Encoder overload

How to identify the cause of frame drops or unstable bitrate is covered in the Unstable Bitrate section.

If you're experiencing frame drops during rendering or encoding, it means OBS is unable to process frames in time — most often due to encoder overload, whether it's the CPU or GPU, depending on the selected encoding method.

Ways to reduce the load:

1. Lower the resolution and/or frame rate (FPS).
2. Reduce the encoding preset quality (e.g., choose "Performance" instead of "Quality"). Preset names vary depending on the encoder. For example, on NVIDIA GPUs using H264:

1. Switch to a different encoder by selecting a less loaded device (e.g., switch from x264 to NVENC H264 or vice versa).

1. Explore additional OBS optimization tips:

   Guide to optimizing OBS

2. Use more powerful hardware if your current system is not handling the load.

3. Use the OBS automatic log analyzer. Instructions