The Ultimate Guide to PC Gaming Streaming Equipment.
Do you want to up your game when it comes to PC gaming? Have you ever wanted to take your experience to the next level and become a streaming star? If so, this article is for you. We’ve compiled a list of the essential PC gaming streaming equipment, accessories and extras that will help you establish yourself in the streaming world.
Whether you’re already an avid gamer or just looking to get started, having the right setup and equipment is paramount. In the world of streaming, it affords you the opportunity to broadcast your gaming experience live to your viewers, allowing for a unique and interactive experience that’ll keep them coming back for more.
Throughout this article, we’ll be discussing the essentials of PC gaming streaming, such as what type of equipment and accessories you’ll need, as well as how to optimise your setup to make sure you’re delivering a high quality experience. So without further ado, let’s jump in.
What You Need to Start PC Gaming Streaming
Before we get into the specifics of PC gaming streaming equipment and how to set things up, let’s start with what you’ll need to get started. Broadly, you’ll need the following four pieces of equipment:
• A desktop or laptop computer.
• Streaming software.
• Audio and video equipment.
• An Internet connection.
It may go without saying, but you’ll need a capable computer to both power your gaming and to stream it. Keep in mind that streaming can take a toll on hardware and will require more computing power than just the game alone. We’ll talk about the specifics of this later in the article.
Without streaming software, you won’t be able to broadcast your gaming. There are many options out there, including OBS Studio which is a popular choice that allows you to start streaming with very little setup.
In order to convey your gaming experience to your viewers, you’ll need to make sure you have the right audio and video equipment. When it comes to audio, you’ll want to invest in a quality microphone, as this will ensure you deliver crystal clear commentary or commentary to your viewers. For video, you’ll need a capture card to capture your gaming footage, which will then be streamed.
Finally, you’ll need a reliable and sufficiently fast Internet connection to ensure you’re delivering a smooth and consistent streaming experience. Keep in mind that the minimum upload speed recommended is at least 1mbps.
What Equipment is Recommended for PC Gaming Streaming?
Now that you know the basics of what you’ll need to get started streaming your PC gaming, let’s talk about the equipment you should have to give yourself the best possible chance of success.
PC: Your gaming PC should meet certain requirements regarding the amount of RAM, CPU and GPU in order to run games at the highest possible settings, as well as be able to stream at a steady clip. When it comes to RAM, look for 8GB or more; as for CPUs, look for a 6th generation Intel Core i5 or higher. GPUs should be no older than a GTX 960 or RX 560, with a better GPU being preferred.
Capture Card: A capture card is an essential piece of hardware that allows you to capture and record the internal or external input of a PC. You can use this to capture and record your gaming footage, which can then be sent to your streaming software. The Elgato HD60 S is a popular choice when it comes to capture cards and is highly recommended.
Audio Interface: If you want to be able to deliver crystal clear audio to your viewers, you’ll need to invest in a high-end audio interface which will allow you to connect your microphone and other audio devices. The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is a great choice for those starting out.
Microphone: In terms of microphones, you’ll want to invest in one that delivers good sound quality and is noise cancelling. A popular choice is the Blue Yeti USB Microphone which offers the above features, as well as being relatively affordable.
Stream Deck: The Elgato Stream Deck is a great tool for streamers, as it allows you to customise several shortcut keys and macros. This means you can make changes on the fly without needing to access the streaming software, making your life much easier.
Additional Equipment
Aside from the essentials, there are several other pieces of equipment that can make your life much easier and your streaming experience much better.
Headset: Investing in a good gaming headset will allow you to clearly hear what’s going on in-game, as well as give you the ability to communicate with your team or viewers. Keep in mind that different headsets are designed for different purposes, so make sure you pick one suited to your needs.
Webcam: If you’re looking for a way to add a personal touch to your stream, adding a webcam is a great option. It also affords you the opportunity to interact with your viewers more easily, allowing you to create a more personal experience.
Lighting: Investing in good lighting is essential if you want to create a professional looking stream. At the very least, you’ll want some sort of soft lighting that’ll help illuminate you, your desk and your setup. Doing so will help create a consistent and aesthetically pleasing look to your stream.
How to Set Up Your PC Gaming Streaming Equipment
Now that you have all the necessary equipment, it’s time to set it up. The great thing about streaming is that it isn’t too difficult to get the hang of, and it’s pretty intuitive.
1. Connect your video source. If you’re looking to stream your gameplay, you’ll need to connect the video source (for example, the capture card) to your streaming software. Doing this is relatively simple, and most software will have an option for connecting sources. Make sure you turn on the capture card and set it to the right resolution and frames-per-second (FPS).
2. Connect your audio source. Next you’ll want to make sure your audio source (for example, your microphone) is connected and enabled in the streaming software. When you first open your software, make sure you check the audio settings and ensure your microphone is set as the “default” audio device.
3. Connect your streaming platform. Now it’s time to connect your streaming platform, such as YouTube or Twitch, to your streaming software. Depending on the platform you’re streaming to, there will be different options for connecting. Make sure you go through the necessary steps, as this will be essential for live streaming.
4. Set up your graphics. One of the key ingredients of a successful streaming setup is having good graphics. Setting up your graphics is relatively straightforward and requires little setup. Make sure you take the time to customise and fine tune your graphics to ensure you’re broadcasting the best possible picture.
5. Test your stream. Once you’ve set up your equipment, it’s important to test your stream. This will allow you to ensure that everything is running smoothly and that the viewer experience is a good one. Start with a small test stream and make adjustments if you need to, such as audio or video quality or anything else you think needs to be tweaked.
Now You’re Ready to Stream
Now that you have all the essential PC gaming streaming equipment and know how to set it up, you’re ready to start streaming. Just remember to keep in mind that streaming takes a lot of practice and consistency, so it’s important to remain patient and stay motivated.
It’s also worth noting that streaming isn’t for everyone, so if you find it’s not for you then don’t worry – you don’t have to continue. Either way, it’s a good idea to look into streaming to see if it’s something you’d like to do, as it can be a great source of extra income and it’s a great way to get involved with gaming culture.
In conclusion, PC gaming streaming isn’t just about having the right equipment – it’s about having the right attitude as well. If you’re consistent and determined, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a successful streamer in no time. So go forth, download the right software and make your mark on the streaming industry. Good luck!
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