Plex for Windows much higher GPU usage than MPV

Plex Players Desktop Players
1

Server Version#:
Player Version#: 1.45.0.3013-1676042f

There is a large difference seen in the GPU usage when playing the same file in Plex for Windows and MPV. Plex is playing direct play; no transcoding is taking place.

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Afaik, Plex for Windows runs video through MPV, so why the discrepancy?

I noticed, when looking in Windows’ Task Manager, that MPV sometimes reports GPU usage as “GPU - Video Decode,” whereas Plex for Windows never seems to report this status.

Is there anything I can do to lower the GPU usage in Plex for Windows? I’m on a laptop battery life is sometimes important.

The Web app shows lower GPU usage, but it lacks X265 codec support…

Any help/comment is v. much appreciated!

Thanks,

2

When I opt for “Low” in the playback quality settings, the GPU usage drops.

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Is there explanation anywhere regarding what the various quality levels do (when playing the file directly)?

3

Plex Players use a more expensive UI.
Plus, the mpv-based Plex clients use higher quality defaults than the “naked” mpv.

4

“the mpv-based Plex clients use higher quality defaults than the “naked” mpv.”

Ah okay, that makes sense.

Thanks for the link; I’ll have a read through the thread.

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