Have you ever tried to stream your epic gaming moments, only to watch your frame rate plummet faster than a skydiver without a parachute? That was me, not too long ago, trying to share my iRacing adventures with the world while simultaneously keeping my virtual car on track. It was like trying to juggle flaming torches while riding a unicycle – possible, but not pretty.

As a product leader and technology evangelist by day and a sim racing enthusiast by night, I found myself at a crossroads. I needed a solution that would allow me to maintain the silky-smooth performance of my triple 1440p monitor setup while broadcasting my races in high quality. Enter the world of dual PC streaming – a setup that promised to be the holy grail of content creation for gamers.

In this article, I’ll take you through my journey of repurposing an old PC into a dedicated streaming machine, navigating the maze of capture cards, audio routing, and the elusive quest for the perfect Stream Deck setup. Buckle up, folks – we’re in for a ride smoother than a perfectly executed heel-toe downshift.

The Hardware Hustle: Breathing New Life into Old Iron

The Streaming PC Specs

My trusty old rig, once the pride of my gaming den, was about to get a new lease on life. Here’s what we’re working with:

• CPU: Intel Core i9-9900KF (liquid-cooled, because why not?)
• RAM: 32GB (enough to make Chrome break out in a cold sweat)
• Storage: 1TB NVMe SSD + 1TB SSD (because load times are for chumps)
• GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Super (still super, just not as super as it used to be)
• PSU: 650W Gold (providing the juice for our streaming dreams)
• Motherboard: Z390 (the unsung hero of our setup)

This machine, while no longer cutting-edge for gaming (and no longer meets minimum hardware requirements for some of the leagues in which I race), is more than capable of handling the encoding and streaming workload. It’s like repurposing a retired racehorse for dressage – still elegant, just with a different purpose.

The Capture Card Conundrum

Initially, I considered the Elgato HD60 X, but it turned out to be a bit like bringing a knife to a gunfight – capable, but not quite up to the task of capturing my 1440p glory. The Elgato 4K X emerged as the champion, offering:

• Capture resolutions up to 4K144 (overkill for now, but future-proof)
• 1440p144 capture (perfect for my current setup)
• HDR10 support (because colors should pop like fireworks on the 4th of July)

The 4K X requires a USB 3.x port, but my old machine doesn’t have USB-C. No problem! I can use a USB-C to USB-A cable that supports 10Gbps to connect it to an available USB 3.1 port on the old machine. This setup provides the necessary bandwidth for high-quality capture.

The Stream Deck Solution

After considering various options, I decided to embrace the dual Stream Deck life. I added a second Elgato Stream Deck dedicated to managing the streaming PC. To keep my workspace clean and efficient, I mounted this new Stream Deck under one of my monitors using a sleek 40 Series Profile Desk Mount with 60mm extension arms. This setup allows for easy access to streaming controls without cluttering my primary gaming space.

Peripheral Perfection

To seamlessly manage both PCs, I made a few additional upgrades:

1. Dual-connecting Bluetooth Keyboard: I picked up an inexpensive Bluetooth keyboard (that arrived DoA, so will be returned and replaced with something else) that can switch between two devices at the push of a button. This allows me to type on either PC without the need for a KVM switch or constantly unplugging and replugging.
2. Logitech MX Master 2S Mouse: This versatile mouse can switch between multiple devices, making it perfect for my dual PC setup. With a quick button press, I can control either the gaming or streaming PC.
3. Repurposed Monitor: I’ve given new life to a small monitor I had lying around – the Eyoyo 8 inch Small Mini Monitor. This 8-inch screen with a 1024×768 resolution, which used to display chat on my gaming rig, is now mounted to my sim rig and serves as the primary display for working on and monitoring the streaming PC. It allows me to manage the streaming setup without taking up space on my main gaming monitors.

This combination of dual Stream Decks, a switchable keyboard and mouse, and a dedicated monitor for the streaming PC has created a streamlined, efficient workspace that lets me manage both gaming and streaming with ease.

The Software Symphony: Orchestrating the Perfect Stream

With the hardware sorted, it was time to dive into the software side of things. Setting up OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) on the streaming PC felt like conducting an orchestra – each input and output needed to be in perfect harmony.

Audio Alchemy

Routing audio became a task worthy of a Rube Goldberg machine. The goal? To capture game audio, Discord chatter, and my own dulcet tones, all while using my CORSAIR HS80 RGB Wireless Premium Gaming Headset for both in-game communication and stream commentary.

The solution? Voicemeeter Banana – a virtual audio mixer that’s about as straightforward as quantum physics, but twice as powerful. With it, I can:

1. Route game audio to one virtual output
2. Send Discord to another
3. Capture my mic input separately

All of this gets combined and sent to the capture card, creating an audio stream smoother than a jazz saxophone solo.

The Final Lap: Putting It All Together

After hours of tinkering, troubleshooting, and the occasional colorful language that would make a sailor blush, the dual PC streaming setup is ready for action. The gaming PC, free from the shackles of encoding, can now render my racing sims in all their high-refresh-rate glory. Meanwhile, the streaming PC hums along, turning my gameplay into a broadcast-quality stream.

“The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack in will.” – Vince Lombardi

This quote resonated with me throughout this process. Setting up a dual PC streaming rig isn’t just about the hardware or software – it’s about the willingness to dive deep, learn, and persevere through the challenges.

As I fired up iRacing for the first time with this new setup (actually, the third time was the charm…iRacing and Voicemeeter don’t particularly like each other), I couldn’t help but feel a sense of accomplishment. The stream was smooth, the gameplay was buttery, and my commentary was… well, let’s just say the tech was no longer the weakest link in the chain.

The Checkered Flag: Wrapping Up

Embarking on this dual PC streaming journey has been like upgrading from a go-kart to a Formula 1 car. It’s more complex, requires more maintenance, but boy, does it perform when it matters. For anyone looking to take their streaming game to the next level, especially in demanding scenarios like sim racing with triple monitors, a dual PC setup might just be the ticket to the winner’s circle.

Remember, the key to a successful dual PC streaming setup is:

• Choosing the right hardware for your needs
• Mastering the software to create a seamless experience
• Having the patience of a saint (or at least a very calm sim racer)

So, whether you’re sharing your gaming exploits, showcasing your creative process, or just want to flex your tech muscles, consider giving the dual PC streaming setup a spin. Who knows? You might just find yourself in the fast lane to streaming success.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have some laps to run and a stream to manage. See you on the track – and on the stream!