My Plex server is on some old hardware, but runs fine locally, only 1 stream usually and can run 2. Problems arise when remotes stream and need transcode. The old i5 660 (3.33GHz) will cope with 1 transcode usually, but can buffer especially if anything else happens!
I read the HW requirements, but I’m still unclear on whether you must have and Intel Quick Sync Video capable CPU to be able to use a NVENC capable GPU?
Ideally, can I keep my old i5 and ‘just add’ something like an Nvidia GTX1050?
You can add a Nvidia GPU. You’ll need a Pascal generation (1050 or higher) to decode HEVC video.
One area of concern is if the rest of the system can handle things. For example, it will have USB2, not USB3 interfaces. If the media is on external drives, the speed of the USB2 interface may become a limiting factor at some point.
Also, make sure you are running the 64-bit version of Plex Media Server.
To check, pull the server log files (Settings → Troubleshooting). Unzip. Look at the first line of Plex Media Server.log. You want to see build: windows-x86_64 windows. If there is no _64, then download & install the 64-bit version of PMS. You can install over the 32-bit version, the installer will remove the old version.
Example: Dec 29, 2023 14:37:56.988 [16800] INFO - Plex Media Server v1.32.8.7639-fb6452ebf - Microsoft PC x64-x64 - build: windows-x86_64 windows - GMT -07:00
Thank you so much FordGuy61, my log does indicate x86, so I’ll do the upgrade first.
I have most media on internal drives and the system is on SSD. I even added a newer PCIe SATA controller to host these. I do have some USB media though, so I will bear that in mind too.
You should consider this CPU a room heater by now. It is far older than 10 years. That kind of performance is now to be had with 4 watt power consumption, not with 73watt.
