Quicksync Kaby Lake: Understanding the Performance Difference between OBS Studio and Intel Graphics Command Center Recording

The debate about performance differences between OBS Studio and Intel Graphics Command Center recording has been ongoing for some time. Some users have reported that their recordings are slower when using OBS Studio compared to Intel's own tool, while others claim that they experience no issues whatsoever. In this article, we'll delve into the possible reasons behind this discrepancy and explore ways to optimize your recording experience with Quicksync Kaby Lake.

One of the primary suspects in this mystery is the 'New' Encoder, introduced in OBS v26. This encoder utilizes the Video Processing part of the GPU, which could potentially lead to improved performance. However, some users have reported that even with this new encoder enabled, their recordings remain slower than those produced by Intel Graphics Command Center.

Another possible explanation for the performance difference is the use of Quicksync encoding. Intel's own tool has been found to utilize the Video Processing part of the GPU more effectively, resulting in lower GPU usage and faster recording times. In contrast, OBS Studio may not be utilizing this feature as efficiently, leading to slower recordings.

So, how can you enable Quicksync encoding in OBS? Unfortunately, it appears that this option is not readily available in the current version of the software. However, some users have reported success by modifying their OBS configuration files manually. This process requires a good understanding of coding and may not be suitable for all users.

In addition to enabling Quicksync encoding, another potential solution to improve performance is to enable nv12 textures in OBS. NV12 is a color format that can significantly reduce GPU usage and improve recording times. However, this feature does not seem to be available as an option in the Advanced settings of OBS Studio. Instead, you may need to modify your configuration files manually or seek assistance from the OBS development team.

In conclusion, the performance difference between OBS Studio and Intel Graphics Command Center recording can be attributed to various factors, including the use of Quicksync encoding and the Video Processing part of the GPU. While enabling Quicksync encoding may not be possible at present, there are other ways to optimize your recording experience with Quicksync Kaby Lake. By understanding these factors and exploring available solutions, you can achieve faster and more efficient recording times in OBS Studio.

Quicksync kaby lake