Question / Help Event Streaming PC Build Questions

Auman

Auman

New Member
Hello,

I've been building computers and gaming for over a decade, but AV stuff is out of my realm so I'm looking for a little advice.

What I'm looking to do is build a dedicated computer to stream local sporting events.

I already have 3 video cameras (with HDMI out) that record in 1080p/60p.

I would like to use OBS to manage the stream and switch between the three cameras on the fly, etc. From what I've read, this is pretty simple.

What capture card will work best for what I want to do? I would like to be able to use all three cameras, but I can make do with just one or two cameras if it's a lot cheaper.

What CPU should I be considering? I know video encoding is primarily CPU intensive, but I'm not sure where I should start. I would like to stream at 1080/60, but 720/30 and anywhere in between will work as well.

What GPU should I be considering? This PC won't be used for gaming, just streaming from the capture card inputs.

I prematurely thank you for your help!
 
Cheapest setup: Single capturecard with one input + HDMI splitter to connect all 3 cameras and switch between them.
Expensive setup: Capture Card with 3+ inputs or 3 Capture Cards (make sure the manufacturer supports using more than one of the same device in a single pc)
Best capture card: Probably non existant :/ Go for an internal pci-express card to save yourself some time, but then you will have to find the device that fits your needs. Make sure it can input 1080p60 material and record at 60fps (not only 30, as many devices) if you want to later stream at 60fps.
CPU, if money is not a big problem, go for an i7 system to have some room to add compression to the stream.
GPU, in theory you can start with the integrated graphics of the i7 but 3 1080p60 sources could be too much for it, then you would need to get a generally better dedicated GPU, for example in the 100-200$ range an up to date model should be fine.
 
Thanks for the reply!

What I'm considering right now:

Xeon E3-1231v3, which is just an i7-4770 without integrated graphics and $60 cheaper.

I was also considering the AMD FX-8350, but wasn't sure if OBS would perform better with the 4-core HT from the Intel or the 8-core from the AMD. Anyone have experience with that?

I didn't even think to use an HDMI splitter. All the multi-input capture cards are mega expensive, so I'll stick with just the one.
 
The xeon will be fine, dont forget a GPU then though :)
I personally dont like the current AMD systems but in general on a dedicated streaming machine, they should be fine. According to benchmarks they reach good results in the x264 encoding section (FX cpu's, not the APU's).
 
Yeah, I never planned on using integrated graphics anyways, so was always going to get a dedicated one. I'll probably shoot for a 2GB nVidia card.

Do you have any experience with capture cards? Any pros/cons for USB 3 vs PCIe? I'd rather have a PCIe, but it seems like some of the USB 3 ones have better features. I can't seem to find any other than AVerMedia and Elgato either.
 
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