ray
78 lines
3.1 KiB
Markdown
78 lines
3.1 KiB
Markdown
---
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name: headless-game-streaming
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description: "Turn a headless Linux server with NVIDIA GPU into a game streaming host (Sunshine + Moonlight) — including virtual display setup, Steam Proton, and network tuning."
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version: 1.0.0
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author: Hermes Agent
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license: MIT
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platforms: [linux]
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metadata:
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hermes:
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tags: [gaming, streaming, nvidia, sunshine, moonlight, headless]
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---
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# Headless Game Streaming (Sunshine + Moonlight)
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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.
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## Prerequisites
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- NVIDIA GPU (Turing or newer for NVENC)
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- NVIDIA proprietary drivers installed
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- Wired Ethernet (gigabit recommended)
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- HDMI dummy plug ($5-10 on Amazon) — **critical**: without a connected display, NVIDIA GPUs throttle clocks or refuse to render properly
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## Setup
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### 1. HDMI Dummy Plug
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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.
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### 2. Sunshine (streaming server)
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```bash
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sudo add-apt-repository ppa:sunshine-streaming/release
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sudo apt install sunshine
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```
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Sunshine auto-detects NVIDIA GPU and NVENC. Web UI at `https://localhost:47990`.
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### 3. Moonlight (client)
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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.
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### 4. Games
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**Steam + Proton** (Windows games on Linux):
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```bash
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sudo apt install steam
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# Enable Proton in Steam → Settings → Compatibility → "Enable Steam Play for all other titles"
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```
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**Lutris** (non-Steam: GOG, Epic, Battle.net, emulators):
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```bash
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sudo apt install lutris
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```
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Add individual games in Sunshine web UI → Applications → Add. Point to the `.exe` or Steam shortcut. Or just stream the full desktop.
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## Network Requirements
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| Resolution | Bitrate needed | Your LAN |
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|---|---|---|
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| 1080p 60fps | 20-30 Mbps | Gigabit (1000 Mbps) |
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| 1440p 60fps | 40-60 Mbps | 1000 Mbps |
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| 4K 60fps | 80-100 Mbps | 1000 Mbps |
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All traffic stays on LAN — never touches your internet connection. The router's switch chip handles it in hardware.
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## Pitfalls
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- **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.
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- **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.
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- **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.
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- **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.
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## Performance (NVIDIA Turing / 2080 Ti reference)
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NVENC encoding uses dedicated silicon — negligible FPS impact (0-5% in most titles). Latency: 3-8ms on wired LAN, 5-15ms on WiFi 6.
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