NVIDIA GTX 1050 Ti vs AMD RX 570: Which is Better for Game Recording?

If you're a gamer looking to start streaming or recording your gameplay, choosing the right hardware can make a significant impact on both performance and video quality. In this article, we will compare two popular graphics card options, the NVIDIA GTX 1050 Ti and the AMD RX 570, focusing on their suitability for game recording. We will also explore how to set up recording with a software like Streamlabs OBS and the benefits of using hardware encoding.

Understanding the Specifications

The NVIDIA GTX 1050 Ti is a mid-range graphics card from the Pascal generation, known for its balance of performance and efficiency. While the AMD RX 570, from the Polaris generation, is recognized for its powerful gaming capabilities, often making it a preferred choice for players looking for a slightly more powerful card.

NVIDIA GTX 1050 Ti

The NVIDIA GTX 1050 Ti features 4 GB of GDDR5 memory with a clock speed of 1.379 GHz. This card is equipped with 640 CUDA cores and, although it is not the most recent model, it provides reliable performance for gaming and basic streaming needs. While it may not be the best option for the latest titles, it can handle a wide range of games and other applications.

AMD RX 570

The AMD RX 570 boasts 4 GB of GDDR5 memory with a clock speed of 1224 MHz. It features 2304 Stream Processors and is capable of delivering better performance than the GTX 1050 Ti in modern games. This card is typically favored by gamers looking for more robust performance, especially in 1080p resolution.

The Prime Location: Game Recording

For game recording, both cards can serve their purpose, but the choice between them can come down to several factors:

Performance: The AMD RX 570's superior performance in modern games could translate to less latency and better frame rates during recording. Quality: With more powerful hardware, the RX 570 is likely to provide higher video quality, resulting in smoother and crisper footage. Compatibility: Both cards work well with game recording software, but the RX 570’s performance advantage may offer a smoother experience.

Setting Up Your Recording Software: Streamlabs OBS

One popular choice for game recording is Streamlabs OBS. This open-source software is user-friendly and highly customizable. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to set it up and ensure efficient hardware encoding:

Download and install Streamlabs OBS from their official website. Set up your recording output. Streamlabs OBS supports both software and hardware encoding. Enable hardware encoding using your graphics card. This can significantly reduce CPU usage and improve performance. Configure your game settings to capture the frames you want. Adjust the resolution and frame rate based on your preferences and your GPU’s capability. Test your setup before starting a live stream or recording. This ensures everything is working smoothly.

Benefits of Hardware Encoding

One of the most significant advantages of using a powerful graphics card like the RX 570 with hardware encoding is that it can significantly reduce the load on the CPU. This is crucial for maintaining a smooth recording experience, especially during high-intensity gaming sessions.

Hardware encoding offloads the video processing tasks to the GPU, which can handle the heavy lifting of converting frames into a video file format. This not only reduces CPU usage but also allows for real-time preview of the recording while gaming, providing a seamless experience for the user.

Conclusion

Both NVIDIA GTX 1050 Ti and AMD RX 570 have their strengths, and the choice between them will depend on your specific needs. If you prioritize performance and high-quality recordings, the AMD RX 570 is likely to be the better choice. However, the GTX 1050 Ti offers an economic alternative for those looking to stream without compromising too much on video quality.

Regardless of your choice, setting up the right recording software and enabling hardware encoding can significantly enhance your gameplay recording experience. Whether it's using Streamlabs OBS for convenience or ensuring smooth performance, the right setup can make all the difference.