The popularity of streaming grows every day. From esports tournaments, battle royales, cooking, or even painting – there is a live stream out there for everyone. Plus, with so many different platforms, including Twitch or YouTube, there exists a huge variety of streams, broadcasting from around the world daily. It is estimated Twitch has nearly 15 million viewers per day!
If you are considering setting up your own stream – you need a fast, stable streaming PC and all the required accessories. Thankfully, our team of experts here at Overclockers UK have compiled a guide on everything you need to build the ultimate streaming PC. From components, capture cards, and accessories – you will be ready to kickstart your streaming career.
Choosing the Perfect Components
When it comes to selecting the right components, one of the most important things to consider is the way in which you choose to encode a stream.
Live stream encoding converts the live video into a smaller format and compresses it to allow you to stream the footage on different devices and platforms. You can encode your stream either through a CPU or GPU. Whichever you choose, your hardware will be put under more stress due to the high multi-tasking demand. As such, we recommend buying the best you can afford to ensure smooth, ultra-fast performance.
CPU
In order to enjoy a streamlined experience, you need a high-quality CPU that can encode your stream and power your game simultaneously. We highly recommend, a processor engineered with a high-core count and hyperthreading technology, such as an eight-core processor or higher. By harnessing numerous cores, your CPU is capable of handling several tasks at all at once, without compromising on performance or quality.
What’s more, most video editing software will use multiple CPU cores when open. Therefore, the more cores your CPU has – the better your overall performance and your audience’s experience will be.
Intel Core i7 14700KF
- Hybrid Core architecture
- 20 Cores / 28 Threads
- Compatible with DDR4 and DDR5
- Intel Thread Director
AMD Ryzen 7 7700X
- AMD 7nm ‘Zen 3’ architecture
- 8 Cores / 16 Threads
- Up to 5.40GHz boosted clock speed
- Supports DDR5 RAM
AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D
- AMD 7nm ‘Zen 3’ architecture
- 8 Cores / 16 Threads
- Up to 4.7GHz boosted clock speed
- 3D V-Cache
CPU Coolers
A CPU cooler will ensure your PC’s ultimate performance. Keeping those temperatures down will ensure that your system doesn’t experience any sudden dip in FPS that will affect your stream’s performance.
Lian Li Galahad SL 240mm RGB White AiO Cooler
- 240mm radiator
- Dual 120mm fans
- Integrated RGB lighting
- Intel and AMD compatible
Lian Li Galahad II Trinty SL-INF 360 AiO Cooler
- 360mm radiator
- 3 x 120mm
- RGB lighting
- Intel and AMD compatible
NZXT Kraken 280 Elite RGB White AiO Cooler
- 280mm radiator
- LCD display included
- NZXT CAM RGB software
- Intel and AMD compatible
GPU
You can also encode your stream via a graphics card. Rather than putting pressure on your CPU, utilise the GDDR6 video memory on your GPU to broadcast your screen. By using the hardware on your graphics card instead of the CPU cores, you reduce the chance of experiencing any performance issues when streaming. In addition to this, as the stress on your processor is scaled down, you can equip your PC with a CPU with six cores rather than eight.
NVIDIA
If you have an NVIDIA GPU – harness the true potential of your graphic card’s CUDA cores. An equivalent of CPU cores most video editing software has been optimised to utilise CUDA cores. The more CUDA cores you have you will unlock a faster, streamlined performance when multi-tasking. Perfect for gaming, streaming and video editing.
Plus, with an NVIDIA GPU, take advantage of NVIDIA NVENC technology when encoding your streams. An integrated encoder, NVENC, takes control over all encoding meaning you can concentrate on gaming without compromising your stream’s performance. If you have a powerful GPU from the latest series of models, such as a GeForce RTX 3080, you can unlock incredible graphics in both gaming and video editing.
AMD
Included with the AMD Radeon series of GPUs is AMD Radeon ReLive! Integrated on GPUs with AMD Graphics Core Next (CGN) architecture, this technology allows users to capture, stream, and share videos and screenshots. With features such as, desktop recording, customise hotkeys, and integrated game and VR streaming settings – AMD Radeon ReLive takes control and allows you to concentrate on your stream’s performance. Automatically adjust your streaming resolutions with the different profiles, including low, medium, high, and custom, to ensure your audience sees you crystal clear.
Gigabyte GeForce RTX 4080
- Ada Lovelace architecture
- 16GB GDDR6X video memory
- 928 CUDA cores
ASUS TUF Gaming Radeon RX 7800 XT
- RDNA 3 architecture
- 16GB GDDR6X video memory
- 2565MHz boosted clock speed
Zotac GeForce RTX 4070 Ti Super
- Ada Lovelace architecture
- 16GB GDDR6X video memory
- 8448 CUDA cores
How much RAM is needed for streaming?
A streaming PC needs to be able to handle multiple tasks all at once – therefore you need a reliable and stable RAM solution. We would recommend a RAM kit with 32GB, along with high clock speeds. This will ensure better bandwidth along with ultra-fast data transfer rates.
Corsair Dominator Platinum 32GB (2x16GB) EXPO DDR5 Dual-Channel RAM Kit
- 32GB RAM capacity (2X16GB)
- DDR5 standard
- EXPO compatible
- Dual-channel configuration
TeamGroup Delta 32GB (2x16GB) DDR5 Dual-Channel RAM Kit
- 32GB RAM capacity (2x16GB)
- DDR5 standard
- Dual-channel configuration
Kingston HyperX Fury RGB 32GB (2x16GB) DDR4 Dual-Channel RAM Kit
- 2 X 16GB RAM Modules
- 3600MHz
- RGB Lighting Effects
Which is better for streaming hard drive or SSD?
You need ample storage space for all your games, files, and video editing. However, a common question is whether a hard drive or SSD is better for a streaming PC.
Traditional hard drives offer you a stable performance to price ratio and come with several terabytes of storage space. On the other hand, HDDs are mechanical and therefore loading times can be quite slow. SSDs however, aren’t limited by mechanical hardware, meaning you will unlock blisteringly-fast data transfer speeds, reliable operation, and improved component longevity. All of which deliver better loading times for games and support for video editing.
A PC with a 1TB capacity SSD will provide you will plenty of storage space for your operating system, games, plus broadcasting and video editing software.
WD Blue SA510 1TB SSD
- 1TB M.2 SSD
- 560MB/s read speed
- 520MB/s write speed
Samsung 970 EVO Plus 1TB SSD
- 1TB M.2 SSD
- Read 3500MBs / Write 3300MBs
- V-NAND Technology
Seagate FireCuda 530 1TB SSD
- 1TB M.2 SSD
- Read 7300MBs / Write 6000MBs
- PCIe Gen 4 Support
Motherboard
No streaming PC is complete without a high-quality motherboard.
The ones I’ve selected for you have been engineered with the latest AMD and Intel compatible chipsets to deliver you blisteringly fast speeds and response times. Take advantage of this to enjoy a flawless performance whilst you stream the latest AAA titles.
Gigabyte B760 AORUS Elite AX DDR4 ATX Motherboard
- ATX form factor
- LGA 1700 socket
- DDR4 compatible
- Wi-Fi6E
- PCie Gen 4.0
ASUS ROG Crosshair X670E Hero DDR5 ATX Motherboard
- ATX form factor
- AM5 socket
- DDR5 compatible
- Wi-FI6E
- PCIe Gen 5.0
MSI MPG B650 Edge DDR5 ATX Motherboard
- ATX form factor
- AM5 socket
- DDR5 compatible
- Wi-Fi6E
- PCIe Gen 4.0
PSU
Without a reliable supply of power, you won’t be able to harness the true potential of your chosen components.
With high quality 80 Plus gold, platinum and titanium ratings, these chosen PSUs will provide you with all the required power and reliability you need to ensure your stream doesn’t suffer from any unexpected interruptions.
Kolink Regulator 750W 80 Plus Gold Modular PSU
- 750W PSU
- ATX 3.0
- 80 Plus Gold Rating
- Modular form factor
Phanteks Revolt SFX 850W 80 Plus Platinum Modular PSU
- 850W
- ATX 3.0
- 80 Plus Platinum rating
- Modular form factor
ASUS ROG Thor 1600W 80 Plus Titanium Modular PSU
- 1600W
- 80 Plus Titanium rating
- Modular form factor
Cases
You also need a stylish, dramatic background to draw in viewers’ attention – what could be better than your PC case? Show off your hardware and RGB lighting with pride!
Lian Li O11 Dynamic White Mid Tower
- Dual-chamber mid tower
- Tempered glass front and side panels
- Support for E-ATX to Micro-ATX motherboards
Kolink Observatory RGB Black Mid Tower
- Mid tower chassis
- Optimised for superior airflow
- Supports up to E-ATX motherboards
Phanteks NV9 DRGB White Mid Tower
- Mid tower case
- Supports up to E-ATX motherboards
- Front and side tempered glass side panels
Pre-built PCs
If you don’t want to build your own PC, I’ve selected some of my favourite pre-built custom PCs that would make the perfect foundation for your streaming set-up.
Refract Gaming Ultraviolet
- Designed for elite-tier gaming and streaming
- AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D and NVIDIA RTX 4090
- 32GB DDR5 EXPO RAM
OcUK Gaming Sabre
- Configurable hardware
- As standard Intel 12th Gen CPU and NVIDIA RTX 4070
- Flexible storage options to choose from
OcUK Gaming Radiance Ember
- Configurable hardware
- As standard includes Intel i5 13600 and NVIDIA RTX 4070 Ti
- Flexible storage options to choose from
Do you need a capture card?
A capture card, such as the Elgato Game Capture, displays images and sound from one device via HDMI to another. All your footage and audio will be converted into a format that your PC can process. Once processed and encoded, your content can then be saved or uploaded live. Capture cards are available as either a PCIe expansion card or an external box with a USB connector.
You need a capture card in order to stream from certain consoles, such as the Nintendo Switch. Without one, you won’t be able to broadcast or record your screen.
Elgato Game Capture 4K60 Pro Capture Card
- PCIe Card
- 4K HDR Capture
- Compatible with OBS Studio, Streamlabs OBS, and XSplit
Razer Ripsaw X Capture Card
- 4K 30FPS capture card
- HDMI 2.0
- USB 3.0
- Includes camera connector
Choosing the Perfect Accessories
Keyboards & Mice
No streaming setup is complete without a mouse and keyboard. In order to get the content, you need to draw those viewers in you need to have peripherals to make those plays that will get you noticed.
ASUS K1 Keyboard and M3 Mouse Gaming Bundle
- Wired gaming bundle
- Includes ASUS K1 Keyboard and M3 Gaming Mouse
Endgame Gear XM1-RGB USB Optical Gaming Mouse
- PMW3389 PixArt Optical Sensor
- Kailh GM 4.0 switches
- 16 customisable RGB LEDs
Ducky One 3 Classic TKL USB White Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
- TKL form factor
- Quack mechanics
- Hot-swappable PCB
- Braided USB Type-C cable
Microphone
Ensuring your voice is heard crystal clear is equally as important as your streaming PC. Key features to look for included noise-cancelling technology, a built-in condenser, and a high-quality equalizer. All of these combined delivers you the crisp HD audio and will ensure your audience will be captivated by your voice.
Elgato Wave 3: Premium Digital Mixing USB Microphone
- USB Condenser Microphone and Digital Mixer
- Anti-Clipping Technology
- Compatible with Wave Link
Endgame Gear XSTRM USB Microphone
- USB microphone
- AI Noise Cancellation
- 3.5mm headphone jack
- Includes shock mount and pop filter
Shure MV7 Podcast Microphone
- Podcast microphone
- USB and XLR connectivity
- Voice Isolation technology
- Includes mini tripod
Camera
A crucial part of any live stream – a webcam. You want a webcam that can showcase you in the best light in 1080p at 60FPS. A range of intelligent features, including adaptative light sensors, fixed focus, and adjustable tripods, will ensure your viewers can see every reaction in high-definition.
Razer Kiyo Pro USB Camera
- USB 3.0 Connectivity
- Adapative Light Sensor
- Uncompressed 1080p 60FPS Video
Elgato Premium 1080p HD Facecam
- Full HD 1080p 60FPS Video
- USB 3.0 Connectivity
- Fixed Focus
Streamplify Cam Full HD 1080p Webcam
- Full HD 1080p resolution
- Integrated dual microphone
- 60 FPS
- Clip compatible with laptops, monitors and desks!
Stream Deck
Wave goodbye to transition and game delay with a Stream Deck. Control everything through the push of a button and create individual macros to switch between scenes and applications effortlessly. Plus, combine unique sound effects and animations for an immersive viewing experience, unique to you.
Elgato USB 6 Key Customisable Mini Steam Deck
- 6 Customisable LCD Keys
- Create profiles and automatically switch between apps
G.Skill WigiDash Command Panel
- USB connectivity
- 20 customisable keys
- Control software, media playback, system performance, and more
Additional Lighting
Showcase your best features with additional lighting. Adding ring lights to your streaming set up will brighten up your image quality and reduce hard shadows.
Streamplify LIGHT 14 Ring Light
- 14” ring light with 4 colour temperatures
- 10 brightness levels
- Features a smartphone holder, two camera mounts and a two-in-one tripod selfie stick
Elgato Ring Light
- 2500 Lumen
- Telescopic pole and ball head
- Compatible with Stream Deck
Green Screen
Tailor your background to suit your live stream, by adding a green screen to your set-up. Use chroma keying to change or remove your background to show off as much of the game as possible.
Streamplify Screen Lift 200 cm x 150cm Green Screen
- Collapsible for easy storage and small spaces
- Pneumatic X-Frame automatically locks the screen in place
- Wrinkle-resistant, chroma-green screen
I’ve Got the Tech – What Do I Need Now?
You’ve got the perfect streaming PC and set-up ready to go – now you need broadcasting software. Broadcasting software enables you to stream your content to your audience by transmitting the footage to your desired platform. Some common choices used by streamers include:
OBS
OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) is a free, open-source software that allows you to record videos and live streams. Featuring real time audio and video capturing, scene transitions, along with a UI deck, you will have everything you need to configure your recording to suit your style.
OBS is available on Windows, Mac, and Linux.
XSplit Broadcaster
XSplit Broadcaster is an all-in-one streaming and recording software for content creators. With limitless customisation, you can add images, GIFs, and much more to your UI. Plus, thanks to native plugins and custom RTMP, stream to a number of different platforms with ease.
XSplit is available on Windows.
Streamlabs OBS
Streamlabs OBS is an all-in-one shop for live streaming. Stream across multiple platforms thanks to the range of exclusive features including pro-overlays, 46 apps to customise your stream, and much more!
Streamlabs OBS is available on Windows and Mac.
One Last Tip
If you want to check out more information or any of our other products suitable for streaming – check out the dedicated streaming page on our website. Plus, take advantage of our comment section down below and share your Twitch, YouTube etc channel with us! We’re always looking for new content creators to watch!
Not answered your streaming questions in this article? Head over to the Overclockers UK Ultimate Collection of Streaming Guides – we’ve pulled together every blog we’ve written about streaming and put them in one easy to access place. May your questions be answered there.
*Prices correct at time of writing and PC specs are subject to change.
- 14 min read
Ruth Rowley
Author
Ruth has been with Overclockers UK for over a year and has gone on to write about everything ranging from in-depth hardware guides to monthly game releases.
Outside of writing blog posts, she can be found wrapped in a blanket with her black cat, engrossed in a book or playing life-simulation games such as The Sims, Stardew Valley, and Animal Crossing.
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