A transcode consists of two parts: Decoding from the current format, and encoding to the desired format.
All audio transcoding is handled by the CPU.
For video transcoding:
Plex encodes all video to H.264 8-bit. This is supported by Intel 2nd Gen and later processors with Quick Sync Video and Nvidia Kepler & later GPUs.
For decoding, you want a GPU that decodes H.265 10-bit or 12-bit video.
If using Intel, you’ll want a 7th Gen or later CPU with Quick Sync Video (the internal ASIC/GPU). Intel QSV can decode 10-bit H.265 video.
The capabilities of Intel processors can be verified via the datasheets for each product family. See Technical Resources: Intel® Core™ Processors. Look at Datasheet, Volume 1, Processor Graphics, Hardware Accelerated Video Decode. This is usually, but not always, Section 2.4. Make sure you choose the datasheet for the processor, not the chipset (they are sometimes listed together).
For Nvidia, you’ll want a card that decodes 10-/12-bit H.265 video, which means a GTX1050 or better. GTX cards are limited by Nvidia to three simultaneous encodes. Most Quadro cards have no such limits. There are hacked drivers available to overcome the limits on GTX cards.
The capabilities of individual Nvidia cards can be verified via Nvidia’s Video Encode and Decode GPU Support Matrix.
Elpamsoft has information on Nvidia transcoding performance. Read the notes on the site for information regarding VRAM (more is generally better) and drivers to override Nvidia imposed limitations.
Review the Using Hardware-Accelerated Streaming support document for additional details such as supported video formats, limitations of various platforms (Win/Mac/Linux), etc.
Plex never announces product plans. Latest information I’ve seen is here:
