What do I need to use OBS, and start recording/livestreaming? (2026 version)

[CarlosX360]

Alright, I have posted this question before, here. That was in 2023. At that point of time, I had a poorly-run pre-built computer from I dunno, 2000's. Nothing to sneeze at. Today, I do have a pre-built, but it's not cheap, and it's one of those top-of-the-line computers...

I am currently running a rig with...

AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D
AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT 16GB
32GB DDR5 6000mhz
2TB PCIe Gen 4 NVMe SSD
Windows 11 (Home, and removed recall/CoPilot)

Here are my scores...

I am looking to livestream, and I have livestreamed before, but it was via PlayStation 4. I record PS5 gameplay in full 4k recording. Livestreaming via PS5 is at best: 1080/60fps.

What do I need to understand at this point - is WHAT do I need spec-wise to get at least 4k recording/livestreams? That includes installing OBS. I KNOW OBS is the livestreaming/recording software that medium-to-large livestreamers use. So, my first question is WHAT equipment is required to actually run OBS, and begin livestreaming?

What internet speed do I need for livestreams? Please hit me hard with hard truths, hard feedback.

I am currently picking out my livestreaming camera as I type this, so that is ready.

Do I need elgato for recording? Do I need this and that for livestreaming? Hit. me. hard.

If I need to game on the hardware (like from steam, epic games store, etc.), and livestream? What does that look like?
If I need to stream via console through the computer? What does THAT look like? Capture card? Recording device?

 

[koala]

I guess you're looking for the "getting started" guides:

Knowledge Base | OBS

OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) is free and open source software for video recording and live streaming. Stream to Twitch, YouTube and many other providers or record your own videos with high quality H264 / AAC encoding.

obsproject.com

 

[bcoyle]

Alright, I have posted this question before, here. That was in 2023. At that point of time, I had a poorly-run pre-built computer from I dunno, 2000's. Nothing to sneeze at. Today, I do have a pre-built, but it's not cheap, and it's one of those top-of-the-line computers...

I am currently running a rig with...

AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D
AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT 16GB
32GB DDR5 6000mhz
2TB PCIe Gen 4 NVMe SSD
Windows 11 (Home, and removed recall/CoPilot)

Here are my scores...
View attachment 118404

I am looking to livestream, and I have livestreamed before, but it was via PlayStation 4. I record PS5 gameplay in full 4k recording. Livestreaming via PS5 is at best: 1080/60fps.

What do I need to understand at this point - is WHAT do I need spec-wise to get at least 4k recording/livestreams? That includes installing OBS. I KNOW OBS is the livestreaming/recording software that medium-to-large livestreamers use. So, my first question is WHAT equipment is required to actually run OBS, and begin livestreaming?

What internet speed do I need for livestreams? Please hit me hard with hard truths, hard feedback.

I am currently picking out my livestreaming camera as I type this, so that is ready.

Do I need elgato for recording? Do I need this and that for livestreaming? Hit. me. hard.

If I need to game on the hardware (like from steam, epic games store, etc.), and livestream? What does that look like?
If I need to stream via console through the computer? What does THAT look like? Capture card? Recording device?

You already have a good computer. Try it on that. See what you have to compromise to get something working. Bandwidth is a personal issue, how much up bandwidth do you have available. 1080p@30fps min is 4500kbs. 4k video at 30fps would be 4x times the 1080, for 4x4500 or 18k, times another 2x for 60fps would be near 40k mps. So, maybe 100m up?? Just guessing.