Mencoder underutilizes CPU (transcoding)

[ffixcollector]

I'm running PS3MediaServer and mencoder uses 280%-320% out of 400% CPU. I would like to transcode 1080p, but it just doesn't cut it. I have an Intel SE7520BD2 Server Motherboard w/Dual Xeon 2.8GHz CPUs, 1GB RAM

I ran a Handbrake encode, and it maxed out at 400%, so I do not believe that it is an Intel architecture issue

[ian dobson]

Hi,

Looks as if memcoder is programmed to use so many threads in a very efficient way.

I know that handbrake uses as many threads as possible (Handbrake on my 8way box uses 700-760% cpu) but the efficiency drops the more threads it uses (8 threads isn't double so quick as 4 threads).

Regards
Ian Dobson

[ffixcollector]

So your saying, there is nothing I can do?

[arrrghhh]

So your saying, there is nothing I can do?

Increase the number of threads mencoder is using if possible. Never needed to try, transcoding 1080p works just fine for me.

[SeijiSensei]

You can add threads=n to the options for lavc (-lavcopts) and x264 (-x264encopts). See the man page for details.

[ffixcollector]

I changed:

    mencoder test.mkv -ovc lavc -lavcopts vcodec=mpeg4:vhq:vbitrate=3000:aspect=4/3:threads=4:vpass=1 -vf pp=lb -oac mp3lame -lameopts vbr=3 -o test.avi

to threads=6, threads=8, threads=2, and threads=1. Still cant get above 75%

[ffixcollector]

SOLVED!

The Intel SE7520BD2 Server Motherboard has several options under the Processor tab that need to be set depending on desired performance... whatever that means. Anyways, enabling both allowed mencoder to better utilize the CPU. Thought its not 100%, it good enough to trancode 1080p

[stmiller]

ffmpeg is very multi-threaded friendly for an alternative