Workload guide · Media
Transcoding: hardware requirements guide
On-the-fly video transcoding (4K HDR, tone mapping, multiple streams).
Hardware requirements by tier
Three tiers for every workload: the minimum that works, the recommended sweet spot, and the comfortable headroom level. These are the same tiers the WisePC decision engine uses when it plans a build around your goal.
| Tier | CPU cores | RAM | Storage | GPU | Network |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum | 6 cores | 16 GB | 0 TB (ssd) | dedicated | 1 GbE |
| Recommended | 12 cores | 32 GB | 1 TB (ssd) | dedicated | 2.5 GbE |
| Comfortable | 16 cores | 64 GB | 2 TB (ssd) | ai | 2.5 GbE |
Which tier do you need?
- Pick Minimum (6 cores, 16 GB RAM) only for a single-purpose machine on a tight budget — expect little headroom.
- Recommended (12 cores, 32 GB RAM) is the sweet spot: enough for the workload plus the usual side-services, without overspending.
- Pick Comfortable (16 cores, 64 GB RAM) when this workload shares the machine with others or will grow — you pay for headroom, not for anxiety.
- GPU rule for this workload: dedicated.
Frequently asked questions
How much RAM does transcoding need?
16 GB is the sensible minimum, 32 GB covers most real setups, and 64 GB gives comfortable headroom for growth and extra services.
How many CPU cores does transcoding need?
A 6-core CPU is the minimum, 12 cores is the recommended sweet spot, and 16 cores is comfortable when it shares the machine with other workloads.
Does transcoding need a dedicated GPU?
A dedicated GPU is required for this workload.
What storage and network does transcoding expect?
Storage: 1 TB of SSD is the recommended baseline (0 TB minimum, 2 TB comfortable). Network: 2.5 GbE is the recommended baseline.
What runs well alongside transcoding?
It pairs naturally with: Plex, Jellyfin, Multi-user media.