Whenever I try to run 4k content I get the message “Server not powerful enough” message.
I’ve tried different settings to no change. No subtitles. 10bit 2160p HDR
Here are the specs.
Server: i5-6500, 8gb, win10. Plex server lastest version.
Files on a seperate hardlined (cat6 giga switch) NAS
HTPC where I try to view content: LAN. i5-7500, 16gb, GT1030, Win10. Plex player latest version.
HTPC running Plex Media Player, you at least have a chance of playing files directly. My first question would be do you have a 4k TV,? if not, ask yourself if you really want to transcode 4k files to 1080p because even once you get past the “not powerful enough” stuff, the quality will be poor. washed out color and contrast will be MUCH worse that a regular 1080P file would have been.
My display is a new JVC 4k projector (DLA-NX7) connected to my soundbar (Nakamichi Ultra 9.2.2 SSE) both of which comply with HDMI/HDCP 2.2 standard to enable full spec 4K signal input with 18Gbps transmission band-width.
HDMI cables are all tested to be full 18gps capable.
HTPC plays the files fine direct from the NAS.
If there is a way to force Plex to let the HTPC to play the files directly with no trans-coding at all that would be great. 
Have you enabled hardware decoding and Direct Play/Direct Stream in the Plex Media Player settings? I believe it’s under Video, but not at my HTPC right now.
The GT 1030 should be able to decode 10bit HEVC (assuming it’s stock 4:2:0 chroma), but you need the aforementioned settings enabled for Plex to send the untouched source to PMP for the GTX 1030 to decode/play. It sounds like PMS is trying to transcode the file, which will definitely stress the i5-6500, yielding the error.
I recall trying that but it may have been on the PMS rather than the PMP.
I am sure that PMS is trying to transcode everything but haven’t found a toggle for passthrough if it even exists.
Ah, yeah that could definitely be it then. Check in the settings of Plex Media Player as once those options are enabled, the server will be able to send untranscoded content to the client HTPC. If there is a toggle for 4k/HEVC, check that as well.
Yup, this is configured on the Client. Ensure a direct option is selected in PMP to avoid transcoding, and thus ensure your server has no hard work to do and will not be your bottleneck. Also pay attention to audio codecs (make sure PMP is told they are supported) and subtitles (sometimes subtitles alone can drop you from direct to transcoding)
thanks guys.
I’ll try this out when I get home tonight.
I’ll update with results!
Sorry for delay guys. HTPC was killed by cat. Had to build new one and work out some kinks before getting back to this.
Results not so good. 
Can’t find ‘use hardware decoding’ in PMP or PMS.
Found ‘Use as remote player.’ That didn’t work.
Ok I found something similar 4K MAIN 10 HEVC HDR audio AC3-5.1
my Plex server on Synology i3-8100. “use hardware acceleration when available” is checked (not that we want to use transcoding!) PMS v 1.15.4.919
PMP on Windows 10 OS (1809) GTX-1060, 4k display, (not HDR ) through my marantz receiver that will handle the audio natively.
You are right, I don’t see where to specify audio codecs your audio receiver supports any more, but you tell it to use direct play and direct stream under the PMP Debug media (mine are checked) I am not sure if I was think of the windows native app or what, but there is nothing there for audio. In PMP there is just a quality page where I have Play smaller at origional quality checked, and use recommended setting for home streaming checked.
Anyway, when I start the show, looking at the playback setttings it says Quality - origional - (22 Mbps, 2160p, 4K) English AC3-5.1) no subtitles
checking the dashboard on my PMS, it shows vidio and audio are using direct play. I have no issues whatsoever.
Tested a higher bitrate (56mbps) file with trueHD audio
looking at the playback setttings it says Quality - Origional - (57 Mbps, 2160p 4K) English TRUEHD 7.1) no subtitles
checking the dashboard on my PMS, it shows vidio and audio are using direct play. Again, no issues whatsoever.
The settings you’re looking for should be under the Video section inside PMP.
Make sure Allow Direct Play/Allow Direct Stream and Hardware Decoding are enabled. The settings guide is available here.
All these settings are available inside the TV interface of PMP, not the Web UI. I believe from the Web UI, if you click the homepage button there should be a TV icon in the upper-right to enter TV mode. Once in the fullscreen/TV UI, you should have access to the settings mentioned above.
Success!
So the issue I was having is because I was using the windows app version of PMP. It doesn’t have the settings people were suggesting.
I’ll thank all of you but extra thanks to onekmilesbehind as it was his mention of the tv icon that got me looking at the app and getting the program.
All good now. 
Glad it’s working & sorry for not picking up on the differing client earlier! I’ve been using PMP so long now that I forget they’ve got the standalone Microsoft Store version.
I think Plex forgot about it as well!
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