How to Avoid Laptop Overheating While OBS Streaming?

Livestreaming is one of the most resource-intensive activities. Not all live streamers have the luxury of high-end computers, particularly when they are starting. Many of the old laptops and desktops are not even equipped with GPUs. Even the ones that have sufficient resources could overheat for various reasons. This not only could result in application crashes, poor stream quality, inferior performance, and reboots, in extreme cases, it could also result in physical damage to the hardware. In this article, let us explore the factors that affect device performance and how to avoid PC overheating while streaming with OBS.

What Are The Reasons For Device Overheating While OBS Streaming?

PCs and other devices can overheat while streaming with OBS because of a wide range of reasons.

• The CPU is overclocking, and the power consumption is high.
• Several applications are running in the background, increasing the RAM and GPU usage.
• There are hardware issues, such as a malfunctioning cooler or fan.
• Issues with the OBS encoder settings, such as presets, frame, and buffer rates that may not be supported by the PC.
• Compatibility issues between the hardware devices used while streaming.
• Exposure of laptop and other hardware devices to high ambient temperature.

How to Resolve Laptop Overheating Issues While Streaming with OBS?

Both hardware and software factors can result in device overheating issues. Here are some of the steps that can be taken to resolve laptop overheating issues while live streaming

• Restart the PC or computer to start afresh.
• Check the CPU temperature and usage.
• If the CPU temperature is too high, ensure that there is sufficient ventilation for the machine. Use an external cooler/ fan if required.
• If the resource consumption is too high, close the background processes.
• If your device is equipped with a GPU, check if it is being used.
• Ensure that there are no power fluctuations, and troubleshoot issues with device drivers, and other issues.
• Try changing the settings in the software, such as lowering the frame rate.
• Upgrade the system resources if possible.
• Use a virtual desktop for OBS streaming.

How Does Hosted Virtual Desktop for OBS Streaming Prevent Device Overheating?

Using a hosted virtual desktop for OBS streaming reduces the load on the physical device. Here is how overheating issues can be minimized with a hosted virtual desktop for OBS streaming.

• The virtual desktop has resources of its own for OBS streaming and the physical device only needs sufficient resources to access the virtual desktop itself. This means that streaming can be done with even less-powerful devices, such as phones and tablets.
• It is much easier to scale the resources of a virtual desktop than to upgrade a PC. So, resolving overheating issues is much more economical with a virtual desktop.
• While GPU can be added or removed to a virtual desktop at any point in time, not all laptops and PCs can support it. Additionally, there would be a capital investment involved in upgrading, unlike the pay-as-you-go model for a virtual desktop.
• Virtual desktops for OBS streaming are managed solutions. They are tested and optimized for the purpose and require much less configuration and maintenance from the end-users.

Apps4Rent Can Help With Solutions for Streaming

Apps4Rent is one of the pioneers in offering GPU-enabled virtual desktops for OBS streaming. Our servers with NVIDIA-powered GPUs in top-tier SSAE 16 datacenters in New York and New Jersey have a proven track record for running resource-intensive workloads, such as OBS at affordable prices. Also, as a Tier 1 Microsoft CSP, Apps4Rent can provide customized solutions on Azure for live streaming. Contact our cloud architects, available 24/7 via phone, chat, and email for assistance.