Transcoding benchmark tool measures GPU performance for media servers like Plex and Jellyfin

The Transcoding GPU Benchmark is a Docker-based tool that evaluates how many simultaneous 4K HEVC to 1080p H.264 video streams a server can process. The benchmark provides a standardized method for users to test their hardware, including integrated Intel graphics and discrete NVIDIA GPUs, to determine their media server's transcoding capacity. By running a series of test clips, the tool calculates a performance score and provides insights into power efficiency and potential hardware bottlenecks, such as memory speed. The benchmark is designed to be run on any system that supports Docker, with specific instructions provided for Unraid users. It also features a community-driven leaderboard, allowing users to compare their results with others running similar hardware configurations. This tool helps users understand the real-world performance of their media servers, enabling them to make informed decisions about hardware upgrades and optimizations for tasks like real-time transcoding or pre-encoding media libraries.

Tech4K StaffVideo report

The Transcoding GPU Benchmark is a Docker-based tool that evaluates how many simultaneous 4K HEVC to 1080p H.264 video streams a server can process. The benchmark provides a standardized method for users to test their hardware, including integrated Intel graphics and discrete NVIDIA GPUs, to determine their media server's transcoding capacity. By running a series of test clips, the tool calculates a performance score and provides insights into power efficiency and potential hardware bottlenecks, such as memory speed. The benchmark is designed to be run on any system that supports Docker, with specific instructions provided for Unraid users. It also features a community-driven leaderboard, allowing users to compare their results with others running similar hardware configurations. This tool helps users understand the real-world performance of their media servers, enabling them to make informed decisions about hardware upgrades and optimizations for tasks like real-time transcoding or pre-encoding media libraries.

The Transcoding GPU Benchmark tool evaluates the maximum number of simultaneous 4K HEVC to 1080p H.264 video streams a server can handle. The tool is containerized as a Docker image, making it compatible with various operating systems, including Unraid.

Users can test both hardware-accelerated transcoding and CPU-based transcoding to compare performance and power efficiency. The benchmark identifies potential hardware bottlenecks, such as slow system memory, which can limit transcoding performance.

A community-driven leaderboard allows users to compare their server's performance against others with similar hardware. The benchmark provides an estimate of power consumption during transcoding, highlighting the efficiency of different hardware configurations.

Chapter guide

Introduction to the Transcoding GPU BenchmarkOverview of the tool's purpose for testing media server transcoding capacity.Installing the Benchmark on UnraidStep-by-step guide for installing the Docker container on an Unraid server.Running the Benchmark without UnraidInstructions for using Docker Compose to run the benchmark on other systems.Configuring and Running the TestHow to select transcoding options and initiate the benchmark process.Testing NVIDIA GPU PerformanceConfiguring the benchmark to use an NVIDIA GPU with the necessary drivers.Understanding the LeaderboardHow to use the community leaderboard to compare results with other users.

Worth noting

  • The benchmark results represent a synthetic stress test and may differ from real-world performance due to buffering and varying media file characteristics.
  • The tool's power consumption metrics are estimates and may not reflect precise hardware measurements.

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