Need suggestion for Unraid Plex server

[SuprTuts]

I've had Unraid set up for a couple years now, running a Plex media server, it serves a few other purposes like some simple file storage, but Plex is the main use. I need a recommendation for an upgrade path. I've got a total of 16 users that I share my libraries with, and it will usually peak at about 4 concurrent streams. It's up to luck of the draw whether or not the end user (knowingly or unknowingly) transcodes a stream, it really starts to struggle if more than 1 person attempts a transcode stream. I'm willing to spend some money, but I'm not sure which components I should actually upgrade. I've heard newer Intel chips have decent support for hardware transcoding, but I also have a 3060ti in my main build that I could put into the server, and just buy myself something newer for the main build.

 

Currently Unraid Server specs:

i5-4690k (I know it's old lol)

16gb Quad channel DDR3(I think 1333mhz)

No GPU

6 hard drives ranging from 4-12TB

 

I'm torn between 2 options. Either upgrade to a new CPU (probably 12th gen Intel), new mobo, new ram. And option 2 is to hand-me-down my 3060ti to it. I'm just not sure which option would yield more performance for transcodes, or even if GPU transcoding works well with Plex in an Unraid environment.

[LIGISTX]

2 hours ago, SuprTuts said:

I've had Unraid set up for a couple years now, running a Plex media server, it serves a few other purposes like some simple file storage, but Plex is the main use. I need a recommendation for an upgrade path. I've got a total of 16 users that I share my libraries with, and it will usually peak at about 4 concurrent streams. It's up to luck of the draw whether or not the end user (knowingly or unknowingly) transcodes a stream, it really starts to struggle if more than 1 person attempts a transcode stream. I'm willing to spend some money, but I'm not sure which components I should actually upgrade. I've heard newer Intel chips have decent support for hardware transcoding, but I also have a 3060ti in my main build that I could put into the server, and just buy myself something newer for the main build.

 

Currently Unraid Server specs:

i5-4690k (I know it's old lol)

16gb Quad channel DDR3(I think 1333mhz)

No GPU

6 hard drives ranging from 4-12TB

 

I'm torn between 2 options. Either upgrade to a new CPU (probably 12th gen Intel), new mobo, new ram. And option 2 is to hand-me-down my 3060ti to it. I'm just not sure which option would yield more performance for transcodes, or even if GPU transcoding works well with Plex in an Unraid environment.

I’d go with an AMD build…. More cores = more better for the most part. Igpu from Intel is nice tho, so it’s a hard choice. 

I don’t remember what it is, but I know there is a limitation on about it transcodes a consumer Nvidia GPU will do at once. 

[SnugglyGirl]

1 hour ago, LIGISTX said:

I’d go with an AMD build…. More cores = more better for the most part. Igpu from Intel is nice tho, so it’s a hard choice. 

I don’t remember what it is, but I know there is a limitation on about it transcodes a consumer Nvidia GPU will do at once. 

Just looked it up and it seems it has gone from 2 too 5 streams now. Tomshardware have an article about it here.

https://www.tomshardware.com/news/nvidia-increases-concurrent-nvenc-sessions-on-consumer-gpus

[apharma]

This thread is worth a read, page 10 in particular regarding Nvidia 3080, UHD graphics, Arc 770 and AMD: https://forums.unraid.net/topic/129027-intel-arc-support/page/10/
Having a gpu handle transcoding will be a lot more efficient than the cpu doing it and nvidia hardware has been supported quite well by unraid/plex, at least better than rivals anyway.
I think the better question is: Do you want a new gpu for your gaming rig? If yes, go for it, get that 4080/7900XTX etc and hand down the 3060ti, if no, upgrading to a newer intel platform with UHD770 graphics and lots of cores might be a better route.

Personally I would go the gpu route if your cpu is otherwise performing well as it offers a precise solution to your streaming and transcoding problem. This also allows for upgrades of cpu/mobo/ram to be platform agnostic down the road if your requirements change like you're running a remote PC for work that needs more processing power etc.

[SuprTuts]

15 hours ago, apharma said:

This thread is worth a read, page 10 in particular regarding Nvidia 3080, UHD graphics, Arc 770 and AMD: https://forums.unraid.net/topic/129027-intel-arc-support/page/10/
Having a gpu handle transcoding will be a lot more efficient than the cpu doing it and nvidia hardware has been supported quite well by unraid/plex, at least better than rivals anyway.
I think the better question is: Do you want a new gpu for your gaming rig? If yes, go for it, get that 4080/7900XTX etc and hand down the 3060ti, if no, upgrading to a newer intel platform with UHD770 graphics and lots of cores might be a better route.

Personally I would go the gpu route if your cpu is otherwise performing well as it offers a precise solution to your streaming and transcoding problem. This also allows for upgrades of cpu/mobo/ram to be platform agnostic down the road if your requirements change like you're running a remote PC for work that needs more processing power etc.

I was leaning more this way anyways I think. From the vid a couple weeks ago, I might pick up a used 3080 10gb

 

Edit: in fact, you know what. I honestly don't game too much these days, I might test drive the 3060ti in the server for a bit.