Hello all,
I’m planning on assembling a new Server and i’d like some feedback on the CPU selection please, the rest of the hardware isn’t an issue at the moment.
- Note: i really hope that i get feedback from users actually using or tested the CPUs mentioned to eliminate the guess work factor.
PC HW is overpriced where i live and there aren’t many options around, importing is a gamble and can very costly (shipping + customs).
The contenders:
1- Intel i3 8100 ($165 local price)
2- Intel Pentium G5600 ($130 local price)
3- AMD Athlon 200GE ($80 local price)
4- Keep the old rusty box and add an Nvidia Quadro P400 ($170 local price)
The usage Scenario:
1- The server will run under a headless Ubuntu Server
2- I can direct play to all my clients (Amazon Fire TV 4k) except for occasional and limited needs for transcoding (a Family member or a friend).
3- My whole library is in 1080p 10-Bit HEVC, Bit rate range from 1 - 10 MB max. NO 4k media at the moment and most probably won’t add any in the future.
4- when transcoding is needed for “local streaming” it must be to the “Original” quality both resolution and bitrate , the file is not to downgrade to 720p or so, unless i’m streaming outside my network then it’s a network bandwidth thing and i will tolerate downgrades then but not basing my CPU selection on it.
5- re-encoding the library, optimizing media files is not an option, i wan’t real time transcoding of my media.
6- i have a premium pass and i can use HW transcoding as needed.
7- i don’t want to add a GPU (1050 or a quadro) to the new server, i’d rather have a capable CPU doing all the work (either software or HW transcoding), maybe i’ll add the GPU to the old one if the CPUs i have my eyes on are not up to the task but i’d rather upgrade to a new server (old one is running under an Intel E7600 and doing the job for direct play).
8- i don’t want to run the server under windows, that’s not an option.
9- I will only require 1 transcoded stream from the server, worst case scenario 1 transcoded and 1 direct streams/play.
What i’d like to be sure of is: both Intel CPUs have a UHD 630 GPU, can the GPU handle HW smooth transcoding for the type of files i mentioned? tech sheets say they can but i’d like some confirmation from an actual user. if yes, then can both handle SW transcoding? i think the 8100 can but not sure about the G5600 
Can the 200 GE handle SW transcoding? (as far as i understand HW transcoding utilising the onboard GPU will not work under Ubuntu/Linux) if so i’ll go for it and put the difference in cost towards the rest of the hardware. i’d go for the Ryzen 2200G but it’ll be pointless (almost the same cost of the G5600 and the GPU will not be utilized)
Sorry for the long post i’d really appreciate your feedback.
