Dual PC Streaming Setup Guide - Jade Vanity Gaming

Introduction

A dual PC streaming setup is the gold standard for professional streamers who want to achieve the highest quality broadcasts without compromising gaming performance. By dedicating one PC to gaming and another to handling the streaming workload, you can play at maximum settings and framerates while simultaneously delivering a high-quality stream to your viewers.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about setting up a dual PC streaming configuration, from hardware requirements to software configuration, audio routing, and troubleshooting common issues.

Before You Begin

A dual PC setup is more complex and expensive than a single PC solution. If you're new to streaming, you might want to start with a single PC setup and upgrade to dual PC when you've outgrown its capabilities. Check our Ultimate Streaming Setup Guide for more information on single PC streaming.

Why Use a Dual PC Setup?

There are several compelling reasons to consider a dual PC streaming setup:

Dedicated Resources: Your gaming PC can focus entirely on running your game at maximum performance, while your streaming PC handles encoding, overlays, alerts, and other streaming tasks.
Higher Quality Stream: With dedicated encoding resources, you can use slower encoding presets for better quality without impacting your gameplay.
Stability: If one PC encounters issues, the other can continue functioning, reducing the chance of complete stream failure.
Multitasking: You can manage your stream, chat, and other applications on the streaming PC without affecting your gaming experience.

Basic Dual PC Setup Overview

Basic diagram showing the connection between gaming PC, capture card, and streaming PC

Hardware Requirements

Setting up a dual PC streaming configuration requires specific hardware components. Let's break down what you'll need for both your gaming PC and streaming PC.

Gaming PC Specifications

Your gaming PC should be powerful enough to run your games at your desired settings and framerates. Here are the recommended specifications:

CPU

Recommended

Intel Core i7/i9 (13th/14th gen) or AMD Ryzen 7/9 (7000 series)

Since the gaming PC doesn't handle encoding, you can prioritize gaming performance with high clock speeds and good single-core performance.

GPU

Recommended

NVIDIA RTX 4070 or better / AMD RX 7700 XT or better

Your GPU should match your gaming resolution and refresh rate goals. For 1440p 144Hz+ gaming, an RTX 4070 or better is recommended.

RAM

Recommended

32GB DDR4/DDR5 (3600MHz+ for DDR4, 5200MHz+ for DDR5)

Modern games are increasingly memory-hungry. 32GB provides ample headroom for gaming and background applications.

Storage

Recommended

1TB+ NVMe SSD (PCIe Gen 4 recommended)

Fast storage ensures quick game loading times and system responsiveness.

Video Output

Required

GPU with at least two video outputs:

One for your gaming monitor
One for the capture card connection to your streaming PC

Most modern GPUs have multiple outputs (HDMI, DisplayPort), so this is rarely an issue.

Streaming PC Specifications

Your streaming PC handles encoding, overlays, alerts, and other streaming tasks. Here are the recommended specifications:

CPU

Recommended

Intel Core i7 (12th gen or newer) or AMD Ryzen 7 (5000 series or newer)

For x264 encoding, more cores/threads are beneficial. If using NVENC encoding, CPU requirements are less demanding.

GPU

Recommended

NVIDIA RTX 3060 or better (for NVENC encoding)

If using x264 (CPU) encoding, a less powerful GPU like a GTX 1660 Super would be sufficient.

RAM

Recommended

32GB DDR4 (3200MHz+)

Streaming software, browser sources, and other applications can be memory-intensive. 32GB provides ample headroom.

Storage

Recommended

500GB+ NVMe SSD for OS and applications + 2TB+ HDD/SSD for recordings

Fast primary storage ensures system responsiveness, while larger secondary storage accommodates recordings and VODs.

Repurposing an Old PC

If you're upgrading your gaming PC, your old system might be suitable as a streaming PC. Even systems that are 2-3 generations old can often handle streaming duties effectively, especially with a modern GPU for NVENC encoding.

Capture Cards

A capture card is the bridge between your gaming PC and streaming PC, allowing the streaming PC to receive and encode the video output from your gaming PC.

Internal PCIe Capture Cards

Elgato 4K60 Pro MK.2

~$250-300

A premium internal PCIe capture card that supports up to 4K60 HDR capture with very low latency.

Pros: Lower latency, reliable connection, no USB bandwidth issues

Cons: Requires PCIe slot, more complex installation

Learn More

AVerMedia Live Gamer 4K GC573

~$250-300

Another excellent PCIe capture card supporting 4K60 HDR capture with RGB lighting effects.

Pros: Low latency, reliable performance, RGB lighting

Cons: Requires PCIe slot, software not as polished as Elgato

Learn More

External USB Capture Cards

Elgato HD60 S+

~$180-200

A popular external USB 3.0 capture card supporting up to 1080p60 passthrough with HDR.

Pros: Easy setup, portable, no PCIe slot required

Cons: Slightly higher latency than PCIe cards, requires USB 3.0 bandwidth

Learn More

AVerMedia Live Gamer ULTRA GC553

~$180-200

External USB 3.0 capture card supporting up to 4K passthrough and 1080p60 capture.

Pros: 4K passthrough, portable, no PCIe slot required

Cons: Higher latency than PCIe cards, requires USB 3.0 bandwidth

Learn More

USB Capture Card Considerations

When using USB capture cards, ensure your streaming PC has a high-quality USB controller. Some motherboards have better USB controllers than others, which can affect capture stability. USB 3.0 or higher is required for HD capture.

Audio Equipment

Audio routing is one of the most complex aspects of a dual PC setup. Here are some hardware options to simplify the process:

Audio Mixer/Interface

Recommended

Options:

GoXLR/GoXLR Mini: Purpose-built for streamers with intuitive controls and routing (~$200-400)
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2: Professional audio interface for XLR microphones (~$160)
BEHRINGER XENYX Q802USB: Affordable mixer with multiple inputs (~$80)

A hardware mixer allows you to route different audio sources (microphone, game audio, chat, etc.) independently and send them to your streaming PC.

Audio Cables

Required

Depending on your setup, you'll need various audio cables:

3.5mm TRS/TRRS cables: For connecting line-out to line-in
XLR cables: For professional microphones
RCA cables: For some mixer connections
Optical cables: For digital audio connections

Quality cables reduce interference and ensure clean audio transmission.

Additional Hardware

These additional components can enhance your dual PC streaming setup:

Stream Deck

Optional

Elgato Stream Deck (available in 6, 15, or 32 key configurations)

A Stream Deck allows you to control both PCs with customizable buttons for scene switching, audio adjustments, and more.

Learn More

KVM Switch

Optional

A KVM (Keyboard, Video, Mouse) switch allows you to control both PCs with a single keyboard and mouse setup.

Alternatively, software solutions like Mouse Without Borders or Synergy can achieve similar functionality over your network.

HDMI Splitter

Optional

An HDMI splitter can duplicate your gaming PC's output to both your monitor and capture card, useful in certain setups.

Ensure you get a splitter (not just a switch) that supports your desired resolution and refresh rate.

Connection Methods

There are two primary methods for connecting your gaming PC to your streaming PC: using a capture card or using NDI (Network Device Interface). Each has its advantages and disadvantages.

Capture Card Method

The capture card method is the most common and reliable approach for dual PC streaming.

Capture Card Connection Diagram

Diagram showing how to connect gaming PC to streaming PC using a capture card

Basic Setup Steps:

Install the capture card in your streaming PC (for internal PCIe cards) or connect it via USB (for external cards).
Connect an HDMI cable from your gaming PC's GPU output to the capture card's input.
Connect your gaming monitor to another output on your gaming PC's GPU.
Install capture card drivers and software on your streaming PC.
Configure OBS on your streaming PC to use the capture card as a video source.

Display Cloning vs. Extended Desktop

You can either clone your display (same output to monitor and capture card) or use an extended desktop (different outputs). Cloning is simpler but may limit your refresh rate to what the capture card supports. Extended desktop allows your monitor to run at full refresh rate while the capture card receives a 60Hz signal.

Advantages of Capture Card Method:

Reliability: Direct hardware connection is more stable than network-based solutions
Low Latency: Minimal delay between gaming PC output and streaming PC input
Quality: Consistent video quality regardless of network conditions
No CPU Overhead: Minimal impact on gaming PC performance

Disadvantages of Capture Card Method:

Cost: Quality capture cards can be expensive
Additional Hardware: Requires physical cards and cables
Audio Complexity: Audio routing can be more complicated

NDI Method

NDI (Network Device Interface) is a software-based solution that transmits video and audio over your local network.

NDI Connection Diagram

Diagram showing how to connect gaming PC to streaming PC using NDI over network

Basic Setup Steps:

Install NDI Tools on both your gaming PC and streaming PC.
Install the NDI plugin for OBS on both PCs.
Configure OBS on your gaming PC to output via NDI.
Configure OBS on your streaming PC to receive the NDI source.
Ensure both PCs are connected to the same network via ethernet (not Wi-Fi).

Network Requirements for NDI

NDI requires a strong, stable network connection. Always use wired ethernet connections (not Wi-Fi) with gigabit speeds. Ideally, use a dedicated network switch connecting only your gaming and streaming PCs to minimize interference and maximize bandwidth.

Advantages of NDI Method:

Cost: No additional hardware required beyond network equipment
Simplicity: No physical cards to install or cables to route
Audio Integration: Audio is transmitted alongside video over the network
Flexibility: Can transmit multiple sources over the same network

Disadvantages of NDI Method:

Performance Impact: Uses CPU/GPU resources on your gaming PC
Network Dependency: Quality and reliability depend on your network
Higher Latency: Generally higher delay than capture card solutions
Bandwidth Intensive: Requires a robust network infrastructure

Hybrid Approach

Some streamers use a hybrid approach: capture card for video and NDI for additional sources like webcams or screen regions. This combines the reliability of hardware capture with the flexibility of NDI.

Audio Routing

Audio routing is often the most challenging aspect of a dual PC streaming setup. You need to ensure that your microphone, game audio, chat audio, and other sound sources are properly routed to your streaming PC.

Audio Routing Challenges

In a dual PC setup, you need to manage several audio streams:

Microphone Audio: Your voice needs to go to both your streaming PC (for the broadcast) and potentially your gaming PC (for in-game chat)
Game Audio: Sound from your games needs to reach both your headphones and your streaming PC
Chat Audio: Discord or other communication apps need to be heard by you and included in the stream
Stream Alerts: Notification sounds need to be heard by you without creating feedback loops

Hardware Audio Routing Solutions

Hardware solutions provide the cleanest and most reliable audio routing for dual PC setups.

GoXLR / GoXLR Mini Method

GoXLR Setup

Recommended

The TC Helicon GoXLR and GoXLR Mini are purpose-built for streamers and provide an intuitive solution for dual PC audio routing.

Basic Setup:

Connect your microphone to the GoXLR's XLR input
Connect the GoXLR to your streaming PC via USB
Connect your gaming PC's audio output to the GoXLR's Line In
Connect your headphones to the GoXLR's headphone output
Use the GoXLR software to route audio sources to different channels

The GoXLR allows you to create separate mixes for what you hear versus what your stream hears, with physical faders for real-time adjustments.

Learn More about GoXLR

Audio Interface / Mixer Method

Audio Interface Setup

Alternative

Standard audio interfaces like the Focusrite Scarlett series or mixing boards can also be used for dual PC setups.

Basic Setup:

Connect your microphone to the audio interface
Connect the audio interface to your streaming PC via USB
Use a line-out from your gaming PC to an input on your audio interface
Connect your headphones to the audio interface's headphone output
Configure your DAW or mixer software to route signals appropriately

This method requires more manual configuration but can be more cost-effective than specialized streaming hardware.

Software Audio Routing Solutions

If you prefer not to invest in additional hardware, software solutions can provide flexible audio routing capabilities.

Voicemeeter Potato Method

Voicemeeter Setup

Software Solution

Voicemeeter Potato is a powerful virtual audio mixer that can handle complex routing scenarios.

Basic Setup:

Install Voicemeeter Potato on your gaming PC
Set Voicemeeter as your default audio device
Connect your microphone to your gaming PC
Route your microphone and game audio to different Voicemeeter virtual outputs
Use these virtual outputs as audio sources in your capture software

Voicemeeter provides virtual audio cables that can route audio between applications and devices with great flexibility.

Download Voicemeeter Potato

NDI Audio Method

NDI Audio Setup

Software Solution

If you're using NDI for video, you can also leverage it for audio routing.

Basic Setup:

Install NDI Tools on both PCs
Configure OBS on your gaming PC to include the audio sources you want to stream
Output this mix via NDI
Capture the NDI source (with audio) on your streaming PC

This method simplifies setup but gives you less granular control over individual audio sources.

Audio Sync Issues

One common challenge with dual PC setups is audio synchronization. Video capture introduces a slight delay, which can cause your audio and video to be out of sync. Most streaming software includes audio delay filters that can be used to compensate for this. Start with a 650ms delay on your microphone and adjust as needed.

Software Configuration

Proper software configuration is essential for a smooth dual PC streaming experience. This section covers the setup of OBS Studio on both your gaming and streaming PCs.

Gaming PC Software Setup

Your gaming PC's software configuration depends on which connection method you're using.

For Capture Card Method:

Configure Display Settings

Set up your displays in Windows to either clone or extend your desktop:

Clone Display: Right-click desktop > Display settings > Multiple displays > Duplicate these displays
Extend Display: Right-click desktop > Display settings > Multiple displays > Extend these displays

If using extended display mode, set your capture card output to 1080p60 while keeping your main gaming monitor at your preferred resolution and refresh rate.

Configure Audio Settings

Set up your audio routing based on your chosen method:

If using hardware audio routing, ensure your game audio is output to the appropriate device
If using software audio routing (like Voicemeeter), configure your default audio devices accordingly

For capture cards that support audio over HDMI, ensure your gaming PC is outputting audio through HDMI to the capture card.

For NDI Method:

Install Required Software

Download and install the following:

Configure OBS for NDI Output

Set up OBS to output your gameplay via NDI:

Open OBS Studio on your gaming PC
Add your game capture, display capture, or window capture sources
Go to Tools > NDI Output Settings
Enable Main Output and give it a name (e.g., "Gaming PC")
Optionally enable "Audio" if you want to send audio through NDI

Optimize OBS Settings

Configure OBS for optimal performance on your gaming PC:

Set Output Resolution to match your target streaming resolution (typically 1080p)
Set Frame Rate to your target streaming frame rate (typically 60fps)
In Advanced settings, set Process Priority to "Above Normal" or "High"
Disable Preview to reduce CPU usage

Since you're only using OBS to send NDI output (not encoding), you can disable any unnecessary plugins and features to minimize resource usage.

Streaming PC Software Setup

Your streaming PC handles the encoding and broadcasting of your stream. Here's how to set it up:

For Capture Card Method:

Install Capture Card Drivers and Software

Install the necessary drivers and software for your capture card:

For Elgato cards: Elgato Game Capture Software or drivers
For AVerMedia cards: AVerMedia RECentral or drivers
For other cards: Refer to the manufacturer's website

Configure OBS Studio

Set up OBS to capture and encode your stream:

Open OBS Studio on your streaming PC
Add a Video Capture Device source and select your capture card
Configure the capture card properties (resolution, frame rate, etc.)
Add audio sources based on your audio routing setup

For NDI Method:

Install Required Software

Install the same software as on your gaming PC:

Add NDI Source in OBS

Configure OBS to receive the NDI feed from your gaming PC:

Open OBS Studio on your streaming PC
Click the + icon in the Sources panel
Select "NDI Source" from the list
Name your source and click OK
In the properties dialog, select your gaming PC's NDI output from the dropdown
Configure any other settings as needed and click OK

Encoding Settings for Streaming PC

One of the main advantages of a dual PC setup is the ability to use more demanding encoding settings without impacting gameplay. Here are recommended settings for your streaming PC:

x264 CPU Encoding Settings

x264 Settings

CPU Encoding

Encoder: x264
Rate Control: CBR (Constant Bitrate)
Bitrate: 6000-8000 Kbps for 1080p60 (adjust based on your internet upload speed)
CPU Usage Preset: Medium or Slow (slower presets provide better quality but require more CPU power)
Keyframe Interval: 2 seconds
Profile: High
Tune: None or "zerolatency"

With a dedicated streaming PC, you can use slower presets like "medium" or even "slow" for better quality, which wouldn't be possible on a single PC setup.

NVENC GPU Encoding Settings

NVENC Settings

GPU Encoding

Encoder: NVIDIA NVENC H.264 (New)
Rate Control: CBR
Bitrate: 6000-8000 Kbps for 1080p60
Preset: Quality or Max Quality
Profile: High
Look-ahead: Enabled
Psycho Visual Tuning: Enabled
Max B-frames: 2

NVENC encoding is less CPU-intensive and can be a good option even on a dedicated streaming PC, especially if you're running other CPU-intensive tasks like complex browser sources or plugins.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Dual PC streaming setups can introduce various technical challenges. Here are solutions to the most common issues: