Resolved: Streaming inquiry
Resolved: Streaming inquiry
I’ve been attempting to stream for many years, previously using a PlayStation 4 and acquiring an ElGato capture card. However, I encountered sound issues. Currently, I possess a mid-range PC setup and am wondering if my hardware and internet connection are sufficient for streaming. If not, what recommendations do you all have?
Specifications:
ASUS ROG Strix B360-H motherboard
Intel Core i3 9100f processor
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 with 6GB of memory
120 GB Solid State Drive
1 TB Hard Disk Drive
550W Cooler Master power supply
Regarding my internet connection, I have a download speed of 50 Mbps and an upload speed of 5 Mbps.
Certainly, it’s still feasible to broadcast using that setup; however, it likely won't be through H.264, instead employing Nvidia’s Nvenc (new) encoder for video transmission. This will lessen the burden on your processor, which is notably limited, and shift stream encoding to the graphics card. Despite your 1060 not being a top-tier model, it should effectively manage 1080p at 30 frames per second or 720p at 60 frames per second – precisely the resolution and frame rate compatible with your upload speed of 5000 Kilobits per second. You can utilize OBS Studios or Streamlabs OBS to begin broadcasting. Ensure you configure the video output stream encoder as Nvenc and set the bitrate to 5000 Kbps. If you experience network instability during gameplay, a minimum of 3500 Kbps is recommended for 720p at 60 FPS.
Indeed, streaming remains feasible with that setup, though likely not using H.264; instead, it will leverage Nvidia’s Nvenc (new) encoder for video output. This will alleviate pressure on your processor, which is somewhat limited, and shift the encoding task to the GPU. Your GeForce 1060, while not a high-end card, should still manage 1080p at 30 frames per second or 720p at 60 frames per second – precisely the resolution and frame rate compatible with your upload speed of 5000 Kilobits per second. You can utilize OBS Studios or Streamlabs to begin broadcasting. Ensure you configure the video output stream encoder as Nvenc and set the bitrate to 5000Kbps. However, if you experience network delays within the game, the minimum achievable rate is 3500Kbps for 720p at 60FPS.
You are likely experiencing network bandwidth limitations rather than problems with your computer hardware. You’re currently receiving only 5 megabits per second (Mbps), which equates to 5,000 kilobits per second (Kbps). This is the amount of data required for streaming video at 1080p resolution and a frame rate of 30 frames per second. Furthermore, it appears your games rarely maintain a consistent 60 frames per second unless you adjust the graphics settings to medium levels; therefore, upgrading to a GeForce GTX 1070 would be a more suitable solution.
Yes, my system handles 60 frames per second, particularly within the competitive Fortnite environment where I achieve approximately 150 FPS with fluctuations ranging from 230 FPS down to 70 FPS up. Apex Legends maintains a consistent 100+ frame rate on maximum settings.
Avoid using a bitrate of 5000.
That would be incorrect.
When you adjust the bitrate within OBS, it doesn’t consistently maintain that value; it frequently exceeds it during encoding and varies considerably. Considering your upload speed – based on a speed test rather than just your internet plan – aim for a bitrate of 4500 at most, and ideally 4000 to prevent excessive overshooting during encoding, which could overwhelm your connection and negatively impact the viewer’s experience.
Maintaining a 4000 bitrate stream for an FPS on Twitch while still attracting viewers is highly improbable. Utilizing the ElGato for encoding represents a sensible approach; however, you require a significantly faster internet connection to avoid streaming at resolutions of 720 or 480.
If you're streaming with such a high bitrate, you should be playing a considerably less demanding game—perhaps a turn-based RPG or… checkers—instead.
At 4000 bits per second, your mouse movement will likely cause severe pixelation within the stream (at 1080p).