Hey everyone! I'm a video and photo creative using Adobe products and getting into DaVinci Resolve. Recently, my PC has been feeling quite sluggish, with noticeable timeline lag and longer render times. I'm not super tech-savvy, so I'm hoping for some straightforward upgrade advice that offers good value.
Here's my current setup, which is about 5 years old:
- **CPU:** Ryzen 9 3900X
- **GPU:** RTX 2070 Super (ASUS Strix)
- **RAM:** 32GB DDR4 3600
- **Motherboard:** MSI MEG X570 Unify
- **Storage:**
- 2TB NVMe (Sabrent Rocket)
- 2TB HDD (Seagate Barracuda)
- **PSU:** 750W Gold
- **Case:** Fractal Meshify C
**Usage:**
- DaVinci Resolve (editing and color work)
- Adobe Suite for design work
- Casual iRacing
**Issues:**
- Noticeable lag in timelines in Resolve, especially when applying effects or color corrections.
- Exports take longer than I expect.
- Experiencing lag in Illustrator and InDesign.
- Overall performance feels less responsive.
**Budget:**
I aim to keep upgrades reasonable and am avoiding a full rebuild, just smart enhancements.
I'm curious about:
- What should I prioritize upgrading for better performance in Resolve?
- Which component (CPU or GPU) is likely the bigger bottleneck?
- Would upgrading to 64GB of RAM yield a noticeable improvement?
- Is there anything else I should consider, like settings or storage arrangements?
Thanks for any insights!
5 Answers
Timeline lag suggests a slow encoder. Have you checked the settings in DaVinci Resolve for NVIDIA NVENC? Since Resolve relies heavily on GPU, upgrading it to something more modern would likely be your best move. The RTX 5060 or 5070 could do wonders for you. Also, check how full your storage drives are, as filled drives can affect speed.
1. Definitely look at getting a new GPU first. Your RTX 2070 Super is limited by its 8GB of VRAM, which can hinder performance during intensive tasks.
2. Monitor your RAM usage in Task Manager while editing; if it’s maxed out, you might need more than 32GB. The RTX 5060 Ti offers a good upgrade at around $500, and your current motherboard and PSU can handle it just fine.
I’d recommend upgrading your GPU first. It’ll make a significant difference in your workflow, especially with video editing in DaVinci Resolve. A newer model like the RTX 5060 Ti can really enhance performance, particularly if you use studio drivers.
Have you considered switching to Mac, like a MacBook or Studio? They tend to handle video editing well. But I understand you want to maintain the ability to game, which is smart; just weighing options!

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