A streaming PC can help make sure that the video and audio quality of your stream are high, which will improve the quality of your stream compared to a console or regular desktop computer.
A streaming PC is simply a desktop computer that has been assembled for the purpose of streaming. You can stream from a console or your regular desktop, but there are some things to consider before doing so. Here are some of the things you would need to build a custom PC to make your streaming experience better for both you and your followers!
How Much Online Streaming are You Doing Right Now?
There’s a big difference between building a PC for streaming as an occasional hobby vs. building one to do it regularly and professionally. When deciding whether or not you should build a PC for streaming, the first thing you should think about is how much online streaming you’re currently doing on the platform(s) where you plan on broadcasting.
If you want to stream as a hobby, it’s important to know that it can be expensive – and not something you can jump into if your wallet is already stretched to its limits. Things like new games, capture cards, additional hard drive space, and faster internet speeds all add up. If you’re not making any money from your streams (and most people don’t), these costs come out of your own pocket.
Hardware Requirements
The equipment you need to stream will depend on whether you’re going to be doing audio-only or video too. If you’re just looking to stream audio, as with a podcast, then equipment like microphones and headsets are the main things to consider.
However, if you plan on streaming video, cameras and lighting become more important. For example, if your setup is in front of a window that faces anywhere that gets direct sunlight, your camera will struggle to get a good picture. If your camera can’t adjust its settings automatically or has limited manual options, then it’s best to rearrange your room so that your setup isn’t facing the sun or is at least out of direct light.
As far as lighting goes, there are plenty of options for setting up lights in front of your streaming area at varying levels of cost and complexity. The basic principle here is that the more light there is hitting your face directly, the better off your camera will be. We also recommend having some sort of background behind you when recording video footage. A bookcase full of books and gaming stuff looks great!
3. Audio Considerations
We touched on this above, but what makes a good microphone for streaming?
If you’re planning on recording your voice, or any music, then an external audio interface is a must. There’s nothing worse than the muffled sound of a microphone built into your webcam, so be sure to invest in a dedicated, high-quality mic. One that transmits your voice crystal-clear while eliminating background noises is a great choice.
Don’t be that person with cringy-sounding audio. Your viewers will thank you!
Graphics Requirements
The main thing to consider here is what kind of games do you want to play and stream?
Are they fast-paced first-person shooters or casual farming simulators? The answer to this question will help you determine what kind of GPU you need.
For example, if you’re interested in playing high-quality first-person shooters, then you’ll want a GPU that can handle those graphics at high frame rates. On the other hand, if you plan to play less intense games such as Stardew Valley and Animal Crossing, you can get by with a lower-quality GPU. Just remember that the higher quality your GPU is, the more expensive it’ll be!
Processor
You’ll need the right processor, but what is the best CPU for a streaming PC?
If you want to stream any game that requires a high degree of graphical processing, you’re going to want at least four cores on your CPU. This will help prevent stream stuttering and lag. You may need more than four cores if you are also encoding or running other programs in the background. Many people opt for Intel i5 processors or AMD Ryzen 3 or 5 processors for this reason.
Your Streaming PC Build and Budget
Setting up a streaming system can be a very expensive task, especially if you want to do things in the best way possible. That said, most streamers will have success on any mid-range or higher computer. Save yourself some money by not going overboard. Unless you’re at the top of your game, there’s no need to splash out on the highest-end computer out there if you don’t need to.
But just as you don’t want to overspend, you also don’t want to skimp on hardware and parts just because they are cheaper than others. Some of these components can fail quickly or might not perform as well as they should while streaming – leaving viewers with choppy performance and poor quality video.
So, look at multiple builds before deciding on one – this is key! There are many factors that go into building an optimized streaming computer, so make sure that everything works together properly before making a purchase.
Streaming Software
Once you’ve got a great webcam and headset, discussed above, you’ll need to make sure you have the right software on your PC, too.
Consider streamlining streaming software with Windows 10. In order for people around the world (including those in different time zones) to watch what you’re doing live, Microsoft provides free software, Game Bar, that allows users of Windows 10 to capture screen recordings when gaming – perfect for sharing with friends and followers.
Building a PC to stream games online is an exciting endeavor. Not only can you play all of the games your heart desires, but you get to share your passion with like-minded gamers around the world! Hopefully, these tips have helped you in your journey toward building the perfect streaming setup!
