAW Video footage, working with complex timelines, multiple video and audio layers, and effects.

• Advanced Visual Effects (VFX): Generating complex images, image combinations, and animations that require a lot of memory.

• Advanced Color Grading: Carrying out precise colour correction and grading with many nodes, secondary colour correction, and complex grading.

• Fusion Compositing: Using DaVinci Resolve’s Fusion page for motion graphics, 3D compositing, and VFX which can be rather heavy on memory.

Having 64GB or more of RAM guarantees that your system is capable of handling the most complex tasks without experiencing performance lags that hinder productivity in professional applications.

While the recommended RAM sizes above should suffice for current needs, but it is advisable to look at the future requirements. DaVinci Resolve is still in development, and the needs of projects are growing year by year. Choosing a higher RAM now will help you avoid future upgrades and guarantee that your system is ready for the new updates and features.

The amount of RAM required for DaVinci Resolve depends on the projects you will be working on and your working style. Here’s a quick summary to guide you:Here’s a quick summary to guide you:

• Basic Video Editing: 16GB

• Intermediate Video Editing and Color Grading: 32 GB

• Professional-Level Video Editing, VFX, and Color Grading: 64GB or more

It is highly recommended to invest in enough RAM to avoid any technical barriers in DaVinci Resolve and be able to concentrate on the creative process. This way you will be able to match your RAM with your specific project needs and get the best editing experience.