Gamers with Twitch channels who want to achieve optimal broadcasting quality should consider dual PC streaming.
Dual PC streaming is the latest technology that harnesses the power of two CPUs and graphics or sound cards for your Twitch followers service.
While you might think about purchasing a more powerful computer initially, a two-PC streaming setup can provide you with an additional advantage in achieving Twitch perfection.
Let's explore how to set up dual PC streaming and how your Twitch channel can benefit from it.
Investing in an additional PC would be a good idea if you are into a serious streaming business. Combining two pieces of hardware with a dual PC streaming setup allows you always to have high-quality streams.
Basic Requirements
Besides two PCs, you will need two monitors, a capture card (internal or external), and cables for connection.
PC Specification
You will need at least the 5th generation of Intel’s processor (or AMD equivalent) packed with 8 GB RAM (the more, the better), Nvidia GTX 970 / AMD Radeon R9 390X, or a stronger graphics card, and Windows 10 (if you don’t own Mac).
Software Recommendations
To start your streaming, you will need streaming software, like OBS, an audio mixer, voice communication software, and a compatible internet browser.
For a dual PC streaming setup, you will need two streaming monitors, two PCs, a capture card, and several HDMI and USB cables.
The role of the capture card is to transfer data from your gaming device to your streaming computer.
Twitch users adopt the two PC stream setup to separate their streaming from their gaming activities.
Recently, we have observed that many online games feature enhanced graphics analysis and superior frames per second performance.
This demands significant resources from the gaming computer's CPU to achieve its full potential (even multiple cores can have their constraints).
Related: How Many Cores Do You Need?
The substantial processing demands from gaming can lead to significant lag and delays in your streaming activities.
Unless you have a PC with substantial RAM and multiple processor cores operating at higher frequencies, separating the two activities onto two different computers would be a definitive solution.
Related: How Much Ram Do You Need?
You can select either an internal or an external capture card. The internal option is installed within the gaming computer and processes all data from the gaming activity.
The capture card transfers all data through the HDMI cables to the streaming PC.
The external capture card functions similarly. You can connect this card to the gaming computer using a USB cable. Then, you will connect your streaming computer to the gaming one via an HDMI cable.
The objective is to play the game on the gaming PC (and the connected monitor) while streaming the gameplay as a video to the streaming computer.
If you are still unsure about how to stream from another computer, Twitch offers the best solution for you.
You can stream your video to the Twitch platform while broadcasting from your streaming PC.
In this manner, any issues that arise with your gaming computer (such as overheating, blue screens, etc.) will not interrupt your streaming.
The dual PC streaming setup may also provide you with the opportunity to adjust more cameras and angles for your gaming.
Additionally, you will experience improved gaming quality, as you can display your video at a higher resolution compared to a single PC setup.
Your two computers will last a long time since you will not push them close to their limits when broadcasting your gaming.
Conversely, with a dual PC streaming setup, you need to buy more components, which increases the overall cost of your streaming activities.
Here are some of the best and most affordable pieces of equipment you can find: Streaming Equipment.
Screen tearing is another problem you might encounter when splitting images across two different computer settings.
The dual PC streaming setup typically necessitates additional applications to facilitate communication between the two system components. The cables and adapters are often more expensive and can lead to frustrating issues during your broadcasting sessions.
Finally, some followers express concerns that a dual PC streaming setup can introduce more distracting noises from the streaming computer into the broadcast.
By effectively balancing the pros and cons of the two PC stream setup, you will maximize your chances of attracting more traffic and followers to your Twitch channel.
You will need additional software for a successful dual PC streaming setup. Most of these are free online applications that you can download to your gaming and streaming PCs.
First, you need streaming software such as OBS, which allows you to stream video and audio from another computer.
OBS may require considerable experience with computers due to its unusual and complex settings. However, once you become familiar with it, streaming with your dual PC setup can be straightforward.
Another type of software you will need for a two-PC streaming setup is the Virtual Audio Mixer.
This application is free to download and provides access to two distinct audio sources simultaneously, enhancing your dual PC streaming audio setup.
Twitch channels facilitate voice communication among gamers; you definitely need online calling software.
By utilizing that software and the mixer, you will consistently provide your followers with game sounds and the voices of other users to listen to and appreciate.
Finally, the internet browser is one of the most essential pieces of software you will need for successful streaming.
Dual PC streaming setups necessitate muting your streaming computer and sharing only the audio from the gaming computer.
Novice Twitch channel streamers who prefer a dual PC setup often make the significant mistake of streaming through the browser.
This can create an echo that disrupts your streaming and causes many followers to leave your Twitch channel.
It is important to load your browser only when necessary on your streaming PC and to keep all other features on your gaming PC.
Although professional Twitch streamers are familiar with advanced browser settings, it is advisable to gain experience with all available browsers before starting Twitch live broadcasting sessions.
You can only share a successful and profitable Twitch stream with the right combination of software.
Being online is the ultimate goal, but it should appear simple and safe.
Every Twitch user understands the significance of having a fast internet connection.
The dual PC stream setup introduces several additional variables to the system, as both PCs must be online simultaneously.
The more PCs connected to your router, the lower your bandwidth may be during a specific time frame.
The ideal internet connection for your gaming computer would provide your system with up to 100 Mbps of download speed.
The upload data rate should consistently reach a minimum of 50 Mbps for your streaming computer.
Related: Best Streaming Router
The internal connection among the gaming PC, the streaming PC, and the capture card is crucial for achieving fast data transfer speeds.
Always utilize a free online service such as OOKLA to assess your internet upload and download speeds.
This will provide you with the opportunity to discuss with your internet provider and find the best solution for the line that connects to your house.
Today, all professional Twitch streamers are connected to central network computers via optical fibers to prevent any lags and delays in their Twitch streams.
You can also use strategies to enhance your followers' satisfaction when using a dual PC stream setup with a limited-speed internet connection.
First, you have the opportunity to lower the bitrate of your streaming. Although your gaming computer will provide the highest quality, you can reduce the bitrate to ensure your followers have the best streaming experience.
You can also adjust the frame per second ratio. This can create the impression for your followers that your gaming runs smoothly, even when you encounter significant connection and internet speed issues.
Generally, an upload speed approaching 50 Mbps is sufficient to provide excellent streaming quality and enhance the experience for followers during their session.
With this internet speed, you can also display ads and host online competitions that run live during streaming.
A broader bandwidth would also be beneficial for Twitch channel owners who prefer a reliable speed for their chatrooms and website broadcasts.
The optimal internet strategy is to adjust your video and audio quality to match the maximum speed that the best streaming router can deliver.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section will analyze the most commonly asked questions regarding how to stream using two computers, as indicated by the Google search engine.
Should I Use Two PCs for Streaming?
However, if you decide to stream an online gaming session on your Twitch channel, having two PCs would be beneficial for the reasons discussed earlier.
Alternatively, it is possible to stream and game simultaneously from the same desktop or laptop computer.
If you have one of the latest PCs that can handle both tasks, you can easily showcase a game to your followers while streaming your image and audio.
Using two PCs for this type of streaming can make you appear more professional to your audience.
It shows that you are ready to embrace new challenges and value their opinions. The combined computing power can enhance your results and engage viewers on your channel.
Can I Stream on Two Computers Without a Capture Card?
The presence of this card allows you to unify what you see on the two separate screens. An external card is preferable since you can connect it to the screen with an HDMI cable and establish a mutual connection with USB to the gaming PC.
The OBS capture card can also adjust the image quality and provide better results if you experience issues with your internal graphics card.
Twitch channel owners who have frequently used a capture card for their streaming attest that it is the only way to deliver a flawless session to your followers.
Its price is reasonable enough to make it accessible for purchase. If you consider yourself a pro-gamer and streamer, it would be an essential piece of equipment to have.
Does More RAM Help With Streaming?
Adding more RAM to your PC's motherboard will not assist you with dual streaming. You will need a capture card to present your online gaming sessions to your followers while streaming yourself.
However, having more RAM can help your PC perform some internal CPU functions more quickly and avoid overclocking. In this regard, increased RAM can lead to more stable streams than before.
Can I Use My Graphic Card as a Capture Card?
The graphic card does not modify the signal it receives from the gaming PC. Consequently, you will always need a separate capture card to mix the two streaming sessions from the dual PC setup.
You can choose between an internal and an external capture card based on your system configuration.
Are Gaming And Streaming Better on a Dual PC Setting?
Other users find it complicates their setup, especially when they need to change streaming locations. If you have an optimal dual PC setup and high-speed internet, you can claim to have a better gaming and streaming experience.
However, no dual PC setup will enhance your streaming if all other factors remain unchanged. Consider adopting the dual PC setup only after improving the characteristics of your streaming hardware and software.
