The Best OBS Stream Settings for High and Low-End PCs

If you're looking to optimize your live streaming setup in OBS Studio, choosing the right settings can make all the difference. Whether you have a high-end PC or a budget-friendly setup, this guide will help you find the best OBS stream settings for smooth and high-quality streams.

Step 1: Setting Up Your Profile

Before adjusting your settings, create a dedicated profile for streaming:

1. Open OBS Studio.
2. Go to Profile > New.
3. Name it something like Best Streaming Settings and click OK.

This keeps your streaming settings separate from recording settings.

Step 2: Adjusting Video Settings

Base and Output Resolution

• High-End PC: Set both Base (Canvas) Resolution and Output (Scaled) Resolution to 1920x1080 for Full HD streaming.
• Low-End PC: Start with 1280x720 and lower if needed.
• Weaker Internet Connection: Reduce the resolution gradually until the stream remains stable.

Downscaling Filter

• If your output resolution is lower than your base resolution, set the Downscale Filter to Bicubic.

FPS (Frames Per Second)

• 30 FPS – Best for general streams like podcasts and webinars.
• 60 FPS – Ideal for fast-paced content like gaming and sports.

Step 3: Configuring Audio Settings

• Ensure the correct Desktop Audio and Mic/Auxiliary Audio sources are selected.
• Mute any unwanted sounds from notifications or background apps.
• Recommended Audio Bitrate:
  • 64 kbps for low-resolution streams
  • 128 kbps for SD (480p)
  • 256 kbps for HD (720p and 1080p)

Step 4: Optimizing Output Settings

Encoder Selection

• High-End PC: Use NVIDIA NVENC (H.264) or AMD equivalent for hardware encoding.
• Low-End PC: Select x264 (Software Encoding) if you lack a dedicated GPU.

Bitrate Settings

Bitrate affects stream quality and stability. Choose settings based on your resolution and internet speed:

• 852x480 (SD): 800-1200 kbps
• 1280x720 (HD): 1200-1900 kbps
• 1920x1080 (Full HD): 1900-4500 kbps
• 640x360 (Low-Res): 350-800 kbps

Rate Control & Profile

• Set Rate Control to CBR (Constant Bitrate).
• Choose Profile: High for HD streams, and Main for lower resolutions.

Step 5: Save and Apply Settings

Once you've configured everything:

1. Click Apply, then OK.
2. Always select the correct profile before streaming.

Final Thoughts

By following these settings, you’ll get a smoother, higher-quality live stream in OBS Studio. If you found this helpful, watch our in-depth video tutorial: The Best OBS Stream Settings for High and Low-End PCs. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more OBS tips!

Have questions? Drop them in the comments below!