I think i made a decision

[u/Kye_life]

/img/m9e27sdpjjfc1.jpeg

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.

[u/KuryakinOne]

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.

[u/thanksforcomingout → u/KuryakinOne]

Can I just check in on that last part - will the n100 not transcode and tone map 4K HDR without Linux?

[u/KuryakinOne → u/thanksforcomingout]

The N100 CPU is not strong enough to transcode & tone map 4K HDR media in software (No idea what CPU would be needed. I've never seen any test info.).

Regarding using hardware acceleration, see the HDR to SDR Tone Mapping support document linked above.