Best OBS Settings for Streaming While Gaming (No FPS Loss)
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Streaming while you game shouldn’t cost you the match. With the right OBS settings — especially a hardware encoder — you can broadcast at high quality with almost no impact on your in-game FPS. This guide shows you exactly how to set it up.
The single biggest decision is the encoder. Use your GPU’s hardware encoder (NVENC/AV1/AMF) and your CPU stays free for the game.
Use a hardware encoder (this is the key)
In OBS → Settings → Output → (Advanced mode) → Streaming → Encoder:
| Encoder | Use when |
|---|---|
| NVIDIA NVENC (H.264/HEVC/AV1) | You have an NVIDIA GPU — best choice, near-zero game impact |
| AMD AMF / AV1 | You have a Radeon GPU |
| Intel QuickSync / AV1 | Intel Arc or supported iGPU |
| x264 (CPU) | Only if you have a spare high-core CPU and no hardware encoder |
A hardware encoder offloads encoding to a dedicated chip on the GPU, so your CPU and gaming performance are barely touched. Avoid x264 unless you have CPU cores to spare.
Recommended streaming output settings
| Setting | Recommended |
|---|---|
| Output Mode | Advanced |
| Encoder | NVENC / AMF / QuickSync (AV1 if supported) |
| Rate Control | CBR |
| Bitrate | 6,000 kbps (1080p60); 8,000+ if your platform/upload allows |
| Keyframe Interval | 2 seconds |
| Preset | Quality / P5–P6 (NVENC) |
| Profile | high |
Video resolution and frame rate
In Settings → Video:
- Base (Canvas) Resolution: your monitor resolution.
- Output (Scaled) Resolution: 1920×1080 for most streams (downscale from 1440p/4K).
- FPS: 60 for gameplay; 30 only for slower content.
- Use a good downscale filter (Lanczos) if scaling.
Protect your in-game FPS
- Use the hardware encoder (above) — the #1 fix.
- Cap your in-game FPS so the GPU has headroom to encode (e.g. cap at your refresh).
- Stream at 1080p60, not your full native res, to reduce encode load.
- Close background apps; see How to Debloat Windows for Gaming.
- If you stream esports, keep input delay low so capture overhead doesn’t add lag.
Stop dropped frames
Dropped frames in OBS are almost always network, not your PC:
- A red OBS status = upload/network problem. Lower the bitrate.
- Go wired and fix any packet loss.
- Test your real upload speed and stay well under it.
Related guides
- How to Fix High Ping and Packet Loss in Games
- How to Debloat Windows for Gaming
- Best Discord Settings to Reduce Lag
- How to Minimize Input Delay for Competitive Gaming
The best OBS settings for streaming while gaming use a hardware encoder (NVENC/AV1/AMF), CBR at ~6,000 kbps, and a 1080p60 output. That combination gives you a clean stream with almost no hit to your in-game FPS.
Frequently asked questions
Which OBS encoder should I use to minimize FPS loss?
Use your GPU's hardware encoder: NVIDIA NVENC (H.264/HEVC/AV1), AMD AMF, or Intel QuickSync. These offload encoding to a dedicated GPU chip, leaving CPU and gaming performance barely touched. Avoid x264 unless you have spare CPU cores.
What bitrate should I use for streaming while gaming?
6,000 kbps for 1080p60 is the standard; use 8,000+ if your platform/upload allows. Use CBR (Constant Bit Rate), not VBR, for consistency. Stay well under your actual upload speed.
What resolution and framerate should I set in OBS?
Set output to 1920x1080 60fps for most streams (downscale from 1440p/4K if needed). Cap your in-game FPS at or below your stream FPS to give the GPU headroom to encode without stealing game performance.
Why am I getting dropped frames in OBS?
Dropped frames are almost always network/upload problems, not your PC. A red OBS status means your upload can't keep up—lower the bitrate or fix your connection. Go wired and test your real upload speed.
How can I protect my in-game FPS while streaming?
Use a hardware encoder (the #1 fix), cap your in-game FPS so the GPU has encoding headroom, stream at 1080p60 not higher, close background apps, and go wired for stable upload.