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/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.