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A rising memory graph during a long OBS stream is a symptom, not proof that OBS has a memory leak. First identify whether system RAM or GPU VRAM is increasing, then note when it starts: while OBS is idle, during active output, after reconnects or output restarts, or when particular scenes and sources are active. Those distinctions help separate a possible memory-retention problem from rendering strain or network trouble.
Identify what is growing and when
Before changing settings, record the resource and the conditions around its increase. “Memory” can mean system RAM or GPU VRAM, and the two point to different areas to investigate. Record observations at startup and at regular intervals, with timestamps, so you can compare runs rather than rely on a single snapshot.
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- System RAM: Note whether OBS’s or overall system memory rises over time.
- GPU VRAM: Note whether graphics memory rises, especially if the increase follows a specific output or scene event.
- Timing and trigger: Record elapsed stream time and whether growth begins with active streaming, a scene or source change, an output stop/start, or a reconnect.
- Test context: Record OBS version, operating system, GPU and driver, encoder, active plugins, and scene collection.
Reproduce the full long session or reconnect pattern that causes the problem. A short test may not run long enough to reveal it. Keep the scenes and other conditions consistent between runs, changing one variable at a time.
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Separate memory growth from other OBS problems
Rendering or encoding strain
Lag, skipped frames, rendering lag, or encoding lag are not the same as a steadily rising memory graph. OBS’s Encoding Performance Troubleshooting guide, dated June 12, 2021, explains that GPU workload and scene complexity can constrain rendering and encoding. Expensive sources, browser sources, filters, and large scene collections can add workload. That makes them useful isolation targets, but performance strain alone does not establish a memory leak.
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Network or ingest trouble
Dropped frames or intermittent disconnections point to a different failure class from memory growth. OBS’s Stream Connection Troubleshooting guide, dated September 30, 2024, treats these as connection and bitrate stability problems between the computer and the ingest server. Investigate connection stability when those are the main symptoms; do not treat them by themselves as evidence of a leak.
Possible memory retention after output restarts
OBS Studio issue #13656 describes a specific NVENC VRAM surface-pool retention symptom after output stop/start cycles, with growth reported across reconnects. It is a narrow issue report, not a general diagnosis for NVENC users or proof that another stream has the same cause. If your VRAM increase follows repeated output restarts or reconnects, that pattern is worth recording and comparing against your current OBS and driver versions and the issue’s current status.
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Troubleshoot in controlled steps
- Record a baseline. Start OBS with the same scene collection you normally use. Note system RAM and GPU VRAM, the time, and whether stream output is active. Continue recording at regular intervals through the full duration that normally triggers the increase.
- Compare idle and active output. Observe OBS with the same scenes open but no stream output, then with output active. If memory rises only after repeated output stops, starts, or reconnects, record the number and timing of those events. This pattern can guide investigation, but does not confirm a particular defect.
- Isolate browser sources. Temporarily disable browser sources, especially animated overlays or pages, and compare the memory trend over a comparable run. OBS’s performance guide recommends reducing browser sources, minimizing their dimensions, and using static image or media source types where appropriate. Re-enable sources one at a time if the trend changes.
- Test filters and unused sources or scenes. Reduce filters and temporarily remove unused or heavy sources and scenes. Keep the scene collection focused, as OBS recommends, and change one category at a time so you can tell whether it affects memory growth or rendering performance.
- Track performance indicators separately. Keep the OBS Stats dock and log context available. Record rendering lag and encoding lag separately from RAM and VRAM measurements; a change in one does not automatically explain the other.
- Investigate network symptoms on their own. If dropped frames or disconnections are the main problem, follow OBS’s connection troubleshooting guidance and assess the connection to the ingest server rather than labeling the symptom a memory leak.
- Repeat the trigger after each change. Run long enough to include the original duration, scene activity, or reconnect pattern. If a change makes no reproducible difference, restore it and test another variable.
- Preserve evidence if the issue persists. If memory still grows with a minimal scene and without the relevant source or plugin, retain logs and the timestamped measurements. Report the reproducible steps to OBS support or the maintainer of the relevant plugin or driver.
How to interpret the results
| Observed pattern | What it suggests | Next step |
|---|---|---|
| Memory grows with a particular browser source, filter, or scene workload | That source or workload is a useful isolation target; the pattern alone does not prove a software leak. | Test the source or category in comparable long runs, one change at a time. |
| VRAM growth follows repeated output stops, starts, or reconnects | This resembles the trigger described in the specific NVENC retention report, but does not establish the same cause. | Record the OBS and driver versions and restart/reconnect sequence; check the live issue report for current status. |
| Rendering or encoding lag appears without a clear memory trend | GPU workload or scene complexity may be limiting performance. | Use OBS’s performance guidance to isolate expensive sources, browser sources, filters, and scene complexity. |
| Dropped frames or disconnections dominate | Connection or ingest stability is the more relevant diagnostic path. | Use OBS’s stream connection troubleshooting guidance. |
| Growth persists with a minimal scene and after controlled source tests | The available evidence does not identify a universal cause. | Keep logs and reproducible steps for OBS support or the relevant plugin or driver maintainer. |
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