---
title: 'Best OBS Recording Settings for Low-End PCs (2026)'
source: 'https://youtube.com/watch?v=YzYkgjQPqME'
video_id: 'YzYkgjQPqME'
date: 2026-07-31
duration_sec: 205
---

# Best OBS Recording Settings for Low-End PCs (2026)

> Source: [Best OBS Recording Settings for Low-End PCs (2026)](https://youtube.com/watch?v=YzYkgjQPqME)

## Summary

This video presents a comprehensive set of OBS Studio recording settings optimized for low-end PCs. It covers output, audio, video, advanced settings, and performance tips to help users achieve smooth recordings without heavy hardware demands.

### Key Points

- **OBS Settings Overview** [00:02] — The video delivers the best OBS recording settings for low-end PCs, covering output, audio, video, and advanced configuration to minimize CPU/GPU load.
- **Use MKV Recording Format** [00:14] — Switch to Advanced output mode and set the recording format to MKV, which is safer than MP4 if OBS crashes.
- **Pick the Right Encoder** [00:29] — Choose NVENC for Nvidia GPUs, AV1 for AMD, or x264 with the 'very fast' preset if neither is available.
- **Configure CQP Rate Control** [00:44] — Set rate control to CQP for constant quality: CQ level 15–20 for NVENC/AV1, 18–23 for x264; keyframe interval 2 seconds; profile High.
- **Adjust Audio Settings** [01:11] — Set sample rate to 48 kHz, desktop audio to headphones, and mic/aux to the microphone.
- **Add Mic Filters** [01:25] — Right-click the mic, add filters: noise suppression, compressor, and limiter for clean, balanced audio without heavy CPU load.
- **Optimize Video Settings** [01:41] — Match base canvas to monitor or use 1280×720; output scaled resolution to 720p; use Bilinear downscale filter; keep FPS at 30.
- **Configure Advanced Settings** [01:54] — Set renderer to Direct3D 11, color space to 709, color range to Full, and process priority to Above Normal.
- **Streamline Scenes and Sources** [02:35] — Use fewer sources, avoid heavy GIFs/animated overlays, prefer Game Capture over Display Capture, preload images/videos, and enable Performance Mode.
- **Extra Performance Tips** [02:49] — Close background apps like Chrome, Discord, and Steam; lower output resolution or FPS to 24 if needed; update GPU drivers.
- **Always Test Record** [03:04] — Before recording a full video, do a test recording—speak normally and move in-game—to ensure everything looks good.

## Transcript

a low-end PC? I'll show you the best OBS Studio recording settings for 2026, even if your computer struggles. Let's get right into it. First, go to settings, then output, then recording, and switch your output mode to advanced. For the
recording format, select MKV. This is safer than MP4 if your OBS crashes. Then for the encoder, if you have an Nvidia card, select NVINK. And for AMD users, select AV1. If you don't have either one, just stick with x264 with very fast
preset. For the rate control, select CQP. This gives you constant quality and adapts to the scenes complexity. For the CQ level, if you're on invake or AV1, go in between 15 to 20. If you're on X264, go between 18 to 23. For the key frame
interval, set it to 2 seconds. And finally, the profile to high so you can have those crisp visuals without the CPU stress. These settings are the foundations for smooth recordings. Now, if you want your OBS streams or audio
fully optimized, grab my OBS audio presets or book a personal OBS audit. pin comment, and I will help your setup perform perfectly for your PC. Now, go to settings, then audio. For the sample rate, set it to 48 kHz. And for the
desktop audio device, set it to your headphones. And for the microphone/ device, set it to your microphone. Now, rightclick your mic and go to filters. A few simple filters I would add is noise suppression, compressor, and limiter.
and balanced without adding a bunch of CPU load. Now, go to settings, then video. For the base canvas resolution, match your monitor or 1280 x 720p if your PC struggles. For the output scaled resolution, 720p keeps your CPU usage
low. Then, for the downscale filter by linear is fast and light on hardware. Finally, for FPS, keep it to 30. Higher FPS looks nice, but dropped frames ruin recordings. These settings keep visuals smooth and consistent even on weaker
hardware. Next, go to advanced setting. For the renderer, set it to direct 3D11. This is the best performance for recording. Then for the color space, set it to 709. And finally, for the color range, set it to full. And finally, for
the process priority, set it to above normal. This gives OBS priority over other apps. These tweaks minimize CPU/GPU load and improves recording you, please be sure to drop a like on the video and subscribe down below as
that really helps my channel. All right, now let's get back into the video. Now, let's optimize your scene and sources for performance. Fewer sources equals smoother recordings. Avoid heavy GIFs or animated overlays. Use game capture over
display capture. Preload images/ videos instead of looping large files. and enable performance mode in OBS to reduce preview load. Even small adjustments here make a big difference on low-end PCs. Now, a couple more additional tips
are close background apps like Chrome, Discord, or Steam. Lower output resolution if you absolutely need it. Lower your FPS to 24 if your PC can't handle 30. And make sure that your GPU drivers are updated for max efficiency.
settings for smooth, highquality recordings. Now, before recording a whole video, be sure to do a test recording. Speak normally, move in game, And if everything looks good, you're good to go. Thank you so much for
already, please be sure to drop a like and subscribe down below. And I hope to and subscribe down below. And I hope to see you in the next one. Peace out.