Thin Client Gaming

[Lethegrin]

I'd like to set up my computer as a server that not only shares files but also system resources such as processing power, use of video cards, ram, etc.

My intended use would be to use my desktop as the server and 4 laptops as thin clients. This would make the LAN parties I host incredibly efficient and allow people with low end machines to connect to my desktop and enjoy high end, graphic intensive video games.

What application could I use to achieve this goal with minimal setup for the client users?

 

[Ijack]

I don't think this is possible. The bandwidth isn't enough to support high-end grapics, and anyway dividing one card amongst 4 users doesn't sound promising.

 

[Lethegrin]

I do it all the time locally. 3x monitors, 3x mice, 3x keyboard. 1 GTX 660 divided between 3 users. I've used multiseat programs such as aster and softxsband with minimal problems. I can run starcraft II, Borderlands, Team Fortress 2, Dota 2, you name it, I can run it 3x times on high settings without any drop in performance.

The question isn't "is the card powerful enough." My question is "how can I distribute these resources in a way where there is minimal setup for the client users".

One way that might work is to set up multiseat like I did before, then create a VNC server on each seperate log-in. Connect to each user via VNC.

Don't have a laptop to try it at the moment and not entirely sure it would work. Any thoughts?

 

[Ijack]

Your main problem is still going to be the network bandwidth. If you can achieve what you want to with 3 monitors, etc. then that's the best way to do it.

 

[Lethegrin]

I guess your right. I just wanted to see if it was possible. I've heard of internet cafes doing similar things. Let me know if you stumble upon any ideas.