Anyway my use case is plex transcoding for like 4 streams max, idk why I do this at 3am but here we are
X64 has quicksync on the cheap boxes right? Or do I need to check specific cpu
💀
builds at 3AM, sleeps at noon
ARM vs x64: same price, which would you pick?
Pro tip: for Plex transcoding, x64 is your answer. ARM can do it but you'll burn CPU credits fast.
Heads up on providers with actual QuickSync:
1. Vultr - verify CPU model before order, some nodes have UHD P630
2. Hetzner - only x64 nodes, no ARM option anyway
3. OVHcloud - mixed fleet, open ticket to confirm
Steps to check: cat /proc/cpuinfo | grep 'model name'
If you see Intel with iGPU, you're set. AMD VCN works too but rarer on VPS.
licensing is a suggestion
nate_pad
Member
Is it built into the cpu or do I need to install something
Also does plex need special settings to use it
tomchan
Member
Hits 80% CPU
ffmpeg -hwaccel vaapi -i input.mkv ...For your 4 streams just get x64 with quicksync. ARM is neat for web servers though, lower power draw in my home lab
works on my bench ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Transcoding is very slow lol 😅
For plex x64 is bettr clearly. I use ARM for my website since 1 year, no problem. Mdr some people here very technical
Vive la résistance... électrique
olya said:
Burn CPU credits fast
The ticket said... "your ARM server is using 400% CPU and violating fair use"
User was running handbrake on 8 threads. Explained that's literally what ARM cores are for. They upgraded to x64 next day.
ARM future for servers, sure. ARM future for video transcoding on budget VPS, not yet.
reported. resolved. repeat.
marcus_qc
Member
Arm transcoding on budget vps is pain, I'd pick x64 too
42U and still growing
Rangga
Member
5 days quiet but I had the same question last month so I'll drop what I learned
olya said:
If you see Intel with iGPU, you're set
Small correction: seeing the iGPU in cpuinfo doesn't mean it's exposed to your VPS, you need /dev/dri devices too
Run ls /dev/dri to check, if empty you're doing software transcode regardless of CPU model
On Vultr I had to ask support to enable it on my specific node, wasn't automatic even with the right CPU
annexbi
Member
Late to this but
olya said:
AMD VCN works too but rarer on VPS
I gave up looking and just went with a Vultr box that had a confirmed P630, been solid for two transcodes at once
push. done. coffee.
tomchan
Member
For what it's worth I ran Plex on a Vultr ARM box for a month and the CPU credit burn was real. Switched to one of their x64 nodes with QuickSync and never looked back. You don't need to install anything special for the iGPU side, but Plex does need hardware acceleration turned on in the server settings. It's under Transcoder in the advanced menu.
works on my bench ¯\_(ツ)_/¯