Need help - Memory and CPU utilisation spikes for multi display

[Balajisubramanyam-sr]

We are currently validating the application’s behavior using the library in a WVD (Windows Virtual Desktop) environment configured with multiple extended displays and no GPU acceleration.

In this setup, we are observing significant resource usage during recording—even with conservative encoder settings. CPU utilization spikes up to 40%, and memory usage exceeds 1000 MB. This occurs despite the following encoder configuration:
• Encoder: H.264
• Frame Rate: 24 fps
• Quality: 25
• Screen Resolution: 1920x1080
• Total Displays: 3

We are looking for ways to optimize performance through encoder settings or other recommended configurations to reduce CPU and memory usage under these constraints.

[sskodje]

Hi! CPU encoding is inherently demanding. When recording three 1080p screens, its nearly as demanding as 4K. There is really only two efficient ways to reduce cpu usage. One is to reduce framerate, the other to reduce output resolution. When regarding the memory usage, reducing the resolution will help. Do you need the recording to be full resolution?

[Balajisubramanyam-sr]

We are not aiming for high output quality, but rather for a configuration that minimizes resource usage while maintaining acceptable performance.

Given this objective, what would be your recommendations for optimal frame rate and output resolution settings to achieve minimal CPU and memory load?

[sskodje]

Reducing each screen to 720p and recording in 30fps will probably give good results. You shouldn't reduce the Quality setting too low, it will cause artifacts on text. But you probably should test different resolutions until you find an acceptable compromise.

[Balajisubramanyam-sr]

When you mention reducing each screen resolution to 720p, are you referring to the output resolution or the actual display resolution of the user? We won’t be able to change the user’s display resolution. However, lowering the output resolution has helped reduce resource utilization. I’ve fixed the output recording resolution, but occasionally I encounter an unspecified error when trying to set the stretch mode to None or UniformFill. Do you know what might be causing this?

[sskodje]

I meant adjusting the recording resolution. You can configure it per source, as well as the overall output size, but in your case its easier to adjust per source, to avoid any hassle with cropping, stretching etc. As for the error, im not sure. Could be the size is invalid somehow.

https://github.com/sskodje/ScreenRecorderLib/wiki/Quickstart-guide-v5.x.x-and-newer#source-properties

You should use "OutputSize" property on source.