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Best GPUs for AV1 Encoding in 2025: Ultimate Streaming Guide

Discover the best GPUs for AV1 encoding to elevate your content! 🚀 We compare top picks from NVIDIA, AMD, and Intel for crystal-clear 4K streaming. Upgrade your rig today to unlock superior compression and say goodbye to pixelated footage! 🎮

09 Dec 2025 | Quick Read | 👤 StreamMaster
Best GPUs for AV1 Encoding 2025: Top Picks Ranked

Why the Best GPUs for AV1 Encoding Matter in 2025

South Africa’s streaming scene is booming ⚡, and AV1 encoding is at the heart of delivering crisp, low-bandwidth video. If you’re a gamer or content creator aiming for smooth 4K streams or crisp gameplay captures, the best GPUs for AV1 encoding in 2025 can seriously elevate your setup. Ready to cut buffering and boost efficiency? Let’s dive into the top picks and what makes AV1 so essential.

Understanding AV1 Encoding: What South African Gamers Need to Know

AV1 is an open, royalty-free video codec designed to compress high-quality visuals more efficiently than older standards. This means smoother streams on fibre or ADSL networks without sacrificing quality. With platforms globally shifting to AV1 support, having a GPU optimised for its encoding gives you a streaming edge.

Many GPUs now include dedicated hardware for AV1 encoding, significantly speeding up video compression and cutting CPU load. For South African gamers dealing with data caps or slower uploads, this tech keeps streams sharp and upload-friendly. To learn about pricing variations and deals, check out Evetech’s selection of Nvidia GeForce GTX graphics cards.

Top GPUs for AV1 Encoding: Your 2025 Lineup 🔧

Nvidia GPUs with AV1 Encoding

Nvidia’s RTX 40-series cards lead the pack with robust AV1 encoding support, perfect for streamers wanting flawless capture and playback. These cards also excel in gaming performance, so you don’t compromise on frame rates while streaming.

Looking for high-end performance from Nvidia? Explore Nvidia GeForce GTX graphics cards priced from R15,150 on Evetech. South African gamers and content creators can find excellent value here.

AMD Radeon GPUs Supporting AV1

AMD’s latest Radeon RX 7000 series also includes AV1 encoding hardware. These GPUs are a strong option if you prefer AMD’s ecosystem, offering solid streaming capabilities with competitive prices starting around mid-range ZAR. The AMD Radeon graphics cards section showcases models that balance cost and performance well for streamers on a budget.

Intel Arc Graphics Cards: Rising Contender

Intel’s Arc series is gaining traction for its AV1 capabilities, delivering hardware-accelerated encoding at affordable prices. For those building a new rig or upgrading, investigating Intel Arc graphics cards could reveal good value and modern codec support.

Pro Tips for Maximising Your GPU’s AV1 Encoding ⚡

TIP FOR YOU

Optimise Your Encoding Settings

Keep your GPU drivers updated to access the latest AV1 improvements. Use streaming software that supports AV1 natively, like OBS Studio. Balancing bitrate and resolution can shave upload bandwidth while maintaining crisp visuals for South Africa’s varied internet infrastructure.

Finding the Best Workstation Graphics Cards with AV1 for Advanced Streaming

If your streaming involves heavy video editing or multi-source inputs, workstation cards with AV1 support can drastically improve encoding times. Evetech’s workstation graphics cards collection includes GPUs optimised for professional workflows without breaking the bank.

All GPUs Are Not Equal—Choose According to Your Needs

AV1 encoding is becoming standard across all major GPU manufacturers, but each card’s actual performance varies. South African gamers should also consider power consumption, cooling, and local availability. For a broad view of options, browse Evetech’s full GPU range to compare the latest specifications and prices in ZAR.

Compare Prices on High-End Nvidia ATI Graphics Cards

For those who want to step up to elite streaming and gaming setups, high-end Nvidia ATI cards are available at varying price points. Check the Nvidia ATI graphics cards priced above R15,000 to find a model that balances your budget with cutting-edge encoding power.

Upgrade Your Stream Quality Today Don’t settle for blurry or laggy streams. Shop now at Evetech for performance that leaves lag in the dust.

The NVIDIA RTX 4090 and 4080 Super are top-tier choices, but the Intel Arc A770 offers incredible value as a dedicated budget AV1 card for streaming.

Yes, Twitch is actively expanding AV1 support via its Enhanced Broadcasting features, allowing streamers with compatible GPUs to broadcast at higher quality.

Absolutely. AV1 offers 40% better compression efficiency than H.264, delivering sharper visuals at the same bitrate, which is crucial for non-partnered streamers.

The AMD Radeon RX 7000 series, including the RX 7900 XTX and RX 7600, features full hardware AV1 encoding support within the RDNA 3 architecture.

No, modern GPUs with dedicated media engines handle AV1 encoding efficiently, allowing you to game and stream from a single PC with minimal performance impact.

The Intel Arc A380 is currently the most affordable entry-point for hardware AV1 encoding, making it perfect for a secondary streaming rig.