Is there a limit to # of CPUS I can throw at software transcoding?

Channels DVR Server
#1

I had a hardware failure with my main NAS hardware (i7) and I I need to run channels on my homelab for a bit.

It's a Dell R430 with 2 x Xeon CPU E5-2650 v4 @ 2.20GHz (total of 24 cores)

I'm running channels in an lxc in Proxmox (config in screenshot)

I'm trying to get better transcoding performance, but it seems to be giving me mediocre transcoding performance.

Transcoder Running at 3mbps: 38m31s @ 2.27x (68.07fps)

I currently have 16 vCPUs that I'm throwing at the Channels LXC (Ubuntu) and they're just chilling while the transcode is running.

Is there a way I can get the transcoder to use more CPU?

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1 Like
#2

Quick follow up, I think the bottleneck was that the 'Streaming' folder is on my NAS.. Moved that and things seem to have sped up

#3

Off topic.

You have a dual cpu xeon build? I always wanted to build one with those cheap xeons. Do you have a old workststion or did you go with a aliexpress x99 setup. Pics. I need pics. 2 cpus is twice as good as 1 cpu. . . Duh.

#4

Beware aware that X99 and most of those old xeons use a lot of power, even in standby states. Was using an X99 board for TrueNAS and replaced it due to power consumption. Payback was measured in months!

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#5

It's a Dell PowerEdge R430, since it's Gen 13 you can pick them up CHEAP (quieting the fans can be an adventure though). Throw 128G of Ram at VMs and LXC's like there's no tomorrow.

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#6

What is your idle vs load power draw.

I always wanted to build a dual cpu just for the cool factor alone. I just have mini-pc they work. But not as badass.

#7

I have like a dozen LXC's and VMs running 24x7, so there really is no idle time. Fortunately electricity is pretty cheap where I live. I'm also planning on throwing solar on my house soon.

#8

I don't think there is a CPU or core limit for transcoding. This would be controled by your OS and/or Hypervisor.

Morris

#9

I've often wondered about the efficiency and speed of the older Xeon's when it comes to transcoding. The newer Intel processors seem to be very efficient and fast. A couple years ago I bought a small machine with a Core i5-11400. It runs both SageTV and Channels DVR simultaneously with multiple remote user connections (sometimes up to 3 and 4 at a time).

For 20 hours a day (when just idling), this machine runs at 12 watts.

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#10

Xeons are dogs compared to any Intel w/QuickSync. The reason is that the Intel I(n) have a GPU Built right into the chip, and the Xeons don't (well a few do, but I think those are unreasonable expensive).

#11

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