Building a gaming PC and a streaming PC can be a daunting task. Many gamers don’t know where to start when looking for components, or how to narrow down their choices. The good news is that with some basic knowledge, anyone can put together their own gaming and streaming machine – and get the best performance out of it. Here’s how.
Choose the right hardware. It’s important to pick parts that work together. Start by picking a motherboard, case, and power supply, then decide on the processor, cooling, RAM, GPUs and storage. Research each item before you commit because performance and compatibility are key. And don’t forget a quality monitor, keyboard, and mouse.
Think about future upgrades. It’s better to select components that are future-proof and upgradeable as you won’t have to buy a whole new system every few years. So if you plan on adding or replacing any parts, such as additional GPUs, make sure that the parts you’re selecting are compatible and that your case easily accommodates them.
Set up the network for streaming. To get the best streaming performance, you should make use of a wired connection to the router. Make sure the cable works, then use a network adapter for the CPU. Choose a good quality router that has advanced features, like prioritizing internet traffic for gaming. With a good router, your games and streams won’t suffer from lag or stutter.
Install your operating system. Windows is the most common operating system for gaming, and if you have a Mac you can use Boot Camp to install a Windows partition. Then, install your favorite streaming platform on the PC. There are some good options out there such as OBS and XSplit, so do your research and find the right one for you.
Install your games. Set up your game library with all your favorite titles. Use a game management program or an online store that allows you to keep your games in one location, so you can access them easily. And don’t forget to add all the relevant game settings, such as resolution and graphics quality.
Test everything and make sure you’re happy with the performance. Make sure your setup is running well and that all the components work together properly. When you’ve given your rig the “all clear” you can start streaming and gaming to your heart’s content.
Optimizing Performance
You can keep your rig running at its peak performance for gaming and streaming by making sure that all the components are optimized for the task. Make sure you have plenty of RAM installed and that your cooling is up to the job. Overclocking is also a great way to squeeze extra performance out of your parts. If you don’t have the knowledge or confidence to do it yourself, there are plenty of great aftermarket cards available with tweaks pre-installed.
Choose the right drivers. Make sure your gaming PC has the latest drivers installed for the smoothest gaming experiences. Don’t forget about secondary drivers – for example, graphics drivers are important for gaming, but network, sound and audio drivers can affect streaming performance.
Tweak your in-game settings. Have a look at what settings you can tweak in each game. This can range from resolution and refresh rate to graphics quality and more. Don’t be afraid to experiment – it could make all the difference.
Keep up with security. If you’re streaming, it’s important to make sure your core components have updates and patches applied regularly. This helps keep intruders out, to protect you and your PC.
Make sure your internet is fast and stable. This is one of the most important pieces of the puzzle when it comes to streaming. Without a good internet connection, you won’t be able to stream or game in the best quality. Invest in quality hardware, such as a router, cabling and modem, to ensure that you’re getting the fastest speeds and consistent performance.
Building Streaming Setup
Next, build up your streaming setup. This is where you will be broadcasting from, so make sure your stream space is comfortable and functional. There are massively popular streaming setups now that streamers can buy, or you can build your own. Invest in a good quality microphone, camera, and lighting to get the best streaming quality and attract more viewers.
Choose the right streaming software. Different streaming platforms have different software requirements, but there are several good options when it comes to streaming. A good set of streaming software should include media streaming, video editing, overlays, chroma keying and audio effects.
Create a great backdrop. This can make all the difference between a professional-looking stream and an amateur one. You can paint a wall or buy a custom backdrop, whether it’s a full wall mural or a custom banner. The key is to keep it clean and consistent with your brand.
Choose your streaming content. Decide what type of content you want to stream. Will you focus on gaming, creative content, or something else? Map out a plan for your content, write a script, and decide on what hardware and software you need to create it.
Finally, set up your stream on your chosen platform. Twitch is the most popular streaming platform, but there are plenty of other options out there. Set up your account, customize it, link all your accounts and build up your followers.
Finding an Audience
To get the most out of streaming, you need an audience. Firstly, establish yourself on social media and grow organic followers on platforms like Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. Interact with your followers and get involved in the community. Make sure to promote your streams and be engaging with chat and other content.
Collaborate with other streamers. Find other streamers’ channels and join them in playing games. Cross-promote your streams and collaborate on projects like tournaments, game marathons, or giveaways. You can even make custom games like Twitch Plays or live interactive competitions.
Reach out to brands. If you’re looking to take your streams to the next level, you can reach out to brands, businesses, and organizations. By teaming up with them, you can create engaging content that is beneficial to both of you.
Build relationships with influencers. Another great way to increase your reach is to build relationships with influencers and other popular streamers. These influencers can help you reach new audiences, so cultivate these relationships and be supportive of their channels.
Commit to your content and grow. This is easier said than done! Aim for consistency and quality content, and keep your followers interested. Most importantly, keep having fun and be yourself. Never give up, as streaming success takes patience and perseverance.
Maximizing Streams
Now your streams are up and running, how do you make sure that your performances reach the maximum number of people?
Start with good technical quality. Whether streaming on Twitch, YouTube, or another service, it’s important to make sure that your performance looks and sounds great. Invest in a quality microphone, camera, and other peripherals. Check ahead of time that the stream setup is working properly, as any technical hiccups can easily turn away your viewers.
Vary your content. To keep your viewers engaged, try to change up your streaming content from time to time. This could include game-play, creative projects, or even guest appearances from other streamers. Diversify and mix it up to stay interesting and attractive to new viewers.
Make the most of your video titles. Choose titles that are eye-catching and informative. Include keywords, such as ‘twitch’ or the games you’re playing. You could even include a time and date if you have regular streaming times.
Schedule streaming times. Set up a streaming schedule and stick to it! Announce it on your social media and other platforms so your viewers know when to look out for you. This also helps attract new viewers and bring back old fans.
Grow your community. Your viewers and followers are the heart of any stream. Show your appreciation for them and reward loyalty. Host giveaways, run competitions, and thank your viewers for tuning in. This helps to create a loyal and engaged community that’s more likely to spend money on your streams.
Optimizing Streams
Optimizing your streams is key for good performance. This can make a big difference in your stream’s quality and help it stand out from the rest. Here’s how you can do it.
Choose the right bitrate. Always check with the platform you’re streaming on before setting the bitrate. This can affect performance, so make sure it’s within the accepted range.
Tweak your video settings. Different games require different video settings, so research the best settings for each one. Transform your streams with high-quality details, such as long-term effects, graphic-intensive visuals, and smooth animations.
Encode your stream properly. Proper encoding of a stream is essential. Different streaming software offers different encoding options, so research the best type for a given platform. You should also look into various streaming encoders and software, such as the H.264 codec.
Experiment with resolutions. Test different resolutions for different streams and content. Even if you’re playing the same game, streaming on different platforms may require different resolutions. Play around and make sure you’re getting the best performance.
Use a reliable streaming service. If your streams are plagued by drops in quality, then it’s time to upgrade your service. Look for streaming services with ’bare-metal’ servers and powerful hardware to ensure a smooth, reliable streaming experience.
