If you're looking to deliver top-notch video quality and smooth gameplay while streaming, Streamlabs Desktop has you covered. With its integration of NVIDIA’s NVENC encoder and advanced settings, Streamlabs Desktop offers streamers an edge by enhancing performance.
Here’s a breakdown of what these features mean for your streams and how you can get started.
Jump Ahead:
What Is NVENC?
NVENC is a dedicated hardware encoder built into NVIDIA graphics cards. Unlike software encoders, which rely on your CPU, NVENC offloads the encoding process to your GPU. Think of the encoder as the tool that “packs up” your video and audio so it’s ready to deliver to platforms like Twitch or YouTube. This results in significant benefits such as:
- Improved Game Performance: Streaming and gaming on the same PC can be taxing, but NVENC ensures higher FPS (frames per second) by reducing CPU load.
- Enhanced Video Quality: Deliver crisp and smooth video streams at the same bitrate, giving your audience a premium viewing experience.
- Optimized Streaming Software Performance: Streamlabs Desktop runs smoother, allowing you to focus on creating engaging content without technical hiccups.
What Encoder Does Streamlabs Desktop Use?
Streamlabs Desktop supports multiple encoder options—software and hardware. The software encoder, x264, relies on your CPU to process video, which can impact your computer's performance during gaming. On the other hand, hardware encoders like NVENC use a dedicated part of your GPU, ensuring smooth gameplay and high-quality streams without overloading your system. If you have an NVIDIA graphics card, we recommend using NVENC (new) for the best results.
How to Enable NVENC in Streamlabs Desktop
To unlock the full potential of NVENC, follow these steps:
Step 1: Make sure you’re running the latest version of Streamlabs Desktop to access the latest features and that your PC supports NVENC.
Step 2: Open Streamlabs Desktop and navigate to the Settings menu in the bottom-left corner.
Step 3: Go to the Output tab in the left-hand menu. Under the Encoder dropdown, select NVENC.
By enabling NVENC, you’ll immediately notice better performance and higher-quality streams.
Elevate your streaming experience with Streamlabs Desktop—your audience will thank you!