Plex is a popular media server software that enables users to stream their media files to various devices. One of Plex’s key features is its ability to convert media files on-the-fly into a format that can be played on devices that do not support the original format. However, this can be a resource-intensive task that requires a powerful graphics processing unit (GPU) to handle the workload efficiently. In this article, we will discuss some of the best GPUs for Plex transcoding in 2021.
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 is an excellent GPU for Plex transcoding, thanks to its powerful hardware and support for NVIDIA NVENC encoding. With 8704 CUDA cores, 272 tensor cores, and 68 RT cores, the RTX 3080 is ideal for handling high-resolution video transcoding. Additionally, NVENC encoding offloads the transcoding workload to the GPU, freeing up the CPU for other tasks. This results in faster transcoding times and lower CPU usage.
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3090 The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3090 is another outstanding GPU for Plex transcoding, with even more powerful hardware than the RTX 3080. The RTX 3090 boasts 10496 CUDA cores, 328 tensor cores, and 82 RT cores, making it one of the most potent GPUs on the market. Like the RTX 3080, the RTX 3090 also supports NVENC encoding, making it perfect for transcoding high-resolution video. However, it is relatively expensive and may not be necessary for all users.
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Super If you are on a budget, the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Super is a good choice for Plex transcoding. While it may not be as powerful as the RTX 3080 or 3090, the GTX 1650 Super still has 1280 CUDA cores and supports NVENC encoding. The GTX 1650 Super is also relatively affordable, making it an ideal option for users who do not want to spend too much on a GPU.
AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT The AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT is a powerful GPU that can handle high-resolution video transcoding. With 2560 stream processors and support for AMD’s VCE encoding, which offloads the transcoding workload to the GPU, the RX 6700 XT is an excellent choice for users who prefer AMD hardware. Although not as potent as the NVIDIA GPUs mentioned above, the RX 6700 XT is still a good option.
AMD Radeon RX 6800 The AMD Radeon RX 6800 is another suitable choice for Plex transcoding, with 3840 stream processors and support for AMD’s VCE encoding. The RX 6800 is also relatively affordable, making it a good choice for users who want a powerful GPU without spending too much money.
When selecting a GPU for Plex transcoding, it is essential to consider the hardware specifications of the GPU, as well as its support for encoding technologies such as NVENC or VCE. Additionally, it is critical to consider your budget, as some of the more powerful GPUs can be expensive. Ultimately, the best GPU for Plex transcoding will depend on your specific requirements and budget, but the GPUs mentioned above are all excellent options for users looking to transcode media efficiently and effectively.
