If you are into video editing or motion graphics, then you for sure know how Adobe After Effects is a beast. It is full of features that will help you create the most amazing visuals, from animating logos to making cinematic effects. But there is probably one thing you may have noticed, that it is no lightweight.

Being such a powerful tool, After Effects demands quite a lot from your computer, and without the right setup, you'll start to pick up a lot more slow previews, long render times, and maybe even the dreaded crash when you're mid-project, but if you need help to avoid crashes while you work, take a look at this guide on How to Stop After Effects Crashing. The right hardware makes all the difference, letting you focus on creating instead of waiting for your computer to catch up.

This guide will break down the best computers for After Effects, covering everything from the best of the best machines to more of the “budget-friendlier picks”. And if upgrading isn’t on the table, we’ve got a cloud-based solution that might be exactly what you need. If you’re new to After Effects, check out this Complete Guide to After Effects to help you get started.

Why Hardware Matters for Adobe After Effects

Performance Requirements

Adobe After Effects is built to handle everything from 3D animations to those super-complicated video effects, but just like every superhero says “that power comes at a cost”, and in this case, the cost is your hardware. Without the right specs, the program can lag, freeze, or take forever to render even small projects, so if rendering times are your biggest frustration, these Tips for Faster Rendering in After Effects might help. It’s not just about running the software; it’s about running it smoothly.

Impact of Hardware

The quality of your hardware determines how efficient your workflow will be:

• CPU: Handles all the calculations behind effects and animations.

• GPU: Speeds up rendering and playback for GPU-accelerated effects.

• RAM: Keeps large projects running without stalling.

• Storage: Faster drives mean quicker loading and saving of project files.

Flexibility with Alternatives

If upgrading your setup isn’t an option right now, services like Vagon Cloud Computer let you tap into high-performance hardware from your existing device. It’s a solid option if you’re working on a tight budget or just need extra power before you are able to get the right hardware.

High-End Computers for After Effects

If you’re the type who likes to go big or go home, these machines are for you.

Apple Mac Studio (M2 Ultra)

• Benefits: Incredible performance for rendering and playback, near-silent operation, and perfect integration with macOS.

• Why it’s great for After Effects: Works really well when handling 4K and 8K projects with ease.

• Ideal For: Professionals working on those super high-resolution projects who are already in the Apple ecosystem.

Dell XPS 8960 Tower

• Benefits: Has the freedom of customizable specs, powerful Intel processors, and NVIDIA RTX GPUs.

• Why it’s great for After Effects: Delivers raw performance for those very demanding tasks like 3D rendering and multi-layer effects.

• Ideal For: Windows users who need a desktop that balances power and value.

ASUS ProArt StudioBook 16

• Benefits: Stunning 4K OLED display and NVIDIA RTX graphics for professional-grade work.

• Why it’s great for After Effects: Combines portability with the best of the best performance specs.

• Ideal For: Freelancers and mobile creators who need high-end performance on the go.

Mid-Tier Computers for After Effects

Solid performance without burning through your money in the bank.

• Benefits: Compact, and affordable, and many people praise it for being surprisingly powerful for its size.

• Why it’s great for After Effects: A cost-effective way to enjoy macOS with excellent performance for most projects.

• Ideal For: Beginner to intermediate users who don’t need top-tier specs.

HP Envy Desktop

• Benefits: Quiet, reliable, and loaded with an Intel Core i7 and NVIDIA RTX 3060 GPU.

• Why it’s great for After Effects: Handles moderate workloads like explainer videos and logo animations easily.

• Ideal For: Freelancers looking for something that has great value.

ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 (Laptop)

• Benefits: Lightweight, powerful, and portable with AMD Ryzen processors and NVIDIA RTX GPUs.

• Why it’s great for After Effects: Perfect balance of power and portability for mid-level projects.

• Ideal For: Students and vloggers who need flexibility without sacrificing performance.

Low-Budget Computers for After Effects

Just starting out? Here’s how to get the most bang for your buck.

Acer Aspire 5 (Laptop)

• Benefits: Affordable, lightweight, and equipped with decent AMD Ryzen or Intel Core i5 processors.

• Why it’s great for After Effects: Handles basic animations and small projects without issues.

• Ideal For: Beginners and students learning the basics of After Effects.

Lenovo IdeaCentre 5 (Desktop)

• Benefits: Upgradeable, compact, and budget-friendly.

• Why it’s great for After Effects: Enough power for simple animations and light video editing.

• Ideal For: Hobbyists or budget-conscious freelancers who prefer desktops.

ASUS VivoBook 15 (Laptop)

• Benefits: Budget-friendly, portable, and comes with a Full HD display.

• Why it’s great for After Effects: Ideal for entry-level users working on small-scale projects.

• Ideal For: First-time After Effects users who need an affordable laptop to get started.

Tips for Optimizing Hardware Performance

If upgrading isn’t an option, try out these tips that can help you milk and get the most out of your current setup:

• Allocate More RAM: Adjust After Effects’ preferences to give it more memory.

• Use Proxies: Work with lower-resolution versions of your footage to speed up previews.

• Purge Cache: Free up storage regularly to avoid any kind of slowdowns.

• Enable GPU Acceleration: Make sure After Effects is using your GPU for rendering. Pairing optimized hardware with these Adobe After Effects Keyboard Shortcuts can further streamline your workflow.

• Close Background Apps: Free up resources by shutting down anything you’re not actively using.

But let's look at the best option out there, if upgrading isn't an option. 

Vagon Cloud Computer: A Flexible Alternative

So for some or other reason, you're not ready to upgrade your hardware? That’s okay because there’s still a way to run Adobe After Effects smoothly without having to spend the money you don't have. Vagon Cloud Computer gives you access to high-performance computing power right from your existing device, so you can handle even the most demanding projects without having to invest in new equipment, that you aren't even sure you want/need.

Learn more about how Vagon makes cloud computing easy for creators in Using After Effects on Cloud Computer.

Why After Effects Users Love It:

• Cost-Effective: Pay only for the time you use.

• Access Anywhere: Work from any device with an internet connection.

• High Performance: Tackle heavy projects without needing expensive hardware.

Example Use Case:

All of a sudden, BAM you have got a big project that landed on your desk, but your computer just can’t handle it. With Vagon, you can temporarily access the power of a high-end desktop to get the job done. When the project’s done, you’re back to using your regular setup without missing a beat. It's a dream for any freelancer or user who wants to test the water in new projects.

Conclusion

The right computer transforms After Effects from a lame frustrating job to a seamless creative experience. So if you’re going for a high-end powerhouse, a reliable mid-tier machine, or just a budget-friendly starter, the key is finding what works for you and your needs and making it work. And if upgrading isn’t an option, tools like Vagon Cloud Computer let you tap into the professional-level performance without the hefty price tag.

No matter your budget or skill level, there’s a solution out there to help you create without those annoying financial borders. Now it’s time to pick your setup and get to work. Your next masterpiece is waiting!