There is no official universal RAM minimum for running OBS, including for a 24/7 YouTube stream. OBS says system capability depends on the encoder, resolution, frame rate and scene complexity; its compatibility requirements do not guarantee that a computer can stream successfully. Test your actual setup before buying memory, and check CPU/GPU performance and upload capacity as well.
Does OBS publish a minimum RAM requirement?
No. OBS’s System Requirements page does not specify a RAM minimum for streaming. It warns: “Having a compatible system does not guarantee that it is capable of streaming or recording using OBS Studio.” The page, published August 25, 2021, says CPU requirements vary considerably with the encoder, resolution, FPS and scene complexity. It recommends using Tools > Auto Configuration Wizard to find settings suited to your hardware and intended use.
That means there is no source-backed number to use as a universal buying rule. The documentation reviewed also does not establish that a stream needs a particular RAM capacity just because it runs for 24 hours. Your specific scenes, other applications and hardware determine whether memory is a constraint.
What can limit a continuous OBS stream?
Scenes, encoding and graphics
OBS composites scenes using GPU resources, and complex scenes can increase the load. Its encoding-performance troubleshooting guide discusses GPU overload and other performance bottlenecks. Simplifying scenes and scene collections can reduce resource demands.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
OBS generally recommends hardware encoding for performance because it moves encoding work from the CPU to a dedicated component in a supported GPU. That is a CPU/GPU workload choice, not a RAM recommendation. OBS notes that older hardware may produce lower quality with hardware encoders; choose and test an encoder against your own quality needs and results. See OBS’s hardware encoding guidance.
Upload bandwidth and stream settings
Network capacity is separate from RAM. YouTube recommends leaving 20% upload-bandwidth headroom beyond the total bitrate of the stream. Its encoder settings page gives bitrate recommendations by resolution, frame rate and codec; for example, for 1080p30 it recommends 5 Mbps for H.264 and 10 Mbps for AV1/H.265. For 1080p60, it gives H.264 a 6 Mbps minimum and 17 Mbps recommended, and AV1/H.265 a 4 Mbps minimum and 12 Mbps recommended. These are ingestion bitrate figures—not memory requirements. Check YouTube’s encoder settings for the settings relevant to your output.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
How to tell whether your PC needs more RAM
- Set up the stream you actually intend to run. Use the intended encoder, resolution, frame rate, audio sources and scenes. For a starting point, run OBS > Tools > Auto Configuration Wizard and review its suggested settings.
- Test representative content. YouTube advises testing with sound and movement similar to the planned stream. Preview before going live, then monitor stream health during the test. Its live-streaming tips also recommend checking outbound capacity and keeping the 20% upload headroom described above.
- Watch performance during representative operation. Look for evidence of memory pressure as well as encoder or graphics overload. A RAM upgrade is relevant only if your particular system shows that memory is constraining the workload; increasing RAM will not fix insufficient upload bandwidth or an overloaded encoder by itself.
- Check the rest of the system before committing to a long run. Confirm that scenes render and encode reliably, the connection remains adequate, and you have a way to monitor the stream and recover if it stops. The official guidance cited here does not provide a 24-hour memory benchmark.
Should you upgrade RAM or use another setup?
If testing points to memory pressure, first verify the computer’s supported RAM generation and type, maximum capacity, and available slots. A desktop RAM upgrade kit may be appropriate for a compatible desktop, but compatibility and capacity depend on its motherboard and existing configuration. The sources do not justify a blanket upgrade or an exact RAM amount for every OBS user.
If memory is not the bottleneck, investigate the encoder, GPU scene-rendering load, scene complexity and upload connection instead. A simpler scene, different supported encoder or more reliable network may address the actual constraint better than buying memory.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Or let it run in the cloud
If your goal is to loop uploaded videos on YouTube around the clock rather than run a local OBS scene, StreamNeo is a cloud option: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. Nothing needs to stay running on your home computer. It plays uploaded videos, not a live camera feed, and streams to YouTube only.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
- One flat price per slot for any uploaded quality up to 4K 60fps, without re-encoding or quality tiers.
- Automatic recovery if YouTube drops the stream; 24/7 looping and playlists are included.
- The first day is free, with no card required. The monthly option is $9.99 per month.
- Each slot includes 10 GB storage, pooled across active slots. UPI and cards are available in India; card checkout is available worldwide.
Start your free first day with StreamNeo.
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.
