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+--- Thread: GPU to buy for Qnap TVS-1282T3-i7-64G (/showthread.php?tid=11608)
GPU to buy for Qnap TVS-1282T3-i7-64G - Lugie - 01-09-2025
Hi!
I am using Tvheadend to transcode tv channels and I notice my CPU is not enough for the operation when I go up to 1080p resolution with bitrates of 13000 kb/s and 50fps. Therefore I am thinking about upgrading my Qnap with a GPU expansion card. However the compatibility list at Qnap is out of date, with cards that is not possible to buy anymore. So I need help in figuring out what to buy that fits the box and also do the job well. I assume that Tvheadend and their transcoding profiles/codecs will work since I can see an option to turn on hardware acceleration in the codec settings?
What would be the things to look out for when you want to buy a card for a Qnap? Physical size, Drivers etc.
My Qnap model is TVS-1282T3-i7-64G. The box got 3 (1 x "PCIe Gen3 x8", 2x ("PCIe Gen3 x4") I do not need my thunderbolt cards so I can take them out. Then I have two PCIe Gen3 x4 slots available.
RE: GPU to buy for Qnap TVS-1282T3-i7-64G - ed - 01-10-2025
Upgrading your QNAP TVS-1282T3-i7-64G with a GPU to offload transcoding tasks is an excellent idea, especially for demanding workloads like Tvheadend transcoding. Here’s a detailed guide to help you choose the right GPU for your setup:
What to Look for in a GPU for Your QNAP
Compatibility:
Ensure the GPU fits within the physical space of the NAS.
Check the power supply capacity of the NAS to support the chosen GPU (your model can typically handle GPUs with up to 75W TDP without additional power).
Driver Support:
QNAP’s HybridDesk Station and Container Station often rely on NVIDIA GPUs due to better driver support for transcoding and CUDA acceleration.
Transcoding Requirements:
Choose a GPU with NVENC (NVIDIA Encoder) for efficient video transcoding. Look for support for H.264, H.265 (HEVC), and high-bit-rate streams.
PCIe Slot Usage:
Since you have two available PCIe Gen3 x4 slots, ensure the GPU doesn’t require a PCIe Gen3 x16 interface or excessive space.
Recommended GPUs
NVIDIA Quadro P1000
Pros: Compact size (low-profile), low power consumption (47W TDP), supports NVENC for H.264/H.265 transcoding.
Cons: Limited performance for 4K transcoding with multiple streams.
Best For: Basic transcoding and moderate workloads.
NVIDIA Quadro P2000
Pros: Strong transcoding performance for multiple 1080p and some 4K streams, supports NVENC.
Cons: Higher cost, requires a bit more power (75W TDP).
Best For: Multiple simultaneous 1080p streams or 4K transcoding.
NVIDIA T1000
Pros: Modern replacement for the P1000, similar power efficiency with better performance.
Cons: Slightly larger footprint; verify physical space compatibility.
Best For: More efficient transcoding compared to older P-series cards.
NVIDIA GTX 1650 (Low Profile)
Pros: Affordable, powerful NVENC performance for 1080p and 4K transcoding.
Cons: Larger than Quadro cards, but low-profile models are available.
Best For: Cost-effective, powerful transcoding for home media servers.
Installation Notes
Physical Fit:
Measure the available PCIe slot space inside the NAS to confirm compatibility with the chosen GPU’s dimensions.
Power Delivery:
GPUs under 75W TDP are powered directly through the PCIe slot. Ensure no additional power connectors are required unless you have the ability to adapt your setup.
Driver Installation:
Install GPU drivers through QNAP’s Control Panel > App Center or manually upload the required NVIDIA drivers.
Enable Hardware Acceleration:
In Tvheadend or related apps, enable hardware transcoding using the newly installed GPU. Test multiple profiles for optimal results.
Final Recommendation
For your QNAP TVS-1282T3, the NVIDIA Quadro P2000 strikes the best balance between performance and compatibility, offering reliable transcoding for high-bitrate 1080p and 4K streams. If budget is a concern, the NVIDIA GTX 1650 (Low Profile) is a great alternative.