My Board

I figured that I need to share how I built my Twitch setup this year without completely emptying my wallet. I started streaming using my old laptop and a wobbly desk in 2023. Back then, my mic sounded like a toaster, and the lighting made me look like a Minecraft zombie .

But little by little, I upgraded smartly, saving money, finding used gear, and figuring out what really matters for streaming in 2025. So, you don’t need a $3000 setup to look and sound decent, trust me.


1. The Computer Situation (Use What You Have, Upgrade Later)

If you’ve got any PC that can run OBS without frying eggs on the CPU, you’re good. I streamed for months on an old i5 with 8GB RAM and integrated graphics. My trick? Lowered resolution to 720p and locked FPS at 30. Looked fine on mobile.

If you’re buying new, aim for at least a Ryzen 5 or i5 12th gen. Used gaming PCs are gold right now because people sell them cheap when upgrading for AI stuff. Check Facebook Marketplace or Reddit’s hardware swap.

Anyone here still streaming from a laptop in 2025? How’s it holding up?

2. The Mic: Your Most Important Tool

If there’s one thing you shouldn’t cheap out on, it’s the mic. Bad audio chases viewers away faster than lag.

I started with a Fifine K690 (around $40) and it changed everything. Suddenly, I didn’t sound like I was underwater. I threw a sock over it as a pop filter (no shame ).

USB mics are fine for beginners. You can always move to XLR later. If you can, grab a mic arm, the $15 Amazon ones work fine. Makes your desk cleaner and stops random bumps from echoing.

What mic are you using right now? Anyone tried those new Maono ones?


3. Lighting — The Secret Weapon

Lighting is what separates “new streamer” from “pro-looking setup.” You don’t need Elgato lights. Two cheap LED panels from AliExpress and a ring light did the job for me.

Warm tone, diffused lighting is the trick. Point them at the wall, not your face. Makes you look natural and not like you’re auditioning for a police lineup.

For bonus points, add a small RGB strip behind your chair. Viewers love the cozy vibe.

Anyone using budget lighting setups? Drop your links!

4. Camera — Optional But Nice

Real talk: you don’t even need a camera to grow at first. I streamed voice-only for three months while I saved up. When I finally got a Logitech C920 (used for $25), people were like, “oh wow, you actually have a face!”

If you want a slightly better image, use your phone as a webcam. Apps like DroidCam or OBS.ninja do wonders now.

Phones these days have better sensors than most cheap webcams anyway.

Do you guys still think facecams help with growth? Or is voice-only fine?

5. Internet Speed — The Hidden Boss Battle

This one’s underrated. I streamed for weeks before realizing my uploads were capped at 3 Mbps. That’s basically torture.

For smooth 720p streams, you need at least 5–6 Mbps upload. 1080p needs 10+.
If your Wi-Fi is weak, grab a LAN cable. Seriously, it’s the cheapest fix you’ll ever buy.

Also, test your bitrate often. OBS’s auto setting sometimes lies.

What’s your average bitrate for Twitch?


6. Overlays & Alerts (Keep It Simple)

Back in the day, I overdid it. Animated overlay, donation pop-ups, fire GIFs and it looked like a circus.

Now I keep it clean. One banner, one chat box, subtle alert sounds. I used StreamElements (free) and edited my own layout in Canva. Simple always wins.


You guys prefer clean setups or full chaos with animations everywhere?

7. Headphones & Sound

You don’t need $200 headphones. I still use an old pair of HyperX Clouds I bought second-hand. The main thing is comfort because you’ll be wearing them for hours.

Also, play around with OBS filters. Noise gate + compressor = professional sound even on cheap gear. Took me a week to figure out, but totally worth it.

What’s your go-to audio filter setup?


8. Cheap Accessories That Made a Big Difference

• $15 mic arm
• $20 RGB light strip
• $8 phone holder for top-down shots
• $10 second-hand keyboard (mechanical feel)
• Free software: OBS, Canva, StreamElements

You would be surprised that these tiny upgrades added comfort and quality without draining your bank.

What’s one cheap item you bought that made your setup better instantly?


9. Streaming Comfort Setup

This might sound small, but it matters. I replaced my old wooden chair with a used office one, raised my monitor with a box, and suddenly my back stopped hating me.

Streaming long hours gets painful if your setup’s not ergonomic. Hydration and breaks matter too. I once streamed six hours straight and could barely move after the long session.

Do you guys stand or sit while streaming? Thinking of getting a standing desk eventually.


10. My Honest Setup Cost Breakdown (2025)

• PC (used Ryzen 5) – $450
• Mic (Fifine K690) – $40
• Webcam (Logitech C920 used) – $25
• LED lights – $35
• RGB strip – $20
• Chair (used) – $40
• Cables & accessories – $20

Total: $630

To be honest, this looks and feels way more professional than that number suggests. So, it’s all about upgrading slowly and knowing what actually improves your stream quality.

How much did your setup cost when you started out?


Final Thoughts

If you’re just starting, don’t get caught up watching those streamer setup tours on YouTube. Half of them are sponsored anyway. Start small, build your vibe, and upgrade when your stream actually starts earning something.

2025 is the year of smart creators, those who learn to mix content from Twitch, TikTok, and YouTube. Your setup just needs to work, not shine like a spaceship.

What’s one piece of gear you’re saving for this year? Let’s share some upgrade goals

This was so real I started on my work laptop too and used a cheap ring light from eBay. Honestly, people overthink setups. Viewers care more about energy and sound. I love the way you break it down. I might steal your LED idea!

Thanks for sharing! I just got my first mic (Maono) and was scared it wouldn’t sound right. Your post made me realize I don’t need a studio to grow. Also totally agree on overlays because simplicity always wins.