What cpu and gpu to use for plex/ HTPC

Plex Media Server Desktops & Laptops
1

Im currently looking for the best budget option for a all in one build. Ive been using some older hardware ive had laying around to use for my HTPC but im feeling like its time to upgrade.

Currently my CPU is a Intel i-3 8100 and the GPU is a old GTX 580.

Ive seen lots of talk about using a p2000 for really good bang for buck performance for plex, but as this is also a computer I use as a NAS and HTPC im not sure about it.

The goal is 2-5 streams at 1080p, mostly for mobile devices or maybe a TV everyonce in a while. I try to keep really good source material quality like blurays and 4k when possible so it has to be able to transcode 4k to 1080p.

For possibly gaming on my computer I just want basic 1080p 30-60fps sense this would be in the living room on my couch and not used often. can a p2000 run that?

Would keeping the i-3 8100 and plugging in a p2000 be enough for this or would I be looking at a new cpu as well?
what about a ryzen APU for a all in one solution?
Also Im running a ITX system so a smaller GPU or “half” card would be preferred.

Thank you for any input.

PS. price isnt so much a issue but I dont want to build a 9900k and 2080ti machine for a computer that sits in the corner of my living room. lol

2

If this is only used for Plex you can get an immediate performance boost by taking the GTX580 out and making sure hardware transcoding + encoding is turned on.

Jumping into the 4K pool requires video ram, about 1.3 GB per 4k stream. You should probably see where the 8100 tops out before sticking in a discrete GPU.

Reference: https://elpamsoft.com/downloads/nVidia%20NVENC%20NVDEC%20Matrix.pdf

1 Like
3

Thanks! yea I think ill try that out first. I just took it out and the system seems to be running better as a whole lol ill do some streaming and see how it goes but if i do end up needing a descret GPU what would you reccomend in the nividia 10-20 serse for at least a single 4k transcode?

4

A lot of variables, encoding, bitrate etc etc but the 8100 should do 1 easily and possibly 2. The GTX 1650’s are getting re-released with GDDR6 memory and would draw less than 75 watts. A 6 GB model should satisfy the situation.

Gaming and Plex at the same time won’t mix very well so keep that in mind.

5

This topic was automatically closed 90 days after the last reply. New replies are no longer allowed.