To lower OBS CPU use during a YouTube fireplace stream, first check whether encoding, video playback, or scene rendering is the bottleneck. Then use a local looping Media Source where it fits, remove unnecessary sources and filters, try a supported hardware encoder if x264 is consuming the CPU, and reduce output resolution or frame rate only if needed. There is no single setting that guarantees the same CPU reduction on every computer.
Find out what is using resources before changing settings
CPU use depends on the encoder, output resolution, frame rate, and scene complexity. A high CPU reading alone does not show whether the problem is encoding, video decoding, GPU rendering, or network delivery. OBS’s system requirements guidance notes that requirements vary considerably across these factors; its encoding troubleshooting guide helps distinguish performance issues.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
New Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ Board (3B+) Raspberry PI 3B+ (1GB) (3B Plus) | $54.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
CanaKit Raspberry Pi 4 4GB Starter PRO Kit - 4GB RAM | $159.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Raspberry Pi 4 Model B (2GB) | $83.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Raspberry Pi 5 8GB | $199.95 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
CanaKit Raspberry Pi 5 Starter Kit PRO - Turbine Black (128GB Edition) (8GB RAM) | $259.95 | Buy on Amazon |
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
- Note OBS’s CPU use while the fireplace scene is active.
- Record the output resolution, frame rate, and selected encoder.
- Check whether OBS reports encoding overload or dropped frames. These point to different problems; do not assume a CPU setting will fix a GPU-rendering or network-delivery issue.
If you are unsure which settings your computer can handle, OBS’s Auto-Configuration Wizard considers available hardware and network conditions. Treat its result as a starting point and verify the stream in your own setup.
Use a local looping video when the fireplace is a file
For a recorded fireplace loop stored on your computer, an OBS Media Source avoids loading the video through a web page. Add the file as a Media Source, enable Loop in its properties, and confirm that playback continues across the file’s end. OBS documents supported formats and an optional hardware-decoding setting in its Media Sources guide.
Hardware decoding is off by default in the documented Media Source properties. If playback appears to be contributing to CPU use, test enabling it if the option is available and supported on your system. Compare resource use and playback stability; hardware decoding does not guarantee lower CPU use on every machine.
If you use VLC Video for a playlist instead, VLC must be installed. Keep the workflow that plays smoothly on your computer rather than changing sources without checking the result.
Rank #2
- Includes Raspberry Pi 4 4GB Model B with 1.5GHz 64-bit quad-core CPU (4GB RAM)
- Includes Pre-Loaded 32GB EVO+ Micro SD Card (Class 10), USB MicroSD Card Reader
- CanaKit Premium High-Gloss Raspberry Pi 4 Case with Integrated Fan Mount, CanaKit Low Noise Bearing System Fan
- CanaKit 3.5A USB-C Raspberry Pi 4 Power Supply (US Plug) with Noise Filter, Set of Heat Sinks, Display Cable - 6 foot (Supports up to 4K60p)
- CanaKit USB-C PiSwitch (On/Off Power Switch for Raspberry Pi 4)
Simplify the scene and reduce browser work
OBS sources and filters consume resources, and some sources may continue to use resources even when they are not visible. Remove sources and filters the live scene does not need, and keep scene collections focused. In particular, avoid redundant full-canvas video layers and unnecessary browser overlays.
Recommended Free Tools
A Browser Source is an embedded web browser. If the fireplace video itself comes from a browser page, try replacing that playback with a local Media Source when possible. Remove unneeded browser overlays; for any browser source you keep, make it only as large as necessary. OBS warns that many or complex browser sources can be resource-intensive. See its Browser Source guide and encoding troubleshooting recommendations.
Rank #3
- Broadcom BCM2711, Quad core Cortex-A72 (ARM v8) 64-bit SoC @ 1.5GHz
- 1GB, 2GB, 4GB or 8GB LPDDR4-3200 SDRAM (depending on model)
- 2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz IEEE 802.11ac wireless, Bluetooth 5.0, BLE Gigabit Ethernet
- 2 USB 3.0 ports; 2 USB 2.0 ports.
- Raspberry Pi standard 40 pin GPIO header (fully backwards compatible with previous boards)
Choose an encoder that fits the computer
If the main bottleneck is CPU encoding with x264, check whether OBS offers a supported hardware encoder and try it. Hardware encoding uses a specialized component of the GPU and is generally recommended by OBS for performance. Availability depends on your operating system, GPU, processor generation, and drivers, so check the encoder choices actually shown in OBS’s Output settings. OBS explains the options and trade-offs in its Hardware Encoding guide.
| Option | What to weigh |
|---|---|
| x264 software encoding | Uses the CPU for encoding. Compare CPU headroom and stream quality against an available hardware option. |
| Supported hardware encoder | Can move encoding work to a specialized GPU component, but support depends on the system. Older hardware encoders may produce lower image quality at the same bitrate than software encoding at its default veryfast preset. |
Compare the actual stream output as well as CPU use. A hardware option is not automatically the better quality choice for every machine or bitrate.
Rank #4
- Raspberry Pi 5 with 8GB RAM: Model SC1112 featuring a quad-core ARM Cortex-A76 processor running at 2.4GHz. Enhanced Connectivity: Includes dual 4K micro HDMI ports, USB-C power input, and high-speed USB 3.0 ports. PCIe Expansion Support: FPC connector enables M.2 NVMe SSDs when using compatible adapters. Fast Storage Options: Works with microSD cards for booting, or optional NVMe storage for advanced projects. Built for Projects & Learning: Ideal for programming, home labs, DIY electronics, automation, and Linux-based development.
Lower output demands only if the lighter setup is not enough
After simplifying playback and the scene and checking the encoder, test a lower output resolution or frame rate if performance is still poor. Resolution affects encoder load; OBS recommends trying 30 fps if 60 fps is not working. Make one change at a time, then check both stream stability and the detail or motion smoothness you need. A fireplace scene may not need the same frame rate as fast action, but the right trade-off depends on the source and your target quality.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →There is no universally correct resolution, bitrate, or frame rate for a fireplace stream. Choose settings that are appropriate for your content and YouTube setup, then verify them in a real stream rather than assuming a preset will resolve every bottleneck.
Best Value
- Includes Raspberry Pi 5 with 2.4Ghz 64-bit quad-core CPU (8GB RAM)
- Includes 128GB Micro SD Card pre-loaded with 64-bit Raspberry Pi OS, USB MicroSD Card Reader
- CanaKit Turbine Black Case for the Raspberry Pi 5
- CanaKit Low Noise Bearing System Fan
- Mega Heat Sink - Black Anodized
Verify each change and troubleshoot the result
- Start from your recorded baseline: CPU use, output resolution and frame rate, encoder, and any OBS overload or dropped-frame warnings.
- Change one relevant item, such as switching browser playback to a local Media Source, removing a source, or trying an available hardware encoder.
- Let the stream run long enough to assess playback and stability. Check CPU use and OBS warnings again.
- If the problem remains, move to the next targeted change: test Media Source hardware decoding if available, simplify the active scene further, or reduce output demands incrementally.
- Keep the change only if it improves the problem without making the stream quality or stability unacceptable.
| Symptom | Likely area to check | Practical next step |
|---|---|---|
| OBS reports encoding overload and CPU use is high | Encoding workload, resolution, frame rate, or scene complexity | Try a supported hardware encoder if available; otherwise simplify the scene or test a lower output resolution or frame rate. |
| Playback stutters while encoding warnings are absent | Video decoding or source playback | Test a local Media Source for a file-based loop; if supported, compare playback with hardware decoding enabled. |
| High resource use persists with sources hidden | Hidden sources or filters may still consume resources | Remove sources and filters that the live scene does not need, rather than only hiding them. |
| CPU seems high with a fireplace page or overlays in a browser | Browser rendering and extra web layers | Use a Media Source for local video where possible, remove unneeded browser overlays, and reduce the size of retained browser sources. |
| Dropped frames occur without encoding overload | Do not assume encoding is the cause; delivery or rendering may be involved | Use OBS’s performance troubleshooting guidance to identify the relevant issue before changing CPU-focused settings. |
OBS’s guidance provides troubleshooting steps, not a promised percentage reduction. Actual results depend on the computer, OBS version, encoder, output settings, and scene.
Or let it run in the cloud
If your goal is a continuously looping YouTube fireplace stream rather than keeping OBS running on your computer, StreamNeo is a cloud option: upload the video, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. Nothing has to stay on at home; it streams the uploaded video at its original quality up to 4K 60fps for one flat price per slot. StreamNeo automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card, and the Monthly price is $9.99 per month. Start your free first day.
Quick Recap
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.
