Best OBS Settings for Game Streaming on Low-End PCs

If you're trying to stream games on a low-end PC, finding the right OBS settings can significantly improve the quality of your stream. This guide will help you optimize OBS Studio, one of the best live streaming software options available, for smooth game streaming without overloading your system. Whether you’re streaming to multistreaming platforms or a single service, these tips will help you achieve a balance between performance and quality.

What is OBS Studio, and Why is it Suitable for Low-End PCs?

OBS Studio is a free and open-source software designed for video recording and live streaming. It’s widely regarded as one of the best tools for streaming games, thanks to its flexibility and customization options.

Key Features of OBS for Low-End PCs:

• Lightweight Software: OBS is designed to be efficient, making it suitable for systems with limited resources.
• Support for Multiple Output Formats: Users can choose from various formats like MP4, MKV, and FLV, allowing flexibility in recording and streaming.
• Compatibility with Plugins: OBS supports numerous plugins that can enhance functionality and performance without requiring significant hardware upgrades.
• Customizable Settings: Users can adjust settings such as resolution, frame rate, and bitrate to optimize performance based on their specific hardware capabilities.
• Real-Time Video/Audio Mixing: OBS allows for real-time mixing of video and audio sources, enabling users to create professional-quality streams even on low-end systems.
• Scene Composition: Users can create multiple scenes with different layouts and sources, making it easy to switch between different content during a stream.
• Hotkey Support: OBS provides customizable hotkeys for various functions, allowing users to control their streams efficiently without needing to navigate the interface constantly.
• Integrated Streaming Services: OBS offers built-in support for popular streaming platforms like Twitch, YouTube, and Facebook Live, simplifying the streaming process.
• GPU Encoding Options: For users with compatible graphics cards, OBS can utilize GPU encoding to offload some processing from the CPU, improving performance on low-end PCs.
• Free and Open Source: As a free tool, OBS provides access to powerful streaming and recording features without any financial investment, making it accessible to all users.

How Do I Download and Install OBS Studio?

1. Visit the official OBS Studio website.
2. Choose the appropriate version for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).
3. Download and install the software by following the on-screen instructions.

What Are the Recommended System Requirements for OBS?

While OBS can run on low-end systems, here’s what you’ll need for optimal performance:

• Processor: Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3.
• RAM: 4GB minimum (8GB recommended).
• Graphics Card: Integrated GPU (e.g., Intel HD Graphics) or a basic dedicated GPU like NVIDIA GTX 750 Ti.
• Storage: At least 500MB of free space.

How Do I Test My OBS Settings Before Going Live?

Testing your setup ensures a smooth experience for viewers. Here’s how:

1. Use the OBS Auto-Configuration Wizard (under Tools) for initial optimization.
2. Perform a test recording to check audio and video synchronization.
3. Conduct a private test stream on platforms like YouTube or Twitch.
4. Use OBS's performance metrics (View > Stats) to monitor CPU and memory usage.

Step-by-Step Tutorial: Optimizing OBS for Low-End PCs

Step 1: Choose the Right Output Settings

1. Encoder: Use x264 for software encoding unless you have a GPU that supports NVENC or AMD VCE.

2. Bitrate: Set the bitrate to 2500-3000 kbps for 720p at 30fps.

3. Audio Bitrate: Keep it at 128 kbps for clear audio without adding strain to your PC.

Step 2: Adjust Video Settings

1. Base (Canvas) Resolution: Set this to your monitor’s resolution.
2. Output (Scaled) Resolution: Downscale to 1280x720 or 854x480 for better performance.
3. Downscale Filter: Choose "Bilinear" for the least CPU usage.
4. FPS: Stick to 30 FPS for low-end systems.

Step 3: Configure Audio Settings

1. Go to the "Audio" tab in OBS settings.
2. Set your sample rate to 44.1 kHz.
3. Disable unused audio devices to reduce system load.

Step 4: Tweak Advanced Settings

1. Process Priority: Set to "Above Normal" in the Advanced tab.
2. Renderer: Use Direct3D 11 (default).
3. Color Format: Choose NV12 for efficient streaming.

Step 5: Optimize Game Settings

1. Lower in-game graphics settings to reduce CPU/GPU load.
2. Enable "Game Mode" in Windows to prioritize gaming performance.

Step 6: Test Your Stream

Run a test stream to check for lag, stuttering, or quality issues. Adjust settings as needed.

What Are the Best OBS Plugins for Low-End PCs?

Here are the recommended OBS plugins for low-end PCs that can enhance performance and functionality while live streaming games.

1. StreamFX: Adds useful effects like blur and color correction while being optimized for performance, ensuring minimal impact on system resources.
2. Advanced Scene Switcher: Automates scene transitions based on customizable triggers, allowing for smoother streaming without manual intervention.
3. OBS.Live: Integrates seamlessly with platforms like Twitch, providing additional features such as chat integration and alerts to streamline the streaming experience.
4. NVIDIA NVENC: Utilizes NVIDIA’s hardware encoder to reduce CPU load during streaming, making it ideal for low-end PCs equipped with compatible graphics cards.
5. Audio Monitor: Allows users to monitor audio sources in real-time, helping maintain audio quality without overloading the system.
6. OBS WebSocket: Enables remote control of OBS from other devices, allowing for flexible management of streams without taxing the PC's resources.
7. Move Transition: Adds smooth transition effects when switching between scenes, enhancing the visual quality of streams while remaining lightweight.
8. Source Record: Lets users record individual sources separately, which can help manage resources by focusing on specific elements rather than the entire stream.
9. VST Plugin Support: Integrates Virtual Studio Technology (VST) plugins for advanced audio processing, allowing users to enhance sound quality without heavy CPU usage.
10. Dynamic Bitrate: Automatically adjusts the bitrate based on network conditions, ensuring a stable streaming experience even on low-end systems with limited bandwidth.

How Can I Use OBS for Multistreaming on Low-End PCs?

To stream to multiple platforms, consider a lightweight multistreaming platform like Yostream or Streamlabs Ultra. These services offload the encoding process to their servers, which can be a lifesaver for low-end PCs.

How Do Internet Speeds Affect OBS Performance?

Internet speeds play a crucial role in the performance of OBS during game streaming and recording. Here’s how they affect the overall experience:

1. Upload Speed: The most critical factor for streaming is upload speed. A higher upload speed allows for a better bitrate, which directly influences video quality. For instance, if your upload speed is limited to 3 Mbps, setting your OBS bitrate too high can lead to buffering and poor stream quality, as the connection cannot handle the data being sent.
2. Stability of Connection: A stable internet connection is essential for uninterrupted streaming. Fluctuations in speed can cause lag, dropped frames, and disruptions in the stream. Users on unstable networks often experience significant delays and quality drops, making it vital to ensure a reliable connection, preferably through wired Ethernet rather than Wi-Fi.
3. Bitrate Configuration: The bitrate set in OBS should not exceed 80% of your upload speed to maintain a smooth streaming experience. For example, if your upload speed is 10 Mbps, keeping the bitrate around 6000 kbps is advisable to prevent issues.
4. Network Congestion: If multiple devices are using the same network, it can lead to congestion and reduced speeds, affecting OBS performance. This scenario is particularly problematic for low-end PCs that may struggle with resource-intensive tasks like streaming while also managing network traffic.
5. Impact of OBS on Internet Speed: Some users have reported that simply running OBS can affect their internet speeds due to how the software interacts with system resources and network settings. This can be particularly noticeable on low-end PCs where resources are already limited.

Why Does OBS Lag on My Low-End PC?

Lag in OBS is often caused by hardware limitations or incorrect settings. To resolve this:

• Reduce Bitrate: Lower it to decrease CPU and bandwidth usage.
• Adjust CPU Preset: Opt for a faster preset (e.g., Ultrafast).
• Close Background Applications: Free up system resources.
• Update Graphics Drivers: Ensure compatibility and performance improvements.
• Disable Game Overlays: They can conflict with OBS.

What Are Key OBS Audio Settings for Game Streaming?

Here are five key OBS audio settings for game streaming that can significantly enhance your audio quality and performance:

1. Set Mic/Auxiliary Audio: Use a high-quality microphone to ensure clear communication with your audience. Properly configure the microphone settings in OBS to capture your voice effectively, selecting the correct input device under the "Audio" settings.
2. Apply Noise Suppression: Utilize built-in filters like noise suppression to reduce background noise and unwanted sounds. This feature helps maintain audio clarity, making your voice more prominent during streams while minimizing distractions from your environment.
3. Check Volume Levels: Regularly monitor volume levels to avoid distortion. Aim to keep your microphone levels in the yellow zone, around -5 dB to -15 dB, ensuring that they don’t peak into the red, which can cause clipping and degrade audio quality.
4. Use Audio Filters: Implement additional audio filters such as compressors and limiters to balance audio levels. A compressor can help even out volume fluctuations, while a limiter prevents sudden spikes that could lead to distortion, creating a more professional sound.
5. Configure Desktop Audio Settings: Ensure that your desktop audio is set up correctly to capture game sounds effectively. Select the appropriate output device in OBS settings, and adjust the volume levels so that game audio complements your microphone without overpowering it.

Streaming games with OBS on a budget PC is entirely feasible with the right setup. By following these steps and optimizing your OBS settings, you can provide a smooth experience for your audience without upgrading your hardware. Leverage platforms and tools to multistream efficiently, and always prioritize viewer engagement and content quality.