Server Version#: Can’t remember, but it’s the latest
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Just curious, but what would have a better impact on Plex, an upgraded CPU or a separate graphics card?
My server runs fine as it is, no issues with multiple clients (although never typically more than 2 at a time) but I’m looking into upgrading it a little just for a performance boost. Currently its an Intel Haswell i3 4330, no separate GPU. I’m wondering what would be more beneficial, swapping the CPU for an i7 4790 (would be keeping the and motherboard) or adding a graphics card.
I’m thinking the i7 would have more impact than the graphics card, but want to be certain before buying anything.
It depends on your needs. If you need to transcode 4K HEVC, go with the video card. The i7 can transcode HEVC in software, but only 1080p or lower. It does not have enough horsepower to transcode 4k HEVC.
If you’re wanting faster thumbnail generation, a “snappier” system, etc, then go with the i7. You can add the discrete GPU later if needed.
Adding a Nvidia 1050 or better will support hardware accelerated transcoding for HEVC 10-bit video at up to 4K. You will be limited to two simultaneous transcodes (Nvidia limit). The third simultaneous transcode will hit the CPU, not the embedded GPU in the i3 or i7. There are hacked drivers to get around the two transcode limit. You can search the forum to find how to download them (I don’t have a link to the location).
The GPU in the i3-4330 & i7-4790 is the same, HD Graphics 4600, and does not support HEVC video. So, if you transcode HEVC, the decode will happen on the CPU. The encode to H.264 will happen on the GPU. Neither CPU has the horsepower to transcode 4K HEVC.
You could also add something like a Quadro P400, which can often be grabbed for under $100 on ebay (I did it myself). It also has a 2-transcode limit unless you use hacked drivers.
Otherwise, I agree with @FordGuy61. It depends on what you need. If you’re using hardware transcoding, or plan to, I’d argue that an inexpensive modern nvidia card is a better upgrade.
Thanks @FordGuy61 and @Cafe_Diem I think I will look into the graphics card for now, CPU at a later date if I think it still makes sense. Heck, if I can get a graphics card for under $100 I may upgrade both.
One final question, all else being equal (primarily price) is the Nvidia 1050 any better than the Quarda P400? A quick look on eBay shows that both can be had for around $100. Looks like the 1050 has 4GB DDR5 and the P400 2GB DDR5, but I know specs don’t always tell the whole story.
Edit: Looks like pound for pound, the 1050 is a better overall card.
Both cards are based on Nvidia’s Pascal GPU I believe, so performance and quality should be fairly similar, but I haven’t done a deep dive to make sure.
Managed to find an ASUS GeForce GTX 1050Ti 4GB for $70 on eBay. That should be a nice bump from the onboard GPU and also means if I decide to get an i7-4790 that I have not spent a huge amount on both.
Currently have 12GB of RAM in there, might bump it to 16GB eventually, but for now leaving that as is. The Plex Media Server is on an SSD, but all the media is stored on an HDD, swapping those to an SSD would be a bit pricey at this time!!
Thanks @JoePhelps I thought so as well, the card itself was actually $62, the rest of the cost was shipping. It arrived today, plugged it in and working perfectly.
I have the following hardware and I’m looking into maximizing the HW transcode feature as a Plex Pass member.
GA-Z97-D3H Board
Intel i5-4570
Based on the posts here, a 1050 graphics card should provide HEVC 10-bit transcode that I badly needed. But from a PMS perspective, is there benefit getting the “Ti” model over the standard 1050?
