Streaming PC: How to Build Guide 2024

Nowadays, live streaming has become popular for sharing experiences and gaming adventures. We can easily share live videos on different types of platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and Twitch to earn money. But if you take it professionally, you need the right setup for this.

For high-quality streaming, you must have a good-quality PC or laptop according to your budget. Sirius Power PC can help you to build a good streaming PC and other gaming accessories. Also, you can customize an affordable streaming PC when you need it. 

Before you have a PC, you should know about the differences between streaming PCs and other PCs and their accessories. So, let’s talk about it!

Why Are Streaming PCs Different From Gaming PCs?

If you would like to build a PC for gaming or streaming, you must understand what are the differences between gaming PC and streaming PC. Here are the key differences:

• Processor (CPU):

Basically, a gaming CPU helps you to handle game-related tasks, like streaming. If you use a specific processor, you may play games smoothly.  But streamers need a powerful one for encoding high-quality streams. 

Streaming requires additional horsepower.  So, we recommended having an eight-core CPU or more for both gaming and live streaming. If you encode video in real-time demands, it needs extra processing muscle.

• Memory (RAM):

If you use Twitch or YouTube, it requires a minimum of 8GB of RAM for streaming. If you use less than 8GB, you may have frequent frame drops or stuttering. You can take at least 16GB of RAM. 

When you are streaming software, game assets, and background processes, you need powerful memory. If you use 16Gb RAM or more, it will help you smoother multitasking.

• Storage:

You must use an SSD as storage for streaming PCs. SSDs provide you a faster loading times. Also, you will get a better performance for the operating system, streaming software, and games. While you used an HDD for additional storage, the main components should reside on an SSD to avoid performance issues.

• Graphics Card (GPU):

 

For your gaming PCs, you must prioritize a high-performance GPU. The GPU’s main work is to render game frames. For streaming, your GPU also encodes gameplay video. 

While your budget GPUs can handle your gaming, streaming needs more power. You can take a better GPU for high-quality streaming and smooth performance.

• Capture Card:

You don’t need capture cards for gaming rigs. But if you plan to have stream console gameplay, a capture card is important. It allows you to capture audio and video signals from external sources and integrate them into your stream.

Types Of Streaming PCs

There are four types of streaming PCs, each for different needs.

• Entry-Level Streaming PCs:

If you’re a beginner or casual streamer, entry-level would be good for you. They have mid-range CPUs like AMD Ryzen 5 or Intel Core i5. It contains mid-range GPUs like the NVIDIA GTX 1650. They usually have 8-16 GB of RAM and an SSD for quick load times.

• Mid-Range Streaming PCs:

Next, Mid-Range Streaming PCs are for streamers if they want more than entry-level. They have better CPUs than AMD Ryzen 5. It may continue with AMD Ryzen 7 or Intel Core i7. They also have mid-range GPUs like NVIDIA RTX 3060. It comes with 16 GB of RAM and a bigger SSD for storage.

• High-End Streaming PCs:

If you are a serious streamer, you need a high-end Streaming PC. For this,  you may have AMD Ryzen 9 or Intel Core i9 for CPU. You need high-end GPUs like NVIDIA RTX 3080. It can be 32 GB of RAM and a large SSD for storage.

• Dual-PC Streaming:

Finally, If you’re a professional gamer and need the best performance, you need a dual-PC streaming Setup. One PC is for your gaming and the other is for streaming. 

Your gaming PC will be super powerful, while the streaming PC is also strong. You can use a capture card to connect them. For this, you can use a high-end  CPU, an average good GPU, SSD, and 16-32 GB RAM for PC set-up.

What Do You Need For a Streaming Build?

You can get started with some basic equipment and maybe some of them you probably have already. Now we would like to discuss what equipment you must need for your streaming.

• Internet: First and foremost, You need a strong internet connection. It is the backbone of your live-streaming setup. You should have a reliable internet connection with plenty of bandwidth. It is primary for your smooth streaming. Use your own internet connection, not a shared one. We suggest you have an Ethernet cable over Wi-Fi for better stability.
• CPU: Next, consider your CPU. If you use mobile devices like phones or tablets, you can have quick streams. But if you need a serious gaming setup, you need a modern PC or laptop. Because the CPU is one of the most important parts of streaming.  Among a lot of CPU brands and models, we recommend you take the Core i5-14600K 3.5 GHz Processor. Also, you think about AMD Ryzen 7 5700X.  Both perform well, so you can take one. Keep in mind that long streaming sessions can heat up laptops. So, if you would like to use it for long streaming, you can use cooling pads or additional fans. It might be helpful to maintain your performance.
• Video encoding: Video encoding is another important aspect of live streaming. Because it compresses your video files for smooth transmission, you’ll need either a hardware or software encoder. Nvidia GPUs for good for encoding. You can use MSI GeForce RTX 4060 as a hardware encoder. It is also compact and supports various sources. However, software encoders like OBS Studio, Streamlabs, and Restream Studio are simpler than others. Also, they are highly effective for your streaming setups.
• Storage: To save your raw video files and keep your streaming setup organized, you’ll need enough storage. If you need external hard drives, it will be good for portability. As an external drive, you can think about the Samsung 990 Pro 2 TB. Because it is power efficient and provides you with thermal control. Also, you can use NAS (Network Attached Storage for large-scale storage. For this, you can think about Synology DiskStation or QNAP Turbo NAS.
• Capture Card: A capture card is a device that transfers video from its source to your live streaming setup. It ensures high-quality video transmission. It captures audio and video signals from external sources, like consoles. It is not necessary for gaming rigs, but it can play a vital role in enhancing the streaming experience.  It is essential if you are using a software encoder. 

Accessories Needed For a Streaming Computer

Once your gear is ready, you’ll need a platform for your streaming. Probably you would like to use popular platforms like Twitch, YouTube Live, Facebook Live, and more.  

Or you can use multiple platforms simultaneously, or multi-streaming. And it can help you to reach a broader audience. For this, you need some additional accessories to enhance your streaming setup. So let’s talk about it.

• Microphone

Your audio quality should be good. It is as important as your video. While you use built-in microphones in laptops or webcams, a good microphone will improve your audio quality. 

You take an affordable one like the Audio Technica ART2100x or Samson Q2U. Also, they are good for beginners. If you need higher quality, you can take the Shure SM7B, Because It provides you with a rich and smooth sound. 

• Web Cam

For live streaming, your camera is one of the most critical components of your setup. You need a higher-quality camera for clearer and more professional video. Among all the affordable webcams, you can take Logitech C922 Pro. 

Because it offers HD streaming and light correction. If you need a more advanced camera you can think about the Sony Alpha a6000 or the Panasonic AG-CX350 4K. Both provide you with top-notch video quality.

• Lights

Good lighting is also important to make you clearly visible and look professional. As a beginner, you can use a simple ring light. A three-point light kit offers more advanced lighting options. 

In the meantime, you should think about managing your background. Because people see your background in the video.  So, it’s also important. But you can use a green screen and it can help you create a more professional appearance.

• Stream Deck

A stream deck is like a special remote control for your computer. It helps you do things quickly, like changing scenes or adding cool effects. You can use it while you’re live streaming.

The Elgato Stream Deck + is one of the best options out there. It’s really good for beginners and pros. You can adjust your audio or start and stop your stream. It’s easy to use and makes your streaming setup look really cool on your desk.

Best software for Streaming

When we’re talking about live streaming software, there are plenty of options out there. Let’s take a look at some of the best ones:

• OBS Studio: 

Most people like this software because of its simplicity and versatility. You can use it for free. It offers you real-time video or audio capturing and mixing. You can create scenes from multiple sources like captures, images, text, and webcams. It’s great for beginners and contains a lot of features.

• Ecamm Live: 

Ecamm Live offers you beginner-friendly controls and advanced features. It integrates easily with major streaming platforms. It supports you up to 4K 60 frames per second.

• XSplit Broadcaster: 

It offers you a user-friendly interface with drag-and-drop functionality. It is popular among gamers and esports enthusiasts. It supports streaming to major platforms and features like Layout Wizard and NVIDIA encoding for improved performance. To learn more about XSplit Broadcaster, click here. 

• OneStream: 

The next software is OneStream. It supports broadcasting to over 45 platforms. It’s known for its ease of use and comprehensive analytics. However, some advanced features may require a professional plan.

• vMix: 

This Windows-based software helps you in live streaming and input switching with support for up to 4K resolution. It’s known for its robust tools and easy user interface. It is ideal for professional-grade streams.

• Wirecast: 

Wirecast offers extensive camera options and control. It integrates with control surfaces and allows you to bring in guests from anywhere in the world. However, it’s a bit pricey compared to other options. Also, it requires a powerful computer to run smoothly.

• Riverside.fm: 

Riverside. fm records locally for high-quality audio and video. It helps podcasters and video creators to be customized.  It supports 4K video and WAV audio. Also, it features AI-assisted editing and automatic captioning.

• Lightstream Studio: 

It is a browser-based software and you can use it easily, Lightstream Studio offers unrestricted control over stream layout. It’s great for basic streaming needs and offers you mobile control.

• Twitch Studio: 

This software is designed for beginners. It offers basic customization options and seamless integration with Twitch services. It is made specifically for Twitch streaming. 

• FFmpeg: 

The FFmpeg covers a wide range of multimedia processing tasks, including live streaming. It’s free to use and highly customizable but may have a steeper learning curve for beginners.

Final Words

Streaming PCs need powerful CPUs with at least eight cores for encoding and multitasking.  It requires 16GB RAM and SSD storage for speed. Streaming setups often include capture cards for console gameplay streaming. If you understand your equipment set-up, your streaming performance will be good. 

While you need a budget-streaming PC, Sirius Power PC is always there for you. And if you don’t have any clear knowledge about PC setup, we will help you. We will also help you in rebuilding your PC. So, contact us to know anything about building a PC. Happy streaming!