Should I add a GPU to my server to allow transcoding of 4k files?

Plex Media Server Desktops & Laptops
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Server Version#: 1.18.0.1906
Player Version#: Roku Premiere
Hi Guys,

For years, I have been running wired gigabit Roku 2’s without issue, but recently started adding more 4k videos to my collection, and had transcoding issues.
So, I decided to upgrade to a Roku Premiere thinking this would solve all my issues.
Guess what… I was wrong!

My setup:
Server:
HP Small form factor Optiplex XE2
Windows 10, 8gb ram, i5 4570s, running drivepool
Onboard Intel HD 4600 GPU
Wireless AC to Roku (even though Premiere only supports wireless N)

I don’t share my library with others, so will never need more than 2 streams. 99% is internal network so my internet connection is not relevant.

With the Premiere, I can stream the 4k videos without issue, but as soon as I turn on subtitles it starts to transcode - and even with hardware transcoding enabled, I think the CPU is not good enough to handle 4k streams.
I can’t upgrade the CPU much in this machine (there is an i7 4770s option, but not sure how much difference that will make to transcoding)

So, after some digging, I found this site: elpamsoft which really seems to imply that a GPU will help massively.

Now to my question:
Can anyone recommend a reasonably priced, half height, single width graphics card which can add subtitles to a 4k video?
Or… would the jump to i7 4770s be enough?

Thanks in advance!
Will

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please read entire thread @ Plex, 4k, transcoding, and you

to answer the subject

  • YES

to answer your questions

  • there are few half height single width gpus which will support 4k, the quadro p400 can do ONE 4k transcode, if that is enough for you, they are pretty reasonable.
  • i7 4770 is not enough for 4k/hevc, you need at least a 7000 series intel cpu with an intel 600 series igpu.

to AVOID transcoding

  • make sure you switch to dolby digital/dts 5.1 or stereo audio
  • subtitles can also cause transcoding, try disabling them to see if that helps
  • get an nvidia shield which can direct play pretty much everything. you still need a 4k/atmos receiver for HD audio.
1 Like
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Thanks @TeknoJunky, I read the entire thread - Then ordered an Nvidia Shield.

Actually, I just “upcycled” one of these link that someone had binned from my local recycling point.

It handles my 4k streams with subtitles much better than the Roku does, but I hate the interface, very slow and clunky.

So, waiting impatiently for the Nvidia.

Cheers
Will

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