Server Version#: 1.18.5.2260
Player Version#: Version 4.20.1
I moved my plex server to another computer that has similar specs. The settings for my new media server are exactly the same as my old one. When I first started my server, my cpu would stay at 100% load while someone was watching a 4k file that needed to be transcoded. This may sound crazy but I read someplace where if I change the “transcoder temporary directory” to a folder that doesn’t exist, it would no longer transcode. After I made the change, I would see (HW) by the users transcoding activity and I assumed I figured out a way for the client to transcode instead and it never bogged down my computer again. Now on my new media server, it creates the folder that didn’t exist and when a user plays a 4k file that needs to be transcoded from 4k to 1080p my cpu immediately goes to 100% load and almost 72C. I am a plex pass holder. I do have the latest server versions with the new “Disable video stream transcoding” feature but I would rather not enable that. It does not allow a user to play a 4k file at all. Its not the way I used to have it. I hope someone reads this and knows exactly what I’m missing here.
the recent pms beta release, has an option to prevent transcoding (but isn’t fully working yet).
Uhm, this is definitely not the way to resolve any issue.
As already stated, you need to provide a whole lot more specific details.
Your server hardware, cpu, ram, video card, what OS/version, what plex version (latest is not a version).
you really should not be transcoding 4k at all, and unless you have ~300+ upload speed, letting remote users even have access to 4k (keep 4k in a separate library).
The specs are:
i7 6700k Cpu
32gb Gskill Ram at 3350mhz
Asus Z170 PRO GAMING/AURA
Nvidia evga 980ti ftw
Windows 10 Pro 64 bit OS on 2 Mushkin SSD 240gb in raid 0
2 8TB Seagate Easystore externals, 3TB&4TB Seagate Barricuda Pros, 2 10tb WD reds in Raid 0
Plex is running locally on the system 24/7. I only have 2 users right now. The latest version I used is 1.18.4.2171-ac2afe5f8, but as I said I’m on the Beta 1.18.5.2260.
No I did not switch CPUs. I have Hardware transcoding enabled. I switched from an Asrock Z170 OC Formula to a Asus Z170 PRO GAMING/AURA motherboard. I also traded the video card from a 2080ti to a 980ti because I built a newer computer that I would rather have the 2080ti in.
Originally I thought that was what made it work. When I made that change it didn’t take my cpu to 100% load anymore. In a effort to add more detail, That is one of the steps I took that I thought made it work. I know for a fact that one of my friends was watching many 4k files from my plex and he has a computer plugged in via hdmi to a 1080p television. After I made that change, I would have known if my cpu spiked to 100% because I was on the computer most of the time. I even looked at my cpu usage as I was watching the activity. The video format was 4k to 1080p transcode (HW). The only thing that I can think of is I downgraded the GPU from a 2080ti to 980ti because I wanted to build another computer.
Tiebierius you are the winner. You gave me the exact answer I was looking for. I just went to best buy and purchased a 1660ti to test this theory and now my cpu never goes above 30%.
Thank you Dr_Tone, Coxeroni,TeknoJunky, and Tiebierius for helping me narrow down this problem. I consider you all legends. You all saved me lots of time and restless nights. I hope this helps out a lot of other people that are having this very problem. I see it all over the forums.
