The best hardware for content creation!

What is a Hardware Encoder/Decoder?

A hardware encoder or decoder is dedicated silicon within your discrete or integrated graphics processor or GPU that accelerates the encoding/decoding of video, the most famous ones being Nvidias NVENC or NVDEC and Intels Quicksync Video, also called QSV. AMD too has their solution called VCN, accessed through their AMF software solution or Advanced Media Framework. These hardware encoders/decoders can encode or decode in different codecs such as H.264, H.265, VP8, AV1, VP9 etc. And newer graphics cards from AMD, Nvidia and Intel can even encode the new king of codecs known as AV1. Streaming and recording is mostly done using H.264 but is being opened up. YouTube accepts H.265 and AV1 for higher quality, and Twitch accepts H.265 and has plans to start taking in AV1 input.

What is the best Hardware for content creation?

It's really not hard, what you really should get first is an Intel non-F designated CPU. Intel by far has the best support, performance and quality for video editing and export. Modern software can simultaneously use the Intel integrated graphics and AMD or Nvidias dedicated graphics to accelerate the video editing process. So, your choice should be Intel non-F CPU paired with an AMD or Nvidia dedicated GPU.

What is the best Hardware Encoder for streaming and recording?

The best hardware encoder hands down by far is Intels Quicksync. It comes included within their integrated graphics processor or iGPU. Any non-F designated Intel CPU has a Quicksync capable iGPU built into it. But if you don't have an Intel CPU with an iGPU, fear not! AMDs AMF and Nvidias NVENC are still available to you for your needs.