Build Help: Low Power Video Transcoding Monster

[nitrobass24]

Looking to build a new ESXi machine that will primarily run just my Ubuntu Plex VM. There are so many options right now my head is spinning just trying to make sense of it all.

Requirements:
8Cores Minimum
Under 75W @ Idle
10GBe SFP+
$600 Budget (CPU/Mobo)

I was looking at the newer XeonD 15x7 models from SM, but they are all very pricey. Seems like I could pick up a decent E5-26xx V4 CPU for about $250 on eBay that might give me more multi-threaded power.

In all honesty, this box is idle 16hours of the day, but when I need it to go it needs to have some power behind it as everyone is generally watching TV at the same time.

 

[K D]

I would recommend an E3 12x5 for this. Plex and Emby support quick sync and the igpu can be passed through. I have an E3-1275 v6 and have 2 cores and 6gig assigned to the plex VM along with passing through the igpu. Able to transcode 2 4k streams in parallel.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[nitrobass24]

I totally forgot about the E3s, that is a great idea. Now I would just need to find the right mobo.

 

[nitrobass24]

@K D Went with the X11SSM-F and a E3-1245v6 CPU.

How did you pass through the iGPU? I dont see it in my list of PCI devices on the ESX web interface.
Mind posting your BIOS settings for Graphics?

 

[K D]

Posted in your other thread.

Issue with E3-1245 v6 iGPU on X11SSM-F

 

[funkywizard]

Could probably get pretty close to 75w idle with a single socket E5-2660v2 (or dual socket with one cpu populated), so long as you have efficient cooling fans and an efficient power supply.

That said, I agree here and E3 will probably use a bit less power, and a Xeon D even less than that.

Edit: for "monster" transcoding, you might consider adding a GPU, such as a 1060 GTX or perhaps a 1050ti GTX. Should add 10-20 watts idle unfortunately, but will be able to crank through transcoding without straining the CPU.