---
title: "Lesson 5.1 - CPU Specs"
description: "CPU Specs: the processor that handles your stream encoding when GPU encoding isn't available, plus runs your operating system, OBS, browser sources, and any games or applications you're streaming...."
url: https://thestreameragency.com/courses/streaming-setup-pro/lessons/setup-pro-5-1-cpu/
date: 2026-05-06
modified: 2026-05-06
author: "The Streamer Agency"
type: lp_lesson
lang: en
---

# Lesson 5.1 - CPU Specs

**CPU Specs:** the processor that handles your stream encoding when GPU encoding isn't available, plus runs your operating system, OBS, browser sources, and any games or applications you're streaming.

**Minimum recommendations for serious streaming:**

- **AMD Ryzen 7 7700X (~$300)** or **Intel Core i7-14700K (~$400).** 8+ cores. Both handle 1080p 60fps streaming with games running simultaneously.

- **For non-gaming streamers (Just Chatting, art, music):** Ryzen 5 7600 ($230) or Intel i5-13600 ($280) is sufficient.

- **For top-tier streamers running multi-PC setups:** Ryzen 9 7950X or Intel i9-14900K. Required for 4K 60fps gaming + streaming.

**What to look for:**

- **Core count:** 8 cores minimum for game-streaming. 6 cores acceptable for non-gaming.

- **Clock speed:** 4.0+ GHz base, 5.0+ GHz boost

- **Cache:** 32+ MB L3 cache for streaming workloads

**What NOT to buy:** older generation CPUs (Ryzen 5000 series, Intel 12th gen or older) at the cost of new ones. The current-gen CPUs deliver significantly better streaming performance per dollar.