Upgrade CPU or get GPU for Encoding Via Plex

pommedeterror007 · July 14, 2020

Hello all, looking into some upgrades for my plex server. I was basically wondering if I should go with a nicer CPU or get a gpu to aid in encoding. I currently only have 1/2 streams active at once, and I have lots of different content but enjoy watching at maximum quality, this including uncompressed 4k films (40-50+ GB). My budget is around 150-180$ with this ive looked at a few things. I already have plenty of RAM and HD space. Full specs Below.

CPU: Intel Xeon e5-1620 v3 (4 cores, 8 threads) 3.5 - 3.6 ghz

RAM: 64 GB Samsung Registered ECC (4 x 16gb)

Mobo: Asus X99 WS IPMI

PSU: Evga 600 Watt 80 plus

OS: Windows 10 Pro

Drives: 240gb SSD, 3TB + 6TB Hitachi Storage Drives

GPU: PNY GT 545

Currently the CPUs ive seen that might be good are

e5-2650 v3 (10 cores, 20 threads) 2.3 - 3 ghz.

e5-1660 v3 (8 cores, 16 threads) 3 -3.5 ghz

OR I can buy a dedicated GPU for hardware encoding.

such as

quadro m2000 4gb

Gtx 1650 Super

etc.

Wanted to get some input on a decision. THanks!

Dedayog · July 14, 2020

Where on earth are you getting uncompressed 4k films of that size? And why?

You can't tell the difference between upscaled 1080p content and 4k content.

Are you having issues running the 4k content you do have? Plex doesn't need robust components to output at that level really.

pommedeterror007 · July 14, 2020

18 minutes ago, Dedayog said:

Where on earth are you getting uncompressed 4k films of that size? And why?

You can't tell the difference between upscaled 1080p content and 4k content.

Are you having issues running the 4k content you do have? Plex doesn't need robust components to output at that level really.

1: I get it from my 4k blu ray player that allows me to get file copies of the movies for my own use only.

2: Depending on the type of movie/content I can generally tell the difference, but most of the time its not that big o deal.

3: If im in home its not an issue since its not actually doing encoding but if im at a friends house and want to stream off my phone/laptop the encoding does drag me back, it may be my settings but I cant get a steady stream at 720p/1080p, the CPU gets pegged at 100%.