---
title: "Lesson 3.1 - Encoder Selection"
description: "Encoder selection is the first decision in your OBS Advanced configuration. The three primary options: NVENC H.264, NVENC HEVC (or AV1 on RTX 4000+), and x264. The right choice is determined by your..."
url: https://thestreameragency.com/courses/stream-quality-system/lessons/quality-3-1-encoder-select/
date: 2026-05-07
modified: 2026-05-07
author: "The Streamer Agency"
type: lp_lesson
lang: en
---

# Lesson 3.1 - Encoder Selection

Encoder selection is the first decision in your OBS Advanced configuration. The three primary options: NVENC H.264, NVENC HEVC (or AV1 on RTX 4000+), and x264. The right choice is determined by your hardware, not by preference.

NVENC H.264 is the universal default for any streamer with an NVIDIA GPU from the last decade. The encoder offloads work from your CPU and produces a clean image at standard bitrates that every platform supports. NVENC HEVC and AV1 produce better quality at lower bitrate but require platform support (YouTube supports both; Twitch is rolling out support over 2026).

x264 (CPU encoding) is the fallback for streamers without GPU encoding hardware. The encoder runs on the CPU and burns processing power that could otherwise go to your game or your scene compositing.

Pick once based on your hardware. Default to NVENC H.264 if you are on NVIDIA. Default to AMD VCE if you are on AMD. Default to x264 only if you have no other option. Lock the choice. Never revisit.