Unveiling the Truth: Can OBS Capture Gaming at 120 FPS?

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Can OBS Capture Gaming at 120 FPS?

Open Broadcaster Software, commonly known as OBS, is a powerful tool for streaming and recording. Gamers and content creators have increasingly high expectations, aiming for smooth, high-quality recordings to keep up with the rapid advancements in gaming. One of the most commonly asked questions is: can OBS capture gaming at 120 FPS? In this article, we’ll explore OBS’s capabilities, its requirements for capturing at such a high frame rate, and provide a step-by-step guide to help you achieve optimal settings for 120 FPS capture.

Understanding FPS and Why 120 FPS Matters

FPS, or frames per second, is a measure of how many frames are displayed each second in a video. Higher FPS means smoother motion, which is crucial for fast-paced gaming. While 60 FPS has long been the standard for gaming and streaming, 120 FPS offers a noticeable boost in smoothness, making gameplay feel more fluid. Many competitive gamers and creators are turning to 120 FPS to capture and showcase this enhanced experience.

OBS is a versatile and robust tool, but recording at 120 FPS requires specific settings and hardware. Not all setups are built to handle this demand, and even with the right equipment, configuration is key to a successful recording. Let’s break down the steps to configure OBS for 120 FPS capture.

Setting Up OBS for 120 FPS Gaming Capture

To get started with capturing gameplay at 120 FPS using OBS, you’ll need to adjust several settings and make sure your hardware is up to the task. Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Verify System Requirements

Recording at 120 FPS is highly demanding and requires a powerful PC. Here’s a quick checklist of the necessary hardware:

  • Processor (CPU): An Intel i7 or AMD Ryzen 7 (or newer) is recommended for handling high-FPS recordings.
  • Graphics Card (GPU): A recent model from Nvidia or AMD, ideally with hardware encoding support, such as the Nvidia GeForce RTX series.
  • RAM: 16GB or more is ideal for smooth performance.
  • Storage: A fast SSD to store high-quality video files without lag.

To verify if your system meets these requirements, check your PC specs under System Settings or by using system information tools. If your system doesn’t meet these requirements, consider upgrading before attempting to record at 120 FPS.

Step 2: Update OBS and Graphics Drivers

Ensure that you’re using the latest version of OBS. Updates often include performance improvements and fixes for compatibility with newer GPUs and codecs. To update OBS:

  • Open OBS and click on Help.
  • Select Check for Updates and follow any prompts.

Additionally, update your graphics drivers to the latest version provided by your GPU manufacturer. You can do this through Nvidia’s GeForce Experience or AMD’s Radeon Software.

Step 3: Adjust OBS Settings for 120 FPS

With OBS and your drivers updated, it’s time to configure the settings for 120 FPS capture:

  • Video Settings:
    • Navigate to Settings > Video.
    • Set Base (Canvas) Resolution to match your monitor resolution, for example, 1920×1080 for Full HD.
    • Set Output (Scaled) Resolution to your desired recording resolution.
    • Adjust FPS to 120. Note that higher resolutions at 120 FPS will put more strain on your system.
  • Output Settings:
    • Go to Settings > Output.
    • Select Advanced under Output Mode to unlock more options.
    • Choose your recording format and select a high bitrate. We recommend 25,000-35,000 kbps for 1080p at 120 FPS.
    • For Encoder, choose Hardware (NVENC) if available, as it offers better performance for high-FPS recording.

These settings will push your system, so consider lowering the output resolution or bitrate if you experience any lag or performance issues.

Step 4: Run a Test Recording

Before you jump into a full gaming session, it’s essential to test your OBS settings to ensure everything is working smoothly:

  1. Open OBS and start a test recording.
  2. Play a quick game or perform actions you would typically capture.
  3. Stop the recording and review the playback for any stuttering, lag, or dropped frames.

If you notice issues, consider adjusting the bitrate, resolution, or FPS until you find a balance between performance and quality.

Troubleshooting Common 120 FPS Recording Issues in OBS

Even with the correct setup, capturing at 120 FPS can present challenges. Here are some common issues and solutions:

Problem: Dropped Frames or Choppy Video

Dropped frames can occur when your system is overloaded. Try these solutions:

  • Lower the output resolution in OBS to reduce the strain on your GPU.
  • Decrease the bitrate slightly.
  • Close any unnecessary background applications to free up resources.

Problem: Audio Sync Issues

Audio sync problems can happen at high FPS settings. Here’s how to fix them:

  • In OBS, navigate to Settings > Advanced > Audio.
  • Increase the Audio Monitoring Device buffer to reduce lag.
  • If the issue persists, record at a slightly lower FPS or use an external audio capture device.

Problem: High CPU or GPU Usage

High CPU/GPU usage can lead to overheating or crashes:

  • Switch to Hardware Encoding (NVENC) instead of Software (x264) encoding if available.
  • Reduce the FPS to 90 or 60 if your system struggles to maintain 120 FPS.
  • Monitor your system temperature, and consider a cooling upgrade if necessary.

For more help with performance issues, see the OBS Help Center for additional support and troubleshooting guides.

Optimizing Your OBS Experience with Plugins

There are numerous OBS plugins that can help improve your recording quality and add extra functionality. For example, the OBS Studio Plugin offers extended capabilities that can help optimize recordings and boost performance. Here are some popular plugins for high-FPS recording:

  • StreamFX: Adds advanced filters, transitions, and options that can enhance your video quality.
  • OBS Shader Filter: Helps with color correction and post-processing effects to make high-FPS recordings look even more polished.

Plugins are an excellent way to extend OBS’s capabilities and make 120 FPS recording smoother and more reliable.

Conclusion: Is 120 FPS Capture with OBS Worth It?

Capturing at 120 FPS with OBS can significantly enhance the viewing experience, especially for competitive gameplay. With the right hardware, settings, and troubleshooting, OBS is capable of recording high-quality videos at this frame rate. However, 120 FPS recording demands substantial resources and careful optimization. For many gamers, capturing at 60 FPS may still offer a balance between quality and performance. But if your hardware allows it and you’re committed to providing the highest quality content, then 120 FPS recording with OBS is achievable and worth the effort.

Ultimately, it’s about finding the right balance for your setup. Experiment with settings and adjustments until you find the best performance that fits your hardware. For additional tips on OBS and streaming, check out our comprehensive guide to OBS settings.

This article is in the category Reviews and created by GameMasterHub Team

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