For a lean, single-stream Linux VPS, 4 GB of RAM is a reasonable starting point; consider 8 GB if the machine also runs other services or OBS uses a more complex scene. These are practical estimates, not an official minimum or a tested guarantee. RAM alone does not determine whether a stream stays healthy: CPU and encoder capacity, scene rendering, network throughput, and recovery all matter.
Which OVHcloud VPS size is a sensible starting point?
OVHcloud’s public page, labeled “VPS 2027,” listed the following configurations when accessed on October 3, 2026. The 4 GB plan is the entry point in that snapshot and a reasonable place to begin for one lean stream. The figures describe listed plans, not a guarantee that OBS will perform a particular workload successfully.
| Plan shown by OVHcloud | RAM | vCores | NVMe storage | Public bandwidth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VPS-1 | 4 GB | 2 | 40 GB | 500 Mbps |
| VPS-2 | 8 GB | 4 | 75 GB | 1 Gbps |
| VPS-3 | 12 GB | 6 | 100 GB | 2 Gbps |
| VPS-4 | 24 GB | 8 | 200 GB | 3 Gbps |
Plan names and specifications can change. OVHcloud also advertises unlimited traffic on the plan page, but check the terms, region, availability, and actual service configuration at purchase time. The listed public bandwidth is not proof that a particular network route will sustain your stream without interruption. Check OVHcloud’s VPS plans.
When 4 GB is a reasonable first choice
Start with 4 GB if the VPS runs one stream and OBS has a simple scene—for example, a static image or a looping video with one audio track and few other sources. This is an engineering estimate informed by OBS’s workload guidance, not a measured memory requirement.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
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When to consider 8 GB
Choose 8 GB if OBS shares the VPS with other applications, the scene contains several browser or media sources or filters, or you also record or transcode. More RAM may provide headroom, but it will not fix an overloaded CPU or an unavailable encoder.
Why RAM is only one part of the streaming requirement
OBS says its CPU requirements vary with encoder, resolution, frame rate, and scene complexity. Its system requirements page also warns: “Having a compatible system does not guarantee that it is capable of streaming or recording using OBS Studio.” OBS renders and composites scenes as well as encoding output; complex sources, filters, and browser content can add workload. OBS system requirements and OBS encoding-performance troubleshooting.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
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CPU and encoding
Encoding can remain the bottleneck even when memory is available. Hardware encoding can move some encoding work from the CPU to a specialized GPU component, but the VPS’s listed RAM and vCores do not establish that a usable GPU encoder is available to the guest. Verify the specific instance, drivers, operating system, and OBS configuration before relying on NVENC, Quick Sync, or another hardware path. OBS hardware encoding guidance.
Network and stream settings
YouTube’s current live-encoder guidance recommends constant bitrate, RTMPS, testing with audio and movement similar to the intended stream, and monitoring stream health. Its recommended video ingest bitrates include the following figures, accessed in 2026. They are video bitrates—not RAM requirements or guarantees of network reliability.
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- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
| Output | AV1/H.265 recommended video bitrate | H.264 recommended video bitrate |
|---|---|---|
| 720p at 30 fps | 6 Mbps | 8 Mbps |
| 1080p at 30 fps | 10 Mbps | 14 Mbps |
| 1080p at 60 fps | 12 Mbps | 17 Mbps |
Leave capacity beyond the nominal bitrate for protocol overhead and variation, and check the actual route and VPS limits. YouTube says it automatically transcodes live streams into output formats for viewers; that does not remove the need for a stable upload from your VPS. Consult YouTube’s live encoder settings and bitrates because recommendations can change.
How to validate the VPS before relying on it 24/7
- Start with a workload-based plan. Use 4 GB as an initial estimate for one lean stream; consider 8 GB for shared services or a complex OBS workload. Neither allocation is a certified minimum.
- Confirm the encoder path. Check whether your chosen OBS encoder can run on the VPS and whether any expected hardware encoder is actually exposed to the guest. Do not infer GPU access from a plan’s vCore and RAM listing.
- Match the test to the real stream. Use the intended resolution, frame rate, codec, scene, sources, and audio. YouTube advises testing before going live with similar audio and movement.
- Watch both host and stream indicators. Monitor memory pressure and CPU/encoding behavior on the VPS, along with YouTube’s stream-health messages. A clean start alone does not show that a workload will remain healthy over time.
- Plan for recovery. A 24/7 setup needs process supervision, reconnect handling, monitoring, and a recovery procedure. The cited guidance does not define a universally safe RAM margin, test duration, or uptime guarantee.
- Scale based on observed need. If the stream struggles, determine whether memory pressure, CPU/encoding overload, network conditions, scene complexity, or source reliability is responsible before changing plans. OVHcloud says upgrade options depend on the selected VPS range and model; check the options available for your instance. OVHcloud VPS upgrade guidance.
What a VPS plan cannot tell you by itself
- Whether OBS can encode your exact scene: system compatibility is not a performance guarantee, and workload varies with resolution, frame rate, encoder, and sources.
- Whether hardware encoding is available: a generic VPS specification does not establish that a GPU or hardware encoder is usable inside the virtual machine.
- Whether the stream will stay connected: bandwidth figures do not verify your route, source reliability, or reconnect behavior.
- Whether a higher plan is necessary: there is no official published minimum RAM figure for this specific 24/7 YouTube-on-OVHcloud workload in the cited guidance.
Keep the stream’s content and account setup in view
Resource sizing does not settle whether you have the rights to stream a recording or whether the content complies with YouTube’s policies. Use material you are authorized to stream, and review YouTube’s requirements before running a continuous channel. For help assessing recording-time network needs, use StreamNeo’s upload-time calculator; for a content review, see its copyright safety checklist.
Rank #4
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Or let it run in the cloud
If your goal is to keep uploaded video playing on YouTube rather than operate OBS on a VPS, StreamNeo is a separate cloud option: upload your recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. Nothing has to stay on at home. Each slot streams the video as uploaded, up to 4K 60fps, at one price regardless of quality; StreamNeo automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly is $9.99 per month. This is for uploaded video streamed to YouTube, not a live camera feed. Start the free day with StreamNeo.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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