What Is the Best PC Gaming Streaming Equipment?
Are you looking to take your gaming setup to the next level? Streaming your video games to an audience is a great way to keep your gaming skills sharp and engage with others. But to do it right, you’ll need some specialized streaming equipment and software. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll reveal the best PC gaming streaming equipment to help you become a streamer.
Streaming video games to fans has become immensely popular thanks to platforms like Twitch and YouTube Gaming. You may be surprised to learn that anyone can begin streaming from the comfort of their own homes, but the process of setting up a high-performance streaming setup can be daunting for newcomers. In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through all of the best streaming equipment and software for PC gaming you’ll need for premium streaming performance.
Hardware Components for Streaming
To stream to Twitch, YouTube, or elsewhere, you’ll need to construct a streaming setup that consists of several hardware components.
Router
Your home router of course deserves a mention here, because it’s absolutely essential for a successful streaming setup.
Your router is the cornerstone of your streaming setup and it plays a key role in delivering your video feed reliably, quickly, and with minimal latency. When shopping for a router, always look for the fastest available WiFi speeds to ensure optimum performance for streaming.
A powerful central processing unit (CPU) is also essential for an excellent streaming setup. You’ll need at least a second- or third-generation Intel Core i5 processor or an equivalent AMD Ryzen 5 processor to get the job done with minimal lag.
Consider any processing and graphics needs of the particular game you’ll be broadcasting. If you plan to stream more difficult titles on higher settings, you should opt for a more powerful processor like the Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7.
Graphics Card
The graphics card (GPU) is essential too, and you’ll want to choose a card with adequate memory and processing power to handle your video streaming needs. As with any gaming PC, the latest, most powerful graphics cards are always preferred.
An Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060 or better is ideal. If money is no object, Nvidia’s new RTX 2080 or the AMD Radeon VII both provide an outstanding streaming experience.
RAM
For those who are serious about streaming, 8GB of RAM is usually sufficient, although 16GB or more is preferred for multitasking and enhanced performance.
Monitor
For gaming and streaming, multiple monitors provide an ideal setup. With two monitors, your main monitor can be used to display the game while the second monitor or television connected to your system serves as a streaming monitor.
Keyboard & Mouse
Your keyboard and mouse are probably the least important components of your streaming setup but picking quality peripherals can go a long way towards creating a mix of pleasure and proficiency when streaming. Gaming-grade keyboards and mice add an extra edge to your overall performance.
A decent gaming headset is also highly recommended.
Software Components for Streaming
Once you have the necessary hardware in place, you’ll need to install streaming software to manage the streaming process.
Broadcasting Software
Broadcasting software allows you to stream your games to services like Twitch, YouTube and more. For PC gamers, the leading broadcasting software is OBS (Open Broadcaster Software).
OBS offers a free, open source solution for live streaming and recording. It’s also easy-to-use, with a simple and intuitive interface. Use it to quickly set up scenes with distinct elements, allowing for layered streaming and recording.
Hardware Encoders
Encoding isn’t the job of the broadcasting software. The hardware or external encoder is the one that does the encoding. A hardware encoder is an additional piece of equipment you can add to your streaming setup that helps offload the resource-intensive task of encoding.
External encoders work in tandem with streaming software to reduce the CPU’s workload and provide a better streaming experience. Popular hardware encoders include Elgato’s HD60 Pro and the AVerMedia Live Gamer Extreme 2.
Communication Software
Communicating with your audience and responding to comments is a key part of any successful streamer’s repertoire. To be able to do so, you’ll also need to install communication software.
Discord is easily the most popular choice for both streaming and gamers in general. It’s a great way to stay in touch with your audience and provide a platform for dialogue.
Streaming Overlay Software
If you want to appear professional and polished on the air, you’d be wise to invest in some streaming overlay software. Streaming overlays provide a visually appealing way to show off your stream, with an array of designs, frames and even streaming tips.
Popular streaming overlays are StreamElements, Strexm and StreamGraphics.
Conclusion
With a vast range of hardware and software, it’s obvious that streaming to an audience requires serious consideration and investment in the right gear. Used correctly, the right equipment can elevate your streams and make them look more professional and enjoyable.
Now that you know what is needed, have you got what it takes to become the next streaming superstar? Start building your streaming setup, get to grips with the software, and you’ll be well on your way!
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