Webcam Lagging while streaming but game play unaffected

[annamal.gaming]

Hey!

I've been messing with this issue for a while and it seems to be off and on this last year, but I am yet to find a permanent fix.

I have a Logitech c920 webcam that will lag and stutter when streaming to Twitch while using OBS, It's usually* only when I load up and start playing a game.

Here is an example.
https://clips.twitch.tv/ToughElatedDootPoooound

It varies in how much it lags, sometimes freezing on a frame for 20+ seconds or less extreme, but still obnoxious like this
https://clips.twitch.tv/PlayfulLightStorkWholeWheat

But then other times there is no lag at all (even on the games it usually does have issues with), and I'm not sure what is causing the variation in performance.

*When I'm streaming less intensive things like drawing or IRL streams it's fine unless I use my 2nd c920 webcam as well. Then the main cam is fine but the secondary lags.
https://clips.twitch.tv/JollyNimbleSquirrelTakeNRG
&
https://clips.twitch.tv/BrightEvilDelicataLeeroyJenkins


I'm not seeing any issue with the CPU. No dropped frames and well under 20% the entire time.

After a LOT of searching and very little answers, my limited knowledge has me guessing it's something to do with the USB host controller. I don't know much about it but after trying to mess with things it looks like all of my ports are on 1 host except for one 3.1 port (that the cam is currently in).

I've tried:
■Using only 2.0 ports (as suggested by Logitech support on other forums)
■Not having it on the same host controller as other usb devices (why it's in the 3.1 slot and not 2.0)
■Checking for updates on drivers
■Installing the webcam software
■Uninstalling the webcam software (also suggested as a fix)
■Lowering webcam resolution (no noticeable difference in performance)
■Swapping to each USB port (5 in the back, 2 in front)
■Unplugging all unnecessary usb when not in use (This does make a small difference most of the time)
■Lowering resolution in games
■Taking off auto adjustments in the cam settings
■Improving lighting and lowering the brightness & gain in cam settings
■Doing a rain dance
■Sacrificing my firstborn

I'm all out of ideas but this simply is not acceptable and I NEED a fix. Help please!

SPECS
■OS: Windows 10
■Motherboard: ASUS Z170-A
■Processor: Intel i7-6700 K CPU
■GPU: AMD Radeon R9 390
■RAM: 16 GB
■Main Monitor: ASUS VG248QE
■Keyboard: Microsoft Sidewinder X4
■Mouse: Logitech G9x
■Webcam: Logitech C920 (x2)
■Mic: Blue Yeti Blackout
■Capture Card: Elgato HD60 Pro

 

[Lakken]

when uninstalling, are you clicking "UNINSTALL" or using a driver cleaner?
When uninstalling normally, it still will leave file in the registry..

What do you have set in Bitrate(OBS)

 

[annamal.gaming]

when uninstalling, are you clicking "UNINSTALL" or using a driver cleaner?
When uninstalling normally, it still will leave file in the registry..

I've done the normal uninstall and used Revo Uninstaller (free version). It was a long time ago though, so I can't remember if it picked anything up. I just checked again and there is nothing showing of it now.

 

[annamal.gaming]

What do you have set in Bitrate(OBS)

Bitrate is 3500

 

[Lakken]

Have you tried to lower the bitrate when using the secoond webcam?


I use OBS when I stream, but I have weaker pc than you. I have only 1 webcam, Logitech 9000 HD.
It lags when I had bitrate at 3500, because my internet was not good enough.
New setting in bitrate is now 3200. I can run the stream at 1920 x 1080 at 30 fps. no lag.

 

[annamal.gaming]

Have you tried to lower the bitrate when using the secoond webcam?


I use OBS when I stream, but I have weaker pc than you. I have only 1 webcam, Logitech 9000 HD.
It lags when I had bitrate at 3500, because my internet was not good enough.
New setting in bitrate is now 3200. I can run the stream at 1920 x 1080 at 30 fps. no lag.

Was it making the whole stream lag/buffer or just the camera?

I'm not sure how the bitrate would effect the camera. But I did have the bitrate lowered to 2500 for a while until I got transcodes back on my channel (the higher bitrate was causing the stream to buffer for some of my viewers with slower internet). But I'll have to go back and find those vods to see if it made any difference. It's worth trying out at least.

 

[Lakken]

with cam on, the whole stream was laggy/buffy
without cam and only show the game, it was fine.

went down on the bitrate, an then both cam and game run smooth on the stream.