Open Broadcaster Software (OBS) uses a CPUβintensive encoder to compress video in real time. The amount of CPU a stream consumes depends on how much data must be processed each second, which is driven by the video resolution, frame rate, and the complexity of the chosen encoding preset.
Higher resolutions contain more pixels, and higher frame rates generate more frames per second, both of which increase the raw workload. OBS therefore scales CPU usage roughly with the product of the pixel count (in millions) and the frame rate.
The encoding preset controls how aggressively the encoder searches for compression efficiency. Faster presets (e.g., veryfast) use simpler algorithms and consume less CPU, while slower presets (e.g., veryslow) produce higher quality at the cost of higher CPU load. Selecting the appropriate preset balances visual quality against the available processing power.
How does video resolution affect OBS CPU usage?
What impact does frame rate have on OBS CPU usage?
How do encoding presets affect OBS CPU usage?
Can I reduce OBS CPU usage without compromising quality?
What should I consider when choosing an encoding preset for OBS?
How can I monitor OBS CPU usage while streaming?
Is there a way to optimize OBS for better CPU performance?
Results are for informational purposes only and do not constitute professional advice.
