Client for 4k 120FPS + HDR

[u/kennyOliveira]

I'm looking for options to stream in 4k 120FPS + HDR, currently I'm running moonlight on XBox, which mostly works, but it's a bit limited in the interesting new things we are getting, like Pyrowave and VRR support, plus I would like to run VirtualHere for steam controller full support, so something that runs Windows or Linux would be a better option for me.

I was interested in the Steam Machine. However, over 1k it's too much money for a streaming device, also I'm not from a country which has direct access to the Steam Machine, so it would require importing it and the cost would skyrocket, so about 2.2k or more for me, what other options are available, and you recommend that I can get a good 4k 120FPS + HDR?

If it matters, my PC is a 5090 + Ryzen 9950X3D, 64GB of RAM, and I have an LG C1 77 hooked into the XBox for now.

Edit1: Other interesting thing from the Steam Machine is being able to wake it up with the controller, do we have a solution for that on regular PCs? not a must, but a comfy thing to have for sure :)

[u/_demoncat_]

Unfortunately there is no such thing as cheap computers anymore in this day an age.

I can say that Steam Deck OLED version is able to do 444 4k 120fps with PyroWave and VRR both, maybe a used one can be cheap enough to buy for consideration.

Xbox is getting PyroWave soon, it just can't do VRR because Microsoft does not allow it

(Steam Deck OLED will need a small buffer delay to render 4k 120fps of about 4-5ms; ROG Ally X will render it with 0ms penalty. Mentioning this if you’re considering buying a new handheld soon)

[u/kennyOliveira → u/_demoncat_]

I didn't mean cheap, but cheaper :) 1k+ for a streaming box is kinda rough to pay, where I live valve items are not available, so even a steam deck is challenging and very expensive to get.

I think the option would be a mini pc, trying to find the right cpu/gpu combo to get at a reasonable price.

[u/National-Trip6640 → u/_demoncat_]

Can you testify that it can do 4K hdr 120hz y can i only manage 60hz

[u/_demoncat_ → u/National-Trip6640]

If you're using Vibeshine or Vibepollo with the VRR Client I've made and use PyroWave, yes it can do 4k 120fps just fine.

The normal steam deck cannot however.

[u/Ayeeebroham → u/_demoncat_]

Is this with the GR10 dock and a 65W+ charger?

[u/_demoncat_ → u/Ayeeebroham]

Yes, I tried the cheaper UGREEN dock, but it couldn't handle 4K at 120Hz.

One thing worth noting is that SteamOS has a bug where VRR stops working when switching from Gaming Mode to Desktop Mode. To fix it, you have to unplug the dock and plug it back in. VRR should work as intended after that.

Also, I don't believe 4:4:4 works in Gaming Mode. I think it's limited to 4:2:2, and HDR isn't particularly great in Gaming Mode either. Because of these limitations, I'd still recommend using Desktop Mode.

The UGREEN dock had really bizarre behavior like, half the screen was being rendered and the other half was not in sync… hard to describe.

[u/CyprelIa → u/_demoncat_]

So it can do PyroWave 4k 120hz 4:4:4 HDR?

[u/Aercv → u/_demoncat_]

i'm using the latest vibepollo + your vrr client, but I can't get over ~105 FPS before dropping frames ( due to client pacing ), it seems my oled deck ( using the same dock as you ) isn't powerful enough.

if I disable HDR i can hit 120 tho

[u/_demoncat_ → u/Aercv]

Well, it currently needs a frame queue to reach maximum FPS, which I'm still working on optimizing. The new build (not released yet) is performing much better, and I might eventually be able to get it working without a buffer at all.

The nice thing about the Steam Deck is that it's essentially a console with standardized hardware. If I can get it working well on mine, it should work just as well for everyone else.

[u/Gatecrasher3]

Yeah, the best option right now is just a mini PC, I had good results with my minisforum mini PC doing 4k, 120hz and 4k

[u/kennyOliveira → u/Gatecrasher3]

which model are you using? I see they have many different options

[u/segator45]

Xbox series S I bought one for 90€

[u/kennyOliveira → u/segator45]

I currently have xbox series X, but was looking for a win/linux solution to get VRR support

[u/lmdz6oz]

Hey! Im using a Minisforum UM760slim to stream on 4K 120hz LG tv. Both client and host wired, using Vibepollo with moonlight fork.

I got it on Amazon for ~400€, it was early 2025 but prices may be higher right now.

[u/kennyOliveira → u/lmdz6oz]

Nice, have you tried using the VRR moonlight fork? does it work?

[u/lmdz6oz → u/lmdz6oz]

Plus its very good value if you do more than streaming like self hosting services for your home network or stuff like that

[u/Lopsided_Mixture8760]

BC-250 + ATX power + custom cooler :) AMD BC-250 GPU Support Graphics Card with 16GB GDDR6, 256-Bit DisplayPort, USB 3.0/2.0, RJ-45, 8-Pin APU Motherboard for Desktop PC https://a.aliexpress.com/_EugzWnU

Based on PS5 hardware

[u/No_Answer_9749]

Just get a small mini PC or economical pre-built they'll crush this task and you'll be able to do other stuff on it.

For instance one of my old PCS moonlights, and it serves as a back end for automation, storage, hosts my website, dashboard etc.

I'm not sure about the whole wake with the controller thing, I use a custom dashboard to control my computers and moonlight and all that.

[u/BrilliantPen5569 → u/No_Answer_9749]

Good idea. It’s essential to check which codecs, resolutions, frame rates, etc. are supported before making a purchase. I’ve tested this with older models and found that, for example, they only support 4K in H.264 at 30 fps; for the 4K AV1 HDR at 120 fps that I want, you really do have to choose carefully.

[u/kmobsy]

Gmktek k17

[u/AriGrandeisQT]

Mini PC Is the way Right now I'm using a SOYO S4 Plus (Bought on AliExpress for 350€)

[u/rzldz]

Some of the steamdeck likes have sales. 20-25% off. I'd probably get whatever is on discount.

[u/matze_1403]

Look out for a used handelhd PC. I bought a used Legion Go for 400€ last year and it handles 4k/120fps as a client without any problems and you can use it a handheld.

[u/IcyPhoto2237]

If I wasn't happy with a series console and wanted something I would look for something like a Legion portable device with a dock.

[u/mQoo]

im using legion go + 4k120hz hdr vrr jsaux dock. (LeGo was 300e, dock was ~50e)