Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →There is no reliable universal watt figure for software-encoding a YouTube loop stream. The extra electricity depends on the computer, encoder and preset, output settings, scene, and other work happening at the same time. One published experiment found about 100 W of added wall draw during OBS x264 recording—but it also ran a graphics benchmark, so that result is not a typical estimate for an unattended loop stream.
What the best available number does—and does not—tell you
In a 2015 experiment, Simon Fraser University researchers measured about 158 W at the wall while their test system ran the Heaven graphics benchmark. Adding OBS x264 recording at 30 FPS raised draw by about 100 W, to around 250 W. This shows that software encoding can add substantial power under a demanding workload. It does not establish how much a modern PC uses to stream a simple loop video to YouTube: the benchmark was running alongside the recording, and the study was not a YouTube loop-stream test.
The researchers’ 60 FPS run drew slightly less total power than their 30 FPS run. CPU encoding interfered with the graphics benchmark and reduced GPU utilization, an unexpected interaction that shows why settings or utilization percentages alone cannot predict electricity use. The result is specific to that system and workload.
What changes the extra power draw
Software encoding uses the CPU to encode the outgoing video. Its additional draw depends on more than the encoder alone; the relevant comparison is total system power at the wall under matched conditions.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches#1 Best Overall
- 【1080P HD High Quality】Capture resolution up to 1080p for video source and it is ideal for all HDMI devices such as PS4, PS3, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Wii U, DVDs, DSLR, Camera, Security Camera and set top box. Note: Video input supports 4K30/60Hz and 1080p120/144Hz. Does not support 4K120Hz/144Hz. Output supports up to 2K30Hz.
- 【Plug and Play】No driver or external power supply required, true PnP. Once plugged in, the device is identified automatically as a webcam. Detect input and adjust output automatically. Won't occupy CPU, optional audio capture. No freeze with correct setting.
- 【Compatible with Multiple Systems】suitable for Windows and Mac OS. High speed USB 3.0 technology and superior low latency technology makes it easier for you to transmit live streaming to Twitch, Youtube, Facebook, Twitter, OBS, Potplayer and VLC.
- 【HDMI LOOP-OUT】Based on the high-speed USB 3.0 technology, it can capture one single channel HD HDMI video signal. There is no delay when you are playing game live.
- 【Support Mic-in for Commentary】Rybozen capture card has microphone input and you can use it to add external commentary when playing a game. Please note: it only accepts 3.5mm TRS standard microphone headset.
- Computer and baseline: A system’s existing power draw and component mix affect the measured increment.
- Encoder and preset: OBS explains that x264 presets trade CPU use against image quality. A different preset can change the processing workload.
- Resolution and frame rate: Higher output demands can increase rendering and encoding work; test the settings you actually plan to use.
- Scene and competing activity: Compositing a complex scene or running other CPU- or GPU-intensive work changes total system load.
- What the meter includes: A reading that includes a display or other equipment is not directly comparable to one measuring only the computer.
OBS generally recommends hardware encoding for performance because it shifts work from the CPU to a specialized GPU component. That is an alternative to x264, not a guarantee of lower whole-system watts or identical image quality. OBS cautions that some earlier hardware encoders could produce lower quality at the same bitrate than software x264 using its default veryfast preset. Compare actual wall draw and acceptable picture quality on your own system.
Measure your own loop stream
- Measure at the wall. Use a plug-in energy meter or another suitable whole-system power measurement at the computer’s wall connection. To measure the computer, keep the monitor and unrelated equipment off the measured circuit. If that is not possible, include them in every run. This measures the whole system, not the encoder chip alone.
- Set up matched runs. Use the same computer, loop file, scene, audio, output resolution, frame rate, bitrate, duration, network setup, and background applications. Measure a baseline and a software-encoding stream; repeat runs to reduce noise. If hardware encoding is available, measure that in a third matched run.
- Record average watts over a stable interval. Do not use a momentary peak as the result. Subtract the matched baseline average from the software-encoding average: incremental watts = stream average watts − baseline average watts.
- Convert the increment to energy. Multiply incremental watts by stream hours and divide by 1,000: incremental kWh = incremental watts × hours ÷ 1,000. For example, the formula—not a prediction of any particular PC’s draw—turns a measured increment into energy over your streaming duration.
- Keep a record of the conditions. Note the computer, encoder and preset, resolution, frame rate, bitrate, duration, scene complexity, and what the meter included. Without those details, a watt figure can be misleading when applied to another setup.
This is a practical measurement method based on whole-system wall-power measurement and documented OBS workload variables; it is not a published result for every YouTube stream.
Rank #2
- 【1080P 30FPS Full HD Recording】The HDMI capture card connects to your video source and computer, and captures high-definition video up to 1080p 60fps
- 【HDMI Video Capture】Based on high-speed USB 2.0 technology, you can capture a high-definition HDMI video and HDMI audio signal of a signal channel, sending audio and video signals to computers /pc. The gaming capture card is suitable for devices with HDMI output, such as devices for PS4, for Xbox one, for Wii U and for Switch
- 【Screen Sharing for Meetings】The video capture card is a fast, familiar and economical way to share content in conference rooms and online meetings. Connect to presentations without software, just connect to a laptop or tablet via HDMI to start sharing
- 【Plug and Play】This USB capture card does not need to install a driver, so you can use the built-in functions of the current software to get a seamless experience. Because the video capture device is compatible with most third-party software, it can be plug-and-play for Windows, for Ma OS X, and for Linux. The USB2.0 high-speed transmission port makes it easier for you to have real-time streaming for Twitch, for Youtube, for OBS, for Potplayer and for VLC
- 【Compact & Portable】The capture card is small size & easy to carry, convenient for outdoor and indoor live broadcasting. We provide 30 days no question asked money back and lifetime technical support, if you have any problem, please feel free to contact us
Keep YouTube’s processing separate from your PC’s electricity
YouTube accepts live streams from software apps or hardware encoders and transcodes streams on its own platform into multiple formats for viewers. That platform-side processing is separate from the electricity used by the creator’s computer. YouTube’s cited documentation does not give a per-stream electricity figure, so it should not be added to your PC’s wall-meter reading.
What encoding research can and cannot estimate
A 2024 paper by Geetha Ramasubbu, Andrè Kaup, and Christian Herglotz studied HEVC software CPU encoding and reported a 5.36% mean absolute percentage error averaged over presets in its model evaluation. That is performance of the paper’s estimation model on its studied configurations—not an uncertainty range for an ordinary power meter, or an estimate for a YouTube loop stream.
Rank #3
- 【1080P 60FPS Video Capture Card】 This HDMI game capture card is based on USB3.0 high speed transmission port, input resolution up to 4K@30HZ, output resolution up to 2K@30Hz or 1920×1080@60Hz. Type c and USB interface can meet most of the devices in daily life. Easily meet the online capture, real-time recording, online meetings, live gaming and other functions, so you have a better visual enjoyment. Note: For capture use only; requires capture software to function and is not intended for direct screen casting to a monitor or TV
- 【Ultra Low Latency Screen Sharing】 HDMI capture card is made of good quality aluminum alloy with strong heat dissipation, allowing you to enjoy ultra low latency while live gaming or video recording or live streaming, avoiding blue screens and lag. This HDMI to USBC capture card supports easy recording of good quality audio or HD video and transferring it to your computer or streaming platform, allowing you to record 60 fps HD video directly on your hard drive and real-time preview
- 【Plug and Play, Easy to Carry】 This HDMI 1080P video capture card does not require any additional drivers or external power supply, just plug and play for fast capture. The capture card is small and lightweight, so you can put it in your bag for emergencies, making it very portable for outdoor live streaming. It's also a great way to share content in game recording, video conference, video recorder and online teaching
- 【Wide Compatibility USB Capture Card】 Easily streams to Facebook, Youtube or Twitch. With the connection, this HDMI to USB C/3.0 video capture devices can be working on several Operating Systems and various software: Windows 7/ 8/ 10, Mac OS or above, Linux, Android, Laptop, Xbox One, PS3/PS4/PS5, Camera, DVDs, Set Top Box, Webcame, DSLR, Switch/Switch 2, TV BOX, HDTV, Potplayer/VLC, ZOOM, OBS Studio etc.
- 【Package Content & Note】 1x HD Audio Capture Card , 1x USB 3.0 to USB C Adapter (A-side 3.0, B-side 2.0), 1x user manual. Please note that you need to restart the OBS Studio software after the audio setup is complete, otherwise it will result in no sound output. When using an adapter, if the device is recognized as USB 2.0, try using the other side with the USB-C port. Simply flip the capture card and reconnect it to be recognized as USB 3.0
A 2024 survey identifies encoding schemes, resource requirements, network equipment, storage, retrieval, decoding, and displays as factors relevant to video-streaming energy. It also notes the lack of a comprehensive open measurement dataset spanning devices and coding parameters. That broader picture reinforces why a single universal increment is not supported.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Or let it run in the cloud
If the goal is to keep a prerecorded YouTube loop live without leaving a home computer running, StreamNeo runs the uploaded video from the cloud. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. Nothing has to stay on at home; the video streams as uploaded at any quality up to 4K 60fps for one flat price per slot, with automatic recovery if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card required. Monthly service is $9.99 per month. StreamNeo is for YouTube and plays uploaded videos; it does not stream from a camera. Learn more at StreamNeo, or start your free first day.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Turn Your Camera into a Pro Webcam: Connect your DSLR or mirrorless camera to any computer and go live in stunning quality
- Stunning quality: Stream and record in 1080p60 or even 4K60 for razor-sharp detail (Requires a compatible camera and the latest Cam Link 4K model)
- Connect More Than Just Cameras: Use a camcorder, action cam, or even your iPhone to level up your content
- No Lag, No Delays: Ultra-low latency keeps your video and audio perfectly in sync, just like it should be
- Your iPad, Now a Pro Field Monitor: Preview your shots in real time on an iPad with USB-C
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
