Buying Guide
The Best GPUs for Streaming While Gaming
Five cards with hardware AV1 encoders, so a stream runs on the GPU's encoder instead of taxing the CPU.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
Streaming software such as OBS can encode video on the graphics card's dedicated encoder, which leaves the CPU free for the game. All five cards here support AV1 encoding, which platforms such as YouTube accept.
We compared VRAM and size from each listing and encoder support from NVIDIA and Intel documentation. Check your streaming platform's supported codecs before choosing AV1 over H.264.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Best for 4K Streaming Rigs
MSI Gaming RTX 5080 16G Ventus 3X OC Black
An RTX 5080 with 16GB of GDDR7.
Best for: Streaming high-resolution games.
Our take Check price for MSI Gaming RTX 5080 16G Ventus 3X OC Black (opens in a new tab)
Best Balance for Streamers
ASUS Prime GeForce RTX 5070 Ti OC
An RTX 5070 Ti with 16GB of GDDR7.
Best for: 1440p play while streaming.
Our take Check price for ASUS Prime GeForce RTX 5070 Ti OC (opens in a new tab)
Best 12GB Streaming Card
MSI Gaming RTX 5070 12G Ventus 3X OC
An RTX 5070 with three DisplayPort 2.1a outputs.
Best for: Streamers on a mid-range budget.
Our take Check price for MSI Gaming RTX 5070 12G Ventus 3X OC (opens in a new tab)
Best 16GB for Less
ASUS Dual GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 16GB OC
An RTX 5060 Ti with 16GB of GDDR7.
Best for: Streaming at 1080p with room for VRAM.
Our take Check price for ASUS Dual GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 16GB OC (opens in a new tab)
Budget AV1 Encoder
ASRock Intel Arc B580 Challenger 12GB OC
An Arc B580 with 12GB and one 8-pin connector.
Best for: First streaming setups.
Our take Check price for ASRock Intel Arc B580 Challenger 12GB OC (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Best for 4K Streaming Rigs1 of 5
MSI Gaming RTX 5080 16G Ventus 3X OC Black on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
MSI's Ventus 3X Black puts the same RTX 5080 chip and 16GB of GDDR7 in a plainer card.
Best for
- Streaming high-resolution games.
Skip if
- Its cooler thickness is not published, which rules it out if you need that number.
Why we like it
It cost less than the ASUS TUF at the time of writing, but MSI does not list its length in this listing. It matches the ASUS Prime and the ASUS Dual RTX 5060 Ti 16GB on video memory (16GB). No other pick in this guide offers an RTX 5080 gpu; compare the ASUS Dual RTX 5060 Ti 16GB, which has an RTX 5060 Ti gpu.
You get a 2640MHz boost clock here, which sets it apart from the Arc B580 Challenger and its a 2740MHz boost clock. It also offers a 256-bit memory interface and a 7680 x 4320 maximum digital resolution. It was the highest-priced of the 5 picks at the time of writing, so the case for it rests on what it adds over the ASUS Prime and the rest. The maker doesn't give its card length; if that figure matters, the Arc B580 Challenger comes in at 249mm.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RTX 5080
- VRAM: 16GB
- Memory: GDDR7
- Boost clock: 2640MHz
- Outputs: 3 x DisplayPort 2.1a, 1 x HDMI 2.1b
Pros
- 16GB of VRAM for high-resolution textures
- Faster GDDR7 memory
- 256-bit memory interface
- 7680 x 4320 maximum digital resolution
Cons
- No published cooler thickness
- Costs more than the Arc B580 Challenger at the time of writing
Best Balance for Streamers2 of 5
ASUS Prime GeForce RTX 5070 Ti OC on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The ASUS Prime is the best-documented card here: ASUS offers a 306mm length, a 2.5-slot cooler, a 750W minimum power supply and a 2527MHz OC-mode boost.
Best for
- 1440p play while streaming.
Skip if
- Pass on it if needs a 16-pin 12V-2x6 power cabl rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
A dual BIOS switch toggles quiet and performance modes, and the fans stop at light load. On video memory it ties with the MSI RTX 5080 Ventus 3X and the ASUS Dual RTX 5060 Ti 16GB at 16GB. It matches the ASUS Dual RTX 5060 Ti 16GB on cooler thickness (2.5-slot).
You get an RTX 5070 Ti gpu here, which sets it apart from the Arc B580 Challenger and its an arc B580 gpu. It is the only pick here with a 2527MHz (OC mode) boost clock; the MSI RTX 5080 Ventus 3X has a 2640MHz boost clock instead. Power for the ASUS Prime comes through 16-pin 12V-2x6, with 750W the maker's minimum PSU. SFF-Ready is NVIDIA's size guideline, not a guarantee the ASUS Prime fits every small case.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RTX 5070 Ti
- VRAM: 16GB
- Memory: GDDR7
- Length: 306mm
- Thickness: 2.5-slot
- Recommended PSU: 750W
- Power connector: 16-pin 12V-2x6
- Boost clock: 2527MHz (OC mode)
- SFF-Ready: Yes
Pros
- 16GB of VRAM for high-resolution textures
- Faster GDDR7 memory
- Carries NVIDIA's SFF-Ready label
- Dual BIOS switch between quiet and performance modes
Cons
- Needs a 16-pin 12V-2x6 power cable
- Costs more than the Arc B580 Challenger at the time of writing
Best 12GB Streaming Card3 of 5
MSI Gaming RTX 5070 12G Ventus 3X OC on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Ventus 3X is MSI's plain take on the RTX 5070: three TORX fans, a copper baseplate and 12GB of GDDR7.
Best for
- Streamers on a mid-range budget.
Skip if
- The maker gives no cooler thickness, so look elsewhere if that figure decides it for you.
Why we like it
Three DisplayPort 2.1a outputs and one HDMI 2.1b cover most monitor setups. It matches the Arc B580 Challenger on video memory (12GB). It is the only pick here with an RTX 5070 gpu; the MSI RTX 5080 Ventus 3X has an RTX 5080 gpu instead.
A 2557MHz boost clock is unique to it among these picks, while the ASUS Prime uses a 2527MHz (OC mode) boost clock. You also get a vented metal backplate. No dimensions are published for the MSI RTX 5070 Ventus 3X; get length and thickness from the maker's page first.
Its power connector and recommended PSU are not published, so confirm both for the MSI RTX 5070 Ventus 3X with the maker. Its price falls between the Arc B580 Challenger and the ASUS Dual RTX 5060 Ti 16GB, based on our last check. Buyers who need a confirmed card length should compare it with the Arc B580 Challenger, which comes in at 249mm.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RTX 5070
- VRAM: 12GB
- Memory: GDDR7
- Boost clock: 2557MHz
- Outputs: 3 x DisplayPort 2.1a, 1 x HDMI 2.1b
Pros
- 12GB of VRAM, more than 8GB cards
- Faster GDDR7 memory
- Three TORX Fan 5.0 fans
- Nickel-plated copper baseplate
Cons
- No published cooler thickness
- Costs more than the Arc B580 Challenger at the time of writing
Best 16GB for Less4 of 5
ASUS Dual GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 16GB OC on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The ASUS Dual RTX 5060 Ti 16GB is the lower-cost NVIDIA route to 16GB at 1440p.
Best for
- Streaming at 1080p with room for VRAM.
Skip if
- Skip it if cooler thickness matters most to you; the Arc B580 Challenger offers 2-slot.
Why we like it
It is a 2.5-slot card with 0dB fan stop and dual-ball fan bearings. It matches the MSI RTX 5080 Ventus 3X and the ASUS Prime on video memory (16GB). On cooler thickness it ties with the ASUS Prime at 2.5-slot.
A 2632MHz (OC mode) boost clock is unique to it among these picks, while the ASUS Prime uses a 2527MHz (OC mode) boost clock. It also comes with a quiet/performance dual BIOS. The ASUS Dual RTX 5060 Ti 16GB occupies 2.5 slots, but no length is published, so check the maker's spec page against your case.
Its power connector and recommended PSU are not published, so confirm both for the ASUS Dual RTX 5060 Ti 16GB with the maker. Its price falls between the MSI RTX 5070 Ventus 3X and the ASUS Prime, based on our last check. Buyers who need a confirmed card length should compare it with the Arc B580 Challenger, which comes in at 249mm.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RTX 5060 Ti
- VRAM: 16GB
- Memory: GDDR7
- Thickness: 2.5-slot
- Boost clock: 2632MHz (OC mode)
Pros
- 16GB of VRAM for high-resolution textures
- Faster GDDR7 memory
- Quiet/performance dual BIOS
- 0dB fan stop
Cons
- Cooler thickness trails the Arc B580 Challenger (2-slot)
- Costs more than the Arc B580 Challenger at the time of writing
Budget AV1 Encoder5 of 5
ASRock Intel Arc B580 Challenger 12GB OC on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Intel's Arc B580 brings 12GB of GDDR6 to the entry tier, more than the 8GB common at this price.
Best for
- First streaming setups.
Skip if
- Skip it if video memory matters most to you; the MSI RTX 5080 Ventus 3X offers 16GB.
Why we like it
ASRock's Challenger version is 249mm long and needs one 8-pin plug and a 650W PSU. On video memory it ties with the MSI RTX 5070 Ventus 3X at 12GB. On cooler thickness it leads this guide at 2-slot, ahead of the ASUS Prime (2.5-slot).
You get an arc B580 gpu here, which sets it apart from the ASUS Dual RTX 5060 Ti 16GB and its an RTX 5060 Ti gpu. No other pick in this guide offers GDDR6 memory; compare the MSI RTX 5070 Ventus 3X, which has GDDR7 memory. It is the only pick here with a 2740MHz boost clock; the MSI RTX 5080 Ventus 3X has a 2640MHz boost clock instead.
No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the MSI RTX 5070 Ventus 3X was closest. Video memory is its weakest area, and the MSI RTX 5080 Ventus 3X covers it better at 16GB.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: Arc B580
- VRAM: 12GB
- Memory: GDDR6
- Length: 249mm
- Thickness: 2-slot
- Recommended PSU: 650W
- Power connector: 1 x 8-pin
- Boost clock: 2740MHz
- Outputs: 3 x DisplayPort 2.1, 1 x HDMI 2.1a
Pros
- 12GB of VRAM, more than 8GB cards
- Short 249mm length suits compact cases
- Dual-slot cooler leaves the next slot free
- A single 8-pin power connector
Cons
- Video memory trails the MSI RTX 5080 Ventus 3X (16GB)
How We Chose
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Power
- We noted the power connector and recommended power supply where listed.
- GPU and memory
- We compared the chip, video memory capacity and memory type stated in each listing.
- Cooling and extras
- We checked cooler design, fan-stop modes, dual BIOS, support brackets and display outputs.
- Fit
- We recorded length and slot thickness where the maker lists them, plus low-profile and SFF-Ready status.
What to Look for in a GPUs for Streaming
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Compare upscaling and encoders
NVIDIA cards support DLSS, AMD cards FSR and Intel cards XeSS. Each game supports a different mix, so check the titles you play.
Streamers should also compare hardware video encoders.
Treat 8GB of VRAM as the floor
Some recent games already push past 8GB at high texture settings. Cards with 12GB or 16GB give more room, especially at 1440p and above.
Two versions of the same chip can differ only in memory; check the capacity in the exact model name.
Pair it with a balanced CPU
A fast card with an old CPU can stall at high frame rates, especially at 1080p. At 4K the GPU does most of the work, so the CPU matters less.
Cooler size affects noise
Larger triple-fan coolers usually run quieter under load than compact dual-fan designs. A 0dB mode stops the fans at light load.
Plan the power connector and PSU
Cards use one or two 8-pin PCIe plugs or a single 16-pin 12V-2x6 plug. Confirm your power supply has the right cables and meets the maker's recommended wattage.
Match the card to your monitor
Resolution and refresh rate decide how much GPU you need. A 1080p screen at 144Hz asks far less than 1440p at 165Hz or 4K.
Buy for the monitor you use now or will buy soon, not for a resolution you may never run.
How to Choose a GPUs for Streaming
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Streaming high-resolution games | MSI RTX 5080 Ventus 3X | An RTX 5080 with 16GB of GDDR7 |
| 1440p play while streaming | ASUS Prime | An RTX 5070 Ti with 16GB of GDDR7 |
| Streamers on a mid-range budget | MSI RTX 5070 Ventus 3X | An RTX 5070 with three DisplayPort 2.1a outputs |
| Streaming at 1080p with room for VRAM | ASUS Dual RTX 5060 Ti 16GB | An RTX 5060 Ti with 16GB of GDDR7 |
| First streaming setups | Arc B580 Challenger | An Arc B580 with 12GB and one 8-pin connector |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
Figures as each maker states them.
| Card | GPU | VRAM | Memory | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSI RTX 5080 Ventus 3X | RTX 5080 | 16GB | GDDR7 | Not listed |
| ASUS Prime | RTX 5070 Ti | 16GB | GDDR7 | 306mm |
| MSI RTX 5070 Ventus 3X | RTX 5070 | 12GB | GDDR7 | Not listed |
| ASUS Dual RTX 5060 Ti 16GB | RTX 5060 Ti | 16GB | GDDR7 | Not listed |
| Arc B580 Challenger | Arc B580 | 12GB | GDDR6 | 249mm |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
Prices change often; these tiers reflect Amazon prices when this guide was updated.
| Price tier | Cards |
|---|---|
| About $250 to $500 | Arc B580 Challenger |
| About $500 to $1000 | MSI RTX 5070 Ventus 3X, ASUS Dual RTX 5060 Ti 16GB |
| About $1000 to $1500 | ASUS Prime |
| Over $1500 | MSI RTX 5080 Ventus 3X |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a GPU support bracket?
Long, heavy cards can sag and stress the slot. Some come with a support stand or bracket; otherwise one is inexpensive to add.
Will a PCIe 5.0 card work in a PCIe 4.0 or 3.0 slot?
Yes, the interface is backward compatible. Cards with a narrow x8 link can lose some performance on PCIe 3.0 boards.
Should I choose AMD or NVIDIA?
Compare price and memory at your budget first, then features such as DLSS or FSR support in your games and hardware encoding if you stream.
How big a power supply do I need?
Use the maker's recommendation for your exact card, then add headroom if you run a high-power CPU. Also check the connectors, not just the wattage.
Is an 8GB graphics card still enough?
For 1080p with tuned texture settings, often yes. For 1440p or high textures in new games, 12GB or 16GB is safer.
Do partner cards of the same GPU perform differently?
Only slightly. Factory overclocks add a few percent at most; cooling, noise, size and price differ more.
Bottom Line
The MSI RTX 5080 Ventus 3X suits high-resolution streaming rigs, and the ASUS Prime RTX 5070 Ti is the balanced pick. The MSI RTX 5070 and ASUS Dual RTX 5060 Ti 16GB cost less, and the Arc B580 is the budget way into AV1.