I recently did my first twitch stream and did not have the best of luck with my in-game experience. The main reason I want to stream is for VOD reviews plus I think it would be a fun way to do it if I actually had a viewer or two. I did not have any issues with stream lag…comes out lag free with 1080p on twitch, but my actual in game lag is pretty bad. I’m averaging 50-100 fps when normally I’m at 200+ to 300 with no problems. Is there anyone that would want to help me out? I’m not sure if it’s my setup that is a problem or just some user settings I’m doing wrong that’s causing my game to lag. This is the only forum I participate in so if there is elsewhere that would better help me, feel free to guide me there. Thanks!
Might want to post your computer specs. And what program you are using (I’m assuming obs) . Streaming is pretty demanding on a cpu, I wouldn’t even try it without an i7
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Streaming is going to put stress on your computer and will cause it to drop frames. Instead of streaming, i’d recommend using something like shadowplay to record each game.
Or if you’re serious about streaming, get a seperate pc to stream from.
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I agree with that as well, assuming you have a decent Nvidia graphics card
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I am using OBS using the following setup;
GPU - GTX1080 (was originally GTX1060)
CPU - i7-6700 (potentially looking at upgrading)
I will have to double check my motherboard once I get home - also potentially looking to upgrade soon though.
16 GB DDR4 Ram
I use a 24" 144 HZ monitor to game and have another 27" 70 Hz monitor for a side screen. I also have mounted a 4k tv that is connected to my pc, but definitely can’t have that on while streaming…I get like 30-60 fps tops lol.
I’ve only tested the stream twice so far, but mainly notice fps drops when I have twitch open in a separate browser. Not that I will have people chatting right now, but it would be nice to see my chat in case that one lonely straggler comes and joins ![:smiley:](https://d74zh8edaijub.cloudfront.net/en/overwatch/images/emoji/twitter/smiley.png?v=6" ":smiley:")
Thank y’all for the responses though!
@Tenor Would that be through NVIDIA Geforce experience or a whole other application?
Edit: I’m actually working on replacing the components in my PC and build another for fun…I guess that could actually turn into a streaming pc? Right now I just replaced the GTX1060 with GTX1080, but looking to replace the other components and put them into another case. I have a macbook pro that can’t play overwatch…is it possible to stream without the game? I will have to do more research on how two separate PC’s can be utilized at once.
Geforce experience, yes, or you could try another program if you don’t like it.
I think OBS has their own version of it but it’s a pain to setup.
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Geforce experience is a program you install from Nvidia. Personally if you like recording or saving that last 2 minutes then this is your best option. It works well.
Streaming takes a lot more CPU if you’re not using the built in encoder on your 1080. Personally I like using OBS and have my CPU encode as it’s much better quality BUT eats a tone of CPU.
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I will definitely look into it for recording! I always thought it was just there to clip 30 seconds, etc if you wanted the in-game overlay, but did not realize it would do whole games. I just need to do mess around with it more sounds like. Would y’all recommend a better CPU if I want to stream? I haven’t messed around with the 1080 much because I’ve been procrastinating a new motherboard/CPU to overclock.
I7 6700 should be OK. I’d try going the next fastest cpu usage preset in obs settings and see if that improves the ingame fps.
(if you are on fast, set to very fast)
Another thing to try would be reducing the output to 720p 45 fps
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One suggestion I might add is check what your stream is set to capture at. maybe instead of capturing at 60 fps try lowering it to 30. It will save some of the load on your pc and might improve your performance. I used to have similar issues and that helped me out quite a bit.
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That’s what my friend told me, but here I am lagging lol. I believe I changed that to very fast, but I believe my output is 1080p 60 FPS…I take it that will be extremely cpu intensive?
What are streamers settings typically at? Would 720p 30 FPS be enjoyable to watch?
I was just always under the impression higher tier streamers output 1080p 60 fps? Then again, they are probably running an external streaming pc?
One way to reduce lags on dedicated PC is a dedicated Capture card instead of a software one.
I strongly recommend a USB 3.0 or PCIE card.
An example of one,
https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA4UG50F5846&Description=gaming%20capture%20card&cm_re=gaming_capture_card-_-15-100-181-_-Product
or
https://www.elgato.com/en/gaming/capture-card-selector
Just a personal take, but I’d always recommend running a dual system setup.
I tried the same process on my lower end PC with awful results (specs below). I found a solution with an old laptop however.
Even with higher end hardware, running a game plus streaming software can really take a massive bite out of performance.
For example on my end I’ve got 2 PC’s using an Elgato HD60 to encode the video.
Gaming PC:
- i5-4790
- 16gb DDR3
- GTX 960 4gb
Streaming PC (Dell Latitude E6520 laptop):
- i7-2760qm
- 8gb DDR3
- Nvidia NVS4300 integrated graphics/Intel HD3000
I’m getting 720p at buttery smooth 60fps without even having to worry about the performance hit on my main PC.
The E6520 was an old laptop with a busted screen I had laying around. Swapping out the CPU from an i5 to an i7 ($24 out of pocket after selling the i5) and a second 4gb dimm giving me 8gb total. Swapped the mobo to a custom case, added a couple of old desktop heatsinks to the chips to keep CPU heat down to a cool 55°C and the IG to 47°.
Not really a solution for everyone I understand, but for reference I picked up an E6420 for $30 on Craigslist the other day with plans to take the same upgrade path to give to my sister for her streaming gig. If you can find a good price on a used 2nd gen Intel laptop, I highly recommend the two PC setup.
Bonus points for an ExpressCard slot as you can add an eGPU.
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Bitrate requirements alone for non partners wouldnt be enough. I personally set mine to 720 45 fps, because 30 imo is too choppy. Forgot why I didn’t have 60fps,i think it was because I don’t have good upload speed.
Top tier streamers have 1080 60fps because they usually have a dedicated pc for the streaming processing power, or an insane rig. Plus twitch gives them more bandwidth leeway, I believe non partners have a max of 3500, which isn’t enough for 1080 60fps.
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Awesome! I will definitely have to check these out. I know I’m being needy, but I’m not lagging tremendously - just more than I would typically and would rather enjoy playing the game over lagging because I’m streaming. Would that hook up directly to my motherboard?
@Trando : That’s awesome! Unfortunately, my spare laptop is a macbook which can’t run overwatch so I won’t be able to use that?
Honestly, sounds like I should just record now and take some time to invest in a streaming pc if I really want to do it.
I’m currently at work (shh 
) so I can’t test any of this at the moment, but thanks so much everyone for the input so far - more than appreciated!!
I’ve never used one, but I believe you hook it up like this : pc - hdmi cord - capture card hdmi in port. Then capture card hdmi out port - hdmi cord - monitor.
Feel free to correct me
Edit: I’m sure there’s different types, that type is an external one used usually for consoles. I’m sure there’s others that plug into a pci slot as well.
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