The Best PC Streaming Equipment: A Guide.
As more and more gamers turn to streaming their gameplay on platforms like Twitch, YouTube gaming, and Mixer, it’s important to have the best streaming equipment to put your best performance forward. You don’t need to be a tech expert to stream like a pro, but understanding the basics of PC streaming equipment can help you get the most out of your setup. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to upgrade some of your existing gear, this guide provides the essential equipment and tips you should know when looking to stream your gaming sessions.
Starting out with a streaming setup can be a daunting task. From input devices, output devices, streaming software, computer hardware and as well as other components, there are many things to consider when building out a decent streaming setup. Every individual’s needs and budget will be different, and some equipment may have overlapping functionality. Let’s go through each component piece by piece to determine what equipment you need to get started in streaming right away.
The best streaming setup starts with a good quality microphone. Your viewers are going to need to hear you clearly, so having a good quality microphone is essential. Most USB microphones will do a great job of capturing your voice clearly and beautifully. Of course, higher end brands like Blue, Shure and Sennheiser will give you greater sound quality as these companies have been known to make industry-standard audio tools. Be sure to do some research and find a microphone that fits your budget and needs.
Input devices are also essential for a complete streaming setup. By far, the most popular input device for PC gamers are gaming keyboards and gaming mice. A gaming keyboard with tactile feedback and backlighting will help you see and feel your inputs easily. Similarly, a gaming mouse with a high sensitivity rate makes a huge difference with precision aiming and movement. There are plenty of models to choose from, and each individual will have their own preference of brands. Logitech, SteelSeries, and Razer are all great brands for both mice and keyboards.
Now that you have your microphones and input devices all sorted, let’s talk about computère. If you’re serious about streaming and potentially gaming, then having a good quality desktop or laptop computer is essential. Build quality, storage, RAM, and graphics cards all need to be taken into consideration when picking out the right computer. Companies like Dell, Alienware, and Asus offer good quality gaming computers with the right specifications for a decent home streaming setup.
For output devices, you’ll want to consider getting a good quality webcam and monitor. Most laptops will come with built-in webcams, but they are not as good as a standalone webcam. Popular webcams like Logitech and Razer offer great image and video quality. Monitors are essential for gaming and streaming, so be sure to pick out a monitor that is large enough and has features that fit your needs. Higher refresh rates and larger screens will help you display helpful streaming information like chat boxes and assists you in multitasking.
Finally, you’ll need the right streaming software. Generally speaking, the most popular and widely used streaming software is OBS or Open Broadcast Software, but there are other software suites such as XSplit and StreamLabs OBS that offer better graphics and additional features. Researching each one and determining which is best for you can be helpful. All of the software can be downloaded for free and come with starter guides.
Building the right streaming setup can be an incredibly intimidating task. There are so many products to consider and it is important to research each piece of equipment meticulously. In this guide, we covered the essential components you will need to get your streaming setup up and running. Remember that budgets are always different and that you should research what fits fit your style and needs most. Good luck, and happy streaming!
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