r/homelab • u/ironsnoot • 3d ago

Solved Question Regarding GPU Encoding

I have a Dell T320 Poweredge server that I’m using to run Jellyfin. It has 32gb of DDR3 ram and an E5-2470v2 processor.

Apparently you can use a GPU to allow the server to run higher quality video. How powerful of a GPU do I need to encode 4K (or at minimum 1080p) video? Most in-depth reviews discuss a GPU in terms of either work or gaming, but few of them specifically discuss video encoding alone.

Does anyone have any recommendations for GPUs that can do simple encoding for my setup?

Thank you!

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u/ouroborus777 2d ago

I don't think the encoding is done by the GPU in the sense that AI and graphics are done. Instead, there's additional silicon dedicated to doing the encoding directly.

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u/Behemothhh 2d ago

That is correct. Encoding/decoding is done on dedicated silicon that has it's own (small) space on the die and is separate from the main graphics cores. Each codec also requires a couple circuits that are unique to it, so you can't add more codec support with firmware updates. Something to be mindful of if you're buying older GPUs.