CPU on Dell PC is at 100% when playing a 4k MKV

Plex Media Server NAS & Devices
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Server Version#: 1.15.4.933
Player Version#:

I am trying to play a 4k MKV file on my LG TV via the Plex app and it is killing my Plex Server. Not to mention it keeps buffering. CPU is at 100% and I’m guessing it’s due to transcoding?

Its a Dell I5-4670CPU @ 3.40GHz - 8GB RAM running Windows 10 64bit.

AVI & MP4 movies play without issue. What is the best format to run on Plex or is there a rig I could have that would play these MKV files? I switched from a QNAP TS-453B NAS because I thought it was under powered but it looks like even an desktop cannot handle it.

I am fairly new to Plex so any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks
Mike

2

Yes it’s transcoding. Look at your Plex dashboard while it’s playing and you’ll be able to see why.

You should aim to direct play 4k content.

3

The container, mkv vs mp4, will not matter. It is the audio/video types within that may cause issues.

WRT the LG TV client:

Check the audio stream. Choose AC3 (Dolby Digital), EAC3 (Dolby Digital Plus), dts, AAC, or PCM. Do not choose TrueHD or dts-HD MA audio. Those will transcode.

Do not choose PGS or VOBSUB subtitles. Those will force a video transcode (and CPU at 100%). SRT (text) subtitles are supported.

If the audio is transcoding, then do not enable any subtitles, even SRT. Audio transcoding + subtitles results in video transcoding.

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This actually worked! My CPU is way down and no longer buffers. Never knew these had such an effect on local streaming. Thanks!!

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