Transcoding GPU - ESXi and TrueNAS

[NanPatterson 2]

All, I just wanted to confirm something if possible.  I have two servers.  One is an ESXi box hosting a Windows Server VM that has Emby Server installed. Another is a TrueNAS box that stores all my movies and shows, among other things.  I am going to toss in a GPU to help with transcoding.  Does the actual transcoding take place on the storage server or server hosting the Emby server install?  Thanks.

[pwhodges 2012]

It's the Emby server doing the transcoding, not the storage (which knows nothing about its content) - so it's the Emby server that needs access to the GPU.

Paul

Edited March 12, 2023 by pwhodges

[NanPatterson 2]

Excellent, thank you.  I will look at a GPU for the ESXi box.

[pwhodges 2012]

Check out if there are any limitations on what GPUs can be passed through by ESXi to the VM.  I know it can be done, but no other details.

Paul

[NanPatterson 2]

Sounds good, will do.

[Luke 42083]

Let us know how you get on. Thanks.

[NanPatterson 2]

Shall do.  May be a few months for research and purchase but, I will report back.

[NanPatterson 2]

Update - Swapped over to XCP-ng with two SYS-6019U-TRT servers and a P4000 in the one running the Emby VM using passthrough. I tested with Twister (VC1, burned in subtitles) since it always skipped/buffered when streaming; it ran perfect.

I tried a 4K and there was some struggle still but I think that may be too heavy on my wireless.  Will test that again when I have a wired client.

[Luke 42083]

Great, thanks for the update.