Mastering Two PC Streaming Setup: Ultimate Guide with OBS Studio

Prerequisites:

• Two PCs: Ensure you have two separate PCs—one dedicated to gaming and the other for streaming.
• OBS Studio: Download and install OBS Studio on both PCs from the official website.
• Network Connection: Connect both PCs to the same local network via Ethernet to ensure stable and high-speed data transfer.
• Steam or Other Game: Make sure your preferred game is installed and running smoothly on the gaming PC.

Configuration Steps:

On the Gaming PC:

1. Open OBS Studio: Launch OBS Studio on your gaming PC to begin the configuration process.
2. Adjust Game Settings: Optimize your game's video settings, including resolution and frame rate, for smooth gameplay.
3. Enable Network Output:
   • Access OBS Studio settings and navigate to the "Output" section.
   • Set the "Output Mode" to "Advanced" and configure the "Video Bitrate" according to your network's capacity.
   • Ensure the "Output" mode is set to "Advanced" and choose the "Hardware (NVENC)" encoder if available.
4. Enable Advanced Settings: Activate "Network Output (nvenc only)" under the "Advanced" tab to enable streaming over the network.
5. Start Streaming: Initiate streaming by clicking "Start Streaming" in OBS Studio to transmit gameplay data to the streaming PC.

On the Streaming PC:

1. Open OBS Studio: Launch OBS Studio on your dedicated streaming PC.
2. Add a Source: Add a "Media Source" in OBS Studio and configure it to receive the network stream from your gaming PC.
3. Configure Media Source:
   • Specify the source as a "Local File" and provide the network stream's URL, typically rtmp://:1935/live.
   • Save the settings to establish the connection between the gaming and streaming PCs.
4. Adjust Audio: Set up your microphone and other audio sources in the audio mixer to ensure proper audio capture for the stream.
5. Preview and Start Streaming: Preview the stream on your streaming PC and commence streaming by clicking "Start Streaming" in OBS Studio.
6. Monitor Stream: Monitor the stream's quality and performance on the streaming PC, making adjustments as necessary to enhance viewer experience.

Tips and Considerations:

• Network Connection: Maintain a reliable local network connection between both PCs to prevent data loss or lag during streaming.
• Video Bitrate: Adjust the video bitrate and resolution settings based on your network's capabilities to optimize streaming quality.
• Audio Management: Utilize separate audio mixers or software to manage audio sources between gaming and streaming PCs effectively.
• Keep Software Updated: Regularly update OBS Studio on both PCs to access the latest features and improvements for streaming.
• Test Setup: Conduct thorough testing of your streaming setup before going live to identify and resolve any technical issues in advance.

Congratulations! You've successfully configured a two PC streaming setup using OBS Studio without the need for a capture card. With this setup, you can deliver high-quality streams while enjoying uninterrupted gaming performance. Happy streaming!