My gaming PC is set up in an office, but I'd like to play from the living room or bedroom without moving the whole computer each time. I'm considering running HDMI and USB cables through the house, using some kind of KVM switch, or streaming games to another device. What setup offers the best balance of image quality, input responsiveness, cost, and convenience?
4 Answers
If you want a direct connection, a fiber-optic HDMI cable can handle longer distances better than a regular copper HDMI cable. You’ll still need a way to connect your keyboard, mouse, and controller. Bluetooth may be enough, while USB extension is possible but becomes less reliable and more complicated over long distances. Fiber HDMI cables can also be fragile, so plan the cable route carefully.
A fiber KVM extender can carry video and USB controls between rooms, but good ones are expensive and may limit resolution or refresh rate. Wireless KVMs generally add too much delay for gaming. A direct cable setup gives the best responsiveness, but it’s much more difficult to install cleanly than streaming.
A decent laptop or small computer in each destination room can act as the streaming client. Steam Remote Play, Moonlight with Sunshine, and Parsec are common options. Using wired Ethernet for both the main PC and the client usually makes the experience much smoother than relying entirely on Wi-Fi.
For most people, local game streaming is the easiest option. Install Sunshine on the gaming PC and use Moonlight on a laptop, mini PC, streaming box, or compatible smart TV in the other room. Steam Remote Play is another simple choice. Ethernet is preferable, but strong Wi-Fi can work. There will be some latency, so it’s better for casual and slower-paced games than competitive titles.
A little latency would be fine. I mainly want to avoid moving the PC, so streaming sounds more practical than running cables everywhere.
I’ve had good results with a roughly 30-foot fiber HDMI cable and a USB extension for a nearby room. It worked well in a small house, though it’s worth checking the cable’s supported resolution and refresh rate first.