The Best PC Gaming Streaming Hardware.
Being a streaming aficionado comes with a lot of responsibility. You have to invest in top-notch hardware for smooth and quality streaming, attractive visuals, and good sound quality. From capture cards to microphones and cameras, here is our go-to guide for the best PC gaming streaming hardware.
Capture Cards
Capture cards are probably the most important pieces of hardware you will need to stream. They are used to grab video and audio signals from consoles and send them to your streaming PC. If you want to capture gameplay from your favorite console, a capture card is a must. It will act as the hub between your console and streaming PC.
Many capture cards provide HD and 4K support, while others might also allow you to record and stream in HD. When shopping for a capture card, look for one that comes with the latest features, such as streaming and recording in 4K. There are numerous brands and models so make sure to do your research and see what suits your needs and budget. Some of the best capture cards for PC gaming streaming include the Elgato 4K60 Pro, the Elgato HD60S+, and the Blackmagic Design Intensity Pro 4K.
Motherboards
Your motherboard will be responsible for a lot of things, such as connecting all your hardware components. Since you’re streaming PC gaming, you’ll need a motherboard with a robust chipset. A good motherboard should have an HDMI output, allowing you to connect your gaming console and stream directly without going through the capture card. This way, you’ll be able to capture footage at a higher resolution and reduce latency. We recommend choosing a motherboard with an HDMI 2.0 or higher port.
Also, make sure to get a motherboard with plenty of PCI-Express slots, allowing you to install many hardware components such as sound cards, graphics cards, and capture cards. A good example of a gaming motherboard designed for streaming is the ASUS Prime Z390-A Motherboard.
Graphics Card
The graphics card is another essential component for streaming PC gaming. A powerful graphics card is essential for streaming at 1080p or 4K. It is responsible for processing the video coming in from your capture card and sending it to the streaming software of your choice.
In this case, we recommend going for an AMD Radeon or Nvidia GeForce card. The AMD Radeon RX 570 8GB and the Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 Super 8GB should offer a good performance for streaming PC gaming. You should also look for a card with plenty of VRAM to support high-resolution streaming.
Sound Card
While you can use your motherboard’s audio capabilities, a dedicated sound card will offer a much better audio quality. Many capturing cards come with audio inputs, but you will get better results if you go for a dedicated sound card. It will reduce background noise, giving you crystal-clear sound with further customization options. We recommend checking out the Creative Sound Blaster X Gaming 5.1 Sound Card.
Microphone
Since you’ll more likely be streaming audio along with your gameplay, a good microphone is something to consider. A good microphone is key to having clear and loud audio during your streams. There are two types of microphones, mechanical and condenser microphones. The mechanical ones tend to be cheaper and are better for casual or background audio, while condenser mics get the job done for more professional creators.
We recommend getting a condenser microphone and checking out some of the most popular models from Blue and Rode. The Blue Yeti is a great choice for streaming PC gaming, being compatible with PC, Mac, and PS4. Another option from Rode is the NT-USB Mini USB Condenser Microphone, which is also compatible with PC and Mac systems.
Webcam
Webcams are also important for streaming PC gaming. You need a webcam to show your audience your reactions and to help build up a personal connection with them. Lately, most streaming tools come with integrated webcams with full HD support and they are a good mid-tier value.
We suggest going with a Logitech HD Pro Webcam C920, which offers excellent 1080p video and excellent still image quality. If you have a larger budget, you can also check out the 4K version which is the Logitech BRIO 4K Webcam.
Lighting
Lighting is also crucial for streaming PC gaming. This is especially important for streamers that use webcams. You need the right lighting to help viewers distinguish important details and to set the mood and atmosphere.
You don’t have to break the bank to get decent lighting systems. Many lighting kits, such as the Neewer Ring Light Kit, come at affordable prices and allow you to get professional-level lighting.
Software
Streaming PC gaming also requires software and tools to help you stream. There are multiple solutions available, the most popular being OBS and XSplit. OBS is probably the most used streaming software and is best for streamers on tight budgets. OBS is free and allows you to customize your streams with overlays and plugins.
XSplit, on the other hand, is for more established streamers and is considered the more powerful streaming solution. XSplit offers more features and options, but comes at a cost.
Conclusion
Having the right hardware is important for a good streaming experience. From the motherboard to the streaming software, each component should be carefully chosen to fit your streamer’s needs. Invest in the best PC gaming streaming hardware to ensure high-quality gaming streams and engage your viewers.
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