Gaming, Streaming and Content Creation Gear

Start from what you want to make or play

This area is organised by activity. A streaming setup builds from streaming and USB microphones, webcams and PC cameras and capture devices for consoles and cameras. Illustration and design lean on drawing tablets and pens. Play calls for gamepads, joysticks and wheels, and presenting calls for slide clickers and laser pointers. Pick the activity first, then the connection, since a mix of devices competes for the same few USB ports.

Resolution, frame rate and the ports your PC has

Video gear lists resolutions such as 1080p and 4K at 60 frames per second, but the whole chain must keep up: the camera or capture device, the cable, the port and your software. Uncompressed 1080p at 60 frames needs far more than a USB 2.0 port provides, so such devices use USB 3 or a PCIe card, and USB 2.0 units compress the video. Protected (HDCP) sources generally cannot be captured. Count free USB ports before choosing, and consider a powered hub for the rest.

Questions about Gaming, Streaming and Content Creation Gear

Do I need a capture card to stream console games?

Many consoles stream through their own apps, but a capture card sends the video to a PC, so you can add overlays, record in higher quality and use streaming software. Check it handles the resolution and frame rate you play at.

Should I choose a USB or an XLR microphone?

USB microphones plug straight into a computer and need no extra gear, which suits most streamers. XLR microphones need an audio interface or mixer, but let you upgrade the microphone and the interface separately later.

Why will my webcam or capture device not reach 4K?

The device, cable, port and software must all support 4K, and 4K at 60 frames per second needs far more bandwidth than a USB 2.0 port gives. Use a USB 3 port and the cable supplied, and select the mode in your software.