Maximize Your Plex Performance: Transcoding in RAM for Enhanced Streaming

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I’ve noticed a recurring trend where users allow Plex to create temporary transcoding files on an array or cache device instead of utilizing RAM.

Why Move Transcoding into RAM?

Transcoding is both CPU and I/O intensive, generating numerous write operations to the storage medium. Using an SSD for this purpose can lead to unnecessary wear and tear, potentially causing premature SSD burnout. By shifting transcoding to RAM, you reduce the strain on non-volatile storage devices. Unlike SSDs, RAM isn’t susceptible to wear from usage, and it requires much less space than commonly assumed.

How Much RAM Do You Need?

In my tests, a single video stream transcoded at 12 Mbps utilized about 430 MB in the root RAM filesystem. The critical factor is the bitrate rather than the quality of the source content. Additionally, various settings can influence this number, such as how many seconds of transcoding occur in advance of playback. If your system has 4 GB or less of total RAM, you may need to adjust settings based on the number of simultaneous streams. With 8 GB or more, you should be in a safe zone, but keep in mind that more RAM usage for transcoding will reduce available memory for other tasks.

How to Set Up Transcoding in RAM

To move your transcoding into RAM, you’ll need to make two adjustments: one in your Docker container settings and another within the Plex web client.

Step 1: Update Plex Container Properties

  1. Open your web GUI and navigate to “Docker.”
  2. Click on the name of your PlexMediaServer container.
  3. Add a new volume mapping:
    /transcode to /tmp
  4. Click “Apply” to restart the container with the new mapping.

Step 2: Configure Plex Media Server

  1. Access the Plex web interface via a browser (e.g., http://tower:32400/web).
  2. Click the wrench icon in the upper right corner to access settings.
  3. Go to the “Server” tab.
  4. Locate the “Transcoder” section on the left.
  5. Click “Show Advanced” and enter /transcode in the temporary directory field.
  6. Click “Apply” to save your changes.

You can also tweak additional settings if needed to enhance your media streaming experience.

Conclusion

By moving your Plex transcoding to RAM, you not only improve performance but also extend the lifespan of your SSDs by minimizing write operations. This setup is particularly beneficial if you’re running a server with ample RAM available for use. Thanks for reading and enjoy your optimized streaming experience!

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