I'm currently using a 5080 RTX with a Ryzen 7 9800 processor for streaming, but I've been experiencing issues with FPS drops during my streams. I'm considering whether adding a lower-end graphics card, like the 3050 RTX, would help with dedicated encoding and reduce stutter. I'm aiming to stream in 2K to 4K resolution. I'd appreciate any insights or experiences from others who have tried this. Thanks for reading and have a great day!
3 Answers
Honestly, you probably don't need a second GPU with a setup like the 5080. I used to stream at 900p with a GTX 1080 and it worked fine. Plus, managing two GPUs in one PC can be tricky. Most folks with heavy workloads actually use a second PC for streaming instead. If you're struggling, it might be worth it to revisit your streaming settings rather than adding more hardware.
You might want to consider that all Nvidia GPUs, including the 5080, have a dedicated encoding chip for streaming when you use the NVENC option in OBS. Adding another card could increase heat and system strain, which might actually lead to more FPS drops. A better approach could be to stream from a second PC with a 4K capture card; this way, your CPU won't have to juggle gaming and streaming, especially at higher resolutions. It could help you maintain better frame rates!
Have you thought about using an Intel card instead? Even older models like the Arc A310 or A380 have built-in hardware encoders for H264, H265, and AV-1. They’re low-power and can handle multiple streams simultaneously without the limitations of Nvidia cards. I recently added an A380 to my setup and it's handled 4K transcoding like a champ. For around $140, it could be a solid investment!
So you're saying I might not have NVENC enabled on my 5080? I'll definitely check that when I'm back home. If it’s just a setting to switch for better streaming, that's great to know!