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If you are an aspiring streamer and are thinking of switching to a dual PC streaming setup, you are in the right place!
You used to need a desktop or laptop computer to stream live matches, but now some Mini PC they are able to provide all the necessary performance, while saving space on the desktop surface.
Why you need to stream with a second PC
Many of today's top streamers are starting to use a second PC to broadcast their stream, because it allows their main desktop computer to focus its resources on the game.
This means that for those on a budget, purchasing a second PC just for streaming may seem like an overkill.
A common mistake made by those new to streaming is to stream and play on the same machine.
The game can already be demanding on the processor and graphics card; if you then add live streaming of that same game, you risk compromising the quality of the streaming and the video game, making the experience unwatchable for the public.
In the worst case scenario, gaming or streaming, and sometimes both, can freeze. This is bad news for streamers!
In addition to streaming quality, heavy load can also affect playability. In competitive video games where you play against other players, every advantage counts; and if the game freezes for even a millisecond, it could easily spell defeat.
The simplest solution is to equip yourself with high-end graphics cards and processors. But considering the market, this can easily push up your budget, which is not always an option, especially if you are a streamer on a budget. So, what to do? You invest in a PC dedicated to streaming.
Why choose a Mini PC as a PC dedicated to streaming
Small compact computers, we mean small. Some of them are small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, but still come with enough processing power for office use and even moderate gaming! You can connect them to a monitor, keyboard, and mouse and use them as you would a full-sized desktop.
However, that's not why we use them in this guide.
A mini-PC dedicated to streaming can be a great option for those looking for a high-performance system capable of stream 4K content.
A mini-PC can help you stream by taking on the responsibility of live streaming, allowing your main desktop computer to focus its resources on gaming and gaming only. This way you can crank up your graphics settings to the max while still delivering a smooth, crisp stream to your viewers.
Another great advantage is that the mini-PC is compact enough to be hidden in a corner of the desk, still leaving plenty of space for your desktop computer. Desk space is a particularly valuable resource for any streamer, as you also need a lot of it to set up your webcam and microphone.
Does your streaming PC need a GPU?
Compared to Gaming PC, The PC for streaming It doesn't have to be very powerful. This PC does not need a lot of graphics power. In fact, you can easily do without a GPU and simply choose a CPU with integrated graphics processor.
Can the mini PC support 4K content streaming?
Streaming 4K content on PCs has become a major trend, but the question is: can the mini PC support it?
Yes, many mini PCs support streaming 4K content even if they only have an integrated graphics card.
But before you make your purchase, make sure you read all the specifications. While some models may be sufficient for everyday tasks and video chatting, they may not be sufficient for streaming 4K video.
Here are some tips to help you make a smarter decision!
What to look for in a mini PC?
Minimum PC specifications for streaming
- Processor: Intel Core i5 or its AMD variant
- Operating system: Windows 7
RAM: 4GB - Storage space: 128GB
- Graphic card: UHD graphics processor
As with all computers, the most important components a potential streamer should keep an eye on are the graphics card, processor, and RAM.
A computer dedicated to streaming it doesn't need a powerful graphics card or a lot of RAM. This is good news, because graphics cards are usually the most expensive part of a computer, followed closely by the processor.
Virtually any modern graphics card is more than sufficient for streaming, as this is a multi-process task. You could even get by with just 8 Gigabytes of RAM, which is about the standard amount needed for a modern computer to run smoothly.
As for the processor, you will need at least a quad-core processor in your mini PC. Twitch recommends having at least an Intel Core i5-4670 processor (or AMD equivalent). When you stream, your computer essentially “records” a video of your gameplay, but instead of recording, processing, and displaying it, all of these processes happen at the same time. In order for your mini PC to do all of this, you will need a Moderately powerful processor.
So should I build my own mini PC?
The good news is that you don't have to! Since this guide is dedicated to easy-to-manage setups, we've included two starter mini PCs for start your streaming journey. Both options are priced under 500 euros, a great benchmark for budget computers.
The Intel NUC 8 Bean Canyon
Besides the really funny name, the Intel NUC Bean Canyon is Intel's foray into compact, affordable computers. NUC stands for Next Unit of Computing and the name testifies to Intel's commitment to the future of mini PCs. The good thing about the Bean Canyon NUC is the inclusion of a rather powerful processor, the Intel i7-8559U. It's more than enough for your streaming needs.
While there's some work to do: there's no RAM, no hard drive, and no operating system, so you'll have to buy those too, it's a great starting point for a PC for streaming, given that it costs only 480 euros.
The Geekom Mini IT8
The Geekom Mini IT8 It's a bit larger than most mini PCs, measuring around 4 x 4 inches, but the good thing is that it can be purchased with a hard drive and up to 16GB of RAM (though, again , we only need 8 Gb for dedicated streaming). A great idea from GEEKOM!
Its sleek black design is also beautiful to look at. A mounting bracket on the back allows you to attach the product to a wall bracket if necessary. A plethora of ports also means the Mini IT8 can support up to four screens. However, you won't need that many for dedicated streaming, but it's still an impressive feature.
With an Intel Coffee Lake i5 8259U processor, it's not as powerful as the Intel NUC Bean Canyon, but it's enough to get the job done for your needs. It also comes with Intel's Iris Plus 655 graphics card; this combination means that the IT8 can handle even moderate gaming. Thanks to all these features, the IT8 can be easily transported in your suitcase to have a reliable and fast PC wherever you go. While this is a recommendation for a dedicated streaming PC, it's worth highlighting how easy it is to take the IT8 and use it anywhere.
Plus, it comes with Windows 11, released in 2021, so you don't need to buy an operating system. The Mini IT8 is truly plug-and-play and is our top recommendation, considering this mini streaming PC and all its components start at $399.
