I’m putting together a parts list for a server to host my content using plex media server. I read through the 4k faq and this list https://pcpartpicker.com/list/XJzBfH is what i came up with. I plan to use a ram disk as the transcode disk and store hard copies on the nas drives. this machine will also be used a nas. Is this parts list overkill underkill, would i be better to wait for hardware transcoding to be more fully supported? Taking all constructive criticism here.
Bigger M.2 NVMe SSD for the OS and the PMS DB for metadata.
If you want 4K transcoding then you need to add a Nvidia P2000 or better for realistic 4K HW decoding and encoding. This is in light of not using Intel CPU and having QSV. You will need to use the alpha version of PMS posted in the forum. Keep on mind its not stable yet.
Use Linux and not Windows for the host OS as it will in general work better.
I guess i should clarify i have no concern going intel over amd.
I’ve updated a parts list here https://pcpartpicker.com/list/THW2KB Any additional concerns?
Are you running Linux or Windows?
What are those warnings on the bottom of the page about the M.2s taking slots? I guess you saw that, but I have another stupid question. Will that server have a video card? It seems like Plex with their hw transcoding on NVIDIA GPUs almost working is the future.
Why would it have any greater future than Intel QSV would?
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So one thing is the ease of upgrade on an nvidia GPU. NVENC encoding seems like a better path long term in almost every way, assuming that development of plex to use this follows that path as well. QSV is already mature for plex, whereas NVENC is obviously still in alpha.
Also i would be running linux. no sense in running garbage windows.
In terms of the hardware list. Are there any concerns in the read capabilities of that disk array? assuming a raid 50. also as far as m.2 size is 250gb large enough, i would assume so since any meta data should be relatively miniscule compared to the vast size of 4k content. In terms of processor. Assuming i go quadro and NVENC that would mean i could drop to a cheaper amd ryzen 3 cpu such as ryzen 5 3600?
One thing to note i have plenty of time to iron out this build so waiting for NVENC is an option if it is already in alpha.
nvenc is not any demonstrably better or different than qsv.
and if it is, then I need proof.
with a new enough intel cpu, you can forgo the nvidia gpu entirely, saving cost in both the gpu and the energy not needed to run a separate gpu.
and since qsv is already mature with plex you don’t have to worry about whatever bugs and current/future issues with the nvidia.
lastly, the size of the ssd drive will entirely depend on the size of your expect plex library.
the database file can easily exceed 1+ gigabytes by itself, and with the metadata folders/files this can quickly grow very large. Especially if you want thumbnails/previews.
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True–when this work in progress is completed and goes through a few public dot-releases to reach a point of stable maturity like QSV.
Amen for Linux. Running Windows for a 24/7 appliance is painful to say the least
Calculating the worst case scenario by limiting the performance specs to 1 spindle @ 180MB/s STR & accounting for the maximum stream bitrates instead of average bitrates:
- 4K UHD BD specs has a 128Mbps Maximum Bitrate = 11-12 streams x 15.26MB/s
- BD specs has a 54Mbps Maximum Bitrate = 27-28 steams x 6.44MB/s
The price difference between a M.2 NVMe 250GB vs 500GB SSD is small in the grand scheme of your pricing. I personally would not go with 250GB of flash storage for Linux OS, PMS DB and content metadata.
I am all for you using an AMD Ryzen with a Nvidia Quadro. The new AMD 3rd Gen Ryzen CPUs are truly amazing. That CPU should have plenty of horse power to handle the other functions since you are planning to leverage GPU cycles.
That is the thing, it is in alpha stage of development. If you have the patience and are willing to tinker with it as it matures from alpha to beta to public releases, it will eventually all work out for you. However Plex does not disclose their timelines, so keep that in mind.
Couldn’t agree more with these statements.
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And with an Intel BIOS and an Intel CPU you are building a rock solid foundation, because the two development teams collaborate.
My comment about the GPUs was mostly because they’re faster.
But it’s also exciting running processes on a GPU.
You’re driving a supercar versus your mom’s Honda
beep beep
I ordered my supercar, C8 LT2 and letting my wife drive the Beemer.
If you really want to get technical—its not technically the GPUs but rather the Inte QSV ASIC sitting next to the iGPU on the CPU die vs Nvidia’s NVDEC/NVENC by way of FPGA. Once discussed in this context, they are quite comparable to one another. The Intel implementation has access to the memory buffer afforded to it via shared system memory. The Nvidia’s implementation is limited to how much onboard memory is on the add-on PCB.
Intel vs amd i would say is a moot subject cost to performance of amd cpus and mobos is so good intel doesn’t even compete imo.
As far as qsv vs nvenc. While intel has access to all the shared mems. nvenc is still going to be faster dollar for dollar. At the very high end. Especially since i also intend to use a portion of memory in a ram disk for the transcoding, less available memory for the intel side of things. Since we’re talking about 4k transcoding i would say that applies.
In my opinion they are comparable for the purposes of PMS HW transcoding. IMO the decision on what to use comes down to the two scenarios:
- Intel CPU with iGPU use QSV
- Intel CPU without iGPU or AMD CPU use NVDec/NVEnc
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I think my only remaining question is how soon/long does everyone suspect it will be before they release nvenc to stable? Heck i might even take beta. Honestly its going to be about 8 months before I am ready to purchase hardware. So as long as it happens before then i think i will go nvenc with an amd cpu.
so after some asking around and checking around and reading about hardware transcoding and plex, i’ve decided that just pure horespower is probably a better solution. that being said the new parts list looks like https://pcpartpicker.com/list/RGjfMZ . i also intend to use this system for surveilance using zoneminder. as well running a minecraft server in a ramdisk. that being said is this enough raw horsepower for what i want to do?
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