Help Needed: Upgrading Tower for Double encoding / Streaming.

[Nenniana]

Dear forum,

I have recently begun streaming, as well as making YouTube videos from the same footage, but without overlay etc. This has forced me to have two instances of Obs Studio running; one for recording game footage and outputting an NDI signal; the other for streaming and picking up the aforementioned signal.

My computer's having big trouble dealing with this, specifically my CPU, even while using NVENC encoder.

My question is two-fold:
1. Should I upgrade my PC (I would prefer this, but want to do the smartest / cheapest) or would it be better to simply buy a side PC to record?
2. If upgrading my PC is the choice, which upgrades would ensure that I can run my setup without trouble? I have looked at the i7-9700k and thought that could solve my problems, but noticed that it would require a new motherboard..

Current Specifications are as follows:
CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K
GPU: Nvidia GTX 980 (MSI)
SSD: SanDisk Extreme II 240GB
HDD: Seagate FireCuda SSHD 1TB (2016)
RAM: Kingston HyperX DDR3 2133 C11 2x8GB
MBD: Asus Z97-A
TOWER: Fractal Design Define R4 (Miditower)

Budget is around 700 USD.

Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[NightHawkRMX]

Upgrading to a 9700k would not only require a new motherboard but more expensive ddr4. You likely could install a core i7 4790k 4c/8t for the cheap, however a fresh cpu motherboard and ram may perform much better. I reccomend a i7 8700k or ryzen 5 2600 since both have 4 more threads than the i7 9700 that lacks ht.

 

[NightHawkRMX]

Here is the cost of a new ryzen. 5 2600 build: PCPartPicker part list: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/8T6TP3
Price breakdown by merchant: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/8T6TP3/by_merchant/

CPU: AMD - Ryzen 5 2600 3.4 GHz 6-Core Processor ($164.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Asus - ROG STRIX B450-F GAMING ATX AM4 Motherboard ($122.74 @ Newegg Business)
Memory: Team - T-Force Delta RGB 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3000 Memory ($115.98 @ Newegg)
Total: $403.71
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2019-01-17 07:02 EST-0500 you could get a ryzen 7 1700 with 16 threads for a little more

 

[Nenniana]

Upgrading to a 9700k would not only require a new motherboard but more expensive ddr4. You likely could install a core i7 4790k 4c/8t for the cheap, however a fresh cpu motherboard and ram may perform much better. I reccomend a i7 8700k or ryzen 5 2600 since both have 4 more threads than the i7 9700 that lacks ht.

Thank you kindly for your reply.
So your recommendation is to upgrade my current setup with either i7 8700k or Ryzen 5 2600, a new motherboard and ram? If so, what would your recommendation be for motherboard and ram?

 

[NightHawkRMX]

PCPartPicker part list: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/DDK7tJ
Price breakdown by merchant: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/DDK7tJ/by_merchant/

CPU: Intel - Core i7-8700K 3.7 GHz 6-Core Processor ($366.44 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Noctua - NH-D15 82.5 CFM CPU Cooler ($89.95 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: MSI - Z370 GAMING PLUS ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($119.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Corsair - Vengeance LPX 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3000 Memory ($119.99 @ Newegg Business)
Total: $696.37
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2019-01-17 07:08 EST-0500 here is an I7 8700k parts list. It is a significantly faster cpu, however the platform cost is a lot more.

 

[NightHawkRMX]

You could go with either platform. The 8700k is faster than the 2600?, but the platform is double the cost. Both work well for streaming but 8700k is better for games.

 

[NightHawkRMX]

Here is a curve ball. This is a system with 8 cores and 16 threads and the stock ryzen cooler has rgb. PCPartPicker part list: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/BYgzZR
Price breakdown by merchant: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/BYgzZR/by_merchant/

CPU: AMD - Ryzen 7 2700X 3.7 GHz 8-Core Processor ($308.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: MSI - X470 GAMING PLUS ATX AM4 Motherboard ($129.56 @ Amazon)
Memory: Corsair - Vengeance RGB Pro 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3000 Memory ($119.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $558.54
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2019-01-17 07:18 EST-0500 this is cheaper than the 8700k and performs simmilar in games.

 

[Nenniana]

Here is a curve ball. This is a system with 8 cores and 16 threads and the stock ryzen cooler has rgb. PCPartPicker part list: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/BYgzZR
Price breakdown by merchant: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/BYgzZR/by_merchant/

CPU: AMD - Ryzen 7 2700X 3.7 GHz 8-Core Processor ($308.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: MSI - X470 GAMING PLUS ATX AM4 Motherboard ($129.56 @ Amazon)
Memory: Corsair - Vengeance RGB Pro 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3000 Memory ($119.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $558.54
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2019-01-17 07:18 EST-0500 this is cheaper than the 8700k and performs simmilar in games.

You're giving me so much to think of. The Ryzen 7 2700X looks absolutely delicious, though I am not sure I quite have the money. Would the AMD Ryzen 7 1700X or AMD Ryzen 7 1800X maybe be okay middleways? They're 15 and 65 dollars more expensive for me, respectively.

Also, what would be the main difference between X470 GAMING PLUS ATX AM4 and Z370 GAMING?

Lastly, my Tower is without windows, so I sadly can't use the RGB.

 

[Nenniana]

Here is a curve ball. This is a system with 8 cores and 16 threads and the stock ryzen cooler has rgb. PCPartPicker part list: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/BYgzZR
Price breakdown by merchant: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/BYgzZR/by_merchant/

CPU: AMD - Ryzen 7 2700X 3.7 GHz 8-Core Processor ($308.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: MSI - X470 GAMING PLUS ATX AM4 Motherboard ($129.56 @ Amazon)
Memory: Corsair - Vengeance RGB Pro 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3000 Memory ($119.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $558.54
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2019-01-17 07:18 EST-0500 this is cheaper than the 8700k and performs simmilar in games.

Also, I'd love to know what's the most important aspect when looking for the right ram? Would these be an okay choice? https://pcpartpicker.com/product/LbCD4D/crucial-ballistix-tactical-tracer-16gb-2-x-8gb-ddr4-3000-memory-blt2k8g4d30bet4k

Thanks in advance!

 

[NightHawkRMX]

Ok so z370 is an intel chipset ment for 8th gen intel core cpus. Z370 supports sli (nvidia) and crosfire (AMD) for multi gpu configs. Z370 also supports overoclocking.X370 is a chipset that allows overclocking, sli and crosfire, ment for 1st gen amd ryzen cpus. It may not work with a 2000series 2nd gen cpus without a bios update. X470 is mainly the same, but will work with 2nd generation amd ryzen 2000 series cpus and get better overclocks than x370. B450 is an amd chipset that supports second gen amd ryzen 2000 cpus. B450 supports crossfire and overclocking, however b450 is more designed for ryzen 3 and 5 cpus. Ryzen 7 cpus may not overclock well in a b450 board

 

[NightHawkRMX]

You could save money and get this setup with an amd ryzen 7 1700 (performs like an 1800x when overclocked) and a non rgb cooler is included unlike the 1800x. This has an x370 board allowing for a good overclock.https://pcpartpicker.com/list/kGQtYr when looking for ram look for dual channel kits with 2 modules. Also for amd ryzen cpus you NEED ram over 3000mhz or your peformance suffers. Faster ram is best for intel cpus aswell, but less important. I opted for simpler looking ram now since your case doesnt have a window. Is your case full atx that can fit a full atx motherboard?

 

[Nenniana]

You could save money and get this setup with an amd ryzen 7 1700 (performs like an 1800x when overclocked) and a non rgb cooler is included unlike the 1800x.

I think I am going with your suggestion and getting:
AMD Ryzen 7 2700X
And then the ASUS ROG STRIX X470-F GAMING, Socket-AM4 as I found a very good sale on it and it basically costs the same as the one you suggested.

Now I just need to find the right ram to buy. Should I keep it at 3000 Mhz? or does it make sense to go for 3200 or such? And what other factors should I be looking out for?

 

[NightHawkRMX]

Sorry i didnt edit that post before you saw it. Most 3000mhz ram can be tuned to run at 3200, however i would look for a 3000 or 3200 kit in a dual channel kit. Ram timings are usually simmilar so performance between individual 3000 or 3200 kits is simmiar. You could use the ram sticks from the link with the 1700 build. They will work well with your 2700x aswell. The more cores will help for streaming as amd ryzen cpus are proven to be the best streaming performance for their price.

 

[Nenniana]

You could save money and get this setup with an amd ryzen 7 1700 (performs like an 1800x when overclocked) and a non rgb cooler is included unlike the 1800x. This has an x370 board allowing for a good overclock.https://pcpartpicker.com/list/kGQtYr when looking for ram look for dual channel kits with 2 modules. Also for amd ryzen cpus you NEED ram over 3000mhz or your peformance suffers. Faster ram is best for intel cpus aswell, but less important. I opted for simpler looking ram now since your case doesnt have a window. Is your case full atx that can fit a full atx motherboard?

My case is https://pcpartpicker.com/product/BgR48d/fractal-design-case-fdcadefr4blo and can fit a full ATX motherboard, yes.

 

[NightHawkRMX]

Ok. Sounds good. Asus x470, ryzen 7 2700x, corsair 16gb 3000 ram, and a gtx980 should work very well.

 

[Nenniana]

Sorry i didnt edit that post before you saw it. Most 3000mhz ram can be tuned to run at 3200, however i would look for a 3000 or 3200 kit in a dual channel kit. Ram timings are usually simmilar so performance between individual 3000 or 3200 kits is simmiar. You could use the ram sticks from the link with the 1700 build. They will work well with your 2700x aswell. The more cores will help for streaming as amd ryzen cpus are proven to be the best streaming performance for their price.

Thank you loads for your help and time. I will try to find some proper ram that fits what I need. I have marked one of your messages as the answer.

 

[NightHawkRMX]

Thanks, glad I could help! Enjoy your setup. If you have any more questions don't hesitate to ask or make another thread!