The error “Not Enough CPU for Conversion of This Item” in Plex occurs when your server lacks processing power for transcoding. To fix it, enable hardware acceleration, lower video quality, or upgrade your CPU for smoother streaming.
In this guide, we’ll break down the causes of this error and the best solutions so you can enjoy uninterrupted streaming on any device with Plex!
Understanding the Error
When you see the error “Not Enough CPU for Conversion of This Item” in Plex, your server doesn’t have enough power to process and convert the video for smooth playback.
This usually happens when Plex needs to change the video format so your device can play it. Converting a video is called transcoding, which can be very demanding on your CPU.
If your CPU is too weak or too many people are streaming simultaneously, Plex struggles to keep up, causing this error. Luckily, there are ways to fix and prevent it!
Common Causes
- High-Resolution Media Files: Attempting to transcode 4K or high-bitrate 1080p videos can overwhelm less powerful CPUs.
- Unsupported Codecs or Formats: Media files encoded with codecs not natively supported by the client device require transcoding, increasing CPU load.
- Subtitle Usage: Burning in subtitles during playback necessitates transcoding, adding to CPU demand.
- Multiple Concurrent Streams: Serving several streams simultaneously can strain the CPU, especially if each requires transcoding.
- Server Configuration Issues: Incorrect settings, such as disabled transcoding or limited simultaneous transcodes, can lead to this error.
Potential Solutions
- Optimize Media Files for Direct Play
- Pre-Transcode Media: Convert media files to formats compatible with your client devices to minimize the need for real-time transcoding. Tools like HandBrake can assist in converting files to universally compatible formats.
- Adjust Streaming Quality: Set the streaming quality on client devices to match the media’s original quality, reducing the need for transcoding.
- Upgrade Hardware
- Enhance CPU Performance: If your server frequently encounters this error, consider upgrading to a more powerful CPU capable of transcoding tasks.
- Utilize Hardware Acceleration: Enable hardware acceleration in Plex settings to offload transcoding tasks to the GPU, alleviating CPU load. Ensure your hardware supports this feature.
- Manage Server Settings
- Check Transcoding Settings: Ensure that transcoding isn’t disabled in the server settings. Disabling transcoding can lead to playback errors if the client device cannot handle the media format.
- Limit Simultaneous Transcodes: Set a reasonable limit on the number of concurrent transcodes to prevent CPU overuse.
- Reduce Subtitle Impact
- Use External Subtitles: Opt for external subtitle files instead of embedded ones to reduce the need for transcoding.
- Disable Unnecessary Subtitles: Turn off subtitles when not needed to decrease CPU load.
- Monitor and Manage Server Load
- Limit Concurrent Streams: Restrict the number of simultaneous streams, especially those requiring transcoding, to maintain optimal performance.
- Schedule Intensive Tasks: Plan resource-heavy tasks like library scans during off-peak hours to ensure CPU availability for streaming.
- Update and Maintain Software
- Keep Plex Updated: Regularly update Plex Media Server and client applications to benefit from performance improvements and bug fixes.
- Maintain System Health: Ensure your operating system and drivers are up-to-date to prevent compatibility issues affecting performance.
Community Insights
Users have reported various experiences and solutions related to this error:
- Accidental Setting Changes: In some cases, users found that settings like “Disable video stream transcoding” were enabled unintentionally, leading to playback issues. Disabling this setting restored standard functionality.
- Hardware Limitations: Users with less powerful CPUs, such as Intel Celeron processors, have encountered this error when attempting to transcode high-resolution videos. Upgrading hardware or adjusting media quality helped mitigate the issue.
- Transcoding Settings: Ensuring that transcoding is enabled and correctly configured in the server settings is crucial. Disabling transcoding can lead to errors if the client device cannot handle the media format.
Insufficient CPU Power for Item Conversion
When your Plex server doesn’t have enough CPU power, it struggles to convert videos for playback. This happens when your device needs a different format, but the CPU can’t process it fast enough.
High-resolution videos like 4K are especially demanding. If multiple people are streaming at the same time, the problem becomes worse.
Upgrading your CPU, enabling hardware acceleration, or reducing video quality can help. You can also pre-convert your videos to a compatible format so Plex doesn’t need to transcode them.
Plex not enough CPU for conversion of this item PS5
If you see this error while streaming on a PS5, your Plex server is struggling to convert the video for your console.
The PS5 supports many formats, but if the video isn’t compatible, Plex must transcode it, which requires CPU power.
If your CPU is weak, it may fail. To fix this, lower the video quality settings on Plex, enable hardware acceleration, or convert the video beforehand using tools like HandBrake. You can also play the video in a format that PS5 supports to avoid transcoding.
Plex not enough CPU for conversion of this item LG TV
This error happens when using Plex on an LG TV because the TV needs a different video format, and your Plex server’s CPU isn’t strong enough to convert it.
LG TVs support Direct Play, but if the video format isn’t supported, Plex tries to transcode it, which can overload the CPU.
You can fix this by adjusting the streaming quality, enabling hardware acceleration, or using external subtitles instead of embedded ones. If possible, convert videos into LG TV-friendly formats like MP4 (H.264/AAC) before adding them to Plex.
Plex not enough disk space to convert this item
Plex needs extra disk space to convert videos during streaming. If your storage is full, Plex won’t be able to transcode, and you’ll see this error.
This usually happens if your temporary folder is entire or your main drive has limited space. You can fix this by clearing temporary files, freeing up disk space, or changing the temporary transcoding folder to another drive.
Upgrading to a larger storage drive or using an external drive for transcoding can also help keep Plex running smoothly.
This server is not powerful enough to convert video.
This message means your Plex server doesn’t have the processing power to transcode videos smoothly. This often happens on older or low-end CPUs when streaming high-resolution videos. If you get this error, try lowering the video quality, enabling hardware acceleration, or converting your videos into a more compatible format before adding them to Plex. If you regularly face this issue, upgrading to a more powerful server or using a dedicated GPU for transcoding can make a big difference.
Synology Plex Not Enough CPU
If you’re running Plex on a Synology NAS, you might see this error because NAS devices usually have low-power CPUs.
Most Synology models aren’t built for heavy video transcoding. To fix this, check if your NAS supports hardware acceleration (Intel Quick Sync) and enable it in Plex settings.
Also, use Direct Play whenever possible to avoid transcoding. If your Synology NAS can’t handle specific videos, consider using an external Plex server with a stronger CPU while storing your files on the NAS.
Plex neither direct play nor conversion is available
This error appears when Plex can’t play a video directly or transcode it due to CPU limitations. It happens if your device doesn’t support the video format and your Plex server isn’t strong enough to convert it.
To fix it, try converting the video manually into a widely supported format like MP4 (H.264/AAC) using HandBrake or similar tools.
You can also check if Plex settings are correct, enable hardware acceleration, or use an alternative device that supports more formats.
Plex Not enough CPU for conversion of this item Samsung TV
If you see this error on your Samsung TV, Plex struggles to convert the video for playback. Samsung TVs support Direct Play, but some files need transcoding.
To fix this, lower the streaming quality, enable hardware acceleration, or convert the video to a compatible format like MP4 (H.264).
Transcoding off – Not enough CPU for conversion of this item
If transcoding is off, Plex can’t convert videos, leading to this error. Some devices require conversion to play certain formats.
Turn transcoding back on in Plex settings or use a device that supports Direct Play. If possible, pre-convert your videos to avoid needing transcoding at all.
“Not enough CPU for conversion of this item” because subtitles are on
Some subtitle types, like image-based (PGS, VOBSUB), require burning into the video, which needs CPU power.
If your server is weak, this causes errors. Use external subtitles (SRT files) instead, or disable subtitles if unnecessary. Enabling hardware acceleration can also reduce CPU load during subtitle processing.
Server not strong enough to play/convert files using Plex?
If your server isn’t powerful enough, Plex can’t convert videos smoothly. 4K videos and multiple streams need strong CPUs.
Try Direct Play, lower quality settings, or enable hardware acceleration in Plex. Consider upgrading your server hardware or pre-converting files into widely supported formats if issues persist.
“This server is not powerful enough to convert video.” Yesterday it played well
If Plex played the video fine before but now shows this error, your CPU might be overloaded. Check if other devices use Plex, close unnecessary apps, and restart the server. Also, verify that Plex settings haven’t changed and that hardware acceleration is still enabled.
Why do I get the “This server is not powerful enough to convert video” message?
This message appears when Plex needs to convert a video, but your CPU isn’t strong enough. High-resolution videos, subtitles, and multiple streams can make it worse.
Lower the quality settings, enable hardware acceleration, or convert the video into an easier-to-play format before adding it to your Plex library.
FAQs
What CPU Do You Need for Plex?
A modern Intel or AMD CPU with at least four cores works well. For 4K transcoding, a powerful CPU or GPU helps.
Why Is Plex Using So Much CPU?
Plex uses CPU for transcoding videos, subtitles, and multiple streams. Enabling hardware acceleration or using Direct Play reduces CPU usage significantly.
Does Plex Transcode with CPU or GPU?
By default, Plex transcodes with the CPU. However, enabling hardware acceleration lets it use the GPU, making transcoding faster and more efficient.
What Is the Best Computer to Run Plex On?
A dedicated server with an Intel Core i5/i7 or AMD Ryzen CPU, plenty of RAM, and a good GPU works best for Plex.
What Kind of CPU Do You Need for a NAS?
A NAS needs a CPU with hardware transcoding support, like Intel Quick Sync. Synology and QNAP models with Intel CPUs work best for Plex.
Does My Computer Have to Be On for Plex to Work?
Yes, the Plex server must be running for streaming. A NAS or dedicated server is ideal for always-on Plex access.
How Many CPU Cores Does Plex Use?
Plex benefits from four or more CPU cores, especially for transcoding. More cores help with multiple streams and high-resolution video playback.
Are Plex Servers Legal?
Yes, Plex itself is legal. However, streaming or sharing copyrighted content without permission is illegal in most places. Always use legal media sources.
Is Jellyfin Better Than Plex?
Jellyfin is free and open-source, while Plex offers better features and ease of use. If you prefer no subscriptions, Jellyfin is excellent!
Conclusion
The “Not Enough CPU for Conversion of This Item” error in Plex happens when your server lacks processing power for transcoding. It’s familiar with high-resolution videos, subtitles, and multiple streams. You can fix this by enabling hardware acceleration, lowering streaming quality, or upgrading your CPU. Using Direct Play and pre-converting videos to a compatible format can also help avoid this issue. If your NAS or server isn’t strong enough, consider a more powerful device for better performance. Applying these solutions lets you enjoy smooth, uninterrupted streaming on Plex without CPU-related errors.
