CPU for 4k Transcoding

[Matthew Chen]

So I'm looking to upgrade from my current set up (i5-3570k) as it's not able to handle a single 4k jellyfin transcode (I could be setting jellyfin up wrong but I'm pretty sure a 3570k is not adequate to transcode 4k to 1080p) and I want basically the cheapest CPU I could get away with. 

I'm currently leaning towards Intel over AMD (although I'm not fully against AMD I've just read intel QSV is good), and specifically looking at the  12100, 12500 and 13100. My questions are basically is there a significant benefit going for the 13100 or 12500 for the UHD 770? For one 4k transcode, is the UHD 730 in the 12100/13100 compared to the upgrade UHD 770 in the 12500? In where I'm located, the 13100 and 12500 have a 15% and a 45% over the 12100 respectively and I'm not sure if the price premium is justified.

[ZeroCool]

Of those CPUs you are looking at, the iGPU is more or less the same. The 770 has two video engines, while 730 only has one. This MIGHT make a difference, but I'd expect you are more likely to run into other limitations before this is an issue. We're talking running out of SSD throughput before you are finding limits.

I've seen reports of the UHD 770 easily handling 8 to 12 4k transcodes, I haven't seen reports from the 730, but I'd guess it'll be somewhere in the 6 plus zone.

Also keep in mind direct play is a thing, many people when designing their system don't consider they can rip / transcode into whatever format they want -- HEVC or VP9, since most end devices will now support these formats. What's more, you can even have your PC convert from whatever format your collection is already in into those formats while it would otherwise be idling. Likely saving you storage space and on the fly transcoding.

If you are after a lower power system, the new Intel N100 or N305 look like great options for a lot of performance for SUPER low power consumption. Also, the N6005 & N5105 have some very efficiency numbers especially when considering the price.

[jamhandman]

Direct play is where its at. Also, 7th Gen or better Intel with iGPU can transcode.

[bitmap]

What @ZeroCool said. I'd look to plan for what can transcode your media most effectively/efficiently. At this point, the best bang for your buck you can get is what I'd go for personally. I like to avoid transcoding if possible, even though my server is more than capable. Get something that can take your media to whatever format works with your clients and you have to worry much less about transcoding.

[34626]

It might be more expensive right now, but im using an Intel NUC N5105 - It can easily handle transcoding of 4k content (It should be the really big once, that could be an issue, but if your devices supports 4k, only reason i see for transcoding to 1080p is to save bandwidth?

[bitmap]

It might be more expensive right now, but im using an Intel NUC N5105 - It can easily handle transcoding of 4k content (It should be the really big once, that could be an issue, but if your devices supports 4k, only reason i see for transcoding to 1080p is to save bandwidth?

Generally I watch on my 4K HDR capable TV, but I also travel for business and go on vacation. It's nice to have a travel Roku which is only capable of low-bandwidth 1080p (at best) streaming. Not only do I make sure I have enough horsepower to transcode for it, I also have a standalone 4K library that isn't available to clients that don't support 4K content so I'm not streaming 4K HDR content to somebody watching on a mobile device. There's no reason and they get no benefit. Having a device capable of transcoding generally means you have a device capable of encoding at a decent clip as well, which leads to making sure your library is in the correct format for your client base.

[Jonabatero]

Hello, I'm just about to buy a minipc with Intel N100 and I would like you to confirm the following: I use Jellyfin multimedia server with power for 4K HDR encoding/transcoding. hardware trascode activating IGPU intel

The usage scenario: OS windows 11 - 2 clients at the same time: 1 Android TV at 4K HDR and a tablet at 1080P.

Please confirm if you would not have problems that it would go well. Well, it is a relatively recent CPU with IGPU.

[TheDreadPirate]

Hello, I'm just about to buy a minipc with Intel N100 and I would like you to confirm the following: I use Jellyfin multimedia server with power for 4K HDR encoding/transcoding. hardware trascode activating IGPU intel

The usage scenario: OS windows 11 -  2 clients at the same time: 1 Android TV at 4K HDR and a tablet at 1080P.

Please confirm if you would not have problems that it would go well. Well, it is a relatively recent CPU with IGPU.

The N100 should meet your needs.