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I've been editing on a (windows based) desktop and now want and need to transition to notebook computers.

I've been assured that notebook computers are now showing specs that can rival any desktop based system (if you have the $$$). Specially HP's Z-Book series which is built with video and content creation in mind. However, due to budget constraints I am looking at the Acer Aspire V17 Nitro Black Edition as a possible candidate. It sports a fast i7 processor, with 16GB RAM and an Nvidia GTX-860M video card.

My question is that do the more compact M-series of Nvidia cards really show the kind of performance that their desktop class series do? Specially in terms of cooling which could be a factor when driving the GPU to its limits for extended periods of time.

A desktop can handle the marathon sessions that I often have to subject my computers to, but can the same be said of notebook computers since they don't have any space inside to breathe as well.

Also, am I missing some other important factors to consider when making a decision whether to have my main editing system a notebook computer? I really want to understand this before I make an investment.

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Short answer up front: a notebook M‑series GPU like the GTX 860M can handle 4K footage for basic editing and timeline playback if you plan carefully, but it is not the same as a desktop GPU for sustained, effects‑heavy 4K work. The 860M was shipped in different silicon and memory configs (Kepler and Maxwell variants, 2GB or 4GB VRAM on many SKUs), so check the exact SKU and VRAM before deciding. (notebookcheck.net)

Thermals and sustained throughput are the real caveats. Laptop GPUs are power‑ and cooling‑constrained compared with desktop cards; that limits sustained clock speeds and causes throttling during long exports or heavy color grading. For marathon sessions (the kind you describe), a properly cooled desktop or a higher‑end workstation laptop will give more consistent performance. (anandtech.com)

Software and system balance matter as much as raw GPU name. Adobe’s guidance for Premiere’s GPU acceleration recommends multiple gigabytes of VRAM for 4K (they list ~6 GB as the practical floor for 4K playback) and significantly more system RAM for heavy timelines; their system pages also call for fast SSDs and 16–32 GB+ of RAM for 4K. That matches ’s point: RAM and disk IO are often bigger bottlenecks than CPU headroom alone. If an 860M laptop only has 2 GB VRAM or a slow mechanical drive, plan on proxies or offline workflows. ()

Practical checklist (what to do before you buy or accept a return):

  • Verify the exact GPU SKU and VRAM on the spec sheet.
  • Insist on an internal SSD and at least 16 GB RAM (32 GB if you can afford it).
  • In‑store/test: run a long 4K export or timeline playback test (monitor temps and sustained clock behavior); use the seller’s return window if it underperforms (as suggested).
  • Use a proxy workflow for smooth editing on weaker GPUs (Premiere has built‑in proxy tools). If you need full‑speed, heavy grading, or long renders regularly, choose a workstation laptop (ZBook class) or a desktop. ()

Overall: the Aspire Nitro with an 860M can work for light 4K editing or for workflows that use proxies and fast NVMe storage, but for pro, full‑resolution 4K timelines with lots of effects, a stronger GPU/VRAM and better cooling (or a desktop) is the safer choice.

Member Avatar for Kevin_14
1, the system you mentioned sounds like it would be able to handle it but... The RAM and hard drive may be more of a "Bottlen Neck" than the CPU. Most peopel only use 1/3 of their CPUs processing power.

If you're buying from an actual store, see if they will let you give it a test drive. Consider buying from Sams club. My father buys all his electronics from them. They have a return "No Questions Asked" policy. I don't shop there and maybe they don't have it any more but... you can always get a 30 day free pass to visit. If they still have the policy you can do your own test drive from home.

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