is this the FUTURE of GAMING?

Summary

This video tests Parsec, a low-latency peer-to-peer remote desktop app, by streaming games from a desktop host to a Surface laptop client across four setups. With both host and client on Ethernet the experience was excellent; Wi-Fi on the same network was playable if coverage was good; Wi-Fi on a different network performed surprisingly similarly thanks to Parsec’s P2P design; and mobile/hotspot connections were unreliable and ultimately unplayable. The presenter notes Parsec isn’t suitable for competitive gaming but is excellent for casual gaming, video editing, and remote access — recommending Ethernet where possible and offering setup tips.

Takeaways

• 😀 Parsec is a low-latency remote desktop application that allows users to access their host computer from a client device, enabling activities like gaming, video editing, and more.
• 😀 Parsec uses a peer-to-peer system, meaning the host and client computers communicate directly without passing through a central server, minimizing latency.
• 😀 The host computer should ideally be wired with Ethernet, while the client device can have different connection types to test performance under various scenarios.
• 😀 Testing involves four scenarios: Ethernet-to-Ethernet, Ethernet-to-Wi-Fi on the same network, Ethernet-to-Wi-Fi on different networks, and mobile data (via a phone hotspot).
• 😀 Using Ethernet for both the host and client on the same network delivers the best performance, with minimal stuttering and acceptable input delay.
• 😀 Ethernet-to-Wi-Fi performance varies based on Wi-Fi strength: in rooms with weak Wi-Fi, stuttering and delays are more noticeable, while stronger Wi-Fi yields results similar to Ethernet connections.
• 😀 In the scenario where the client is on a different network but still using peer-to-peer communication, the results are similar to being on the same network, with occasional stuttering and minor input delay.
• 😀 Mobile data (using the phone as a hotspot) is the weakest connection for Parsec, with frequent connection drops making it unplayable. However, it performs well for brief moments before the connection drops.
• 😀 Competitive gamers should avoid Parsec and other remote desktop gaming solutions, as the input delay and latency are unsuitable for high-level gaming.
• 😀 Despite some limitations in certain scenarios, Parsec proves to be a viable solution for casual gaming and remote access to local resources, especially for non-competitive uses.

Q & A

What is Parsec, and what makes it unique?

Parsec is a remote desktop application that offers low latency, making it suitable for activities like gaming, video editing, and accessing resources on a remote computer. What sets Parsec apart is its peer-to-peer connection, which allows for direct communication between the client and host computers without going through a central server, minimizing latency.

How does Parsec minimize latency for remote gaming?

Parsec minimizes latency by using a peer-to-peer system where the client and host computers communicate directly. This avoids the delays caused by routing traffic through a central server, resulting in a faster and more stable connection.

What are the potential issues when using Parsec on a less powerful laptop?

Although Parsec works on less powerful laptops, performance may be hindered by factors like unsupported drivers, hardware limitations, or network connectivity. In the script, the user runs Linux on a Surface Laptop 2o, which isn't fully optimized for Parsec, so it required switching to Windows for better compatibility.

How does network connection type affect the performance of Parsec?

Network connection plays a significant role in Parsec's performance. Using ethernet on both the client and host results in the best performance, with low latency and minimal stutters. Wi-Fi on the same network can still provide good results, but with occasional stutters or controller delay. Using a different network, such as Wi-Fi on a separate network, may introduce some stutter, but the peer-to-peer system still keeps it playable. Mobile data and hotspots, however, often cause dropouts and unplayable conditions.

What happened when the user tried using Parsec over mobile data?

When using Parsec over mobile data, the experience was unplayable. After about 30 seconds, the connection would drop, forcing the user to reload the app. This issue of connection drops is common on mobile networks, making this setup unsuitable for reliable gaming or remote work.

How did the user test Parsec under different network conditions?

The user tested Parsec in four different scenarios: 1) Ethernet on both the host and client computers on the same network, 2) Ethernet on the host with Wi-Fi on the client on the same network, 3) Ethernet on the host with Wi-Fi on the client on different networks, and 4) using mobile data on the client. These tests helped determine how various network conditions affect Parsec’s performance.

What were the results of using Parsec with ethernet on both host and client?

When both the host and client used ethernet on the same network, the results were excellent. There were only occasional stutters that were barely noticeable, and the connection had very little compression. Input delay was noticeable but acceptable for most uses, especially considering the technology at play.

What issues did the user face when using Wi-Fi on the client with ethernet on the host?

The user experienced mixed results when using Wi-Fi on the client with ethernet on the host. In a room with weaker Wi-Fi, stutters were frequent, and occasional freezes occurred. However, in a room with better Wi-Fi coverage, the performance improved, with only minor controller delay and no noticeable stutters.

Is Parsec suitable for competitive gaming?

No, Parsec is not ideal for competitive gaming. The script explicitly mentions that any form of cloud or remote gaming, including Parsec, is not optimal for competitive scenarios due to inherent latency and potential input delay.

What recommendations did the user make for improving Parsec performance on Wi-Fi?

To improve Parsec's performance when using Wi-Fi, the user suggests using a Wi-Fi extender or a mesh network. This can help improve the stability and coverage of the Wi-Fi network, reducing stutters and improving overall experience.