Transcoding (Intel QuickSync vs Nvidia)

Plex Media Server
1

Server Version#: 1.25.2.5319 - Windows
Player Version#: Latest (Roku and AndroidTV)

I currently have a system that includes an Intel i7-8700 processor and an Nvidia GTX 1070. I have Hardware Acceleration enabled. Most of my Plex content for movies are my UHD Blu Rays ripped to MKV with no further compression. I can direct play all audio and video to my media room over Ethernet with no transcoding. BUT, my system struggles transcoding UHD HDR content to smaller formats for remote viewing.

Few questions:

  1. Should I use Intel or Nvidia for this?
  2. How do I choose in Plex?
  3. Should I upgrade to a newer Alder Lake i9 and get the latest QuickSync? Will that matter?
  4. Is HDR/HEVC transcoding still sub par overall regardless of hardware acceleration?

Thanks in advance.

2

Would have to switch to Linux to make a difference.

3

Ah, thanks. Missed that page. So, I am considering upgading my Windows PC and maybe reusing the i7-8700 in a new Linux based rig to handle only Plex. I am wondering if there is any benchmarking out there on HDR and 4k transcoding in Linux comparing Intel and Nvidia. Also, for instance, should I use the new Alder Lake processor in the Linux build?

I have to keep my Windows PC in as it is a main gaming and work setup for me.

I wonder if the Windows limitation is a MIcrosoft or Plex thing?

4

So many “it depends” in those questions. No HDR benchmarks yet, still a bit new.

Alder Lake may not be 100% Plex stable yet.

Plex doesn’t say what the limitation is, most likely the API is more difficult on Windows.