Streaming games locally can be challenging with varying resolutions, often affecting performance and compatibility.
Streaming games locally can be challenging with varying resolutions, often affecting performance and compatibility.
In short, I aim to enjoy gaming both at my desk and on the HTPC in the living room. The desk setup supports high performance with 1440p, while the couch is better suited for relaxed, casual play at 4k. GPU costs have risen so much that buying several units isn’t practical anymore. I prefer sharing the budget and leveraging performance across both devices. A more complex rig like Linus’s isn’t necessary; streaming locally seems a better balance, even if it’s less exciting. A few years ago I streamed between my desktop and Steam Deck using built-in features, but the constant switching made it inconvenient. I also struggled with remote access without physically connecting to the rig. Recently, I learned that using Sunshine or Moonlight (and their variants) works well regardless of client and host resolutions. My main concern is whether streaming remains practical and easy enough for everyday use, so I can start games without extra trouble. What do others think? Would upgrading my desk monitor to 4k be a viable alternative?
I mostly stick to 1080p, even though neither device supports it. Still it functions when needed. I'm facing the same issue—my PC is 1440, my room is 4K. I used to have a problem where the Steam link stopped working with VSync on in games. It seems the settings need adjustment or alignment to avoid problems.
That’s the compact hardware package Valve markets, doesn’t it? I’ve heard positive feedback about it. Although I grasp the reason behind Valve choosing software, a physical alternative would have suited this need better. I prefer letting the computer handle upscaling instead of relying on the TV, since GPU-based upscalers usually perform more accurately and offer greater flexibility. The ability to use FSR, DLSS, or XeSS when the GPU struggles with full resolution—or simply delivers superior anti-aliasing compared to TAA—is also beneficial. I still see the benefit of running at 1080p, as it increases the likelihood the GPU can maintain sufficient frames without artificial fixes.
I previously owned that, now I still have three. But here I’m talking about the software itself. I rely on their program, running on a less capable HTPC in the living room. The Steam Link app works on both Windows and Linux. I used to run it only on Linux, but it’s been quite unstable there for a while across several machines.