The Top PC Gaming Streaming Equipment: Ultimate Guide.
Are you hoping to start streaming PC games, but don’t know where to start? Don’t worry – we have the ultimate guide for the best PC gaming streaming equipment to get you started.
With the rise of popular streaming platforms such as Twitch, YouTube and Mixer, streaming PC games is becoming a more popular form of entertainment and even a potential source of income. But getting started is no easy feat – after all, it takes more than just a basic computer, a couple of games and a microphone.
To maximize your streaming efforts and get the most out of the process, you’ll need quality PC gaming streaming gear. In this guide, we’ll run through all the equipment you’ll need to get your stream up and running – let’s get started!
The Basics: What You Need to Begin Streaming PC Games
Before we dive into the more advanced PC gaming streaming gear, let’s first take a look at the basics. To get started, here are the key elements you’ll need:
* A good PC: The most important element of any PC gaming set-up is the rig itself. You want to choose a computer that has enough power to run all your streaming software and games. Don’t forget to factor in upgrades you may need too – some streaming programs require a specific CPU and GPU to get the best performance.
* A reliable internet connection: Streaming video over the internet does require a lot of data, especially if you’re live. Make sure your connection is stable and fast enough to avoid any potential lag or buffering during a broadcast.
* Streaming software: Next up, you’ll need streaming software installed on your PC. The most popular streaming programs are OBS Studio, XSplit and Streamlabs, with each providing a different set of features and customisation.
Once you have these three elements taken care of, you’re ready to take the next step and get into more advanced PC gaming streaming gear.
Advanced PC Gaming Streaming Gear
Now that you’ve taken care of the basics, it’s time to move on to some of the more advanced streaming gear. You don’t necessarily need all the items on this list, but they can help improve your stream’s quality and make the process easier.
* Webcam: A lot of streamers are now taking advantage of live webcam footage to add a personal touch to their stream. It isn’t necessary, but it can definitely add to the viewer experience. For a great quality webcam, look at Logitech and Razer.
* Microphone: Audio quality is super important when streaming PC games, so it’s worth investing in a quality microphone. You could use something like the Blue Yeti, which provides crystal clear sound and offers some additional features such as a built-in headphone jack and built-in pop filter.
* Lighting: Again, this is an optional item but good lighting can give your room a much more professional and polished look – a definite upgrade to any stream. Look for lights with adjustable brightness and colour temperature to get the best look.
* Capture card: If you plan to play console games on your PC, you’ll need a capture card. This will capture and display the footage from your console directly onto your PC – allowing you to stream it live or save it for later viewing.
* Streaming controllers: If you’re streaming console games, you’ll likely need a controller to play. We recommend investing in streaming controllers, like the Xbox Adaptive Controller or Sony’s DualShock. These will allow you to stream your gaming sessions with much greater convenience and reliability.
* Streaming tools: Finally, you may want to consider investing in streaming tools. These software tools can help improve the quality of your stream, provide analytics and even help you monetize it. Some popular tools for streaming PC games include StreamElements and Streamlabs.
Wrapping Up
And there you have it – the ultimate guide for the best PC gaming streaming equipment. While the initial set-up can be a little daunting, assembling the right PC gaming streaming gear can offer huge benefits in the long run – good luck!
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