Question / Help Encoding Overloaded! Only 50% CPU Usage

[smasherspiers]

I've been having problems with lagging and stuttering due to 'Encoding Overloaded' warnings in OBS Studio for the past week or so, these problems started rather randomly, previously I've been using OBS Classic then Studio with the same settings with no problems for years, I even used to record 2 video at once using 2 OBS's. I've tried everything I can think of, even upgraded my CPU, still no fix. I should note the warning message doesn't occur constantly, just once every few minutes or so and it occurs even when CPU usage is only around 50% https://gyazo.com/bd3aa30190ee411ff96c352b8f3ad62a

Current CPU: Intel Core i7 4760k Quad Core
GPU: GTX 970
Memory 16GB

These are the settings I'm sitting at https://gyazo.com/66470365c84d81f11a48159d7d2f7f99 while recording at 1080p 60fps. I also changed the Process Priority to be High. I have experimented with the x264 encoder instead of NVENC but that leads to large CPU usages unless changing the Usage Preset to superfast, I have tried overlocking my GPU, turning down in-game settings on things like BF1, changing to OBS Classic, still encoding overloaded. Any advice?

EDIT: Also is it normal to have such a large jump in CPU usage between encoders? NVENCH uses around 3-5% on fast, x264 uses around 50% on fast and 20% on superfast.

 

[Benman2785]

h264 is done by CPU -> so you have the load there
NVenc is done by GPU -> so you have less CPU load ;)

with bitrate of 1200kbps you cant even stream in 720p -> maybe u its ok for 720x405

and if 50% load is on your 4 physical cores it is possible that Hyperthreading isnt enough for h264 by CPU (not sure though)

try to use NVenc -> and please use a bitrate that fits your resolution

 

[smasherspiers]

h264 is done by CPU -> so you have the load there
NVenc is done by GPU -> so you have less CPU load ;)

with bitrate of 1200kbps you cant even stream in 720p -> maybe u its ok for 720x405

and if 50% load is on your 4 physical cores it is possible that Hyperthreading isnt enough for h264 by CPU (not sure though)

try to use NVenc -> and please use a bitrate that fits your resolution

Sorry I should clarify those were my recording settings, not streaming settings. I use OBS Studio to stream but also as recording software for Youtube. It has great compression and has really flexible audio options, been using it to record Youtube videos for 3 years or so and I love it. First time I've had serious issues.

I should also say recording with the x264 encoder (the only other option I have) with superfast Usage also eventually said 'Encoding Overloaded' when it only reached a maximum of 80% CPU usage.

 

[Benman2785]

for modern games your CPU hasnt enough cores to pull h264 -> 6C/12T would be better here

try NVenc -> it uses your GPU - should avoid "Encoder Overload"

 

[smasherspiers]

for modern games your CPU hasnt enough cores to pull h264 -> 6C/12T would be better here

try NVenc -> it uses your GPU - should avoid "Encoder Overload"

I was using NVENC when the Encoder Overloaded issues happened, the settings I posted in the OP are NVENC.

 

[Benman2785]

i cant help that much on NVenc // but try to lower all settings and check if you still occure "Enc overloads" - also update to latest driver

 

[smasherspiers]

Bump due to upgrading my GPU to a 1080 and I'm STILL having the issue. OBS Studio has been updated and so have the Nvida drivers.

Currently my only option is to just move to a new piece of software.