What Hardware for 4K HDR Plex server?

Plex Media Server NAS & Devices
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Hello everyone, I started using Plex on a Qnap TS-431X which can’t transcode video, then moved the installation on a Xeon-based server which, despite of 16 core and 32GB of dedicated RAM, isn’t that good to convert 4K videos for remote view.

Now I am trying to understand which hardware do I have to put together to have a powerful installation.

I actually have a desktop PC with the following configuration:

  • Intel Core i5 7600
  • 16 GB RAM
  • Nvidia GTX 1050

Is it enough? Or what do I have to look for?

Also, which is the best OS to host Plex server?

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You likely want to use hardware transcoding in this case. The help article likely has the information you need.

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@Jethro97

Google your CPU.
You’ll see the article listed on ark.intel.com . This is the CPU specs.

Scroll down. You’ll see UHD 630 Quick Sync Video capability

That’s what you need for HW Transcoding and HDR tone mapping

It’s that simple :wink:

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I’ve already seen that article but I’m not able to understand if my kaby lake i5, which is technically compatible, will have decent performance and if the Nvidia GTX 1050 will do something to help.

I’m asking this questions because, for example, I have another pc which has a small form factor (can’t fit the GTX 1050 inside it) but have an 8th gen intel CPU and maybe perform better than the first one.

Also, from the article a linux distribution like Ubuntu seem to be the better option to host the server: is this right?

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@Jethro97

If I may jump in here?

I have an i7-8809G CPU (a KabyLake + AMD GPU combo).

It’s more than enough to run 2160p HEVC HDR transcoding and tone mapping in hardware.

You can switch to the GT1050 if you want but it’s not needed. I also have a P2200

The Intel will simultaneously transcode about 600 Mbps of video in hardware before you start seeing any strain.

You might see some strain on the i5 first (especially if subtitle burning) first.
It’s easy to switch from Intel → Nvidia if you have the Nvidia drivers loaded.
(470.141.02 or higher will work… I use 510.85.02)

My media stays on the NAS and the Intel (or nvidia) runs PMS.

( This is a very common architecture: CPU + NAS )

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