Plex Media server crashes on Linux since version 1.32.8.7621 when transcoding with coffeelake cpu

Plex Media Server
1

Since I updated my Plex Media Server to version 1.32.7.7621, when transcoding using hardware acceleration through my coffeelake i5-8500T CPU, the Plex Media Server crashes and then restarts. I tried updating again to 1.32.7.7639 and I am still getting the same result.

As soon as I disable hadware acceleration, Plex Media Server stops crashing.

I do have to use hardware acceleration as my 4k HDR movies will bring my CPU to 100% usage without it and will have the movi buffering every 10 to 15 seconds.

Anyone having the same issue and is there a workaround?

2

Need to know a few things.

First and foremost -

  1. Distro and version ?
  2. Linux kernel version ?
3

Distro = AlmaLinux 9.3
Linux kernel = 5.14.0-362.8.1.el9_3.x86_64

4

We’ve never supported Alma Linux.

Officially we don’t support Rocky Linux either but I’ve heard good things about it as another Centos alternative

5

I see on the downloads that you support CentOS 7+.

Does that mean you support CentOS Stream 9?

6

Theoretically, Yes it should work.

In fact, I’ve not tested it so can’t speak to how well it works.

I will tell you, at this point, knowing we’re trying to solve a transcoder problem,

– AVOID 6.x Linux kernels.

There is a problem with the i915 driver in the 6.x kernels which kills everything for Quick Sync Video. You’re fine if you have Nvidia GPUs. I believe the “XE” graphics and above CPUs (AlderLake+) might be ok but can’t remember their status.

If you go look on Reddit, you’ll also find where folks there were doing some deep diving into it.

7

OK so I installed Ubuntu 22.04.2 with Linux Kernel 5.15.0-91-generic and I have the same problem when I turn on hardware acceleration with my i5-8500T CPU to make use of Intel Quick Sync.

What do I need to send you to look into this?

As I said before, this started as of version 1.32.7.7621.

8

Can confirm XE, at least the Arc variant, works well on 6.x… in fact, it doesn’t function on 5.15 without extra work.

9

@NateTheBrewer

Thanks for confirming. I was expecting that result.

It unfortunately confirms that while moving forward for the new CPUs, we lost some backward compatibility with the older CPUs.

<shaking fist>

I’ll pass this on to my colleague in crime

10

Does that mean I need to buy a new machine or do you think this can be fixed?

Also, what would be the minimum Intel CPU required if I need to change hardware?

11

Should I expect an update to fix it or is it over for that CPU?

12

Apologies for the delay – Personal / Life issues.

  1. CoffeeLake is still VERY viable. My OLDER KabyLake works just fine.

  2. Do Not Use Alma Linux – It’s not supported.
    – Do not yet use 6.x kernel – We’re working on it
    – 6.x kernel is NOT needed for CoffeeLake CPU

  3. Supported Ubuntu 22.04 LTS, stock kernel, works just fine.

[chuck@lizum ~.2006]$ grep 'model name' /proc/cpuinfo | uniq
model name	: Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-8809G CPU @ 3.10GHz
[chuck@lizum ~.2007]$ uname -a
Linux lizum 5.15.0-91-generic #101~20.04.1-Ubuntu SMP Thu Nov 16 14:22:28 UTC 2023 x86_64 x86_64 x86_64 GNU/Linux
[chuck@lizum ~.2008]$
13

No problem, I understand.

That said, I am on Ubuntu 22.04 with kernel 5.15 but hardware transcoding still crashes Plex Media Server.

14

Now I need DEBUG logs ZIP which captures the failure and the XML for the file which fails, when you get a chance :slight_smile:

15

What is the best way to transfer those logs to you?

I already made it crash with debug logs enabled so everything is ready to send.

16

Any update on this?

17

Can you let me know the best way to upload those filez?

18

whoa… did this get fixed cause… I’m on standard ubuntu22, apt update/apt upgrade and somehow was just checking, and wondered onto kernel 6.

hw transcode from 4k seems to be working fine though.

plex@elmo:~$ grep 'model name' /proc/cpuinfo | uniq
model name	: Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-7400T CPU @ 2.40GHz
plex@elmo:~$ uname -a
Linux elmo 6.5.0-25-generic #25~22.04.1-Ubuntu SMP PREEMPT_DYNAMIC Tue Feb 20 16:09:15 UTC 2 x86_64 x86_64 x86_64 GNU/Linux
19

Log Files: Drag the zip file into the message window or use the Upload button (with the upward pointing arrow). The file will insert at the cursor location.

XML Info: Save the file as .txt or compress to zip, then upload to the thread. The forum does not support .xml uploads.

20

Hello,

I upgarded to kernel 6.5.0-26-generic and transcodes using my coffeelake CPU make Plex crash right away.

See logs attached
Plex Media Server Logs_2024-03-23_00-56-33.zip (1.1 MB)

I even updated PlexMediaServer to 1.40.1.8227.

Please help