Best GPU for OBS Studio (2026)
Official requirements for OBS Studio aren't fully confirmed yet, so these GPU picks are based on comparable titles and its platform. Treat them as a strong estimate and re-check once specs are final.
Recommended graphics cards by resolution
| Resolution | Our pick | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1080p High | AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT Best budget pick · 8GB · ~$249.00 |
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| 1440p High | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Ti Best value pick · 8GB · ~$499.00 |
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| 1440p Ultra / 4K with upscaling | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Ti Best high-end pick · 16GB · ~$749.00 |
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These picks target a smooth experience at each resolution. For native 4K at max settings — especially with ray tracing or path tracing — aim higher than the high-end pick and use DLSS/FSR upscaling, which can effectively move a card up a tier.
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OBS Studio system requirements
| Component | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| GPU | GeForce GTX 900 Series, Radeon RX 400 Series, Intel HD Graphics 500 | GeForce 10 Series, Radeon 5000 Series, Intel Xe |
| CPU | Intel i5 2500K, AMD Ryzen 1300X | Intel i7 8700K, AMD Ryzen 1600X |
| RAM | 4 GB | 8 GB |
Want to confirm a specific card? Test it against OBS Studio with our free Can I Run It tool, estimate frames with the FPS Estimator, or compare cards on the GPU tier list.
Frequently Asked Questions
What GPU do I need for OBS Studio?
For smooth 1080p, a AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT-class card meets the recommended bar. For 1440p, step up to around a NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Ti. For 4K, a NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Ti or better gives the most headroom. You can verify any card with our free Can I Run It checker.
Can I run OBS Studio on a cheaper GPU?
Often yes, at lower settings or with upscaling (DLSS/FSR). Anything at or above the game's minimum GPU will launch it; the picks above target a smooth, recommended-level experience.
Do I need a new CPU too?
For most games the GPU matters most, but a badly paired CPU can bottleneck a strong card. Check the balance with our bottleneck calculator before buying.