The highest quality you can achieve is available for recording and streaming.
The highest quality you can achieve is available for recording and streaming.
You're looking to understand the highest quality you can achieve with your current setup. Based on your specs—R9 290, i5 2500, 8GB RAM, 1600MHz, and a fast internet connection—you should be able to reach high-quality streaming. Consider using GPU acceleration for smoother performance, especially if you're planning to offload tasks like encoding. Check your network speed and ensure it supports the quality you want.
Aim for 1080p resolution and 2000kbps bitrate for optimal quality. Increasing beyond these limits can strain your CPU and cause issues.
It's often challenging to provide clear answers since it relies on your specific system and background processes. As Juganog recommended, begin with those configurations, adjusting as needed based on your computer's performance until you reach a stable state. Also, conduct thorough testing—what looks great on the title screen might not hold up under real workloads.
It's a bit outdated here, but I'm okay with 720p. A 1080p might get choppy unless you've unlocked it and overclocked the chip (just in case you missed the K). I don't usually stream in full screen—my limit is 720p so I can keep my desktop visible and other tabs open. Most popular streamers use 720p too, so don't worry unless your audience complains.