Yes, you can achieve very low latency for streaming games like Twitch.
Yes, you can achieve very low latency for streaming games like Twitch.
The setup is this: I own a monitor that supports 165Hz Gsynch, running at 1440p, but it only displays smoothly when connected via DisplayPort (HDMI maxes out at 120Hz). I notice Elgato products require HDMI input and can’t output 1440p at 165Hz. They also seem to struggle with variable refresh rates. Their top models (4K60+) show noticeable lag—often over 250ms—which isn’t ideal for real-time interaction.
I’m not a gamer myself, but some friends have moved away and now chat via Skype or similar. Sessions often last over an hour, which feels awkward when we’re trying to stay connected without interruptions. I’m thinking about joining games so they can watch and talk while I play, filling the gaps when conversations pause.
My main goals are:
- Near-zero latency so they don’t get confused by past gameplay.
- Keeping my monitor at 165Hz with variable refresh rates.
- Getting at least 1440p60 on the stream without forcing the device to bypass its own settings.
- Avoiding flicker issues if I connect the GPU directly to the monitor through DisplayPort.
What streaming options could work? Shouldn’t be limited to Elgato, but alternatives exist. Also, if I hook my GPU into the monitor via DisplayPort, could that cause problems with the refresh rate? And what about using a headset with good mic and audio? It’d be important for clear communication without background noise.
Thanks for the thoughts!
the physical distance and the number of devices between sender and receiver. Signals move through wires at a fraction of light speed, which is hard to alter. Even with perfect superconducting cables, you can't reach light speed. There will always be some delay due to processing time in each device along the path. Additionally, intermediate systems add further delays, and they all operate at finite speeds. Since multiple users share the same infrastructure (like internet service providers), traffic is managed through prioritization. The only way to minimize latency is to be as close as possible physically. Anything else you can do is limited.
Perform a quick screenshot and share it on Discord. The streaming runs fast because it’s a restricted video feed for a specific group. No extra equipment is required. The Elgato works best with its own HDMI output—either mirror your screen or use a HDMI splitter.
It was my initial impression, though I lack personal experience with streaming or its constraints. I've observed others using it and noticed the lag is significantly less than on Twitch, where I believe the delay might be around 5 seconds or more, and YouTube seems even worse—no clear metrics available. This matters because during timed quizzes, faster responses lead to higher scores, making latency crucial.
The quickest option is to run your own streaming server with a solid internet connection, or to lease a dedicated server/VPS near you and your audience and configure it for streaming. You might also find rental servers available—pay based on usage or a fixed fee per simultaneous viewers, such as 10-15 dollars monthly for a private stream to 10-25 people. Free options exist, and you can connect your OBS to the server and share your streaming address with friends. For instance, if you stream at 720p with 1 Mbps bandwidth, each viewer uses that amount if you host locally. If you upload from a remote server, it sends the video to viewers’ devices, reducing latency. Platforms like Twitch and YouTube cache portions of your stream to different locations, improving load times and handling copyright checks. A short delay of 1-2 seconds is usually manageable depending on your setup and viewer distance.
Based on past observations, quality tends to drop significantly if you're not using nitro. The occasional screen share I do with friends on Discord often shifts unexpectedly to a very basic, low-resolution look, even when the screen is mostly static.
I understand why I’m aiming for around 0 rather than exactly 0. I’m after the same quality that top streamers achieve on Discord, which often suffers from low resolution and compression. This would help maintain a stable FPS, or if I run NVenc it would produce even lower quality output—making screenshots even worse. I want crisp 1440p at a high refresh rate without relying on my GPU, which would hurt performance. An external capture card would consume some CPU power for USB3 transfers, but that’s not a major concern since I already have a 5950x setup. I’m not worried about those details because I have a 1950x. Thanks again for the advice, and I’ll keep it simple—focusing on getting the best value instead of chasing free solutions.