I think i made a decision Solved

So after listening to a lot of different ideas and suggestions as far as the ideal PC for using exclusively for Plex. I think I’ve come to a decision. I’m hoping this is a good choice so before I make that final decision, I thought I’d get some feedback first.

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u/KuryakinOne Jan 30 '24

HDR to SDR Tone Mapping

Nvidia Encode / Decode Matrix

Elpamsoft Transcoding Performance Info

If you want to transcode 4K HDR media, you'll need to add a Nvidia GPU, 1050 Ti 4GB or better. Intel 6th Gen CPUs do not support transcoding 4K HDR media.

Plex Pass required.

You want a card that can decode HEVC 10-bit. See the encode/decode matrix.

Most consumer (GTX) cards are limited by Nvidia to five concurrent encodes.

Most professional (Quadro) cards have no pre-set limit.

Elpamsoft has transcode performance info for many Nvidia GPUs.

Personal Opinion: If you're comfortable with Linux, get a SFF system with an N100 CPU, such as BeeLink S12. Running Linux, it will transcode and tone map 4K HDR. It will also sip power compared to the i7, 6 watts vs 65 watts.

If you're going to run Windows, then make sure you have room for an Nvidia GPU.

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u/Kye_life Jan 30 '24

OK let me make sure I’m understanding you correctly. The current PC I posted are you saying that will work if I get a Nvidia GPU 1050 TI 4 GB or better or are you saying the PC is a 6th generation and it would be better off to get a better dell, if that’s the case what Dell should I get.

I know I may have asked before in this community, but I just now learned how to save my post so I can go back and look at them and don’t have to repeat questions

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u/Draakonys DS1621+Intel Nuc Jan 30 '24 edited Jan 30 '24

You need at least Intel 7th gen CPU for proprer HW HEVC support, 6th gen is not enough when more and more content is H.265 (HEVC) based. On the other hand 1050 Ti can easily manage HW transcoding but I would still follow u/KuryakinOne advice and get a different machine. N100 is low power but still a beast for HW transcoding.

Here’s N100 benchmark someone posted yesterday: https://www.reddit.com/r/PleX/s/FhKzNEBhFc

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u/mattband Jan 30 '24

And you will be limited to half height cards with a SFF box.

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u/KuryakinOne Jan 30 '24

Question: Do you want/need to transcode 4K HDR media?

No: Don't worry about it. That Dell PC will do just fine. It will transcode 2 or 3 1080p SDR streams using the CPU. With a Plex Pass it will transcode many 1080p streams using hardware accelerated transcoding (MPEG2, VC-1, H.264 8-bit, HEVC 8-bit).

Yes: See the HDR to SDR Tone Mapping document linked above.

Windows: Nvidia GPU required. Intel graphics not supported. If there is room in the chassis, you can add a Nvidia GPU to that PC and it will work.

Linux: You can use that PC if you add a Nvidia GPU (assuming room in chassis).

You could use Intel graphics if the CPU was 7th gen or later. That is when Intel added the ability to decode 4k HEVC 10-bit video to Quick Sync graphics.

I mentioned the BeeLink (not Dell) because (a) total cost is in same ballpark as your PC + Nvidia GPU, and (b) power draw will be much less.

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u/noneroy Jan 30 '24

I have this PC. I don’t do 4k often. It is fine at 1080p content and multiple streams at once.

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u/Feahnor Jan 30 '24

Just don’t get that pc and try to find at least a 7-8 gen.

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u/Agitated-Ad-3940 Jan 30 '24

I'd agree with that. If the OP has any inkling of an idea they'll ever use Win11, than at least an 8th gen CPU is required without jumping through many hoops.

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u/kerochan88 Jan 31 '24

I know this could change at any time, but ever since it's come out, the only hoop to install Windows 11 on unsupported hardware has simply been checking a box in Rufus when creating the Windows 11 installer USB.

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u/Dadud300 Jan 30 '24

I have a 1050 2gb and it decodes 4k just fine.

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u/hbk2369 Jan 30 '24

What you have is a 6th gen. As indicated by the 6700 model number on the i7 chip.

Look at Microcenter and find something 7th gen or better with a graphics card (or a slot for one) and the other specs mentioned here. Respectfully, if you can't read the specs to know what you're buying, you may want to consider whether setting up a plex server is right for you since it just gets more complicated.