Two Cards for Streaming

[Jaybelz]

Right now I have a gtx 970, with three monitors, and soon to add a 48" tv (for occasional use).

 

I want to get more invested in streaming, but it always maxes out my gpu because it's doing all the work.

 

Just trying to figure out what my best options are- should I get a capture card or another gpu to handle the streaming, could I use two types of gpu's if I'm not going to SLI, should I just build a separate machine to handle the upload?

[positivePXL]

These are all very good questions, you should probably ask someone,

 

 

. . .oh wait

[ddrkreature]

A capture card would help take the load off of your hardware but instead of looking at a second GPU, you should look at what CPU you have. I have used an i5 to stream but it wasnt as easy as an i7 is. To stream, your computer needs to render the game and record gameplay, then RErender the video to send to the streaming service. That's not taking into account saving the footage to your computer if you have that option enabled. Using CUDA on nvidia chips will help out as well but your CPU is what takes the biggest hit

[Jaybelz]

12 minutes ago, ddrkreature said:

A capture card would help take the load off of your hardware but instead of looking at a second GPU, you should look at what CPU you have. I have used an i5 to stream but it wasnt as easy as an i7 is. To stream, your computer needs to render the game and record gameplay, then RErender the video to send to the streaming service. That's not taking into account saving the footage to your computer if you have that option enabled. Using CUDA on nvidia chips will help out as well but your CPU is what takes the biggest hit

Build:

 

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/FhtHvK
CPU: Intel Core i7-4790K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($319.99 @ SuperBiiz) 
CPU Cooler: Corsair H100i GTX 70.7 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler  ($107.88 @ OutletPC) 
Motherboard: Asus Z97-AR ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($139.99 @ Micro Center) 
Memory: Corsair Vengeance Pro 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1866 Memory  ($74.88 @ OutletPC) 
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($84.88 @ OutletPC) 
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($45.00 @ Amazon) 
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($45.00 @ Amazon) 
Storage: Western Digital BLACK SERIES 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($73.89 @ OutletPC) 
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 970 4GB WINDFORCE Video Card  ($319.99 @ Newegg) 
Case: Corsair Air 540 ATX Mid Tower Case  ($124.99 @ Amazon) 
Power Supply: Corsair CX 750W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($74.88 @ Newegg) 
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Home OEM (64-bit)  ($85.49 @ OutletPC) 
Wireless Network Adapter: Asus PCE-AC56 802.11a/b/g/n/ac PCI-Express x1 Wi-Fi Adapter  ($63.77 @ Amazon) 
Monitor: Acer S271HLbid 60Hz 27.0" Monitor 
Monitor: Acer S271HLbid 60Hz 27.0" Monitor 
Monitor: Acer S271HLbid 60Hz 27.0" Monitor 
 

Thanks for the feedback. I forgot about the CPU hit. Looks like it might be better to just build another machine or find something appropriate on craigslist?

[ddrkreature]

Depending on the game, stream settings, and whatnot, you may have to lower your settings in game for better streaming. I know of people that have an internal capture card to help take the weight off the hardware, as mentioned before, but I'd recommend it only if you're willing to drop another $200. You should be able to stream decently with what you have. Just a matter of configuring everything just right

[holy sock]

Pc? Get a mac, way more bang for buck.

(Joking)