We all know how important streaming has become to the gaming industry; in fact, platforms like Twitch are estimated to generate 355 billion minutes of content watched per day. As a cornerstone of the community, we felt it was important to discuss some of the behind-the-scenes mechanics of streaming and what you might need to join in on the fun.
Well, as some of you will know, behind every great stream is a strong and fast graphics card. Luckily, we’ve compiled our top picks below to find the best GPUs for the same.
Products at a glance
- Best GPU for streaming overall
ASUS ROG Strix RTX 4090 OC
- Best mid-range GPU for streaming
Gigabyte GeForce RTX 4070 Eagle OC
- GPU: AD104
- CUDA cores: 5,888
- VRAM: 12GB GDDR6X
- Bandwidth: 504.2 GB/s
- Memory bus width: 192-bit
- Base clock speed: 1920 MHz
- Best budget GPU for streaming
ASUS ROG Strix GeForce RTX 4060 OC
- GPU: AD107 die
- CUDA cores: 3,072
- VRAM: 8GB GDDR6 VRAM
- Bandwidth: 272 GB/s
- Memory bus width: 128-bit memory bus
- Base clock speed: 1830 MHz
- Best AMD GPU for streaming
ASUS TUF Radeon RX 7900 XTX OC
- GPU: Navi 31 die
- Stream processors: 6,144
- VRAM: 24GB GDDR6
- Bandwidth
- Base clock speed: 1,929 MHz
- Boost clock speed (OC Mode): 2,615 MHz
How we picked the best GPUs for streaming
To select the best GPUs for streaming, we dive head-first into several important areas that require careful consideration. Firstly, we took into consideration our own reviews for each product in our line-up, meaning that each pick is authentic and reliable. Each review includes key specs, performance benchmarks, and price awareness. We also tested the GPUs hands-on to get better insights into perfromance.
Secondly, we considered the wide range of needs and restrictions on streamers; these include stream quality and budget. Therefore, we picked a wide range of GPUs that encompass a variety of stream qualities and budgets – not just the four most powerful and high-end picks.
Finally, we also looked at third-party reviews, public reception, and user reviews to determine which products are actually worth the money. It can be difficult to cut through all the noise when a new graphics card drops, so picking the right one is essential. If you want to find our top overall graphics card pick for this year, be sure to look at our best graphics card buying guide.
- GPU: AD102
- CUDA cores: 16,384
- VRAM: 24GB GDDR6X
- Memory bus: 384-bit
- Bandwidth: 1,008 GB/sec
- Base clock: 2235 MHz
- Boost clock: 2610 MHz
- Impressive features like DLSS3, Ada Lovelace architecture, and 4th gen tensor cores
- Excellent for max quality 4K streaming
- Top of the range specs and performance capabilities
- High-end graphics cards come with high price points
- Overkill for 1080p or lower resolutions
- Large power consumption
Our top pick for the best GPU for streaming is the Nvidia RTX 4090. We will start by disclosing that this graphics card is on the high-end scale of GPUs and will deliver the best quality performance on the market right now.
The ASUS ROG Strix Nvidia RTX 4090 OC boasts cutting-edge features like DLSS3 for improved visuals, the efficient Ada Lovelace architecture, and full ray tracing for realistic lighting effects. The 4th generation Tensor cores deliver up to 4 times faster performance with DLSS3 compared to traditional rendering, while the 3rd generation RT cores double the speed of ray tracing.
If you’re in the market for a top-end graphics card for not only 4K gaming but also content creation and production then the Nvidia RTX 4090 is the gold standard in 2024.
PC Guide
In terms of streaming, the Nvidia RTX 4090 can handle fast-paced gameplay and video output – making the entire process appear seamless and easy. For additional information on this model, be sure to check out our Nvidia RTX 4090 review.
While this product remains the best in terms of performance and quality, the price of this GPU will take it out of the range of budget-conscious users. Furthermore, while its 4K performance is unmatched, many streamers who are satisfied with 1080p resolutions will find this GPU to be overkill.
What users say
On Amazon, the Asus ROG Strix RTX 4090 card has a rating of 4.5 stars, and over 600 people have rated it. As per the reviews, most customers said that the card’s performance was powerful and the cooling system was efficient. However, a few users said that the GPU was very expensive.
- GPU: AD104
- CUDA cores: 5,888
- VRAM: 12GB GDDR6X
- Bandwidth: 504.2 GB/s
- Memory bus width: 192-bit
- Base clock speed: 1920 MHz
- Boost clock speed: 2505 MHz
- Better value than the RTX 4090
- Handles 1080p resolution with ease
- Solid and reliable specs and performance, with extensive information available
- Does not reach the max performance and capabilities of high-end GPUs
- Older GPUs may require upgrades sooner than top of the range
- Overkill for entry-level streamers and lower resolutions
Much like its successor, the RTX 4070 graphics card offers a full range of the latest Nvidia tech. DLSS3, Ada Lovelace architecture, and full ray tracing deliver stunning visuals. The 4th gen Tensor Cores boost performance by up to 4 times with DLSS3, while 3rd gen RT Cores double the speed of ray tracing. Meanwhile, with clock speeds reaching 2505 MHz, smooth gameplay is albeit ensured.
However, what truly separates this product from the RTX 4090 is its value for money. While not reaching the absolute peak performance of high-end models, this mid-range GPU will easily handle 1080p streaming, which is the norm amongst most streamers on Twitch.
Sat in the middle of the Ada generation, the RTX 4070 attempts to be the perfect balance of performance and power – offering a good deal of value for users.
PC Guide
While professional streamers may opt for high-end and max performance, we understand that expectation is not realistic for most users. And that’s why, we think that this GPU strikes a good balance between performance and cost. In our RTX 4070 review, we found out that the GPU could deliver excellent framerates at 1440p. Also, the synthetic benchmarks were quite good, though they didn’t match up to RTX 4080.
However, those looking to push their streams to the visual peak may desire something a little more powerful and new to the market. In contrast, entry-level streamers may find that the RTX 4070 provides too big of a leap in terms of quality and price than may be necessary.
What users say
On Amazon, the Gigabyte RTX 4070 graphics card has a rating of 4.7 stars, and over 85 users have rated the product. In the reviews, customers mentioned that the card had good build quality, delivered good performance, and ran quiet. One of the customers wrote in a review, “The 1080p performance is amazing! I’m getting a max of 165FPS on Ultra settings on about everything I play, but that’s just because my monitor is 165Hz so it can’t really go above that anyways.”
- GPU: AD107 die
- CUDA cores: 3,072
- VRAM: 8GB GDDR6 VRAM
- Bandwidth: 272 GB/s
- Memory bus width: 128-bit memory bus
- Base clock speed: 1830 MHz
- Boost clock speed: 2670 MHz
- Excellent value for money, providing impressive resolutions up to 1080p
- Perfect starting point for entry-level streamers and those building first PC
- Bang for your buck
- Older GPUs will require upgrades sooner than newer, top of the range models
- Unable to handle 4K streams or high power requirements
- 1080p performance requires the max performance from the model, leaving not much room for error
The RTX 4060 strikes a perfect balance for entry-level gamers. While handling lower resolutions with ease it is also able to handle most modern games at 1080p resolution – giving entry-level users a taste of what’s to come when upgrading their streaming platform.
With smooth frame rates and impressive visuals, entry-level streamers can showcase their gameplay live with no problem. This is especially attractive for those building their first gaming PC, as the RTX 4060 offers excellent performance without breaking the bank. In terms of this new video card, it’s a full $100 cheaper than the RTX 4060 Ti which starts at $399 for the 8GB variant and $499 for the 16GB version.
f you’re working with a strict budget for your next gaming PC build then Team Green has the answer. Enter the RTX 4060 which packs in just enough of the Ada architecture prowess to power today’s games in 1080p and even 1440p within reason.
PC Guide
Beyond just raw power, the RTX 4060 boasts features like DLSS, which uses AI to boost frame rates without sacrificing image quality, and NVENC, a hardware encoder that enables smooth 720p broadcasting. With all this packed into a reasonable price tag, the RTX 4060 is a compelling option for those entering the exciting world of PC gaming. “The ASUS ROG Strix GeForce RTX 4060 OC Edition is an exceptional graphics card that offers a great balance of power and efficiency for gamers and creators alike,” one of the customers said in a review.
What users say
On Amazon, the Asus ROG Strix RTX 4060 GPU has a rating of 4.7 stars, and more than 1,800 people have rated the product. According to the customer reviews, people were satisfied with the performance, quality, and design of the card, They also mentioned that the card fits well into their rig.
- GPU: Navi 31 die
- Stream processors: 6,144
- VRAM: 24GB GDDR6
- Bandwidth
- Base clock speed: 1,929 MHz
- Boost clock speed (OC Mode): 2,615 MHz
- One of the strongest and most powerful graphics cards on the market today
- Excellent features like FSR 3
- Incredible 4K streamers capabilities
- Top of the range product means top of the range price
- Overkill for 1080p or lower resolution performances
- Not ideal for entry-level streamers
The RX 7900 XTX is another high-end pick and the best offer from AMD. This model offers exceptional specs and performance benchmarks, receiving critical praise from nearly all publications. To see our glowing take on this product, be sure to check out our AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX review.
The AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX comes with a standard set of features regardless of the specific version you choose. This includes 24GB of GDDR6 memory and a high base clock speed for strong performance. Some versions offer overclocking capabilities that can push the boost clock even higher than the base of 2498 MHz.
If you’re in the market for a high-performance video card for 4K gaming then AMD’s RDNA 3 flagship delivers in spades
PC Guide
In a similar vein to the RTX 4090, the RX 7900 XTX is very much top of the range for going live on Twitch. If you are an entry-level streamer or a budget-conscious consumer then we would recommend a mid-range pick that should satisfy your needs sufficiently. Otherwise, you will find this product to be overkill and overpriced for what you need.
What users say
On Amazon, the Asus TUF 7900 XTX model has a rating of 4.4 stars, and more than 380 people have rated the product. As per the reviews, most people were satisfied with the performance and appearance of the card. “With the RX 7900 XTX everything is fast and smooth with high/ultra settings. I’m happy to have made the switch from Nvidia to AMD,” one of the customers said in a review. A few people commented that the ray-tracing performance could be better.
Things to consider for the best GPU for streaming
Here are a few things you can consider before investing in a new graphics card –
Resolution and quality
When considering a GPU for streaming, it is first important to decide which level of it you wish to participate in. As far as we are concerned, there are three levels to streaming content: lower resolution, 1080p/high quality, and 4K. Your GPU choice will depend heavily on this decision. As part of our guide, we have made sure to separate our choices to cover these categories in order to cater to a range of needs.
Software encoding vs. hardware encoding
If it is your first time attempting a live stream, you may not be aware of what software and hardware encoding is. Encoders are pretty essential. In short, encoders take raw analog or digital video and compress it into formats that are broadcastable. Although some streaming sites like Facebook Live provide their encoders, if you want to stream directly from your device, then an encoder is a must.
Software encoders are programs you install and run on your computer or laptop that capture both video and audio. Additionally, they tend to rely on your CPU, so a powerful CPU is needed alongside a decent GPU. Hardware encoders are pieces of equipment where encoding is their sole purpose. This uses the GPU’s dedicated encoder, freeing up CPU resources for the game. Look for NVENC for Nvidia and AMF for AMD. Some of the most popular encoder software are listed below.
OBS Studio – Free, Top-choice
XSplit – Professional streamers, high-end
vMix – Windows users
Streamlabs – Beginners, user-friendly
Price and budget
GPUs can range significantly in price. Consider how much you’re willing to spend and prioritize features based on your needs. We tend to look at GPUs in threefold categories: entry-level, mid-range, and high-end. These go hand-in-hand with the levels of streaming quality discussed earlier. For example, if you want to stream in 4K, then you require a high-end GPU, but if you are a beginner and lower resolution is what you are after, then an entry-level GPU will suffice.
To get the best price for your GPU, we recommend checking out the price tracker application Camelcamelcamel. This will allow you to enter the Amazon link of your desired GPU to see how much it costs and how much it fluctuates – allowing you to pick the right time to purchase. Be on the lookout for seasonal holidays like Black Friday and the Spring Sale. These are the best times to pick up a GPU.
What is the best GPU for gaming and streaming simultaneously?
While the answer here depends on your streaming level, we do have some great options. If you are an experienced streamer, dependent on the best visuals (4K), then we recommend the Nvidia RTX 4090 or the AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX. If a mid-range 1080p GPU will suffice, then be sure to look at the RTX 4070. Lastly, if you are just entering the scene and want to test the waters, then be sure to take a look at older GPUs like the RTX 3060.
Do you need a good GPU for streaming?
The quality of a GPU can greatly determine the quality of your stream. In short, the better quality GPU, the better visual output on the stream. While most modern GPUs will be able to handle 1080p with no problem, those searching for the peak 4K visual immersion may need to find a top-of-the-range graphics card with large amounts of memory and power.
