The *BEST* Clipping Software for Low-End PCs (No Lag/1080p) (OBS Replay Buffer)

Introduction

If you're looking to clip your favorite gaming moments without experiencing lag or sacrificing video quality, you might want to consider using OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) Replay Buffer. In this guide, I'll walk you through the essential settings for OBS to ensure optimal performance on low-end PCs, especially when playing CPU-intensive games like Valorant.

Getting Started with OBS

Before diving in, ensure that you have OBS downloaded and installed. You can find the download link in the description of this guide. The installation process is straightforward and user-friendly.

1. Adding a Source

Open OBS Studio.
In the Sources panel, right-click and select "Add."
Choose "Game Capture," as this option allows you to clip solely from the game rather than from other applications on your computer.
For the mode, select "Capture Specific Window" and click "OK." Once you start Valorant, you'll see it listed as an option.

2. Configuring Output Settings

Next, head to the settings menu:

Navigate to the "Output" tab.
Set the Output Mode to "Advanced."
Under the "Recording" tab, choose the folder where you want your clips saved.
For recording format, it’s recommended to use FLV or MKV to prevent file loss if OBS or your game crashes. You can convert these files to MP4 later if needed.

Audio Tracks

You only need two audio tracks—one for your microphone and one for game audio. This separation allows for better editing flexibility later on.

3. Setting Up Encoding

If you have an Nvidia GPU:

Use NVENC with H.264 for the best performance and quality.

For AMD GPUs:

You might need to resort to x264 (CPU encoding) for performance, especially on low-end systems.

4. Encoder Settings

When looking at the encoder settings, you have two options: CBR (Constant Bitrate) and VBR (Variable Bitrate). For low-end PCs, CBR is often the safer choice to avoid performance issues. Aim for the following settings based on your PC capabilities:

Resolution: Start with 1080p at 60 FPS. If your system struggles, try lowering to 720p at 60 FPS.
Bitrate: Test different bitrate levels for optimal performance.

5. Final Adjustments

Set the Keyframe Interval to zero.
Choose the Preset based on your PC’s capability (Performance is recommended for lower specs).
Verify that your audio tracks are set to the highest quality (320 kbps).
Enable the Replay Buffer and set how long you want clips to capture (e.g., the last 120 seconds).
Adjust your video settings to a base resolution of 1920x1080 and choose common FPS values, ideally starting at 60 FPS.

6. Hotkeys

Assign hotkeys for starting/stopping the replay buffer and saving clips. This will prevent you from needing to minimize your game and allows for seamless clipping.

Testing Your Setup

Once you have your settings configured, launch your game and keep an eye on your FPS. Check for any lag or quality issues while recording. Adjust your settings if necessary—either lowering quality or bitrate or testing different encoder options.

By following these steps, you can easily set up OBS Replay Buffer to clip gaming moments with minimal lag, even on a low-end PC.

Conclusion

Hopefully, this guide has simplified the process of setting up OBS Replay Buffer for your gaming needs. If you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the comments below. For more detailed information about OBS, additional links can be found in the description.

Thank you for reading, and happy clipping!

Keyword

OBS
Replay Buffer
Clipping Software
Low-End PCs
No Lag
1080p
Game Capture
Output Settings
NVENC
x264
CBR
VBR
Performance

FAQ

Q: What is OBS Replay Buffer?
A: OBS Replay Buffer is a feature in OBS that allows you to capture a set duration of gameplay after the moment occurs, making it easier to record gaming highlights.

Q: Can I use OBS on a low-end PC?
A: Yes, OBS can be optimized for low-end PCs by adjusting output settings, encoding options, and ensuring that you're using the right hardware.

Q: Which recording format is recommended for reliability?
A: FLV or MKV formats are recommended since they save your clips more reliably compared to MP4. You can remux them to MP4 afterwards if needed.

Q: What settings should I start with for resolution and FPS?
A: Start with 1080p at 60 FPS for quality, but if your PC struggles, consider lowering it to 720p at 60 FPS.

Q: How do I assign hotkeys in OBS?
A: Go to the hotkeys section in settings and assign convenient keys for starting/stopping the replay buffer and saving clips.

Q: How can I convert FLV or MKV files to MP4?
A: You can use the “Remux Recordings” feature in OBS to convert FLV or MKV files to MP4 easily.