The quickest way to make Steam Link smoother is to use Ethernet for the gaming PC and client whenever possible. If the client must use Wi-Fi, use a strong 5-GHz connection. Then enable Steam Link’s performance overlay so you can identify whether the problem is your network, the host PC, video encoding, client decoding, or TV latency.
After that, cap the game at a stable frame rate, lower streaming resolution or bandwidth, test hardware encoding both ways, and enable Game Mode on the TV. A faster internet package usually will not fix in-home Steam Link problems: local consistency, latency, and jitter matter more than your ISP’s download speed.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
First, identify what kind of problem you have
“Lag” can describe several different failures. The correct fix depends on what you are seeing.
| Symptom | Most likely area |
|---|---|
| Periodic hitching, freezes, or network spikes | Wi-Fi, router, interference, packet loss, or competing traffic |
| Low or unstable streaming frame rate | Host game performance, encoding, or client decoding |
| Blurry, blocky, or fluctuating image | Bitrate, resolution, or network capacity |
| Smooth video but delayed controls | TV processing, controller connection, display refresh, or network latency |
| Audio crackling or delay | Audio settings, USB/Bluetooth peripherals, or processing load |
| Works well on one device but poorly on another | The slower client, TV app, decoder, or display |
Test one change at a time using the same game and, ideally, the same demanding scene. Otherwise, it is easy to mistake a different workload for an improvement.
#1 Best Overall
- 40 Gbps 2000 Mhz High Speed: The Cat 8 ethernet cable support max. 40 Gbps data transfer and 2000 MHz Brandwith, ideal for gaming and streaming, greatly improving upload and download speed, sound, image and resolution quality
- Excellent Anti-interference: The ethernet cable comes with 4 shielded foiled twisted pairs (F/FTP), pure copper core and gold-plated RJ45 connector, reducing interference, noise and crosstalk, making network speed faster and more stable
- Marvelous Durability: Internet cable wrapped with quality cotton braided cord, which makes the LAN cable stronger and more durable. The test proves that this internet cable can be bent at least 10000 times without broken, very suitable for long-term use
- PoE Supported: All lengths of ethernet cord can support the PoE power supply function except 65ft. You don't need additional power supply when installing a PoE camera, which is very convenient and safe
- Wide Compatibility: With the RJ45 Connector, network cable can be perfectly compatible with computers, laptops, modems, routers, PS5, X-Box and other networking devices. It can also be fully backward compatible with Cat7, Cat6e, Cat6, Cat5e, Cat5
Use the best network arrangement
For local Steam Link streaming, the preferred setup is:
Gaming PC ── Ethernet ── Router ── Ethernet ── Steam Link/clientIf the client cannot use Ethernet:
Gaming PC ── Ethernet ── Router )) 5-GHz Wi-Fi (( Steam Link/clientValve recommends Ethernet where supported, with 5-GHz 802.11n-or-newer Wi-Fi as the next-best option. See Valve’s Remote Play network guidance.
Wiring the PC does not eliminate a problem on the client’s congested Wi-Fi connection. Two wireless hops are generally more vulnerable than one wired and one wireless link. 2.4-GHz Wi-Fi can travel farther, but it is usually more congested; 5 GHz is normally preferable for game streaming when the signal is strong.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Powerline adapters, mesh nodes, repeaters, and switches can all work, but they add possible points of variable latency. For diagnosis, connect the client directly to the main router or nearest access point if possible. An internet speed test is not a complete Steam Link test: it does not prove that your local connection has low jitter or packet loss.
Enable Steam Link’s performance overlay
Do this before changing advanced settings. Valve says the performance overlay can be enabled from Steam Link settings before streaming, Big Picture settings after streaming starts, or the Steam overlay while playing. During streaming, press F6 or Start + Y to show the performance graph.
Valve notes that large spikes in the cyan network-time line indicate highly variable network time and generally coincide with stuttering or freezing. Consult Steam Support’s performance-overlay instructions.
Rank #2
- Cat 6 performance at a Cat5e price but with higher bandwidth
- High Performance Cat6, 30 AWG, RJ45 Ethernet Patch Cable provides universal connectivity for LAN network components such as PCs,computer servers,printers,routers,switch boxes,network media players,NAS,VoIP phones
- Jadaol cat6 standard cable support Cat8 and Cat7 network and provides performance of up to 250 MHz 10Gbps and is suitable for 10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX (Fast Ethernet), 1000BASE-T/1000BASE-TX (Gigabit Ethernet) and 10GBASE-T (10-Gigabit Ethernet)
- UTP(Unshielded Twisted Pair) patch cable with RJ45 gold-plated Connectors and are made of 100% bare copper wire, ensure minimal noise and interference
- The unique flat cable shape allows for a cleaner and safer installation. You can easily and seamlessly make the cable run along walls, follow edges & corners or even make it completely invisible by sliding it under a carpet.
- Network-time spikes: investigate Wi-Fi interference, router congestion, packet loss, mesh or powerline equipment, and other traffic.
- The host game is not holding its frame rate: lower in-game settings, cap the frame rate, and check CPU/GPU load and temperatures.
- Encoding is overloaded: test hardware encoding on and off, then reduce resolution or frame rate.
- Decoding or display is overloaded: lower the stream settings, update the client, or test a more capable device.
- The graph is smooth but controls feel delayed: check TV Game Mode, controller connection, display refresh, and client distance from the display.
Reduce competing network and PC activity
Pause downloads, cloud backups, video streaming, music services, BitTorrent, and large file transfers while testing. Also temporarily close capture tools, overlays, monitoring utilities, and unnecessary background applications. Valve lists software such as MSI Afterburner, RivaTuner Statistics Server, Razer Synapse, ASUS AI Suite, ZoneAlarm, Skype/Skypehost, cloud-sync software, and screen-capture software among applications that have caused problems for some users; this is not a claim that every installation will conflict.
Restart the router and update its firmware. If you use a mesh system, test with the client attached to the main router or closest access point. Mixed wired/wireless networks are not automatically bad, but the wireless segment remains the most likely variable part of the path.
Reset Steam Link settings if the configuration is unclear
If you have changed many options and no longer know which setting is responsible, Valve’s reset path is:
Steam Link home screen → Settings → Streaming → Advanced options → Reset to DefaultsValve notes that this option may only appear in the Steam Link beta build and may require switching to beta under System Settings. Menu names can differ between the original Steam Link hardware, Steam Link apps, TV platforms, and Steam beta versions.
Lower resolution and bandwidth
Resolution is often the most useful first quality adjustment because it can reduce network, encoding, and decoding work at the same time. Try the current setting first, then step down gradually:
- Move from 4K or 1440p to 1080p.
- If 1080p still stutters, test 1280×720.
- If 720p is smooth, raise the resolution one step at a time.
Valve specifically recommends 1280×720 as a low-frame-rate troubleshooting test. The usual path is:
Rank #3
- Designed for Outdoor & Direct Burial Installations – Heavy-duty double-shielded Cat8 Ethernet cable minimizes EMI/RFI interference and delivers stable long-distance performance. Waterproof, anti-corrosion PVC jacket allows safe direct burial and reliable use in outdoor or indoor environments.
- 26AWG for Stable High-Load Networks – Thicker 26AWG conductors provide faster, more stable data transmission than standard 32AWG cables. Ideal for high-performance home networks, gaming setups, smart homes, and data-intensive applications.
- F/FTP Shielding & Hyper-Speed Performance: Cat8 Ethernet cable constructed with 4 shielded foiled twisted pairs and 26AWG OFC conductors; supports bandwidth up to 2000 MHz and data transmission speeds up to 40 Gbps, effectively reducing signal interference and ensuring stable connections. Ideal for low-latency gaming, 4K/8K streaming, and high-speed internet connections.
- RJ45 Connectors & Wide Compatibility: Cat8 Ethernet cable with two shielded RJ45 connectors; compatible with networking switches, IP cameras, routers, Nintendo Switch, modems, PS3, PS4, Xbox, patch panels, servers, smart TVs, and more; works with Cat7, Cat6, Cat5e, and Cat5 devices
- Weatherproof & UV Resistant: Outdoor-rated Cat8 Ethernet cable with UV-resistant PVC jacket; withstands direct sunlight, extreme cold, humidity, and hot weather; anti-aging and durable; Includes 18-month support.
Steam Link → Settings → Streaming → Advanced Client Options → Resolution Limit → 1280×720In Big Picture, the equivalent path is:
Big Picture Mode → Settings → In-Home Streaming → Advanced Client Options → Limit resolution → 1280×720For quality, choose:
Steam Link → Settings → Streaming → FastIn Big Picture, use Settings → In-Home Streaming → Client options → Fast. For manual control, open Advanced Client Options → Bandwidth Limit. Valve recommends starting at the lowest bandwidth setting and increasing it slowly until the problem returns, then using the last stable value. You can return the setting to Automatic afterward. See Valve’s streaming-quality guidance and its bandwidth instructions.
A higher bitrate can improve image quality but places more demand on the network and client decoder. Lowering bitrate may stabilize a marginal connection while adding compression artifacts. There is no universal correct bitrate for every resolution, codec, game, and client.
Make sure the host PC can sustain the stream
Steam Link cannot make a game run better than it runs on the host PC. Run the game locally and confirm that it maintains your target frame rate. Lower demanding in-game settings, check CPU/GPU utilization and temperatures, and close recording, browser, overlay, and cloud-sync software.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Use a stable frame-rate cap instead of an uncapped frame rate that fluctuates heavily. A practical starting point is 60 fps for a 60-Hz display. If the host or client struggles, 30 fps can be a useful fallback. Higher refresh rates are worth attempting only when the game, host, encoder, client, display, and network can sustain them together.
On a laptop, confirm that the game is using the intended discrete GPU rather than an integrated GPU. Also compare the game’s output resolution and frame rate with what the client and television can actually display.
Test hardware encoding both ways
Hardware encoding is not universally better. Valve’s troubleshooting guidance says NVIDIA hardware encoding often performs better than software encoding, while software encoding can outperform AMD hardware encoding in some cases. That is a troubleshooting generalization, not a guarantee for every GPU generation, driver, codec, or client.
Rank #4
- Cat 8 Speed, Cat 5/5e Value Enjoy Cat 8 Ethernet cable performance at a Cat 5/5e-level value. With up to 40Gbps speed and 2000MHz bandwidth, this high speed internet cable delivers more bandwidth than standard Cat 5 and Cat 5e cables, helping support smooth gaming, streaming, video calls, large file transfers and everyday wired network use.
- 40Gbps Speed, Wide Compatibility This Cat 8 Ethernet cable supports up to 40Gbps data transfer and 2000MHz bandwidth for fast, reliable internet performance. Standard RJ45 connectors are backward compatible with Cat7, Cat6, Cat6a and Cat5e devices, including routers, modems, switches, gaming PCs, PS5, PS4, Xbox, smart TVs, laptops and printers.
- Stable U/FTP Shielding Each of the 4 twisted pairs is individually wrapped with aluminum foil to help reduce crosstalk, noise, and signal interference. Combined with RJ45 connectors on both ends, the U/FTP design helps maintain cleaner signal transmission for a stable and reliable wired network connection.
- Nylon Braided Durability The nylon braided jacket adds everyday durability while keeping the cable flexible and easy to route. Reinforced construction helps the cord handle bending, pulling and frequent plugging, making it a reliable choice for desks, gaming rooms, home offices and long-term network setups.
- 50ft Reach for More Setups The 50 ft length makes it easier to connect devices across rooms, along walls, under desks or around corners. Great for router-to-PC connections, modem-to-TV setups, gaming consoles, workstations, printers and other home network equipment that needs a longer Ethernet cable.
Find the setting under:
Steam or Big Picture → Settings → In-Home Streaming → Advanced Host Options → Enable Hardware Encoding on...The available choices may include NVIDIA, AMD, and Intel. You can also change it during streaming through Steam overlay → In-Home Streaming → Modify Settings → Advanced Host Options.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
- Record the current setting.
- Test hardware encoding for the installed GPU.
- If stutter or latency worsens, test software encoding.
- Restart the stream if the change does not take effect immediately.
- Keep the option that performs best on that particular host and client.
When encoding is the bottleneck, also try lower resolution, lower frame rate, and lower bitrate. Close recording software and overlays, and consider testing a different GPU driver if the issue began after an update. Driver behavior is system-dependent, so keep a known-good version available for rollback.
Fix TV and client-device limitations
A fast gaming PC and good router cannot compensate for a weak smart-TV processor or poorly optimized TV app. Steam Link apps differ by platform in codec support, refresh-rate handling, controller behavior, and decoding performance. The original Steam Link hardware may also have fewer capabilities than a newer computer, phone, streaming box, or TV platform.
If the overlay points to client decoding or display performance:
- Lower resolution.
- Lower frame rate.
- Reduce bitrate.
- Test another codec only if the client exposes codec controls.
- Update the Steam Link app and TV firmware.
- Test a phone, computer, or more capable streaming device on the same network.
If Steam Link works well on another client but not on one television, the TV app or its hardware becomes a strong suspect. Replacing the router is unlikely to help if the television itself cannot decode and present the stream smoothly.
Remove TV and controller input delay
If the picture is smooth but controls feel sluggish, enable Game Mode, Low Latency Mode, or the equivalent setting on the TV. Disable motion smoothing, frame interpolation, noise reduction, and other post-processing features.
Best Value
- [Flat Design, Zero Cable Clutter] - Lies perfectly flat against walls, under rugs, along baseboards, and through tight spaces without kinks, tangles, or messy coils. Customers praise it for effortless installation and clean cable management that blends into any room.
- [REINFORCED BRAIDED CONSTRUCTION FOR LONG‑LASTING PERFORMANCE] - Premium cotton braided jacket paired with reinforced RJ45 connectors delivers outstanding durability, rigorously tested for over 15,000 bend cycles. Many customers describe this ethernet cable as rock‑solid and well‑crafted, ideal for long‑term daily use with no worries about premature wear‑and‑tear or connection failure
- [10GBPS SPEED & 600MHZ BANDWIDTH — GAMING, STREAMING & FIBER READY] - Delivers 10Gbps data transfer rate with 600MHz bandwidth for PS5, Xbox, 4K streaming, and fiber internet. Customers report stable performance and fast speeds. Backward compatible with Cat 6 and Cat 5e devices
- [STP SHIELDING & GOLD-PLATED RJ45 — MINIMIZES EMI/RFI INTERFERENCE] - 100% bare copper STP shielding helps protect signal integrity when routed near power cords. Gold-plated RJ45 connectors resist corrosion. Compatible with 2.5GB network card
- [Works with Everything — Router, Modem, PS5, Xbox, PC, Smart TV, Printer More ] - Full backward compatibility with Cat7, Cat6, Cat6a, and Cat5e devices means this one cable works with all your home or office equipment today, and future upgrades tomorrow. Works with 10/100/1000/10G/40G BASE-T speeds. Includes 36-month warranty with free replacement support
Test a controller connected directly to the client, preferably by cable. A distant Bluetooth controller can add its own delay. Verify that the TV is displaying the expected refresh rate. These are display and controller fixes, not necessarily network fixes.
Isolate audio and peripheral problems
Valve suggests disconnecting USB and Bluetooth headsets and power-cycling the Steam Link when troubleshooting streaming issues. Test with the TV’s built-in speakers or a basic wired audio path, then reconnect devices one at a time.
For crackling or distorted audio, try a host playback sample rate of 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz. Switching between those two commonly used rates can resolve some audio problems. See Steam Support’s audio and streaming-quality guidance.
Recommended Free Tools
Power-cycle the equipment correctly
For a low-cost reset, Valve recommends this sequence:
- Unplug the router, modem, and other network equipment.
- Wait 30 seconds.
- Reconnect it and allow roughly 60 seconds for startup.
- Unplug the Steam Link.
- Wait 3 seconds.
- Reconnect it and allow roughly 30 seconds for startup.
This can clear a temporary fault, but recurring network-time spikes still require network diagnosis. The timings come from Valve’s troubleshooting steps.
When Ethernet and lower settings do not help
Use controlled comparisons:
- Test another game. A single title may have unusually high CPU, GPU, or streaming demands.
- Play locally on the host. If it stutters there, Steam Link is not the root cause.
- Test another client on the same network. A phone or computer can reveal whether the TV is the bottleneck.
- Test the same client with another host if available.
- Compare wired and wireless client connections.
If Steam Link remains problematic, Moonlight and Sunshine are separate open-source alternatives. Moonlight is a client, while Sunshine is a self-hosted host designed for it and supports AMD, Intel, and NVIDIA hardware encoding. Their official setup documentation is available through the Moonlight setup guide and Sunshine documentation. They can provide another client and host stack to test, but they will not automatically fix bad Wi-Fi, poor host performance, or TV processing latency. They also require more configuration than Steam Link.
For streaming outside your home, additional factors include the host’s upload connection, NAT, routing, geographic distance, and wider internet congestion. Local Ethernet or 5-GHz Wi-Fi remains useful, but it cannot remove long-distance internet latency.
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallCrashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteA reliable starting profile
Use this as a baseline rather than a universal prescription:
Quick Recap
- 1080p resolution.
- 60 fps if the host and client can sustain it.
- Ethernet for the host.
- Ethernet for the client, or 5-GHz Wi-Fi if wiring is impractical.
- Fast quality or moderate/automatic bandwidth, followed by manual tuning if needed.
- Hardware encoding enabled initially, followed by an on/off comparison.
- Game Mode enabled on the television.
Quick checklist
- Wire the PC and client, or use 5-GHz Wi-Fi for the client.
- Pause downloads, cloud sync, streaming, and capture software.
- Enable the performance overlay with F6 or Start + Y.
- Check whether the graph points to network, host, encoding, or decoding.
- Cap the game at a stable frame rate.
- Test 1080p, then 720p if necessary.
- Lower bandwidth gradually instead of guessing at a universal bitrate.
- Test hardware encoding on and off.
- Enable TV Game Mode and disable motion processing.
- Try another client before buying a new router.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
