Hardware GuideWhat You Need to Get Started

This guide shows you exactly what hardware you need for Moonlight. You only need one device and one connection method.

Dual-PC Setup (Recommended)

Moonlight runs on a separate PC from your gaming PC for optimal performance and security. This is our primary setup method.

Color Requirements

Lightweight

4-core 8-thread CPU (last 5-8 years)

No GPU required

8GB RAM

CPU-only processing with low memory footprint. Older CPUs (8+ years) may struggle.

AI Requirements

GPU Optional

Minimum

i7-7700K / Ryzen 5

GTX 1050 Ti

8GB RAM

Recommended

Ryzen 7 / i7-12th

RTX 4060 / AMD APU

16GB RAM

NVIDIA

AMD

Intel ARC

CPU-Only

Don't have a second PC for AI?

Optional: FIREBAT Mini PC - AMD APU with excellent AI performance

Amazon Official Store

Choose A Device

Pick one device from the options below

STEP 1 OF 2

SAFEST

Moonlink + Arduino Devices

Moonlink included FREE with Color or AI subscription

Arduino Due + Micro USB Cables

Best performance and simplest setup

SAFEST

Arduino Due (~$40-55)

Requires 2x Micro USB cables (0.5ft or 1ft recommended for serial communication)

Search on Amazon→

Moonlink included FREE with Color or AI sub

Arduino Leonardo + USB Converter

Alternative Arduino option with additional components

SAFEST

Arduino Leonardo (~$10-20)

Requires USB converter (CH340 or CP2102) and jumper wires

Search on Amazon→

Additional items needed:

• CP2102 USB Converter (~$6) or CH340 (~$8)

• Male-Female Jumper Wires (~$7)

Moonlink included FREE with Color or AI sub

ALTERNATIVE

Third-Party Devices

Makcu

Third-party aim device

ALTERNATIVE

Makcu

Purchase from Amazon (US) or Discord (cheaper)

Buy on Amazon (~$40)→Join Makcu Server (cheaper)→

Ferrum

Third-party aim device

ALTERNATIVE

Ferrum

Purchase through Ferrum Discord server

Join Ferrum Server→

CONSOLE

Console Devices (KMG Capture)

For Xbox/PS5 players only. If you play on PC, skip this section.

Titan Two

Console input device for KMG Capture. Hard to find, but supported.

CONSOLE

Titan Two

Xbox: Works standalone

PS5: Requires PS5mate + Titan Two

Search on Amazon→

Alternative: XIM Matrix with Makcu or Ferrum

Choose Connection Method

Pick one connection method from the options below

STEP 2 OF 2

OPTION A

Network-Based

Pick one of the options below

Network Switch (TP-Link TL-SG105E)

Most reliable and fastest connection

Network Switch

Buy TP-Link Switch→

Note: 1GbE switches may cause bandwidth bottlenecks depending on your setup. A 2.5GbE switch is recommended for best throughput.

USB to Ethernet Adapters (2x)

No Config

No switch needed, both PCs keep their normal connection

2x USB to Ethernet Adapters + Ethernet Cable

Plug a USB-to-Ethernet adapter into each PC and connect them with an ethernet cable. Both PCs keep their existing internet connection (WiFi or ethernet) untouched. No IP configuration or network switch required.

Buy UGREEN USB 3.0 Adapter→

Note: You need two adapters (one per PC) and one ethernet cable to connect them together.

Direct Ethernet Connection

WiFi Alternative

Connect PC1 directly to PC2 with an ethernet cable

If you play the game on WiFi, you can connect one ethernet cable directly from PC1 to PC2 instead of using a network switch. This eliminates the need for additional hardware while maintaining good performance.

Note: This method requires both PCs to have ethernet ports available and works best when your main gaming PC is connected to the internet via WiFi.

OPTION B

Capture Card

Pick one of the options below

SAFEST

Elgato 4K Pro

Buy Elgato 4K Pro→

AVerMedia GC573

Buy AVerMedia GC573→

USB Alternatives

Elgato 4K X

Buy Elgato 4K X→

Ready to Get Started?

Once you have your hardware, head to our purchase page to get your Moonlight license.

Get Moonlight License→