• Log InLog In
  • Register
Liquid`
Team Liquid Liquipedia
EDT 03:26
CEST 09:26
KST 16:26
  • Home
  • Forum
  • Calendar
  • Streams
  • Liquipedia
  • Features
  • Store
  • EPT
  • TL+
  • StarCraft 2
  • Brood War
  • Smash
  • Heroes
  • Counter-Strike
  • Overwatch
  • Liquibet
  • Fantasy StarCraft
  • TLPD
  • StarCraft 2
  • Brood War
  • Blogs
Forum Sidebar
Events/Features
News
Featured News
[ASL19] Finals Recap: Standing Tall9HomeStory Cup 27 - Info & Preview18Classic wins Code S Season 2 (2025)16Code S RO4 & Finals Preview: herO, Rogue, Classic, GuMiho0TL Team Map Contest #5: Presented by Monster Energy6
Community News
Weekly Cups (June 30 - July 6): Classic Doubles0[BSL20] Non-Korean Championship 4x BSL + 4x China3Flash Announces Hiatus From ASL63Weekly Cups (June 23-29): Reynor in world title form?13FEL Cracov 2025 (July 27) - $8000 live event22
StarCraft 2
General
Weekly Cups (June 30 - July 6): Classic Doubles Program: SC2 / XSplit / OBS Scene Switcher The SCII GOAT: A statistical Evaluation Statistics for vetoed/disliked maps Weekly Cups (June 23-29): Reynor in world title form?
Tourneys
RSL: Revival, a new crowdfunded tournament series FEL Cracov 2025 (July 27) - $8000 live event Sparkling Tuna Cup - Weekly Open Tournament WardiTV Mondays Korean Starcraft League Week 77
Strategy
How did i lose this ZvP, whats the proper response Simple Questions Simple Answers
Custom Maps
[UMS] Zillion Zerglings
External Content
Mutation # 481 Fear and Lava Mutation # 480 Moths to the Flame Mutation # 479 Worn Out Welcome Mutation # 478 Instant Karma
Brood War
General
SC uni coach streams logging into betting site Player “Jedi” cheat on CSL Flash Announces Hiatus From ASL BW General Discussion Practice Partners (Official)
Tourneys
CSL Xiamen International Invitational [BSL20] Non-Korean Championship 4x BSL + 4x China The Casual Games of the Week Thread [BSL20] Grand Finals - Sunday 20:00 CET
Strategy
Simple Questions, Simple Answers I am doing this better than progamers do.
Other Games
General Games
Stormgate/Frost Giant Megathread Path of Exile Nintendo Switch Thread What do you want from future RTS games? Beyond All Reason
Dota 2
Official 'what is Dota anymore' discussion
League of Legends
Heroes of the Storm
Simple Questions, Simple Answers Heroes of the Storm 2.0
Hearthstone
Heroes of StarCraft mini-set
TL Mafia
TL Mafia Community Thread Vanilla Mini Mafia
Community
General
Stop Killing Games - European Citizens Initiative US Politics Mega-thread Summer Games Done Quick 2024! Summer Games Done Quick 2025! Russo-Ukrainian War Thread
Fan Clubs
SKT1 Classic Fan Club! Maru Fan Club
Media & Entertainment
Anime Discussion Thread [Manga] One Piece [\m/] Heavy Metal Thread
Sports
2024 - 2025 Football Thread Formula 1 Discussion NBA General Discussion TeamLiquid Health and Fitness Initiative For 2023 NHL Playoffs 2024
World Cup 2022
Tech Support
Computer Build, Upgrade & Buying Resource Thread
TL Community
Blogs
Culture Clash in Video Games…
TrAiDoS
from making sc maps to makin…
Husyelt
Blog #2
tankgirl
StarCraft improvement
iopq
Trip to the Zoo
micronesia
Customize Sidebar...

Website Feedback

Closed Threads



Active: 657 users

XSplit capture methods: a quick analysis

Blogs > R1CH
Post a Reply
1 2 3 Next All
R1CH
Profile Blog Joined May 2007
Netherlands10340 Posts
Last Edited: 2012-04-18 15:09:02
April 18 2012 08:28 GMT
#1
I've been quick to recommend people use DXTory instead of xsplit's screen region, but until now I hadn't really done much research on the subject. I decided to do some very rough benchmarks comparing screen region to game source and dxtory. These results will probably vary between systems a lot due to different CPU and video cards. This test is only testing capture, no streaming occurred.

The Results
  • Baseline (no capture): 100 fps, 45% CPU usage.
    I loaded a unit test map and spawned enough units to give me a nice stable 100 fps on my i5 2500k with an NVIDIA GTX 560 Ti, 1680x1050, medium graphics.

  • XSplit screen region (1680x1050): 90 fps, 60% CPU usage.
    As expected, CPU use within xsplit jumped once adding the screen region. I was actually surprised how low the FPS hit was though, if you have the spare CPU this seems like a good (and free) method to use.

  • XSplit game source: 62 fps, 66% CPU usage.
    Pretty terrible. Would not recommend, it maxed out XSplit's CPU usage across a single core and caused a 40% FPS drop in SC2. Despite SplitMedia's claims that game source is ready for prime time, it clearly has a long way to go.

  • DXTory (with scaling): 82fps, 55% CPU usage.
    Was surprised again by the FPS hit, I thought DXTory would cause the lowest FPS drop prior to these tests. This test involved scaling options set in DXTory to match the XSplit window size (1152 x 720).

  • DXTory (no scaling): 82fps, 50% CPU.
    Same as above, but with no scaling set so that XSplit has to do the scaling. The CPU hit from this is very low, which seems to indicate something else is causing the FPS drop as there is clearly a lot of CPU to spare.

  • DXTory (Synchronous Surface Lock): 92fps, 55% CPU.
    Enabling the advanced option 'Synchronous Surface Lock' seems to increase FPS considerably with a minor CPU hit. This option may be video card dependent, so do your own testing do determine whether this helps or not.

The Problem
You might look at the results and think you'd be fine using the built in screen region in XSplit. Several pro-gamers have complained that even on high end PCs, streaming makes their game feel laggy. I tried to quantify this lag and found that screen region does indeed cause frame lag. If you capture your game using the screen region feature, expect to see a few frames of input lag.

You can tell if there is frame lag by dragging your mouse around the mini-map very fast and observing if the white rectangle keeps up with your mouse cursor. I shot video of my screen at 60fps and reduced it to 1fps to show the results here:

No Capture (regular SC2):
[image loading]

XSplit Screen Region:
[image loading]

DXTory:
[image loading]

(If the above images no longer work due to bandwidth use, you can download the test videos here).

You can clearly see that the XSplit screen region method introduces frame lag that is not present with no capture or DXTory. Another interesting thing I noticed is that screen region will still cause increased CPU use and frame lag even if it is disabled in the xsplit sources window. I strongly recommend removing all unused screen regions for this reason.

Update: Disabling Aero seemed to remove the frame lag issue with screen capture for me. Your results may vary as this is probably video card dependent.

DXTory Worth It?
DXTory isn't free and costs around $50. Whether this is worth it to you depends on whether you are sensitive enough to notice the frame lag caused by xsplit screen capture. If you want the best gameplay experience when you stream, then DXTory is a must. If you aren't at the level where frame lag is affecting your game, then xsplit's screen region is surprisingly efficient, if a little CPU hungry. Another benefit of DXTory is being able to capture in Fullscreen mode, which some pro-gamers prefer to use instead of Windowed Fullscreen.

****
AdministratorTwitter: @R1CH_TL
Torte de Lini
Profile Blog Joined September 2010
Germany38463 Posts
April 18 2012 08:37 GMT
#2
DXtory helps reduce the amount of bitrate as well, no? I know someone showed almost near HQ quality with a below 1MB upload.

http://www.teamliquid.net/forum/viewmessage.php?topic_id=272764

I use DXtory because GameSource is still terrible and screen region is, as you show above, still pretty bad. What's great about DXTory is that it stays on the game-screen, so I can alt-tab to a private skype conversation and it won't show the audience what I am doing.
https://twitter.com/#!/TorteDeLini (@TorteDeLini)
R1CH
Profile Blog Joined May 2007
Netherlands10340 Posts
April 18 2012 08:38 GMT
#3
DXTory is just a capture method, none of them will have any effect on bitrate or CPU used during the encoding.
AdministratorTwitter: @R1CH_TL
obesechicken13
Profile Blog Joined July 2008
United States10467 Posts
Last Edited: 2012-04-18 08:43:47
April 18 2012 08:40 GMT
#4
I think Rich is saying that streaming with dxtory is better than with xsplit. That's... good I guess. Yes let's go with that. Good.
I think in our modern age technology has evolved to become more addictive. The things that don't give us pleasure aren't used as much. Work was never meant to be fun, but doing it makes us happier in the long run.
Torte de Lini
Profile Blog Joined September 2010
Germany38463 Posts
Last Edited: 2012-04-18 08:41:48
April 18 2012 08:41 GMT
#5
No, you need to stream with DXTory + XSplit.
https://twitter.com/#!/TorteDeLini (@TorteDeLini)
tgun
Profile Blog Joined August 2010
434 Posts
April 18 2012 08:42 GMT
#6
R1CH, you're a savior to all streamers mate. Thanks very much for the research
mizU
Profile Blog Joined April 2010
United States12125 Posts
April 18 2012 08:49 GMT
#7
R1ch, you're fucking amazing.
if happy ever afters did exist <3 @watamizu_
Zilver
Profile Joined December 2008
Finland282 Posts
April 18 2012 09:03 GMT
#8
I didn't even know there was this synchronous surface lock, I've got an ati 7970 so we'll see how that effects my performance.
And not sure if others do this, but disabling flash/having only one browser tab up for stream control will significantly increase fps. Playing with flash enabled in the background reduces my fps by like 20%, and cause the occasional stutter.
1a2a3a iWin
evanthebouncy!
Profile Blog Joined June 2006
United States12796 Posts
April 18 2012 09:04 GMT
#9
Hahah i read it as Xsplit captures meth
i was confused for a bit but haha R1ch the hacker man.
Life is run, it is dance, it is fast, passionate and BAM!, you dance and sing and booze while you can for now is the time and time is mine. Smile and laugh when still can for now is the time and soon you die!
R1CH
Profile Blog Joined May 2007
Netherlands10340 Posts
Last Edited: 2012-04-18 09:05:59
April 18 2012 09:05 GMT
#10
Yeah closing all background applications using GPU / CPU is important when streaming. Browsers especially can be playing flash-based ads that will use CPU and GPU resources. On that note, the TwitchTV dashboard video preview must be paused, pressing "Hide Video" does not actually stop it from playing and consuming resources, it only hides it.
AdministratorTwitter: @R1CH_TL
UltimateHurl
Profile Blog Joined September 2010
Ireland591 Posts
April 18 2012 09:06 GMT
#11
Thanks R1CH, was looking at streaming options and messing around with Xsplit's free version, good to have extra advice. 5/5
Danglars
Profile Blog Joined August 2010
United States12133 Posts
April 18 2012 09:22 GMT
#12
Had no clue it was this noticeable. Wow.
Great armies come from happy zealots, and happy zealots come from California!
TL+ Member
T.O.P. *
Profile Blog Joined January 2009
Hong Kong4685 Posts
April 18 2012 09:31 GMT
#13
How about other video capture software like VHScreenCap and SCFH
Oracle comes in, Scvs go down, never a miscommunication.
R1CH
Profile Blog Joined May 2007
Netherlands10340 Posts
April 18 2012 09:36 GMT
#14
VHScreenCap is essentially the same as XSplit (SplitMedia bought vhscreencap and vhmulticam and made xsplit out of it). Haven't tested enough with SCFH, think it's probably on par with xsplit but it's incredibly annoying to setup.
AdministratorTwitter: @R1CH_TL
Cascade
Profile Blog Joined March 2006
Australia5405 Posts
April 18 2012 09:47 GMT
#15
Nice tests. Just drove by here to point out that the title in the sidebar is:

XSplit capture meth…

which could have been the title of an entirely different kind of thread.
Avean
Profile Blog Joined September 2010
Norway449 Posts
April 18 2012 09:56 GMT
#16
Very nice tests, was planning on doing the same. Ive gotten the same results as you with region vs game source. Shocked to see dxtory beeing that better though.
TBO
Profile Joined September 2009
Germany1350 Posts
Last Edited: 2012-04-18 10:07:07
April 18 2012 09:58 GMT
#17
R1CH, I noticed that I get way better framerates when I keep Aero enabled (like 180-220 fps with various screen capture methods (x-split inbuild, uscreen, scfh, dxtory), while I only get 20-50 fps when I disable aero.

When aero is disabled opening X-Split and having it visible on my 2nd screen without any screen capture alone reduces it from 250 to 90.

I always thought that Aero is bad for performance so I am a bit confused now.

Also game source is at 150fps for me with Aero enabled and at 20-30 fps with Aero disabled.

Does gamesource also cause the framelag?
Abort Retry Fail
Profile Joined December 2011
2636 Posts
April 18 2012 10:01 GMT
#18
R1CH you are a god amongst men!
Thanks for this post.
BSOD
Elvex
Profile Joined August 2010
United States191 Posts
April 18 2012 10:03 GMT
#19
Are your tests done in fullscreen or fullscreen windowed mode? I've noticed that while using XSplit and fullscreen mode, the UI flashes, and thus you have to run it in fullscreen windowed, but DXTory works fine in fullscreen mode.
R1CH
Profile Blog Joined May 2007
Netherlands10340 Posts
April 18 2012 10:09 GMT
#20
Forgot to mention, these tests were with Aero enabled. Will re-test a bit later with Aero disabled but I suspect this will not make any difference unless there are layered windows.
AdministratorTwitter: @R1CH_TL
1 2 3 Next All
Please log in or register to reply.
Live Events Refresh
Next event in 3h 34m
[ Submit Event ]
Live Streams
Refresh
StarCraft: Brood War
Mong 204
Leta 197
Zeus 169
Mind 90
Shine 30
Sharp 23
yabsab 13
Bale 12
Dota 2
XaKoH 537
Counter-Strike
shoxiejesuss139
Super Smash Bros
Mew2King160
Other Games
Stewie2K544
NeuroSwarm113
SortOf106
ProTech48
Happy0
Organizations
Other Games
gamesdonequick31064
BasetradeTV7
StarCraft 2
Blizzard YouTube
StarCraft: Brood War
BSLTrovo
sctven
[ Show 14 non-featured ]
StarCraft 2
• Berry_CruncH376
• AfreecaTV YouTube
• intothetv
• Kozan
• IndyKCrew
• LaughNgamezSOOP
• Migwel
• sooper7s
StarCraft: Brood War
• BSLYoutube
• STPLYoutube
• ZZZeroYoutube
Dota 2
• lizZardDota2219
League of Legends
• Rush1616
• HappyZerGling165
Upcoming Events
Wardi Open
3h 34m
Replay Cast
16h 34m
Sparkling Tuna Cup
1d 2h
WardiTV European League
1d 8h
MaNa vs sebesdes
Mixu vs Fjant
ByuN vs HeRoMaRinE
ShoWTimE vs goblin
Gerald vs Babymarine
Krystianer vs YoungYakov
PiGosaur Monday
1d 16h
The PondCast
2 days
WardiTV European League
2 days
Jumy vs NightPhoenix
Percival vs Nicoract
ArT vs HiGhDrA
MaxPax vs Harstem
Scarlett vs Shameless
SKillous vs uThermal
uThermal 2v2 Circuit
2 days
Replay Cast
2 days
RSL Revival
3 days
ByuN vs SHIN
Clem vs Reynor
[ Show More ]
Replay Cast
3 days
RSL Revival
4 days
Classic vs Cure
FEL
4 days
RSL Revival
5 days
FEL
5 days
FEL
5 days
Sparkling Tuna Cup
6 days
RSL Revival
6 days
FEL
6 days
Liquipedia Results

Completed

BSL Season 20
HSC XXVII
Heroes 10 EU

Ongoing

JPL Season 2
BSL 2v2 Season 3
Acropolis #3
KCM Race Survival 2025 Season 2
CSL 17: 2025 SUMMER
Copa Latinoamericana 4
Jiahua Invitational
Championship of Russia 2025
RSL Revival: Season 1
Murky Cup #2
BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025
ESL Impact League Season 7
IEM Dallas 2025
PGL Astana 2025
Asian Champions League '25
BLAST Rivals Spring 2025
MESA Nomadic Masters
CCT Season 2 Global Finals
IEM Melbourne 2025

Upcoming

2025 ACS Season 2: Qualifier
CSLPRO Last Chance 2025
CSL Xiamen Invitational
2025 ACS Season 2
CSLPRO Chat StarLAN 3
K-Championship
uThermal 2v2 Main Event
SEL Season 2 Championship
FEL Cracov 2025
Esports World Cup 2025
StarSeries Fall 2025
FISSURE Playground #2
BLAST Open Fall 2025
BLAST Open Fall Qual
Esports World Cup 2025
BLAST Bounty Fall 2025
BLAST Bounty Fall Qual
IEM Cologne 2025
FISSURE Playground #1
TLPD

1. ByuN
2. TY
3. Dark
4. Solar
5. Stats
6. Nerchio
7. sOs
8. soO
9. INnoVation
10. Elazer
1. Rain
2. Flash
3. EffOrt
4. Last
5. Bisu
6. Soulkey
7. Mini
8. Sharp
Sidebar Settings...

Advertising | Privacy Policy | Terms Of Use | Contact Us

Original banner artwork: Jim Warren
The contents of this webpage are copyright © 2025 TLnet. All Rights Reserved.