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3.1 KiB
name, description, version, author, license, platforms, metadata
| name | description | version | author | license | platforms | metadata | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| headless-game-streaming | Turn a headless Linux server with NVIDIA GPU into a game streaming host (Sunshine + Moonlight) — including virtual display setup, Steam Proton, and network tuning. | 1.0.0 | Hermes Agent | MIT |
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Headless Game Streaming (Sunshine + Moonlight)
Turn a headless Linux server into a game streaming host. The GPU renders games, NVENC hardware-encodes the stream, and Moonlight clients (Shield TV, phone, laptop) decode it — all with 3-8ms latency on a local network.
Prerequisites
- NVIDIA GPU (Turing or newer for NVENC)
- NVIDIA proprietary drivers installed
- Wired Ethernet (gigabit recommended)
- HDMI dummy plug ($5-10 on Amazon) — critical: without a connected display, NVIDIA GPUs throttle clocks or refuse to render properly
Setup
1. HDMI Dummy Plug
Plug into any HDMI port on the GPU. It emulates a display (4K capable, usually) and tricks the GPU into full performance mode. No monitor needed.
2. Sunshine (streaming server)
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:sunshine-streaming/release
sudo apt install sunshine
Sunshine auto-detects NVIDIA GPU and NVENC. Web UI at https://localhost:47990.
3. Moonlight (client)
Install Moonlight on the client device (Android Shield, phone, laptop, etc.). It auto-discovers Sunshine on the LAN. Pair with a 4-digit PIN from the Sunshine web UI, one time.
4. Games
Steam + Proton (Windows games on Linux):
sudo apt install steam
# Enable Proton in Steam → Settings → Compatibility → "Enable Steam Play for all other titles"
Lutris (non-Steam: GOG, Epic, Battle.net, emulators):
sudo apt install lutris
Add individual games in Sunshine web UI → Applications → Add. Point to the .exe or Steam shortcut. Or just stream the full desktop.
Network Requirements
| Resolution | Bitrate needed | Your LAN |
|---|---|---|
| 1080p 60fps | 20-30 Mbps | Gigabit (1000 Mbps) |
| 1440p 60fps | 40-60 Mbps | 1000 Mbps |
| 4K 60fps | 80-100 Mbps | 1000 Mbps |
All traffic stays on LAN — never touches your internet connection. The router's switch chip handles it in hardware.
Pitfalls
- No dummy plug = broken rendering: Without a display, NVIDIA GPUs run at minimum clocks and games may refuse to launch or render at single-digit FPS.
- Desktop environment needed: Xorg (Wayland works but has edge cases). Sunshine captures a display output. A minimal Xorg session on the dummy display is enough.
- Some anti-cheat games don't work on Linux: Valorant, Call of Duty, Fortnite — kernel-level anti-cheat has no Linux support. Check ProtonDB before buying.
- VRAM conflict with local LLM: If running llama-server simultaneously, the model and game compete for VRAM. Socket-activate the LLM or stop it while gaming.
Performance (NVIDIA Turing / 2080 Ti reference)
NVENC encoding uses dedicated silicon — negligible FPS impact (0-5% in most titles). Latency: 3-8ms on wired LAN, 5-15ms on WiFi 6.