Low-end settings
OBS settings for low-end PCs on Windows
| Setting | Low-end value | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Output resolution | 1280×720 | Lower GPU/CPU load |
| FPS | 30 | Half the encoding work vs 60fps |
| Encoder | NVENC/AMF if available, else x264 | Hardware encoder saves CPU |
| x264 preset | ultrafast or superfast | Least CPU usage |
| Bitrate | 2500–3000 kbps | Lower bitrate = less encoding work |
| Audio bitrate | 128 kbps | Acceptable quality, less load |
Performance tips
Reduce OBS CPU usage on Windows
- Use hardware encoder — NVENC, AMF or QSV use the GPU encoder chip, freeing the CPU entirely
- Disable browser sources when not streaming — they render in the background even when not visible
- Reduce scene complexity — fewer sources and filters means less processing work
- Set OBS process priority to Above Normal — Help → Global Settings → set process priority
- Close background apps — Discord overlay, Chrome and antivirus all compete for CPU
FAQ
Low-end questions
Can OBS run on a PC without a dedicated GPU?
Yes. Use the x264 encoder with ultrafast preset at 720p30 and 2500 kbps bitrate. This puts all encoding on the CPU. Modern quad-core CPUs (Intel Core i5/i7, AMD Ryzen 5) can handle this alongside gaming. Very old dual-core CPUs may struggle.
OBS is dropping frames on low-end PC — how to fix?
Dropped frames means the encoder cannot keep up. Fixes in order: (1) switch to hardware encoder if available, (2) lower output resolution to 720p, (3) lower FPS to 30, (4) lower bitrate to 2500 kbps, (5) change x264 preset to ultrafast, (6) close background applications.