The Ultimate PC Gaming Streaming Hardware Guide: Don’t settle for second best..
Are you tired of watching your favorite streamers like Shroud and Ninja crush their opponents on PC? Are you looking to become the next big name in the streaming world but don’t know where to start? You’re in the right place! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll show you all the PC gaming streaming hardware you’ll need to get you up and running as a professional streamer.
Professional PC streamers have a complex setup of hardware and software that allows them to broadcast their gaming sessions in real time. This hardware can be expensive and take time to research, so it pays to know exactly what streaming hardware you need for PC gaming. In this guide, we’ll not only identify the best streaming hardware for PC gaming, but we’ll also cover the basics of streaming for newcomers.
Before we dive into the specifics, here’s a quick overview of the streaming hardware you’ll need:
• A computer that meets the technical specifications for your chosen streaming software
• A microphone and camera to provide audio and video
• A streaming platform such as Twitch or YouTube
• A graphics card to create high-quality visuals
• A good-quality headset or headphones
• An encoder or capture card
• A capture card or streaming encoder to capture and stream your gaming footage
• Streaming software
• Fast internet connection
Now let’s take a closer look at the streaming setups and hardware you’ll need to get your stream up and running.
First, you’ll need a computer or laptop with enough power and capacity to run the streaming applications. You’ll want to make sure your system meets the minimum requirements needed for streaming software, especially for live streaming. For example, some popular streaming software, like OBS and XSplit, require at least 8GB of RAM and a quad-core processor to run without interruption.
The computer you choose should also have a graphics card that can manage high-quality streaming visuals without being bogged down. A mid-range graphics card, like the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti, should be more than enough to stream reliably.
You will also need a microphone in order to make your voice audible for viewers. Many streaming setups come with an adequate microphone built in, but if you want to purchase a standalone mic, you should get one that has a good frequency response and strong frequency output.
In addition to the microphone, you’ll need video streaming hardware such as a camera. USB-connected web cameras are generally sufficient, and you don’t need to go top of the line here. A mid-range camera, like the Logitech C920, should provide decent video quality for streaming.
Once you’ve got the basics covered, you’ll need a streaming platform like Twitch or YouTube Gaming. This is where you’ll be broadcasting your gaming sessions and interacting with viewers. Twitch and YouTube are the most popular streaming sites, but there are other great streaming platforms you can use as well, like Microsoft Mixer and Facebook Gaming.
When you’re ready to set up your broadcast, you’ll need a capture card or streaming encoder to capture and stream your gaming footage. Capture cards range from budget-friendly options like the Elgato HD60 to more advanced 4K cards like the Blackmagic Design Intensity Pro 4K.
When it comes to streaming software, you’ll want to make sure you have a reliable program to capture and stream your gaming sessions. Some of the most popular streaming programs include OBS, XSplit, and Streamlabs OBS. These programs allow you to tweak the quality and settings of your stream, and many come with a wide range of features, like scene switching, audio mixing, and custom plugins.
Finally, you’ll need a good-quality headset or headphones for gaming and streaming. Headsets can provide better sound quality and comfort, however, you don’t need to spend a fortune on one. Many budget headsets offer good sound quality, but if you want to splurge on a more colorful design, the Sennheiser GSP 500 is highly-rated and widely recommended.
As you can see, there is a lot of hardware required for PC gaming streaming, but when you have everything you need, you can create a professional streaming setup that will let you broadcast your gaming sessions in the highest quality possible. Keep this guide in mind and you’ll be well on your way to success as a streamer. Good luck!
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