Do you know what the best GPU for plex transcoding is? Many people think they do, but they often only know what’s right for them.

Quite a few factors affect the answer to that question. That’s primarily because of how complicated plex transcoding can be.

Hardware acceleration, processing power, clock speed, if it’s easily transcode, and if it’s compatible with your computer are all important things to consider.

Hardware can often be difficult to choose. We know we’ve had difficulty with it sometimes. That doesn’t mean that finding a plex media server and other hardware is impossible.

If you’re looking for dedicated hardware that’ll focus primarily on plex streaming and coding, then you’re in luck. Quite a few options stand out from the rest, especially with plex transcoding.

All of them should excel at CPU intensive transcoding tasks and offer a wealth of benefits. That includes hardware accelerated streaming, hardware accelerated decoding and being compatible with almost any operating system.

That doesn’t mean that they’re all made the same, however. They’ll have a wealth of pros and cons, with some even offering software based transcoding, among other things.

They’re each worth a comparison, especially if you’re looking for the best of the best. Alongside this, you could want NAS devices, a NVIDIA card, and more. These can all excel at plex transcoding.

Whether you want a GeForce GTX 1050 ti, Titan RTX, GeForce GTX 1070, or something similar, they’re all worth a comparison.

When it comes to a graphics card, that part can be essential. Your plex media server deserves it, especially when it comes to the NVIDIA GeForce GTX or other NVIDIA GTX and other devices.

Best GPU For Plex Transcoding : Quick Comparison

ZOTAC GeForce GTX 1660 6GB GDDR5 192-bit Gaming Graphics Card, Super Compact, ZT-T16600K-10M
NVIDIA Quadro P4000
ASUS ROG STRIX GeForce RTX 2080TI-O11G Overclocked 11G GDDR6 HDMI DP 1.4 USB Type-C Gaming Graphics Card (ROG-STRIX-RTX-2080TI-O11G)
ASUS GeForce RTX 2080 Super Overclocked 8G GDDR6 Dual-Fan EVO V2 Edition VR Ready HDMI DisplayPort 1.4 Graphics Card (DUAL-RTX2080S-O8G-EVO-V2)
MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 3080 10GB GDRR6X 320-Bit HDMI/DP Nvlink Tri-Frozr 2 Ampere Architecture OC Graphics Card (RTX 3080 GAMING X TRIO 10G)
Model
ZOTAC GeForce GTX 1660
NVIDIA Quadro P4000
ASUS ROG STRIX GeForce RTX
ASUS GeForce RTX 2080
MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 3080
SD 480p/576p
HD 720p
HD 1080p
4K SDR 2160p
ZOTAC GeForce GTX 1660 6GB GDDR5 192-bit Gaming Graphics Card, Super Compact, ZT-T16600K-10M
Model
ZOTAC GeForce GTX 1660
SD 480p/576p
HD 720p
HD 1080p
4K SDR 2160p
NVIDIA Quadro P4000
Model
NVIDIA Quadro P4000
SD 480p/576p
HD 720p
HD 1080p
4K SDR 2160p
ASUS ROG STRIX GeForce RTX 2080TI-O11G Overclocked 11G GDDR6 HDMI DP 1.4 USB Type-C Gaming Graphics Card (ROG-STRIX-RTX-2080TI-O11G)
Model
ASUS ROG STRIX GeForce RTX
SD 480p/576p
HD 720p
HD 1080p
4K SDR 2160p
ASUS GeForce RTX 2080 Super Overclocked 8G GDDR6 Dual-Fan EVO V2 Edition VR Ready HDMI DisplayPort 1.4 Graphics Card (DUAL-RTX2080S-O8G-EVO-V2)
Model
ASUS GeForce RTX 2080
SD 480p/576p
HD 720p
HD 1080p
4K SDR 2160p
MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 3080 10GB GDRR6X 320-Bit HDMI/DP Nvlink Tri-Frozr 2 Ampere Architecture OC Graphics Card (RTX 3080 GAMING X TRIO 10G)
Model
MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 3080
SD 480p/576p
HD 720p
HD 1080p
4K SDR 2160p

Best GPUs For Plex Transcoding: 7 Top Options

1. ZOTAC Gaming GeForce GTX 1660 6GB

If you want a plex media server that offers decent hardware acceleration, then the ZOTAC Gaming GeForce is a popular option.

Sale
ZOTAC Gaming GeForce GTX 1660

  • Focuses On 1080p Gaming
  • Quality Video Streaming Capabilities
  • Well-Designed Graphics Card

Alongside being hardware accelerated, it offers quite a few benefits.

There’s the HD video performance that you can capitalize on, among other things. It doesn’t seem to offer much of an improvement on its predecessors, however. These seemed to offer a relatively similar video performance.

That being said, this ZOTAC Gaming GeForce can be a great option for video games.

Pros
  • Solid hardware acceleration
  • Large overclocking ceiling
  • Offers HD video capabilities
Cons
  • Not much of an improvement on its competitors

2. NVIDIA Quadro P4000

Hardware acceleration can be difficult to find, especially if you’re focusing on video streaming.

NVIDIA Quadro P4000

  • High-Quality Video Streaming
  • VR-Ready
  • Low Power Consumption

If you’re a virtual reality fan, however, then the NVIDIA Quadro P4000 could be the right pick.

With its low power consumption and overall powerful performance, it’s more than worth taking a look at. While it can be an expensive option, it can be more than worth the price. It may be the best NVIDIA encoder to choose.

It mightn’t outdo the NVIDIA GeForce GTX or other NVIDIA GTX, however.

Pros
  • Uses much less power than other options.
  • Can be used for a powerwall system because of its CPU power.
  • Offers a better performance than competitors so you can stream multiple videos.
Cons
  • Somewhat more expensive than other options.

3. ASUS ROG STRIX GeForce RTX 2080TI-O11G Overclocked 11G GDDR6

If you’re focusing on a fast performance and reliability with its plex transcoding, then the ASUS ROG STRIC GeForce RTX 2080Ti comes recommended.

ASUS ROG STRIX GeForce RTX 2080TI

  • Fast and Reliable Performance
  • Overclocking Capabilities
  • Powerful Cooling

Alongside its speed performance, it has high-quality overclocking capabilities.

Then there’s the powerful cooling system, which can be quite appealing. It’s one of the less compatible options, however. You’ll need to make sure that it can work with your hardware.

Pros
  • Excellent overclocking capabilities.
  • Fast performance and solid plex transcoding.
  • High-quality cooling system.
Cons
  • Less compatibility with certain hardware.

4. ASUS GeForce RTX 2080 Super Overclocked 8G GDDR6

If you’re building a computer with multiple monitors that offers quality plex transcoding, then the ASUS GeForce RTX 2080 comes well-recommended.

ASUS GeForce RTX 2080

  • Supports Multiple Monitors
  • Durable Construction
  • Large Overclocking Capabilities

With its large customizability, durability, and other benefits, there are multiple reasons to consider it.

It also has an effective cooling solution, you shouldn’t have to worry about overheating. It is a relatively large GPU, however, so you might need to worry about space. If you have the space, it can be more than worth it.

Pros
  • Robust power delivery and plex transcoding.
  • Decent RGB appearance customization.
  • Effective cooling solution.
Cons
  • Larger than many other options.

5. Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1050Ti OC

Thanks to its dual fan technology, the Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1050Ti is one of the cooler options to buy.

As a plex media server, it can also be more than recommended, especially consider how high-quality of a GPU and CPU it is, alongside its plex transcoding capabilities.

It’s also compatible with most other hardware, so you should be able to slot it into any computer you’re putting together. On the negative side, however, all of this comes at a relatively expensive price.

Pros
  • Overclock speed is appealing.
  • Runs quiet and cool considering its plex transcoding capabilities.
  • Video transcoding is quite easy and doesn’t use much RAM.
Cons
  • More expensive than many other options.

6. EVGA 10G-P5-3885-KR GeForce 3080 XCS Ultra Gaming

The EVGA 10G-P5-3885-KR GeForce 3080 XCS Ultra Gaming, as you might expect, is great for a gaming computer. Alongside its real-time ray tracing is its hardware accelerated streaming.

Sale
EVGA 10G-P5-3885-KR GeForce 3080

  • Real-Time Ray Tracing
  • Adjustable Design
  • Triple Fan

You shouldn’t have to worry about overheating here, thanks to triple fan technology. Add in the customizability, and there isn’t a reason why you shouldn’t consider getting this.

One downside is that some people have found it hard to buy, thanks to shortages. With some patience, however, that shouldn’t be a problem.

Pros
  • Runs cooler than many other options, regardless of how many videos you’re making.
  • Offers hardware accelerated ray tracing without using much RAM.
  • Step up from previous generations.
Cons
  • Can be difficult to find.

If hardware acceleration is a priority, then the MSI Gaming GeForce 3080 10GB Nvlink Tri-Frozr 2 comes more than recommended. Alongside its hardware accelerated streaming are several other benefits.

MSI Gaming GeForce 3080 10GB Nvlink Tri-Frozr 2

  • Extreme Frame Rates
  • Minimalist RGB Design
  • Overclocked

The GPU offers a significant clock speed, as well as notable frame rates. Then there’s the fact that, as a plex server, it’ll be faster than you’d think.

The only negative here is that it runs hot. It might be worth investing in a better cooling system with this.

Pros
  • The clock speed on your computer will be quite notable.
  • Start streaming faster quite easily without using much RAM.
  • Frame rates in your videos will be quite high.
Cons
  • Gets quite hot.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When you’re looking for the best GPU for plex transcoding, you’ll likely have quite a few questions. You’re not the only one; we’ve been in the same position before.

Countless others have been, too. Many of these will focus on the same topics, such as video streaming, how high-quality of a graphics card it is, and what kind of video format you can expect.

Everyone will have their particular preferences with plex transcoding. You could be focused on hardware accelerated streaming and want a plex app, for instance.

Alternatively, you might focus on having the most powerful GPU that operates at a very low temperature. Regardless, you’ll likely have a few questions before you pick up a graphics card.

What offers the best performance? Are they compatible with external hard drives? What kind of video playback does it support? Will it enable hardware acceleration?

You’ll have quite a few questions in your head. Many of these are relatively common. They’re also quite easily addressed.

It’s worth going through some of the more notable ones. By doing so, you can better compare options to other cards of a similar quality. That’ll be especially noteworthy, regardless of whether you’re looking for a GeForce GTX 1070, GeForce GTX 1050 ti, or anything else.

Once you do, you’ll be in a much better position to choose a graphics card for you.

Does the Plex use GPU for transcoding?

Transcoding for video can often be difficult. You might want to use a GPU for this.

You’ll need a CPU for it, however. That’s the case regardless of whether you’re using a NVIDIA for video transcoding, plex, or anything else.

Does Plex support AMD GPU?

NVIDIA is often one of the more recommended brands for a GPU. One of the few brands that can outdo it is an AMD.

Similar to a NVIDIA GPU, Plex should support an AMD GPU. You shouldn’t have any problems with this.

Can Plex use two GPUs?

Many people want to use more than one GPU. That could be difficult with some options. When it comes to plex video, however, this should be an option.

You’ll need to take care with which options you pick, however. They’ll need to have a compatible format, for instance. That’s the case whether you have a NAS device or something else.

Is Intel or AMD better for Plex?

When you’re considering a GPU, you’ll want to consider various brands.

Intel and AMD will be some of the more notable options to consider. For a GPU or CPU, they’re often ranked near the top.

When it comes to plex, which one to pick depends on your needs. Intel can offer multiple benefits, however.

Conclusion

Choosing a video encoder and graphics card can be difficult. That’ll be true regardless of whether you’re looking for a video card that focuses on clock speed and plex streaming or a plex media server that boasts excellent hardware acceleration.

All of the options above can be more than recommended. While some will offer less processing power than others, they can still be an appealing option.

The pros and cons that each offers make many of them a contender for the best GPU for plex transcoding. Each video encoder will naturally come more than recommended.

You’ll need to spend some time comparing them, however. There’s a lot to consider when picking a graphics card, after all.

Nvidia graphics cards can often be a high-quality option, which is why many people pick them up. The same can be said for many of the other options, such as a Zotac GeForce GTX.

All of this depends on your needs. With any GPU for plex tasks, you’ll need to keep a few things in mind.

While a Nvidia GPU can often be recommended, it can fall short in other areas. The Zotac GeForce GTX might excel in some of these areas while not being appropriate in others.

Hardware transcoding can be a difficult thing to get right. You’ll need to make sure that you know what you’re comparing.

If you’re a little unsure, however, sticking with one of the above can be helpful. Though some have a driver limitation, others will have a dual fan and be excellent compared to other options.

The performance impact alone of a certain GPU could make it worth it. Whether something will easily transcode and offers an HD movie is debatable.

You’ll need to know what you want to focus on. It’s your computer, so you’ll need to know what hardware is already there.

Nvidia cards, among others, mightn’t work with specific hardware. Knowing what will and won’t work can be vital. Once you do, you shouldn’t have a problem getting the right GPU or CPU for you.

Last update on 2024-04-14 at 03:07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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