If you're an aspiring streamer and perhaps thinking about upgrading to a dual PC streaming setup, you've come to the right place!

You used to need a desktop or laptop to stream live gameplay, but now some small computers can deliver all the power you need while saving desktop space.

Why do you need to stream with a second PC?

Many of today's top streamers are starting to use a second PC to broadcast their stream as this helps their main desktop computer focus its resources on the game.

This means for those on a budget, getting a second PC just for streaming can seem ridiculously wasteful.

So a common mistake for first-time streamers is streaming and gaming on the same computer.

Gaming can already be taxing on the processor and graphics card - then adding live streaming of the same game into the mix could impact the quality of the stream and video game, making it an unwatchable experience for your audience.

In the worst case scenario, the game or stream – and sometimes both – can crash. This is bad news for streamers!

In addition to stream quality, high load can also affect your gameplay. In competitive video games where you compete against other players, every advantage counts; and if your game stutters for even a millisecond, it could easily spell your defeat.

Of course, the easiest solution is to buy high-end graphics cards and high-end processors. However, given the market, this can easily lead to an expensive bill, which isn't always an option, especially if you're a streamer on a budget. So what are you doing? You invest in a dedicated streaming PC.

Why choose a mini PC as a dedicated streaming PC?

Small compact computers, we mean small. Some of them are small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, but they are still packed with enough processing power for office use and even moderate gaming! You can connect it to a monitor, keyboard and mouse and then use it like you would use a normal-sized desktop.

However, that's not what we're using them for in this guide.

A dedicated streaming mini PC can be a great option for those looking for a high-performance system that can stream 4K content.

A mini PC can help you stream by taking responsibility for live streaming and allowing your main desktop computer to focus its resources on the game and only the game. This allows you to crank up the graphical settings to the maximum while outputting a smooth and clear stream to your viewers.

Another big advantage is that the mini PC is compact enough to be tucked into the corner of your desk while still leaving plenty of space for your desktop computer. Desk space is a particularly valuable resource for any streamer, as you'll need plenty of it to set up your webcam and microphone as well.

Does your streaming PC need a GPU?

Compared to your gaming PC, your streaming PC doesn't need to be very powerful. This PC doesn't need a lot of graphics power. In fact, you could easily forego a graphics card and simply choose a CPU with an integrated graphics processor.

Can Mini PC support streaming 4K content?

Streaming 4K content on PCs has become a major trend, but the question is, can mini PCs support it?

Yes! Many mini PCs now support streaming 4K content, even if they only have an integrated graphics card.

But before you make the purchase, be sure to read all the specifications. While some models are sufficient for everyday tasks and video chatting, they may not be enough for serious 4K video streaming.

Here are some tips to help you make a wiser decision!

What should you look for in a mini PC?

Minimum requirements for a streaming PC

  • Processor: Intel Core i5 or its AMD variant
  • Operating system: Windows 7
  • RAM: 4GB
  • Storage space: 128GB
  • Graphics card: UHD graphics processor

As with all computers, the most important computer parts an aspiring streamer should pay attention to are the graphics card, processor, and memory.

A computer dedicated solely to streaming doesn't really need a powerful graphics card or a lot of RAM. This is good news because graphics cards are typically the most expensive part of a computer, closely followed by the processor.

Virtually any modern graphics card is more than enough for streaming, as it is a more processor-intensive task. You could also get away with just 8 gigabytes of RAM, which is about the standard amount needed to keep a modern computer running smoothly.

As for the processor, you need at least a quad-core processor on your mini PC. Twitch recommends having at least an Intel Core i5-4670 processor (or its AMD equivalent). What happens when you stream is that your computer essentially “records” a video of your gameplay, but instead of it being recorded, processed, and then displayed, all of these processes happen at the same time. In order for your mini PC to do this, you need a moderately powerful processor.

So I have to build my own mini PC?

The good news is – you don’t have to! Since this guide is about easy-to-manage setups, we've included two starter mini PCs to get you started on your streaming journey. Both options cost less than $500, which is a good benchmark for budget computers.

Intel NUC 8's Bean Canyon

Aside from the really funny name, the Intel NUC Bean Canyon is Intel's foray into compact, affordable computers. NUC stands for Next Unit of Computing, and the name is a testament to Intel's commitment to the future of mini PCs. The great thing about the NUC Bean Canyon is the integration of a pretty powerful processor – the Intel i7-8559U. This is more than enough for your streaming needs.

Although there's a bit of legwork involved - there's no RAM, no hard drive, and no operating system, so you'll have to buy those too - it's a great starter for a streaming PC, as it only costs $480.

The Geekom Mini IT8

The Geekom Mini IT8 is slightly larger than most mini PCs, coming in at around 4 x 4 inches, but the good thing is that it's available with a hard drive with up to 16GB of RAM (although again, we only really need 8GB for dedicated streaming). Very thoughtful of Geekom!

Its elegant black design is also easy on the eyes. A mounting bracket on the back means this recommendation can be attached to a bracket on the wall if required. An abundance of ports also means the Mini IT8 can support up to four screens. While you won't need as many for dedicated streaming, it's still an impressive feature.

With an Intel Coffee Lake i5 8259U processor, it's not quite as powerful as the Intel NUC Bean Canyon, but it's enough to get the job done for your needs. It also comes with Intel's Iris Plus Graphics 655; This combination means that the IT8 is also suitable for moderate gaming. Given all its features, you can easily pack the IT8 when traveling and have a reliable, fast PC wherever you go. While this is a recommendation for a dedicated streaming PC, it's worth noting how easy it is to take the IT8 anywhere and use it anywhere.

It also ships with Windows 11, released in 2021, so there's no need to purchase an operating system either. The Mini IT8 is truly plug-and-play and our top recommendation considering this mini PC for streaming and all of its inclusions start at $399.