In our last comparison, we examined how different CPU core counts—6, 8, and 10—affect gaming and streaming performance using CPU encoding. Today, we’re diving into a crucial question for streamers: should you use CPU or GPU encoding for the best streaming performance? We’ll look at the differences, benefits, and best scenarios for each type of encoding to help you make the right choice.
CPU Encoding vs GPU Encoding: Key Differences
When streaming, encoding is the process that compresses your video feed, allowing it to be broadcasted live without excessive lag or data usage. Both CPUs and GPUs can handle this task, but each offers unique pros and cons:
- CPU Encoding (x264): Utilizes the processor for encoding. Known for producing high-quality streams, but it can put a significant load on the CPU, especially if it’s already handling a demanding game.
- GPU Encoding (NVENC, for NVIDIA GPUs): Uses the GPU to encode video, freeing up the CPU for other tasks. NVIDIA’s NVENC encoding is well-optimized and often has minimal impact on frame rates, making it ideal for high-performance setups.
Benchmarking CPU vs GPU Encoding at 1080p
Our test setup includes a 10-core Intel i9-10900K CPU and an NVIDIA RTX 3070 GPU, ideal for benchmarking both encoding methods.
- 1080p Gaming with CPU Encoding: In a GPU-intensive game, streaming with CPU encoding caused almost no drop in frame rates. However, we saw a noticeable hit in performance during CPU-intensive sections of the benchmark. This is because CPU encoding consumes additional CPU resources, which can bottleneck the system if the game is already demanding on the processor.
- 1080p Gaming with GPU Encoding: When we switched to GPU encoding, the GPU took on the encoding workload. This led to a small drop in frame rates during the most graphically intensive parts of the benchmark. For most games, however, the performance impact was minor, making GPU encoding a good choice at 1080p for high-end setups.
Benchmarking at 2160p (4K): How Resolution Changes Encoding Performance
As we moved to 2160p gaming, the impact of each encoding method changed significantly.
- 4K Gaming with CPU Encoding: The CPU encoding impact was less than it was at 1080p. Higher resolutions shift more of the load to the GPU, making the CPU relatively less stressed. CPU encoding at 4K provided a smoother experience without major performance sacrifices.
- 4K Gaming with GPU Encoding: With GPU encoding, however, there was a larger performance hit at 4K, particularly in graphically demanding sections. Since the GPU was already running near maximum capacity to handle the high resolution, adding the encoding workload led to a noticeable drop in performance and frame rates, potentially making the game feel laggy or even unplayable.
When to Choose CPU Encoding Over GPU Encoding
Here’s a quick guide to determine when CPU encoding might be better:
- Your GPU is Running at Maximum Capacity: If your GPU usage is consistently high (around 90-100%) in a game, adding encoding tasks will likely cause lag. In this case, shifting the encoding workload to the CPU can free up GPU resources, maintaining smoother gameplay.
- You Want Maximum Stream Quality: CPU encoding generally produces slightly better video quality than GPU encoding, especially at lower bitrates. Streamers who prioritize quality may find CPU encoding a better choice.
When to Choose GPU Encoding Over CPU Encoding
Consider GPU encoding if:
- Your GPU Usage is Below 80%: If the GPU usage is moderate, it can handle both rendering and encoding without a major impact on performance.
- Your CPU is Handling a High Workload: CPU-intensive games can bottleneck when combined with CPU encoding. In these cases, GPU encoding can relieve some pressure on the CPU, ensuring a more consistent stream and gameplay experience.
How to Choose Between CPU and GPU Encoding
To make the best decision, monitor your system’s performance using tools like MSI Afterburner. This will show you whether your CPU or GPU is reaching its limits. Key factors include:
- Resolution: Higher resolutions generally put more strain on the GPU. In these cases, CPU encoding can sometimes offer smoother performance.
- Target Frame Rate: If you’re aiming for high frame rates, like 120 fps or more, GPU encoding might be the better choice since it reduces CPU workload.
Final Thoughts
In summary:
- For 1080p gaming, GPU encoding is usually the better option if your GPU can handle the workload. However, CPU encoding can work well if your GPU usage is already near its max or if you want the highest possible streaming quality.
- For 4K gaming, CPU encoding might be preferable, especially if your GPU usage is high.
Ultimately, your setup, preferred resolution, and target frame rates will guide the best choice for streaming. With the right approach, you can enjoy both smooth gameplay and high-quality streams.
If you have any questions or want to share your own experiences, feel free to leave a comment below. And don’t forget to like, subscribe, and follow for more tips on optimizing your gaming and streaming setup! See you in the next post!
