New cpu and motherboard for unraid server

[diggit43]

Hi guys I’m planning a new upgrade for my unraid server currently using a intel i3 and 16gb ram with a nvidia 1660 graphics card , I want to run more vms as well as dockers etc , what do you guys would think would be a good cpu upgrade ? Should I go intel or amd ? If the onboard graphics card in the intel is better or as good as my 1660 I could go with intel but my 1660 does well already ,
I was thinking about a amd ryzen 9 7950x what do you guys think , I’m a little out of touch it’s at least 6 years since I’ve bought hardware , many thanks in advance

 

[Conan257]

Intel is a better option if you want the CPU to do any transcoding (Plex etc). Not sure what you want the GPU for, i've never been able to get one to passthrough to a VM so it's basically pointless having one in there except if unraid doesn't boot.

 

[diggit43]

Intel is a better option if you want the CPU to do any transcoding (Plex etc). Not sure what you want the GPU for, i've never been able to get one to passthrough to a VM so it's basically pointless having one in there except if unraid doesn't boot.

So what your saying is I’d better off with intel for the built in gpu to pass through to the vm , could I also use the same intel gpu in docker at the same time ?
I use the nvidia at present in docker for Jellyfin?
I’ve only used the dockers at present but need to start using vms for certain applications

 

[Conan257]

You're transcoding jellyfin using the GPU?

In that case I'd make sure you evaluate your use case requirements strongly. Do you need a GPU for the VMs? I have a VM doing my 3d printer slicing, it requires graphical output obviously, but there's no GPU doing it - It's all done in software.

What socket is your CPU? If it's not too old you could consider upping to an i5/i7 to get the extra performance straight away, then upgrade other bits as you need to.

 

[russ9898]

Jumping on the back of this thread, I'm looking to upgrade my Unraid/Plex server as I feel it's time to upgrade my old faithful i5 3570k for something which ideally consumes less power at idle but has the ability to transcode when required. I have been looking at the i5 10500t and wondered what the general consensus on this processor is?

My server only gets local light use predominantly but I would like to start running it 24/7 so a low tdp chip would be preferable.

 

[Avalon]

Jumping on the back of this thread, I'm looking to upgrade my Unraid/Plex server as I feel it's time to upgrade my old faithful i5 3570k for something which ideally consumes less power at idle but has the ability to transcode when required. I have been looking at the i5 10500t and wondered what the general consensus on this processor is?

My server only gets local light use predominantly but I would like to start running it 24/7 so a low tdp chip would be preferable.

The first thing you need to learn is TDP does not equal idle power consumption, in fact TDP has almost nothing to do with idle, like for like chips of the same generation idle at near identical power levels, T variants or otherwise. Next thing to do is buy something to measure power at the wall, smart plug or power meter, so you actually understand what you are using to begin with, a new chip/board will usually be significantly more power efficient, but if you have to spend hundreds to save a few quid a year, it's a false economy, so get actual numbers before going any further. Transcoding locally usually means you f'd up, it shouldn't be a thing under normal circumstances and - as you mention Plex - you will need a Plex Pass to do that in hardware rather than software, have you got one? If not, now is probably a good time to look at lifetime.