What are the options for connecting a PC's display, keyboard, or audio over several dozen feet using wires?
What are the options for connecting a PC's display, keyboard, or audio over several dozen feet using wires?
I own a PC that is now located elsewhere in the house compared to where it is being used. I have been remoting into it, but this has become increasingly bothersome. Since I already have it connected via Ethernet rather than WiFi using a 35-foot cable, I was wondering if I could apply the same setup for its monitor, keyboard, mouse, gamepad, and speakers. I use it for general web browsing as well as streaming video and gaming.
I understand that USB has limitations and can't be extended too far without an active connection. I searched for suitable options and found this link:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KY9M6P4/
What do you think about it? I won’t be connecting anything with a high data rate like a camera or drive. Instead, I plan to connect my keyboard, mouse, and gamepad through a hub like this:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07L32B9C2/
Would this be feasible? I also have a keyboard with an integrated hub, but I’ve experienced power issues when using it. It seems the backlighting consumes too much power for USB 2.0. Would using a USB 3.0 port provide better power supply? Or would that make no difference since it’s a USB 2.0 keyboard and it won’t receive more power? The only other option I saw near that price was an Amazon Basics model, which, besides being 2.0, reportedly caught fire and had multiple reports of short circuits within a few months...
Regarding HDMI, I encountered several cables from unknown brands and one from Monoprice. I’m leaning toward the latter:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01IPGRSXW
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07B9K659S/
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BV1R5Z5F/
For my speakers, I just need a standard 3.5mm AUX cable, assuming it’s the most reliable choice:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BC8RCDM5/
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CGRW3R3J/
Any feedback or recommendations? Is this approach sound? Am I overlooking anything? Are there any risks I should be aware of?
About 30 to 35 feet long. The case already contains many parts, so I can't choose a smaller one. It won't be ready for the room for a while, but I just need to keep using it as is.
This extender sends HDMI (limited to 1080p) along with keyboard and mouse signals up to 70 metres using Cat5e.
Alternatively, this model (details below) functions on Cat5e/6 up to 4K HDMI for 70m with keyboard and mouse.
There are likely many comparable KVMs designed for remote server use. Whether the USB connection can accommodate other peripherals like gamepads and hubs depends on the specific setup.
It might be useful to connect a hub into the keyboard or mouse port at the end and check if more devices appear on the PC. This should work fine as long as the data rate remains moderate.
I might be overlooking something but why not stick with Remote Desktop?
I use Remote Desktop to connect to a wireless computer in an upstairs bedroom using my wired desktop in a downstairs room.
My concern is why Remote Desktop access has become bothersome.
At the moment, you're mainly dealing with a connection through a 35-foot Ethernet cable.
It's likely that more cables and connections will only make things more annoying and complicated.
Maybe the "annoyance" can be easily fixed with a simpler solution.
That's all my thoughts on the matter.
Multiple concerns exist. Using this system for work and gaming over time has led to suboptimal performance in gaming scenarios. Even with both systems linked via the same gigabit switch using Ethernet, there are frequent delays and stuttering. This also forces my GPU to continuously encode and transmit video, consuming both GPU and network bandwidth. Because the output appears as an encoded stream, artifacts occur often—especially when switching between windows quickly—and certain elements like a thin bright color on a bright background fail to encode properly, a common issue with real-time video codecs. Not all keyboard shortcuts function across the connection, such as alt+printscreen. Lastly, a major drawback is its reliance on software; Windows must be running correctly for remote access, preventing temporary switches to other operating systems or bootable tools, and making it impossible to enter safe mode or manage BIOS settings. When a reboot is necessary, I’m left uncertain whether it will appear in my remote list or not.
I'm observing this since it would also be helpful to keep my PC in one room and a monitor workstation in another. I wouldn't want to deal with two separate computers in a remote situation.
Please refrain from using wireless peripherals and an active DP cable.
This question is unclear. Could you clarify what you mean by "move this pc to your room"?