Question / Help This rig - these problems? HELP

[Deso]

So im trying to stream CS:GO and I get sudden fps spikes / stuttering. Like every 10-15seconds fps drops under 150. Normally my fps is 250-400, without stream 300-600.

I stream competitive and deathmatch sometimes.
All settings low or very low in-game.
None cores parked.
I've disabled every background program that might cause this.
Chrome is not running when I stream.
Every possible setting in Windows/NVIDIA is prefering performance over quality.


Computer specs:

Mobo: Asus Z97-E
CPU: Intel Core i7-4790K 4.0GHz
GPU: Asus Strix GTX 970
RAM: Kingston 8GB
OS: Windows 10
SSD: Samsung 1.25TB 850 EVO
Case: Cooler Master Silencio 550


OBS Settings:

Encoding

Video Encoding
Encoder: x264
Use CBR: enabled
Enable CBR padding: enabled
Max Bitrate (kb/s): 3000

Audio Encoding
Codec: AAC
Bitrate: 96
Format: 48kHz
Channel: Stereo

Video

Base Resolution: 1920x1080
Resolution Downscale: 1.50 (1280x720)
FPS: 60 (in the logfile using 45)

Advanced

Video
x264 CPU Preset: veryfast
Encoding Profile: main
Keyframe Interval (seconds, 0=auto): 2
Use CFR: disabled

 

[Patrick Ewalt]

On first glance I'd say it's because if you have an NVidia card, you should be using the NVENC H.264 encoder option, to use the HW encoders on the card. Right now it would appear you are using the software x.264 encoder, which will rip into your CPU at that framerate and output size, especially with the target bitrate so low, causing the lag and drop in frames. Now, full disclosure, the log is a little different than 64-bit studio version, so I'm not sure exactly by looking at your log, but if the encoder options allows NVENC that's the option you'd want to use. I apologize that I can't say for sure, I've just never used the 32bit version or non-studio, but I'm working on the assumption that the NVENC encoder is implemented in your version. Now by switching to NVENC you shouldn't take much of a hit if any FPS wise (at 60fps at that output it might hit some it might not, I'm not familiar with NVidia models performance so much), but it's hard to say because all content is different, however your CPU will be much happier as you'll have offloaded the encoding to the HW encoders in the NVidia card, I have the GTX 780ti right now and an R9 255x in the same box and I encode using either or depending on the situation*, but I was also testing FPS impact with NVENC while using it to also render the game, and I couldn't really notice much of an impact when recording local 1080P 60fps, or when broadcasting 12Mbps CQP/17-24 @ 60fps. and I'm on an i7 960, so I think you'll fare much better, lol. When compared to rendering on my NVidia while encoding on the R9, it was the same experience, no real impact to the actual game performance.

Good luck, hope the change helps, if not I'm sure someone here will know how to help, don't give up!

*Note: For those interested in more detail R9 Encoding done using VCE over Media Foundation when recording NVidia Rendered Display. I can't seem to get AMD AMF working in that scenario just yet, although AMD AMF is working AMAZINGLY when capturing the same GPU display, 1080P/60fps at a CQP of 10 with NO PERFORMANCE impact to game or system. For streaming obviously settings are lower but output quality and data bitrate are excellent. The AMD AMF plugin is available in the resources section of the orbs forum site, and is in RC status at the moment. Xaymar has been doing amazing work getting it ready for release.

 

[Harold]

You should NOT use hardware encoders to stream due to the quality per bitrate level of them (nvenc is TERRIBLE picture quality for streaming at twitch's bitrates)

 

[Deso]

NVENC was okay but as Harold said, the quality was poor. I dont believe that with my specs i am not able to stream with x264...?

 

[Harold]

a 4790k is plenty powerful enough to be able to stream with x264 even as far down the preset list as medium with some games.

 

[Deso]

Thats what I thought aswell, but seems i cannot. My fps goes down to 100-200 when streaming CSGO with veryfast preset, 2500/3000 bitrate, 60fps

 

[Harold]

Streaming at 60fps on twitch without partnership isn't viable.

What is the refresh rate of your display?

 

[Deso]

I've seen many unpartnered stream 60fps without problems
144hz main monitor + 2nd monitor 60hz

 

[Harold]

And if you cap csgo's framerate to your refresh rate?
And if you stream at 30fps?

 

[Deso]

The game looks way different in 250-350fps compared to 144fps stable. As weird as it sounds, it really does. Streaming at 30fps doesnt help. Same fps spikes still. It feels like every 10seconds something happens on my computer.

 

[Deso]

Actually the problem is that my VAR jumps from 0.1-0.5ms to 5.0ms every 10seconds approx. So is the problem in my internet or computer?