Dual PC Streaming Setup – Ultimate Guide
Dual PC Streaming Setup, Ultimate guide. The guide covers technical setup for 240hz, 144hz, G-Sync, Freesync dual, and three PC lag-free Streaming setups. Having Dual PC Streaming Setup can help eliminate lag during gameplay. Most of the issues streamers face are when streaming through OBS or any streaming program on a gaming PC. They notice that there is lag, FPS drops, and many different types of stutters.
Implementing two, or even three PC stream setups. Lag and stutters will be a thing of the past, this can be accomplished by offloading the CPU and RAM usage, that is used by the streaming software or even a chatbot to another PC. Assuming the gaming PC has good specs that is.
Why use a Dual PC Streaming Setup?
Dual PC Streaming Setup guide covers how to use a Dual PC Streaming Setup without having to duplicate displays. Duplicating screens with a capture card is okay, however, if a 240hz or 144hz monitor is being used duplicating the displays will limit the 240hz or 144hz monitor to 60hz. When a 240hz monitor that is running at 60hz defeats the purpose of having a 240hz monitor. It is okay to duplicate the display if all displays are running 60hz.
Keep in mind that duplicating displays will introduce a huge amount of lag. Compared to using OBS which uses 1% of CPU, projector preview is great for outputting game-play to capture card monitor.
Offloading the resource consumption on a gaming PC, and running OBS or any other streaming software including chatbots on another PC. Can improve game lag and stutters, this also improves stream quality.
In short, instead of having OBS/Chat bot running on a gaming PC. Install OBS and Chatbot on another PC instead. The other PC will be used to capture video and audio from the gaming PC and stream it to your favorite platform. Twitch, YouTube, or any other platform.
Screenshot examples include a third PC, this is to demonstrate how the setup looks like. If a third PC is not part of your setup, simply ignore the third PC.
Capture Cards
Keep in mind that this Dual PC Streaming setup requires a capture card. The diagram shows how to play at 240hz (G-Sync, Freesync) enabled, on a capture card that is 60hz. This setup is optimal for reducing lag. Any capture card will work. A 60hz capture card is being used as well, see Razer Ripsaw. There are many different capture cards to choose from such as the popular Elgato HD60 S. Keep on reading and will cover capture cards that can be used.
For streaming software, OBS Studio is being used. Any other software can be used with this guide. However, other tweaks will be required to get a working setup. Read each step listed below, even if it is a long guide. Detailed items will be posted on different posts, check each link before moving on to the next step. Links will have useful and more detailed information about the steps being completed.
Capture card vs OBS NDI, NDI is great to use, however, it can use 30% of CPU constantly. The main focus is to eliminate the resource constraints put on a gaming PC while streaming. Using a capture card instead, the CPU usage will not be as high as using NDI. Compared to using OBS Projector Preview for a capture card, which will use around 1% to 2% at the most. Percentages vary based on CPU Clock speed.
Dual PC Streaming Setup
The diagram below is an example of a three-PC stream setup, it is not a requirement to have a third PC. Simply move the chatbot/Music player to be running on the second PC (laptop) in the diagram. Each PC has an IP, Voicemeeter, VB Cable, the diagram also includes cables required for the setup. See the full list of items required for each PC.
Table of Contents
Follow the direction for each cable depending on the direction of the arrowhead.
Dual PC Streaming Setup (Diagram explained)
It is OK if you do not have a third PC, a third PC was included in the diagram to show how to further offload the resources using a third PC.
Second streaming PC needs to have good specs, to be able to stream to your favorite platform. The streaming PC does not need to have great specs. However, it does help when you have extra horsepower to use. Especially if a bot and Music Player are involved.
Each PC in the diagram has an IP and a label. IP Addresses do not have to match the diagram, ensure that PCs on the network are using a static IP instead of a dynamic IP. As that will help with ensuring that, PCs in this setup do not change IP.
Static IPs will come in handy when using VBAN for audio.
Arrowheads are cable outputs or an output in general.
Here’s the breakdown:
- Gaming PC (Where you play games)
- DO NOT, install chat bots on this PC, only games and Discord.
- Static IP: 192.168.1.4
- Audio: Receiving Alerts, Music Player from other PCs. Streamer can hear Alerts, Music audio. Audio is sent to the capture card via HDMI to the streaming PC.
- OBS, Voicemeeter Banana, VBAN Enabled, VB Cable.
- Monitors: Multi-Monitor (240hz/144hz) G-Sync, Freesync enabled (Not required)
- Streaming PC (PC that streams to Twitch, YouTube or other platform)
- Static IP: 192.168.1.51
- OBS, Voicemeeter Banana, VBAN Enabled, VB Cable.
- Chat bots, Music players can be installed.
- Alerts, Music are sent to Gaming PC via VBAN.
- Receives Audio from gaming PC, this includes, Alerts, discord, gameplay audio, Mic audio, and any other type of audio. Then the audio is streamed to Twitch, and YouTube.
- Chat Bot PC (Not required)
- Static IP: 192.168.1.44
- Voicemeeter Banana, VBAN Enabled, VB Cable.
- Hosts Chat bot such as Streamlabs Chatbot, including music players.
- Sends audio to Gaming PC via VBAN. Audio is then transferred to a streaming PC.
Simple explanation
This might seem to be overwhelming however, it is very simple. Let’s explain this.
First, Gaming PC is where you will play games. Lag-free, 240hz, etc…
Second, the Streaming PC sends Alerts, Music audio to the Gaming PC. This enables the streamer to hear Alerts and music.
Third, All audio and video from the Gaming PC are sent to the Streaming PC via HDMI cable, including Alerts, Music, and Game-play audio.
How you might ask? Well, Voicemeeter Banana, has a feature named VBAN. VBAN allows streaming audio from one PC to another on the same network. Which makes everything simple to connect together. This will be covered later on.
Requirements
Hardware
The following hardware components are required to ensure optimal performance. Any other components should work. If you have suggestions let us know in the comments below!
- Fast Internet speed & router.
- Ethernet cables, CAT 6 or higher. For best performance, it is best to use wired connections when possible on all PCs.
- Gaming PC/Monitor
- For gaming PC using, 240hz/144hz monitors, use DP 1.2A or HDMI 2.0 cables. (Main display)
- HDMI Cable is required to be plugged into the graphics card and then connected to the capture card. This will show up as a new display under display monitors. A Dual PC Streaming Setup PC setup does NOT require you to use a capture card pass-through. All gameplay is sent via OBS instead.
- DO NOT duplicate any displays. Instead extend the display, if they automatically duplicate.
- Mic can be plugged in gaming PC, audio is transferred to streaming PC via VBAN.
- Streaming PC (Laptop or Desktop) with 3.0 USB depending on the capture card being used. If using a laptop, laptop coolers are great for long-streaming.
- Webcam plugs into the Streaming PC. Disable audio from the webcam if you are planning on using MIC audio from gaming PC. Disable buffering for any type of device.
- Capture card, Razer Ripsaw, and Elgato HD60 S are great choices for 60hz cards. 240hz capture cards are also great for recording and streaming. As a side note when deciding which capture card to purchase, Ripsaw comes with 720p resolution by default, which can cause some issues when duplicating displays.
Sample video of Fortnite 240hz on 60hz Ripsaw capture card.
Software
Each of the PCs will require the following software.
Gaming PC
Streaming PC
- OBS
- Voicemeeter Banana
- VB – Cable
- Capture Card drivers
- Chatbot/Music Player and any other software.
- VBAN Enabled.
Third Streaming PC
- Voicemeeter Banana
- VB – Cable
- Chatbot/Music player and any other software.
- VBAN Enabled.
What does the software above do?
OBS streams to Twitch, YouTube, or any other platform.
Voicemeeter Banana allows to switch audio inputs virtually. Has 3 inputs compared to other versions.
VB – Cable, virtual cable to receive and send audio to. This is great for VBAN audio control from a single input.
Network
Network configurations are required to ensure that PCs do not change IP addresses when the router restarts. By setting a static IP address to each PC, will avoid having to manually change the configurations for VBAN.
There are several ways to set static IPs, the best method would be to go into router settings and set static IPs instead of dynamic. See router owners manual or other guides on how to setup static IP on Windows or other OS.
With a busy network, ensure that the router or switch are set to their optimal settings. Each router can be different, wired connections are strongly advised.
Cables Setup
Follow instructions for setting up cables for capture card and monitors. Most of the audio is sent over VBAN to avoid many cables and other equipment.
Gaming PC
- Monitors:
- 240hz and 144hz: Use Displayport 1.2A or higher to connect the main display to the main monitor.
- Connect HDMI cable from gaming PC to capture card. Use HDMI 2.0 or higher for 240hz capture cards.
- DO NOT duplicate monitors when plugging in the capture card. Duplicating screens will introduce huge amounts of lag when gaming.
- Mic, Plug the mic into the gaming PC, and audio will be sent over VBAN.
- Ethernet connection.
Streaming PC
- Connect capture card to streaming PC to capture video/audio from gaming PC. Includes stream alerts, music player.
- Ethernet connection.
Third PC
- No cables are required, just need a keyboard mouse, and monitor for control.
- Audio sent to Gaming PC via VBAN.
PC Configurations
It is best to follow steps in their numeric order. See the list of guides on how to complete each step. Set Voicemeeter Banana to startup on Windows start, this is to ensure that the program is run each time PC is started.
Gaming PC
- Nvidia Control Panel Settings
- Voicemeeter Banana, VB – Cable & VBAN Settings
- Default Audio Devices setup
- Discord Audio setup
- Game settings
- 1920 x 1080 or higher
- 240hz FPS game settings
- Mic: Simply plug it in and set it as input device in Voicemeeter banana.
- OBS Settings
Streaming PC
- OBS Settings
- Voicemeeter Banana, VB – Cable & VBAN Settings
- Default Audio Devices setup
- Chatbot/Music Player. Install your favorite software.
Third PC
- Chatbot/Music Player. Install your favorite software.
- Voicemeeter Banana, VB – Cable & VBAN Settings
- Default Audio Devices setup
Once everything is complete for Dual PC Streaming Setup, simply open OBS on gaming PC and right-click on the OBS preview. A list of options will show, to output video and audio to the streaming PC. Simply click the “Fullscreen Projector (Preview)” and set that to the capture card display. This will send the video capture from the gaming PC to the streaming PC over HDMI connection to capture card.
Capture Cards
There are many capture cards, however, some are the most popular if you are just starting to stream. The most popular choice is the Elgato HD60 S provides great picture quality and 1080p recording and streaming. For this guide, Razer Ripsaw capture card is being used. The default resolution is 720p which can be a pain when configuring resolutions. See Advanced Display Configurations on how to manually remove 720 resolution from a capture card.
Remember to enable RGB via NVIDIA Control panel for better colors. Picture quality had to be adjusted in OBS for the Ripsaw to get better colors.
Advanced Display Configurations
There are multiple configurations required to properly setup the display settings.
First, enable G-Sync or Free sync if the monitor supports it.
How to Enable G-Sync on 240hz, 144hz
First, ensure that G-Sync is supported by your monitor. In NVIDIA Control Panel, enable G-Sync and set Vertical Sync off. This is to ensure that G-Sync is in control all the time. Disable any vertical sync in game as well.
Force 1080p instead of 720p capture card
NOTE: This step is not required, however, if you are using a capture card that is limited to 720p as the default resolution instead of 1920×1080. There is Custom Resolution Utility (CRU) by ToastyX which allows you to manually change and edit screen resolution. DO NOT make changes unless you know what you are doing and absolutely need to make the changes.
Make sure to take a backup of the display configuration before making changes. This is to ensure a backup if anything fails to work properly.
In the Screenshot below, 1280×720 is the resolution for Razer Ripsaw display. Simply remove 720p resolution to be able to force 1920×1080 as the default resolution.
Advanced settings for each resolution, it is possible to change the refresh rate on this screen. However, make sure to test the settings before making final changes.
Control over each resolution setting.
Enable 32Bit color using GeForce Control Panel
To make sure that the color output sent to the capture card is colorful and not fainted. Make changes to the display settings in NVIDIA control panel to set 32bit RGB Colors for each display including the capture card display. Refer to the screenshot below for reference. The capture card also needs color configuration changes in OBS settings for better color output.
Troubleshooting
- Follow each step in this guide as closely as possible to avoid issues when attempting this setup.
- Make sure VBAN is enabled on all PCs. Make sure to allow ports in Firewall settings utilized by VBAN.
- Audio out of sync? ensure VBAN streams are set to optimal quality, and disable device buffering in OBS for each input device, including capture card, webcam, and mic.
- Check the Stream name on each PC VBAN settings. Both need to match, or the audio will not be heard.
- Ensure that Net Quality is set to “Optimal”
- 6980 is the default port where audio is connected. Ports need to match in VBAN settings on each PC.
- Make sure that Streams are turned “ON” for each row that needs to be active.
- A1, A2, A3 settings can be confusing. If you are still not having audio, enable all A1 through B2 outputs and turn them off as needed.
- If you are getting echoed sounds, that means there are two inputs sending the same audio. Turn off A1 through B2 until the issue is resolved.
- Static noise might appear after long usage. Closing and restarting Voicemeeter program will resolve the issue most of the time.
- Are overlays causing high CPU usage in OBS? Streamelements overlay causes a huge impact on CPU usage. Check out section below on how to “Streamelements Overlay OBS High CPU fix”
Streamelements Overlay OBS High CPU fix
In the video below, we will cover on how to fix Streamelements Overlay for both Regular and Animated Super Themes. When adding the theme to OBS, it causes the CPU to spike. Making it harder to do other tasks while streaming, however, when adding the layout Web Source there is an option to stop the source from using so much CPU.
The overlays that are available are great, however having many overlays in different scenes will eventually cause higher CPU usage. Try to keep the amount of overlays minimal especially if you are using a pack of 5 or so overlays.
Once you add an overlay, ensure that the resolution is set to 1920×1080 to make the overlay fit properly. Unless OBS is set to use a different resolution, then use that.
There are different alternatives to using Streamelements overlays if you are still having issues from creating your own labels and such.
Quick Recap
Quick recap on the setup, Stream PC with Alerts sends audio to gaming PC. Gaming PC captures the alert audio, game-play audio/video and any other type of sounds. Gaming PC sends all audio, including alerts, music player to Capture card over HDMI cable to OBS on streaming PC, audio from capture card is the audio that is streamed to your favorite platform.
Once everything has been setup, simply open OBS on gaming PC and right-click on the OBS preview. A list of options will show, to output video and audio to the streaming PC. Simply click the “Fullscreen Projector (Preview)” and set that to the capture card display.
Let us know if you have any questions, This guide might seem for advanced users, but in the end, you will have a great Dual PC Streaming Setup or even a three-PC stream setup that is lag-free for 240hz, 144hz gaming without the need for duplicating displays which will cause issues when playing games and streaming.
