CPU in a GPU-accelerated Plex Server?

[CT854]

This seems like it should be a really simple question to answer but whether it's because I've been stupidly unable to look at the right solution or it's just gone over my head, I haven't figured out the answer to this yet.

 

So, a long-term goal of mine is to build a NAS that functions as as Plex server. I think I've pretty much figured out what I want out of this machine (remotely available, can support multiple streams, lots of HDD bays). However, one thing I've always known is that whatever the NAS ends up being, I will almost certainly putting my GTX 1070 in there. However, that begs the question -- if I have a GPU-accelerated Plex server, does it matter what CPU I put in the system? I know Plex has Passmark guidance as to what CPU would be best put in a server but can I safely ignore that if I put a GPU in there? This is functionally the difference between me investing money into a nicer CPU vs. buying some shitbox off Marketplace/eBay and sticking a GPU in it and calling it a day.

[Jarsky]

53 minutes ago, CT854 said:

if I have a GPU-accelerated Plex server, does it matter what CPU I put in the system?

It does somewhat, you dont want an absolute potato...like an old E6600 from 2008 or whatever. 

53 minutes ago, CT854 said:

I know Plex has Passmark guidance as to what CPU would be best put in a server but can I safely ignore that if I put a GPU in there? This is functionally the difference between me investing money into a nicer CPU vs. buying some shitbox off Marketplace/eBay and sticking a GPU in it and calling it a day.

The passmark as you've deduced is for software transcoding. You can disregard that, instead you can refer to the GPU transcoding matrix as far as what your GPU should be capable of: https://www.elpamsoft.com/?p=Plex-Hardware-Transcoding

 

 

If its a modern CPU (like a 10th Gen Intel or a Zen2) then you can easily get away with an i3 or Ryzen 3. I would generally avoid Celeron/Pentiums and Athlons still. 

You need to keep in mind that audio is still transcoded by the CPU, and your CPU is used for library scanning and for intro detection. 

 

You possibly might want to run other apps to set up some automation, so again going with a Core or Ryzen series would be even better suited

[CT854]

18 hours ago, Jarsky said:

You need to keep in mind that audio is still transcoded by the CPU, and your CPU is used for library scanning and for intro detection.

Duly noted.

 

And as an extension of this:

18 hours ago, Jarsky said:

The passmark as you've deduced is for software transcoding

I'm guessing I can also safely disregard guidance that an Intel CPU with an IGP for Quicksync is preferred? Or does audio transcoding benefit from Quicksync (don't know how it would but, just throwing out the possibility)?

[LIGISTX]

2 hours ago, CT854 said:

I'm guessing I can also safely disregard guidance that an Intel CPU with an IGP for Quicksync is preferred? Or does audio transcoding benefit from Quicksync (don't know how it would but, just throwing out the possibility)?

If you get an Intel CPU, you almost definitely will not need a GPU because the iGP will be plenty. Hell, you don’t even need an iGP, any modern CPU will be more then plenty unless your trying to transcode many streams at once. 
 

I ran my entire homelab on an i3 6100 for years. I have my Plex VM 2 threads and it was able to transcode multiple 1080p movie rips to 720, or a single full quality blue ray 1080p rip to 720… you likely don’t need the GPU; it’ll just waste electricity. 

[Jarsky]

6 hours ago, CT854 said:

Duly noted.

 

And as an extension of this:

I'm guessing I can also safely disregard guidance that an Intel CPU with an IGP for Quicksync is preferred? Or does audio transcoding benefit from Quicksync (don't know how it would but, just throwing out the possibility)?

 

QuickSync is only for video. If its a completely new build I would generally recommend just using the iGPU on a 10th Gen or newer Intel, but since you're using an Nvidia 10 series card, you dont need the iGPU and its up to you and your build. 

[voyager_]

I have a ryzen 1600x, 32Gb Ram, Quadro K2200 in mine running unraid with plex as a docker and it has no issues handling 7+ streams transcoding at the same time. Mostly 1080p, but I have thrown 4k at it occasionally and it handled it just fine. This same machine also runs 2 minecraft Vms, Home assistant, and a windows VM at the same time. Early ryzen 1st or 2nd gen can be found for fairly cheap online