Plex hardware transcoding

Transcoding converts video for a player or connection. Direct play sends compatible media unchanged; subtitles or incompatible formats can still require a transcode.

Estimating software transcoding

Plex's rough CPU guideline is a PassMark score of about 2,000 for one simultaneous software transcode of a 1080p, 10 Mbps H.264 source. For example, a score of 8,000 suggests about four such transcodes. This is not a guarantee: codecs, resolution, subtitles, other workloads and single-thread performance matter. Leave headroom.

That calculation does not estimate hardware-accelerated streams. LabGopher's PassMark can itself be estimated or inferred from an uncertain CPU; verify the listing's actual configuration. See Plex's CPU guideline.

Before buying

• Check the exact CPU or GPU, its supported codecs, and whether the server exposes it to your operating system.
• If adding a GPU, verify physical fit, power, cooling, risers and drivers for the particular configuration.
• Check Plex's current software and subscription requirements. Plex generally requires Plex Pass for hardware acceleration, with specific device exceptions.

LabGopher has not verified hardware transcoding for individual listings, so this section does not yet offer a transcoding-capable filter. Do not assume that a PCIe slot or an integrated GPU means Plex can use it.

Read Plex's hardware-accelerated streaming guide and direct play guide.

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