As an example:

 

https://www.cpubenchmark.net/compare/Intel-i3-4130T-vs-Intel-Xeon-E-2186G/2035vs3346

 

Both CPUs compare 4000 vs. 15000 CPU mark. But the graphics engine of the latter is more powerful and offers native 4K handling within the graphics engine. Plex needs approx. 17000 CPU mark to transcode a single full blown 4K stream. This would stretch the E-2186G nearly to it's maximum. But what about the graphics engine? Is this included in the CPU mark?

 

The P630 of the 2186G is calculated with 1200 CPU mark. What does this mean when it comes to transcoding? Is it 17000 for the CPU plus 1200 for the P630? This still would allow only one single 4K transcode. I can't believe that.

 

How do I need to calculate? And what about two 4K transcodes in parallel. Is one 2186G enough or do I need way more horsepower?

 

Plex: https://support.plex.tv/articles/201774043-what-kind-of-cpu-do-i-need-for-my-server/

P630: https://www.videocardbenchmark.net/gpu.php?gpu=Intel+HD+P630&id=3682

E-2186G: https://ark.intel.com/products/134855/Intel-Xeon-E-2186G-Processor-12M-Cache-up-to-4-70-GHz-

i3-4130T: https://ark.intel.com/de/products/77481/Intel-Core-i3-4130T-Processor-3M-Cache-2-90-GHz-

 

Thanks in advance.

 

The Plex requirements are based on CPU transcoding. They do not consider a i/GPU. Using a GPU is different for several reasons.

https://support.plex.tv/articles/115002178853-using-hardware-accelerated-streaming/

They are seperate elements.  The use of one is not directly tied to the other, just like if you had an addon video card.

 

My E-2176G transcodes 4k with ~5-10% CPU usage, but the temperature of the processor goes up as the iGPU is doing the de/encoding.  However it doesn't directly impact the CPUs ability to perform tasks.  I've not tried a stress test yet, only have limited devices to stream on...but I may see if I can push it up to 4 streams to check things out.

 

I've had 2 streams going at once with no issue, obviously audio is being transcoded if needed (which it normally is) by the CPU.

 

Also, check some reviews, the E-2186G gets nearly the exact same score as the E-2176G due to thermal limiting....for transcoding use there is literally no difference between them.  The E-2186 just ups the power needs and actually may not give any testable...much less noticeable...improvement.

Thanks for these info.