What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
To lower CPU use in OBS, first check whether the encoder or the scene and its sources are consuming resources. If OBS is using x264, test a supported hardware encoder; then simplify the scene. For a playlist of local files, use OBS’s Media Source playlist controls rather than playing the files in a browser. These changes can help, but the result depends on your hardware, settings, and sources—there is no established CPU reduction that applies to every playlist stream.
This guide assumes “playlist” means either local audio/video files in OBS or content displayed in an OBS Browser Source. Capturing a YouTube page and rebroadcasting it is a different workflow; the sources cited here do not establish a universally suitable setup for that.
1. Find out what is using the CPU
OBS has two distinct kinds of work to consider. Encoding turns the composed video into a stream; rendering and compositing combine the scene and its sources. Switching encoders may reduce CPU work from encoding, but it does not remove the work of rendering a complex scene. OBS’s encoding performance troubleshooting guidance, published June 12, 2021, recommends building simpler scenes and limiting expensive sources and filters.
- Note which encoder OBS is currently using and when CPU usage rises: while idle, when a particular source is visible, or once streaming begins.
- Change one setting at a time and observe the same part of the stream. That makes it easier to identify which change helped.
- Do not aim for a universal CPU percentage. The sources do not establish a target or a typical reduction for this exact workload.
2. Test a hardware encoder if OBS is using x264
x264 is software encoding that uses the CPU. If your computer has a supported hardware encoder, compare it with x264 in OBS’s output settings. OBS’s hardware encoding guidance, published January 11, 2022, explains that hardware encoding can move video-encoding work to a specialized component and off the CPU. It is a way to reduce one source of CPU load, not a guarantee that total CPU use will become negligible.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
- In OBS, open Settings and select Output.
- Check the selected output mode and encoder. If the encoder is x264, look for a hardware encoder available on your system.
- Select the supported hardware encoder and test the stream without changing other settings at the same time.
- Compare CPU use and the resulting picture. If quality is unacceptable or the encoder is unstable, revert or try another supported option.
Hardware compatibility varies. OBS also cautions that older generations of hardware encoders can deliver lower image quality than software encoding at comparable bitrates. Do not assume that any GPU, or any hardware encoder option shown by OBS, will suit every codec and quality requirement.
3. Simplify the scene and its sources
Reducing scene work can help even when encoding is already offloaded. OBS recommends limiting resource-intensive sources, reducing filters and browser sources, using smaller source dimensions where practical, and keeping scene collections focused.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
- Remove sources the stream does not need, including duplicates and decorative elements that add no value.
- Reduce filters, especially on sources that do not need processing.
- Use an image source for a static image instead of a browser source when the content is just an image.
- Use OBS Media Source or VLC Source for local audio or video rather than loading a web page to play the file.
- Keep scene collections focused; avoid carrying a large collection of unused sources into the setup.
Test sources individually: hide or remove one at a time and observe whether CPU use changes. A browser source can be resource-intensive, particularly when it runs complex scripts or animations. A 2020 OBS forum reply by administrator and developer R1CH noted that browsers have whole-browser overhead and that browser video formats may not be hardware-decoded. That is an explanation, not a benchmark or a rule for every computer. See the OBS forum discussion.
4. Set up a local playlist with Media Source
OBS Media Source supports audio and video files and has playlist controls. OBS’s Media Sources guidance, published January 11, 2022, documents looping, hardware decoding when supported, and an option to close a file when its source is inactive.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
- Add or select a Media Source for the local media in your scene.
- Use its playlist controls to add the files in the intended order and enable looping if the playlist should repeat.
- If the source is hidden or on another scene and should release resources while inactive, consider enabling Close file when inactive.
- Consider Use hardware decoding when available only if your hardware supports decoding that file type. Test the result; OBS does not claim this option always reduces CPU use on all systems.
Check that the files play correctly and that the intended playlist order and repeat behavior are in effect before relying on the scene for a long stream.
5. Troubleshoot by symptom
| What you notice | Likely area to investigate | What to try |
|---|---|---|
| CPU use climbs when streaming starts, and OBS is set to x264 | Software encoding may be a significant part of the load. | Test a supported hardware encoder in Settings > Output. Compare picture quality as well as CPU use. |
| CPU use rises when a particular scene or source appears | That source, its filters, or scene complexity may be adding render work. | Hide or remove sources one at a time; reduce filters and simplify the scene. |
| A playlist is playing through a Browser Source | The browser and page scripts can add overhead; browser video decoding behavior can vary. | For local files, test Media Source or VLC Source instead. If the browser is necessary, simplify its content and test it separately. |
| A hidden media source still appears to use resources | The media file may remain open while the source is inactive. | For a source that is hidden or on another scene, test Close file when inactive. |
| Hardware decoding does not improve CPU use or playback | The GPU may not support decoding that file type, or decoding may not be the bottleneck. | Turn the option off and compare; revisit encoding and scene complexity separately. |
| Hardware encoding lowers CPU use but picture quality suffers | Encoder generation and settings affect quality. | Compare against x264 at the intended output settings. Older hardware encoders may have a quality trade-off at comparable bitrates. |
6. When changing encoder or scene is not enough
Start with OBS settings and source simplification before buying hardware. A supported hardware encoder is worth considering only if your current computer lacks one that suits the stream or still cannot keep up after configuration changes. There is no basis here for recommending a particular GPU model; compatibility, codec, desired quality, and the rest of the setup matter.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Or let it run in the cloud
If the goal is to keep uploaded videos looping on a YouTube channel, rather than to produce a live camera or desktop scene, StreamNeo is a cloud option: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. It plays uploaded videos to YouTube; it is not a camera-based streaming tool.
- Your computer and home connection do not need to stay on to keep the stream running.
- One flat price per slot covers the quality of the uploaded file, up to 4K 60fps, with no re-encode or quality tiers.
- It automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream.
- The first day is free with no card required (one free day per account).
Monthly: $9.99 per month. Start your free StreamNeo day.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
