Question Computer in another room - Are effective USB/video cables needed?

F5F Stay Refreshed Hardware Desktop Question Computer in another room - Are effective USB/video cables needed?

Question Computer in another room - Are effective USB/video cables needed?

Question Computer in another room - Are effective USB/video cables needed?

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TheKingKC
Junior Member

10

03-18-2025, 06:45 AM

#1

I plan to place my PC inside the server rack in my utility room. The space is better cooled than my office and comes with a solid UPS. The machine is large, featuring an E-ATX motherboard and a big case. The distance from my office to the rack is roughly 40 feet of cable. This setup would likely not meet HDMI and USB specifications. I’m wondering if any active USB or HDMI connections can handle low-latency needs for gaming. Could using USB/HDMI over IP be a practical solution?

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TheKingKC

03-18-2025, 06:45 AM #1

I plan to place my PC inside the server rack in my utility room. The space is better cooled than my office and comes with a solid UPS. The machine is large, featuring an E-ATX motherboard and a big case. The distance from my office to the rack is roughly 40 feet of cable. This setup would likely not meet HDMI and USB specifications. I’m wondering if any active USB or HDMI connections can handle low-latency needs for gaming. Could using USB/HDMI over IP be a practical solution?

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Carsland123
Senior Member

398

03-18-2025, 10:07 PM

#2

Thunderbolt optical cables might function, but it depends on your devices. A universal option would be a motherboard or PC with Thunderbolt support, connecting to a Thunderbolt dock via optical fiber, then to the display and peripherals. It's not an inexpensive solution.

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Carsland123

03-18-2025, 10:07 PM #2

Thunderbolt optical cables might function, but it depends on your devices. A universal option would be a motherboard or PC with Thunderbolt support, connecting to a Thunderbolt dock via optical fiber, then to the display and peripherals. It's not an inexpensive solution.

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M4sh
Member

148

03-19-2025, 11:50 PM

#3

This suggests two Thunderbolt docks might be needed. It could also be achieved by navigating directly through PC, Optical Cable, and Dock options.

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M4sh

03-19-2025, 11:50 PM #3

This suggests two Thunderbolt docks might be needed. It could also be achieved by navigating directly through PC, Optical Cable, and Dock options.

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Pokemoncool55
Junior Member

19

03-20-2025, 07:53 AM

#4

My perception is that the docks provide multiple channels and serve as a direct connection to USB, Display, etc., helping maintain low latency. Optical fiber is similar to the cables used for connecting premium network gear, while an optical Thunderbolt cable merely adapts Thunderbolt to optical and back again, restricting performance to the Thunderbolt speed. For devices like displays and peripherals, bandwidth sharing would be seamless. I’ve faced a routing challenge at home, needing to plan the layout or check plans since it’s hard to visualize a clear path from the living room to my workspace.

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Pokemoncool55

03-20-2025, 07:53 AM #4

My perception is that the docks provide multiple channels and serve as a direct connection to USB, Display, etc., helping maintain low latency. Optical fiber is similar to the cables used for connecting premium network gear, while an optical Thunderbolt cable merely adapts Thunderbolt to optical and back again, restricting performance to the Thunderbolt speed. For devices like displays and peripherals, bandwidth sharing would be seamless. I’ve faced a routing challenge at home, needing to plan the layout or check plans since it’s hard to visualize a clear path from the living room to my workspace.

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IngoGaming
Member

59

03-22-2025, 02:06 AM

#5

ThunderLink® | Thunderbolt 3 to Fiber Channel Dual port | ATTO
ATTO ThunderLink® FC 3322 serves as an external adapter for Thunderbolt 3 to Fiber Channel, linking all-in-ones and laptops to fiber channel storage. www.atto.com

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IngoGaming

03-22-2025, 02:06 AM #5

ThunderLink® | Thunderbolt 3 to Fiber Channel Dual port | ATTO
ATTO ThunderLink® FC 3322 serves as an external adapter for Thunderbolt 3 to Fiber Channel, linking all-in-ones and laptops to fiber channel storage. www.atto.com

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demenciossauro
Member

203

03-22-2025, 09:18 AM

#6

I don't get the difference you're drawing between "fiber optic cable" and "optical fiber." The former is a bundle containing optical fibers plus protective parts, while the latter refers specifically to the fiber itself.

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demenciossauro

03-22-2025, 09:18 AM #6

I don't get the difference you're drawing between "fiber optic cable" and "optical fiber." The former is a bundle containing optical fibers plus protective parts, while the latter refers specifically to the fiber itself.

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Tekkerzz25
Member

191

03-29-2025, 04:23 AM

#7

I recommend looking into it more. A separate thunderbolt optical cable extends the reach through a consistent length. It's definitely worth trying, though you might face bandwidth challenges. ATTO docks help by providing two thunderbolt channels and managing traffic more effectively. The price is quite steep, so you may want to search for used older models.

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Tekkerzz25

03-29-2025, 04:23 AM #7

I recommend looking into it more. A separate thunderbolt optical cable extends the reach through a consistent length. It's definitely worth trying, though you might face bandwidth challenges. ATTO docks help by providing two thunderbolt channels and managing traffic more effectively. The price is quite steep, so you may want to search for used older models.

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IngoGaming
Member

59

03-29-2025, 06:30 AM

#8

Active hdmi cables and usb cables are offered by various suppliers
https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=13757 and https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=38579

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IngoGaming

03-29-2025, 06:30 AM #8

Active hdmi cables and usb cables are offered by various suppliers
https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=13757 and https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=38579