Unable to stream Overwatch in OBS studio unless downscaled to 480

[poutine]

Game is running at 1920x1200, max settings, limited to 60fps.

Log file from OBS is here = https://gist.github.com/anonymous/06b15224db04ef353d1f10ea05b79ec8
Specs of PC from CPU-Z output = https://gist.github.com/anonymous/8c58fc7e2e3a675b4e305edb63a01136

The adjustments done above is the best config I've been able to get to ensure a smooth streaming experience, but it's incredibly pixelated and the stream lacks detail. I had to downscale to 768x480 from 1920x1200. I have attempted to downscale to 720, which improves the details but then my stream ends up being incredibly lagged out during periods when the game gets intense.

Here's a preview of the stream from Twitch itself = https://www.twitch.tv/poutinemabouche/v/70698818


Internet download speeds = 20Mbps
Internet upload speeds = 10Mbps

 

[Boildown]

@dping OBS Studio

Looks to me like your CPU isn't strong enough. You have an i5 but are getting tons of encoder lag at 720p on Very Fast. Make your next CPU an i7, the hyperthreading helps when playing newer games and encoding on the same CPU at the same time.

Your best bet is to reduce the preset to SuperFast and lower the resolution below 720p. And try getting rid of the webcam to see how much its slowing you down.

 

[poutine]

Unfortunately most cpus with LGA 1155 are discontinued, so I would probably have to resort to buying a new mobo+cpu setup. I got this rig in 2012.

However, I did a quick search on google for streamers of OW who uses the same CPU as I along with a cheaper GPU and their stream output looks fine - https://www.twitch.tv/waltermagnum/v/65573689

Could it really be a hardware issue?

 

[Sapiens]

Enable vsync or the FPS limiter in Overwatch.

 

[poutine]

Yup - did that. Same issue with the stream not being smooth. I even decreased the quality/textures to the lowest and there was still no changes (not sure if it's supposed to change)

 

[Sapiens]

What does your CPU usage look like while streaming?

 

[poutine]

While running OVERWATCH

20% steady with OBS when active (with preview pane disabled)
40% with overwatch.exe

edit : some phrasing.

 

[poutine]

Here's another recording I just did right now. I also went into the options setting to briefly show what settings I am using. https://www.twitch.tv/poutinemabouche/v/71111548

Watching the stream it seems pretty fluid if I am wandering around and nothing is happening - however, the moment action starts to happen (fighting, etc) I noticed the stream would start dropping frames. This is more evident when i play a character like tracer.

Current setup in OBS :

Encoder = x264
Bitrate = 2500
Keyframe =2
CPU usage Preset = superfast
Video Base Resolution = 1920x1200
Output scaled resolutioned = 1152x720
Filter = Bilinear
Common FPS Value =- 60

Advanced settings

Renderer = Direct 3D 11

Last log file : https://gist.github.com/bb29a9caac9a37bf66785032af450bc9

 

[poutine]

Just an update...I did some changes to my OBS and this seems to have improved the stream without compromise to graphical quality (ie pixels and lots of blur)

Encoder : x264
Checked enforce streaming service encoder...
Bitrate = 3500
Keyframe = 2
CPu usage preset = superfast
Base resolution = 1920x1200
Output Resolution = 1152x720
Downscale Filter = Bicubic
Common FPS values = 30

Changing from 60fps to 30fps, I think, was where it made a significant change in my stream output.

 

[Boildown]

Check your CPU temperatures too... maybe your CPU is throttling due to overheating.