If you’ve connected to a graphics-card (GPU) server over remote desktop (RDP), you’ve probably noticed you can’t change the resolution and that games or 3D applications run slower than expected. The reason is simple: RDP does not use the server’s graphics card. On a GPU server, the way to fix both resolution and performance is not RDP but a streaming (connection) tool such as Parsec. Below we explain why, and how to set it up.
Why isn’t RDP enough?
Two things happen when you connect over RDP: the desktop size is locked to the window size of the program you connect with — which is why you can’t change the resolution from within Windows — and the graphics card is left out. Work that needs the GPU is pushed onto the processor instead of the card; the result is low frame rates and stutter. In short, if you work over RDP on a GPU server, you can’t take advantage of the graphics card you’re paying for.
The fix: connect with Parsec
Parsec is a connection tool that genuinely uses the graphics card and manages the resolution itself. Here’s how to set it up:
- Connect to the server once using the console in your customer panel or remote desktop.
- Download and install Parsec on the server and sign in with your account.
- Install Parsec on your own computer too and sign in with the same account.
- Parsec shows your server in its machine list; click it to connect.
Once connected, you pick the resolution from Parsec’s settings; the greyed-out list problem from RDP is gone and your graphics card kicks in.
There are alternatives too: AnyDesk (or TeamViewer) connects to the server’s own screen, so the graphics card stays active and you can set the resolution; setup is simple. If you’d prefer something free and open source, the Sunshine + Moonlight pair also does the job: install Sunshine on the server and Moonlight on your own computer. Parsec leads for gaming and the lowest latency, but unlike RDP all of these tools use the graphics card.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use RDP for administration? Yes. For simple tasks like copying files or changing settings, RDP is enough. Only switch to Parsec for work that needs the graphics card, such as games, 3D applications and video.
How do I first connect to the server to install Parsec? For the initial setup, connect to the server once using the console in your customer panel or remote desktop. After you install Parsec and sign in, you connect with Parsec from then on.
If you get stuck during setup or aren’t sure which plan to move to, get in touch and we’ll sort it out together.