I just set up my first Plex server and found that I have to convert all of my totally legally obtained MKVs to MP4s to run on Plex.

Right now I’m encoding them with HandBrake and it’s taking ~30 mins per file and using 100% of my CPUs capacity (running around 80 degrees C).

Is this how most of you guys do it? or am I missing something? I’m concerned about hurting the lifespan of my CPU. Would using my GPU to encode be a better option?

  • silent_clashEnglish
    2·
    1 year ago

    80 C isn’t that crazy either, but I wouldn’t want to go more than 5° higher than that. You could edit your fan curve or look into an aftermarket air cooler + new thermal paste if you have a desktop. Cheap ones here: https://yewtu.be/watch?v=8NsFuNqINww

    And here is a video on optimizing case fan placement (you might not even have to buy more of them) https://yewtu.be/watch?v=Ba6w3QdnWBw

    100% CPU usage is a good sign actually, it means the program is using all resources available. And video encoding is a well-known cpu intensive task.