Encoder Guide (NVENC/AV1/AMF/QSV)
Pick the right encoder once and stop tinkering every stream. This guide explains what each GPU encoder does well and gives you copy-paste profiles for OBS.
Pair this with OBS 2025: Best Settings for scene/setup tips.
Codecs vs encoders (fast differentiation)
| Codec | Where it shines | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| H.264/AVC | Maximum compatibility | Great baseline; larger files/bitrate than newer codecs |
| HEVC/H.265 | Local recording/archiving | Better quality per bit; some platforms limit it for streaming |
| AV1 | Modern streaming/recording | Best quality per bitrate; use it when your platform and viewers support it |
Hardware encoder families
| Encoder | Who | Strengths | Watch-outs |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVENC | NVIDIA GPUs | Excellent quality with low GPU usage; great presets; AV1 on newer cards | Older cards may lack AV1/HEVC |
| AMF | AMD GPUs | Good quality; AV1 on latest generations; rapid driver progress | Preset names differ by driver; test quality mode |
| QSV | Intel iGPU/Arc | Solid AV1 even on mid hardware; low power | Ensure iGPU is enabled; driver matters |
| x264 | CPU software | Flexible; fine-grain control | CPU-heavy; can tank game FPS—use only if GPU encoders aren’t available |
Bitrate guidance for live streaming
| Resolution | FPS | H.264 | AV1 / HEVC | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1080p | 60 | 6–8 Mbps | 4–6 Mbps | Use CBR, keyframe=2s |
| 1440p | 60 | 10–16 Mbps | 7–12 Mbps | AV1 preferred if supported |
| 4K | 60 | 20–45 Mbps | 14–35 Mbps | Check your upload headroom |
If your platform limits bitrate, prioritize AV1 for quality at lower bitrates.
Copy-paste OBS profiles (streaming)
NVENC (H.264)
- Rate Control: CBR • Bitrate: from table • Keyframe: 2
- Preset: Quality • Profile: High
- Look-ahead: Off • Psycho Visual Tuning: On
- B-frames: 2–4 • Max Quality if headroom allows
NVENC (AV1)
- Rate Control: CBR • Bitrate: from table
- Preset: P6–P7 quality • B-frames: 2–4
- Tune: Quality; enable HRD if platform requires
AMD AMF (H.264/HEVC/AV1)
- Rate Control: CBR • Keyframe: 2
- Quality Preset: Quality or Balanced
- B-frames: 2–4; use VBV buffer auto
Intel QSV (AV1/H.264)
- Rate Control: CBR • Bitrate per table
- Target Usage: Quality
- ICQ/LAICQ off for live; keep it simple
x264 fallback
- Rate Control: CBR • Bitrate per table
- Preset: veryfast (or faster if plenty of CPU)
- Profile: high • Tune: none
Recording profiles (clean archives)
- Container: MKV (safer than MP4). Remux to MP4 after recording if needed.
- Encoder: AV1 or HEVC for small files; H.264 for edit compatibility.
- Rate Control: CQP/CRF 18–22 (lower = higher quality).
- Audio: 48 kHz, 160–192 kbps per track; separate game/mic/music tracks.
Troubleshooting quality & drops
- Pixel mush at motion: raise bitrate or switch to AV1; reduce sharpening/filters in the scene.
- Dropped frames (network): enable Dynamic Bitrate; cap game FPS to free GPU; wire your Ethernet.
- Encoder overloaded: lower preset (Quality → Performance) or reduce B-frames; close heavy browser sources.
- Audio desync: set one sample rate (48 kHz) across OS, OBS, and devices.
