Running a dual-PC setup for streaming is a common choice among streamers who want to maximize performance and ensure smooth broadcasts. This setup involves using two computers: one for gaming and the other for streaming. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to run a dual-PC streaming setup:
1. What You Need
Before you start setting up, you’ll need the following equipment:
– Two PCs: One for gaming (high-performance) and one for streaming (can be less powerful, but should still be capable of handling encoding tasks).
– Capture Card: A device that transfers video and audio from your gaming PC to your streaming PC.
– Cables: HDMI cables, USB cables for the capture card, and possibly Ethernet cables if you’re using a wired connection.
– Streaming Software: OBS Studio or Streamlabs OBS on the streaming PC.
– Microphone, Webcam, Headphones: For audio and video input.
– Optional: Audio interface or mixer if you need more control over audio input and output.
2. Setting Up the Gaming PC
This PC will run the game you are streaming. Ensure it has good specs to handle the game at high settings.
– Install your game and any necessary software (e.g., graphics drivers).
– Connect peripherals (keyboard, mouse, monitor, microphone, etc.) to the gaming PC.
– Set up your game capture settings in your streaming software (this will be done on the streaming PC).
3. Setting Up the Streaming PC
This PC will handle the encoding, broadcasting, and streaming tasks.
– Install streaming software like OBS Studio or Streamlabs OBS.
– Install the capture card drivers and software. The capture card connects the two PCs and transfers the gaming output to the streaming PC.
– Set up the capture card in OBS on your streaming PC. Add a “Video Capture Device” source and select the capture card from the list of available devices.
4. Connecting the Gaming PC to the Streaming PC
The gaming PC needs to send its video and audio output to the streaming PC. This is done through the capture card.
– Connect the HDMI output from the gaming PC’s GPU to the HDMI input on the capture card.
– Connect the capture card to the streaming PC via USB (or PCIe, if using an internal capture card).
– If needed, you can also connect the audio output (either via a 3.5mm cable or through HDMI, depending on your setup) from the gaming PC to the capture card.
5. Configuring the Capture Card in OBS on the Streaming PC
Once everything is connected, configure OBS on the streaming PC to capture the video and audio from the gaming PC:
– Open OBS on the streaming PC.
– Add a new Video Capture Device source.
– Select the capture card from the device list.
– Adjust the settings for resolution, FPS, and audio input to match your preferences.
6. Audio Setup
Audio management is crucial in a dual-PC setup. You have two options:
– Option 1: Use the Capture Card for Audio
If your capture card supports audio input, it will capture both video and audio from the gaming PC. In this case, make sure to add the correct audio input source in OBS on the streaming PC.
– Option 2: Use a Virtual Audio Cable
If you prefer to have more control over the audio, use software like VB-Audio Cable or Audio Router to route the audio from the gaming PC to the streaming PC. This method involves setting the output audio on the gaming PC to the virtual audio cable, then configuring OBS on the streaming PC to capture that audio.
7. Network Setup (Optional)
If both PCs are on the same local network, ensure they are connected via Ethernet for the best stability and lower latency. Wireless connections can work, but Ethernet is always preferred for streaming to avoid interruptions.
8. Configuring OBS for Streaming
On the streaming PC, set up your OBS:
– Add sources (e.g., game capture, webcam, microphone, overlays, etc.).
– Configure your streaming settings (resolution, bitrate, and frame rate).
– Test the streaming quality and make any necessary adjustments to reduce lag or improve visual quality.
9. Start Streaming
Once everything is set up and tested, go live with your streaming software. Monitor the stream on a separate device to ensure everything is running smoothly. You can also use a second monitor connected to the streaming PC to monitor the stream’s health and engage with chat.
10. Tips for Optimization
– Gaming PC: Use performance optimization settings in the game to free up more resources (lowering certain graphic settings if needed).
– Streaming PC: Make sure the streaming PC is not overloaded with unnecessary tasks, and optimize OBS settings to avoid overloading the CPU/GPU.
By splitting the workload between two PCs, you reduce the stress on a single system and ensure a better overall streaming experience. This setup is especially beneficial for high-quality streams and demanding games.
