Mini PC for Streaming: Keep Stream at 4K with Small Size

If you’re an aspiring streamer, maybe you’re thinking about upgrading to a dual PC streaming setup, you’ve come to the right place!

Before, you needed a desktop or laptop to stream live gameplay, but now some small computers comes with can deliver all the performance you need while also saving on desktop real estate.

Why Need Get Streaming With a Second PC

Many of the top streamers today are beginning to use a second PC to broadcast their stream, because it helps allowing their main desktop computer to focus its resources on the game.

That means for those on a budget, Getting a second PC just to stream may seem ludicrously lavish.

So a common mistake for first-time streamers is they stream and game on the same machine.

Gaming can already be demanding on the processor and the graphics card—if you then throw live streaming that same game into the mix, it could impact the quality of the stream and the video game, making it an unwatchable experience for your audience.

In worst-case scenarios, the game or the stream—and sometimes both—can crash. That’s bad news for streamers!

Besides stream quality, a heavy load can also affect your gameplay. In competitive video games where you play against other players, every advantage counts; and if your game stutters for even a millisecond, it could easily mean your defeat.

The most straightforward solution is to get high-end graphics cards and high-end processors, of course. But considering the market, this can easily rack up an expensive bill, which isn’t always an option especially if you’re a streamer on a budget. So, what do you do? You invest in a dedicated streaming PC.

Why Choose a Mini PC As a Dedicated Streaming PC

Small compact computers, we mean small. Some of them are small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, but they’re still equipped with enough processing power for office use and even some moderate gming! You can hook them up to a monitor, a keyboard, and a mouse, and then use them the way you’d use a regular-sized desktop.

That’s not what we’re using them for in this guide, though.

A Dedicated streaming mini PC can be a great option for those looking for a high-performance system that will stream 4K content.

A mini-PC can help you stream by shouldering the responsibility of live streaming, allowing your main desktop computer to focus its resources on the game and only the game. This lets you crank up the graphical settings to the max while still outputting a smooth and crisp stream to your watchers.

Another great benefit is that the mini-PC is compact enough to be tucked away in a corner of your desk while still leaving plenty of space for your desktop computer. Desk space is an especially precious resource for any streamer, since you need plenty of it to also set up your webcam and your mic.

Does Your Streaming PC Need a GPU?

Compared to your gaming PC, your streaming PC does not need to be very powerful. This PC does not need a lot of graphical power. As a matter of fact, you could easily get by without a graphics card and simply choose a CPU with an integrated graphics processor.

Can mini PC Supports Streaming 4K Content?

Streaming 4K content on PCs has become an important trend, but the question is, can mini PC support it?

Yes! many mini PCs now support streaming 4K content even if they only have an integrated graphics card.

But before you make the purchase, be sure to read all the specs. While some models might be sufficient for everyday tasks and video chatting, they may not be enough for serious streaming 4K video.

Here are some tips to help you make a smarter decision!

What Should You Look For in a Mini PC?

Minimum Specs For A Streaming PC

• Processor: Intel Core i5 or its AMD variant
• Operating system: Windows 7
• RAM: 4GB
• Storage Space: 128GB
• Graphics Card: UHD graphics processor

As with all computers, the most important computer parts a prospective streamer should look out for are the graphics card, the processor, and the RAM.

A computer that is dedicated to streaming doesn’t really need a powerful graphics card or lots of RAM. This is good news, because graphics cards are usually the most expensive part of a computer, followed closely by the processor.

Virtually any modern graphics card is more than enough for streaming since it’s a more processor-intensive task. You could also get away with having only 8 Gigabytes of RAM, which is roughly the standard amount needed for a modern computer to run smoothly.

As for the processor, you will need at least a quad-core processor on your mini PC. Twitch recommends having at least an Intel Core i5-4670 processor (or its AMD equivalent). What happens when you stream is that your computer essentially “records” a video of your gameplay, but instead of it being recorded, processed, and then shown, all these processes happen at the same time. In order for your mini PC to do that, you’ll need a moderately capable processor.

So I Have to Build My Own Mini-PC?

The good news is – you don’t have to! Since this guide is about easy-to-manage setups, we’ve included two starter mini PCs you can get you started on your streaming journey. Either option is under 500 USD, which is a great benchmark for budget computers.

The Intel NUC 8 Bean Canyon

Besides the really fun name, the Intel NUC Bean Canyon is Intel’s foray into compact, affordable computers. NUC stands for Next Unit of Computing, and the name is a testament to Intel’s commitment to the future of mini PCs. The great thing about the NUC Bean Canyon is its inclusion of a pretty powerful processor—the Intel i7-8559U. This is more than enough for your streaming needs.

Though there is a little bit of legwork involved—there’s no RAM, no hard drive, and no operating system, so you’ll have to buy those as well—it’s a great starter for a streaming PC as it comes in at only 480 USD.

The PELADN WI-6 N95 Mini PC

The PELADN WI-6 N95 Mini PC fits in the palm of your hand. For dedicated streaming, you only need 16GB of RAM. Coincidentally, this machine has 16GB of RAM, which is just the right amount. It's a great option for those who are on a budget but looking for value. PELADN is truly thoughtful!

Its stylish blue design is also pleasing to the eye. A mounting bracket is included on the back, allowing you to attach it to a wall if needed. The abundance of ports also means the Wi-6 N95 can support up to two 4K screens. While you don't really need that many ports for dedicated streaming, it's still an impressive feature.

The WI-6 N95 offers a variety of 12th Gen Intel® Core™ processors, powerful enough to handle a variety of needs, such as video decoding and streaming. The WI-6 N95 is packed with features, allowing you to easily travel with a reliable, fast PC. While it's a recommended dedicated streaming PC, it's also worth noting that it's easily portable and can be used anywhere.

It also comes pre-installed with Windows 11 Pro, so there's no need to purchase an operating system separately. The WI-6 N97 is truly plug-and-play, and considering this mini PC for streaming, all configured for $135, it's our top recommendation.

Conclusion

Investing in a mini PC for live streaming is the first step toward unlocking your streaming potential, allowing you to captivate and engage your audience with high-quality content.

So, look no further! If you're considering a reliable and high-quality mini PC for live streaming, PELADN is a supplier you can trust.