Not enough CPU for conversion this item

Plex Media Server
1

Server Version#: 1.32.4.7195

I’m experiencing a problem with my Plex Media Server. 2 days ago it was working fine, but today I’m getting the message “This server is not powerful enough to convert video.” (but not for all media, and it seems not to be related about the type of file)

My plex server has an Intel i7-12700F, Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 and 32 GB RAM (2666MHz).

I have activated / deactivated Hardware acceleration, changed the Background transcoding x264 preset from slow to fast… but nothing helps.

Anyone has an idea what is going on?

Thank you in advance! :blush:

2

What changed?

You’ll need to provide a set of debug, not verbose, server log files that capture the problem. Upload the entire ZIP file to the thread.

3

I think nothing changed. That’s why I’m a little confused

Here you have.

Plex Media Server Logs_2023-06-30_20-31-01.zip (2.5 MB)

4

Thanks for the log files.

They show Plex not transcoding the video and returning the “not enough CPU” error.

There are several things to check. I can’t point at just one, so it might be a combination of things.

Suggestions:

  1. Please disable verbose logging.
  2. Make sure Nvidia drivers are up to date.
  3. Install Plex Media Server 64-bit
  4. Leave Plex Media Server running through the maintenance window so it can analyze the media in detail.

Some additional details below.


Verbose Logging

Please turn off verbose logging. It adds unnecessary info to the logs and makes them difficult to read. It also causes them to wrap very quickly, sometimes losing desired information.

  • Settings → Server_Name → General + Show Advanced.
  • Check the box for debug logs.
  • Do not check the box for verbose logs.
  • Restart Plex Media Server for the setting to take effect.

Plex 64-bit

You’re running 32-bit PMS.
Jun 30, 2023 19:57:44.934 [9960] DEBUG - "D:\Program Files (x86)\Plex\Plex Media Server.exe"

Download the 64-bit version from plex.tv.

You can install the 64-bit version on top of the 32-bit version. The installer will detect & remove the 32-bit version.

The transcoder in Plex 64-bit is more efficient than in Plex 32-bit.
Also, Plex 64-bit is required for hardware accelerated HDR - SDR tonemapping.


Maintenance Tasks

You need to let maintenance tasks run.
Jun 30, 2023 20:02:01.322 [17756] DEBUG - [Req#25a2f/Transcode] Streaming Resource: Required bandwidth unknown (media requires deep analysis)

Plex performs additional analysis of the media during the maintenance window. Part of the analysis looks at the bandwidth required to stream the media.

Settings → Scheduled Tasks

  • Adjust start/stop times for when the PC is running and to give Plex enough time to analyze the media.
    Start with a large window (~12 hours) so Plex can analyze all the media.
    After Plex analyzes all the media, you can revert to a smaller window as only new additions will need to be analyzed.
  • Make sure Upgrade media analysis during maintenance is checked.
  • Make sure Perform extensive media analysis during maintenance is checked.

The video is transcoding because it exceeds the limitations of the client (Chromecast HD)
Guessing it is H.264 10-bit, which very few devices can direct play.

Jun 30, 2023 20:02:01.321 [17756] DEBUG - [Req#25a2f/Transcode] Episode 29 - video.level limitation applies: 50 > 42
Jun 30, 2023 20:02:01.321 [17756] DEBUG - [Req#25a2f/Transcode] MDE: Cannot direct stream video stream due to profile or setting limitations
Jun 30, 2023 20:02:01.322 [17756] DEBUG - [Req#25a2f/Transcode] MDE: Dragon Ball Super - S4 E29 - Episode 29: selected media 0 / 2900
5

Thank you for your response @FordGuy61

I’m sorry for the verbose logs, I’ve unchecked this before download but I didn’t restart Plex server, my bad.

Nvidia drivers are at the latest version. And, if I may, I’ve installed the latest version that came out yesterday, and I think I have this issue after that, I’m not really sure about that. I’ll try to revert this update and test.

I have already Plex Media Server 64-bit installed and it didn’t changed from 2 days ago. But, I just installed it again as you suggested to be sure, and the problem still there.

I’ll let the maintenance tasks run, I will see if there are improvements and I will let you know.

I’ve tried with my Chrome-cast (which worked fine 2 days ago with the same file), it doesn’t work… I have tried different browsers with my own PC (which worked fine every day since 2 years ago with each file) and I have the same message.

Strange thing here… I’ll try to modify some settings and I’ll revert each update done in my server to figure out if the problem is related with these updates.

6

OMG! You didn’t know about the undocumented need to restart PMS after lowering the log level! :rofl: That gets everybody. Maybe it will get documented some day.

Yep. I see the Windows 64-bit now (windows-x86_64). I just looked at the install directory (top few lines of Plex Media Server.log). PMS 64-bit normally installs in c:\Program Files instead of c:\Program Files (x86). Shouldn’t be a problem.

I looks like you were playing H.264 10-bit video. Not a surprise that it needs to transcode, as many Plex clients cannot direct play that format.

However, I could not tell exactly why Plex refused to transcode the video. Your system should be able to do so without breaking a sweat.

The “deep analysis” will help, but it should have transcoded anyway.

Also, Plex never engaged the Nvidia GPU to help with the transcode. That’s why I mentioned checking the driver version.

Looking forward to the update.

7

We learn new things each day I guess :smiling_face_with_tear: I’ll be a plex expert soon with all this knowledge :rofl:

I reverted the update of Nvidia’s drivers but still the same…

I still checking. Maybe some corrupted Microsoft’s files? At this point, it could be anything…

I will come back to you if I find something

8

Fun fact, I have the issue when I enable subtitles while playing. But… why now?? It worked well before :smiling_face_with_tear:

9

I’ve found the root of the problem.

Plex Web → Player → Burn subtitles was set “Automatic”. I’ve changed this setting to “Only image formats” and now is working well with my browser.

Chromecast still has the same problem. It’s not important, at least I’ve found some logic in all this.

Thank you very much @FordGuy61 for your patience and your help!

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