So I've switched to NVIDIA GPUs, now what?

[TyantA]

• I switched out all of my AMD cards for a pile of nvidia cards. Now I need to decide which ones make it into my unraid box. 
• There is no onboard graphics in my server. No QuickSync option. 
• I'm aware of the nvidia version of Unraid but am still trying to wrap my head around what it means for me. 

 

Options: 

1. Zotac 1660 Ti 6GB - the one with the two different sized fans. 
2. GTX 2060 6GB - blower style
3. GTX 1070 8GB OC - dual fan (have 2 of these cards)
4. GTX 1050 Ti 4GB - single fan
5. GTX 1050 2GB - single fan
6. GTX 960 2GB - blower style
7. Quadro FX570 - have a few kicking around, single slot.

 

Goals: 

1. Give as much Plex decoding/transcoding done on a GPU as my CPU is a little long in the tooth; h.265 is a problem. 4k is in my future. 
2. Keep thermals in check. I have a 4U case but it's not deep and doesn't have turbines for fans. 
3. Get good performance/thermals ratio. Most of the games I'd play are older with the exception of Star Citizen, on a 1080p projector.
4. Have up to 2 VMs running at a time for casual gaming. 

 

I think that sums it up. As for Goal #1, I'm not sure if that means running PMS in a docker (where it is now) or a VM. Still fuzzy on that. 

 

As for GPUs:

I'm currently leaning towards the 1660Ti for Plex, assuming the new nvenc is worth dedicating this over say a 1050 or quadro to the task... Depending on Plex needs, either the 1660 Ti / 1050 Ti for gaming or a more even 1660 Ti / 2060 for the gaming VMs then one of the other cards as primary / for Plex. 

 

Thoughts?  

 

 

Edited February 22, 2020 by TyantA

[BRiT]

Same thought I always have and share -- upgrade the client playback hardware first so the server never needs to transcode video.

[TyantA]

Well, I did replace my livingroom HTPC with a Firestick 4k. My 2nd client is a Windows VM running off Unraid to which my projector is hooked up. (Previously also an HTPC).

 

In an ideal world, that Firestick 4k would also be replaced with a GPU accelerated VM from the server as well. I'm trying to minimize boxes around the house :).  

 

Edit: so in effect, by adding GPUs capable of hardware decoding, I am in effect upgrading my clients. 

 

I was moreso looking for advice on how to move to the nvidia version of Unraid and how to best utilize the cards currently at my disposal. 

Edited February 25, 2020 by TyantA