Short answer: Use whichever machine can sustain your specific stream settings and recover reliably—not whichever sounds more power-efficient on paper. A Raspberry Pi may suit a simple, low-processing feed if its exact hardware and software path passes a realistic test. An old PC may be the better fit for OBS scenes, capture devices, or live encoding if its encoder and sustained performance meet the job. Neither choice is proven reliable for your stream until you test it.
Raspberry Pi vs Old PC: what actually decides it?
The workload matters more than the device category. A feed that is already encoded and needs little processing is different from a production that captures sources, combines OBS scenes, scales video, and encodes it in real time. OBS says encoder choice, resolution, frame rate, and scene complexity affect CPU needs; basic system compatibility does not guarantee that a machine can stream a chosen workload.
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| What to compare | What to check | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Source and processing | Whether the feed is already encoded or the machine must capture, composite, scale, or encode it. | A simple relay has different compute needs from an OBS production. |
| Output target | Resolution, frame rate, codec, and bitrate. | The hardware must sustain the settings you intend to send to YouTube. |
| Encoder path | Supported software encoding or hardware encoding on the exact machine, operating system, and drivers. | Hardware encoding can reduce CPU load, but its generation can affect quality. |
| Long-run behavior | Dropped frames, temperature or throttling indicators, audio continuity, and restart behavior during a representative run. | A successful short setup does not establish round-the-clock reliability. |
| Power and total cost | Wall power under the intended workload, plus any required power, storage, capture, or network accessories. | Device labels and historical measurements do not establish your actual running cost. |
| Network and recovery | Stable upload with headroom, wired networking where practical, reconnect behavior, and a way to observe stream health. | A capable computer still depends on a reliable connection and a recovery plan. |
Choose a machine by following this decision path
- Define the input and output. Write down whether the source is a finished, encoded video or a live capture, and choose the resolution, frame rate, codec, and bitrate you want to send.
- Decide how much processing is needed. If you need OBS scenes, multiple inputs, scaling, or live encoding, evaluate those exact demands. If the stream needs little processing, test the simpler path rather than assuming it will work on a Pi.
- Check the exact encoder and software support. Confirm that the chosen operating system and software can use the CPU encoder or hardware encoder on that specific device. Do not infer streaming capability from a model name or a compatible-system check.
- Test the real workload. Run the intended resolution, frame rate, scenes, audio, and representative movement for several hours. Watch OBS statistics and YouTube stream health for dropped frames, encoding problems, and interruptions; check temperatures or throttling indicators where available.
- Test recovery and measure power. Confirm what happens after a restart and a network interruption. Measure power at the wall with the actual source, encoder, peripherals, network, and operating settings.
- Make the conditional choice. Reuse the old PC if it sustains the target workload and its measured power is acceptable. Consider a Pi for a simple feed only if the exact Pi and its software path pass the same test.
Set YouTube’s stream requirements before judging the hardware
YouTube’s live encoder guidance recommends RTMPS ingestion, H.264, H.265, or AV1 video, AAC or MP3 audio, constant bitrate encoding, and a two-second keyframe interval (no more than four seconds). Its current H.264 bitrate recommendations include:
| Output | YouTube-recommended H.264 video bitrate |
|---|---|
| 720p at 30 fps | 6 Mbps |
| 1080p at 30 fps | 10 Mbps |
| 1080p at 60 fps | 12 Mbps |
These are YouTube platform recommendations, not proof that a particular Pi or PC can encode continuously at those settings. Choose a quality setting your upload connection can sustain, leave connection headroom, and test with representative audio and movement. YouTube recommends monitoring stream health during a broadcast. Its guidance is to “Make sure to test before you start your live stream.” See YouTube’s live encoder settings, bitrates, and resolutions.
#1 Best Overall
- 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
When an old PC makes more sense
An old PC is worth reusing when its actual encoder support and sustained performance match the planned workload. That is particularly relevant if you need OBS scenes, capture devices, or other real-time processing. OBS generally recommends modern hardware encoding because it shifts work from the CPU to a specialized GPU component. However, older hardware encoder generations may produce lower image quality at the same bitrate than software x264 using its default veryfast preset. Check support for the specific GPU, operating system, and drivers rather than assuming that a PC has a usable encoder.
OBS’s system requirements also make an important distinction: “Having a compatible system does not guarantee that it is capable of streaming or recording using OBS.” Its documentation says the selected encoder, resolution, frame rate, and scene complexity affect the workload. Consult OBS system requirements and OBS’s hardware-encoding guide, then validate your setup with an extended test.
Rank #2
- Includes Raspberry Pi 5 16GB with 2.4Ghz 64-bit quad-core CPU (16GB 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
When a Raspberry Pi is worth testing
A Pi can be a reasonable candidate for a simple feed that is already encoded or needs little transformation, but the available model specifications do not establish that a given Pi can reliably encode every 24/7 stream. Confirm the exact board’s interfaces, available software and encoder path, and the requirements of all connected devices. Raspberry Pi’s hardware reference includes, for example, Raspberry Pi 4 Model B memory configurations up to 8 GB and Raspberry Pi 500 with 8 GB and Gigabit Ethernet; those specifications alone do not demonstrate sustained live-stream encoding capability. See Raspberry Pi’s hardware documentation.
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Use a power supply suitable for the exact model and attached peripherals. Raspberry Pi’s setup guidance specifies 5 V/5 A for Pi 5 and Pi 500 (5 V/3 A limits peripherals), 5 V/3 A for Pi 4 and Pi 400, and 5 V/2.5 A for Pi 3. Check Raspberry Pi’s setup and power-supply guidance before connecting devices.
Rank #3
- CanaKit Raspberry Pi 5 Essentials Starter Kit
Power cost and reliability: measure your setup
There is no established head-to-head power, cost, or uptime result for an unspecified Pi and an unspecified old PC. Raspberry Pi’s hardware reference publishes approximate measurements for Pi 1 through Pi 4 from test setups using a standard OS image from 2016—or, for Pi 4, 2019—with a monitor, keyboard, mouse, and specified network connection. The documentation warns that the values are approximate and extra USB devices can increase consumption. They are not current Pi 5 measurements and should not be compared directly with an unspecified PC. See the Raspberry Pi hardware reference.
For a useful cost estimate, measure the complete intended setup at the wall during the real stream workload, then use your electricity rate and expected hours of operation. Include any always-on networking, storage, capture hardware, and peripherals in the measurement. To assess reliability, run representative content for an extended period, monitor stream health, and deliberately test restart and reconnection behavior; no device label guarantees unattended recovery.
Rank #4
- All-in-One Complete Kit: This SANOOV RPi 5 bundle comes with Raspberry Pi 5 4GB RAM single board, active cooler, durable ABS case and screwdriver. No extra parts needed, ready to use right out of the box for beginners and hobbyists
- Powerful Single Board Computer: Equipped with 4GB RAM and high-performance processor, delivers fast running speed for 4K playback, AI projects, programming and daily computing tasks. SANOOV for raspberry pi 5 4GB is equipped with broadcom 64 quad-core Arm Cortex A76 processor with gigabit ethernet and upgraded with IEEE 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0 dual-band 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz and Power Over Ethernet (POE). Upgrading delivers 2-3 x speed vs Pi 4, redefining the experience
- Efficient Active Cooler: Effectively lowers operating temperature and prevents performance throttling. Runs quietly even under long-time heavy load, ensures stable operation all day long. SANOOV RPi 5 4GB kit offer an active cooler, which combines an aluminium heatsink with a high-performance PWM fan. Active cooler is fully compatible with the Pi OS, which can effectively reduce the temperature of RPi5 and ensure its good performance during long-term high load operation
- Sturdy ABS Protective Case: Well-fitted for Raspberry Pi 5 board, can be secured with 4 screws to effectively protect the Pi 5 motherboard from damage, reserves full access to all ports and buttons. SANOOV uses ABS material to produce the case, which has a softer texture and feel. Meanwhile, SANOOV case adopts a layered design for easy disassembly and installation. (Tip: The Case cannot install M.2 HAT Add on Board and Solid State Drive!)
- Wide Application & Full Compatibility: Seamlessly compatible with official OS and mainstream peripheral accessories for Raspberry Pi 5. Whether you are a beginner, student, electronics hobbyist or professional developer, this all-in-one kit meets your diverse needs. It excels in IoT projects, robotics design, retro gaming devices, home media servers and other DIY creations. Backed by a large global community, you can easily find guides, technical support and shared projects online
Troubleshoot before committing to 24/7 operation
- Encoding overload or dropped frames: Reduce output resolution or frame rate, simplify OBS scenes, or use a supported hardware encoder. Retest at the new settings; compatibility alone is not a performance guarantee.
- Stream health is poor despite a capable encoder: Check upload stability and available headroom, lower the bitrate or quality setting, and test again with representative motion and audio.
- Unexpected Pi instability with attached devices: Verify the supply matches the board and peripherals, and check whether the selected supply limits peripheral power.
- Stream stops after a restart or network interruption: Test the restart and reconnect path explicitly and arrange a way to observe stream health. Do not assume recovery works until you have verified it.
- Uncertain electricity cost: Measure the complete setup at the wall under load; historical board measurements or idle readings do not answer the question for your workload.
Or let it run in the cloud
If your goal is a continuously looping YouTube stream rather than running local streaming software, StreamNeo is the cloud alternative: upload your recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. Nothing has to stay on at home. Every slot streams the uploaded video as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot; there are no quality tiers or re-encoding. If YouTube drops the stream, StreamNeo automatically recovers. The first day is free with no card. Monthly pricing is $9.99 per month. StreamNeo is for uploaded videos and YouTube streams, not going live from a camera. Start the free day at StreamNeo registration.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
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Best Value
- 【What you Get】You will get 1*Pi 5 8GB Single Board,1*RasTech Case,1*Active Cooler,1*Screwdriver,1*Installation instructions,12-month free warranty, lifetime service, 24-hour prompt and friendly response.
- 【More Connectors】There are two USB 3.0 ports(5Gbps simultaneously) and two USB 2.0 ports, which triple total bandwidth ,support any combination of up to two cameras or displays. Peak SD card performance is doubled through support for the SDR104 high-speed mode. It provides a smooth desktop experience for you. Offer Gigabit Ethernet and a PCIe interface, along with dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0/BLE wireless capability. The RasTech Pi 5 Kit use the new 27W 5.1V 5A USB-C power connector.
- 【 Support Dual 4Kp60 Display 】Each of the two microHDMI sockets can control a 4K display at 60 Hertz, now support HDR, offering super HD video for media streaming projects. RPi 5 is the first RPi model that comes with a PCI Express port (PCIe 2.0 x1 with 500 MB/s) to attach SSDs (requires separate M.2 HAT).
- 【 Excellent Chips And Applications】Pi 5 is a full-size Pi computer using silicon built in-house at Pi. The RP1 “southbridge” provides the bulk of the I/O capabilities for Pi 5. Pi 5 is more friendly and convenient in the development of Internet of Things, Web development, machine identification, automatic control and other electronic equipment applications and network.
- 【 Faster CPU, Better GPU 】 Pi 5 features a Broadcom BCM2712 64-bit quad-core Arm Cortex-A76 processor running at 2.4GHz, it delivers a 2–3× increase in CPU performance relative to RaspberryPi 4. The 800MHz VideoCore VII GPU is compatible to OpenGL ES 3.1 and Vulkan 1.2, substantial uplift in graphics performance. Pi 5 Offers lightning-fast CPU speed, a PCI Express interface, a Real Time Clock (RTC) and a power button and runs significantly cooler than Pi 4.
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