Not Enough CPU For Conversion Of This Item – Easy Fixes!

The “Not Enough CPU for Conversion of This Item” error happens when your CPU power isn’t enough to process high-quality videos like 1080p on Plex. Upgrading hardware or optimizing settings can quickly fix this issue.

The good news is that this issue can be fixed with a few simple steps. Whether it’s upgrading hardware or optimizing settings, we’ll guide you through everything to get your system running faster and smoother.

Understanding the Issue: Not Enough CPU for Conversion of This Item

The “Not Enough CPU for Conversion of This Item” error occurs when your computer can’t handle file conversions. Your CPU is like your computer’s brain—it works hard to process videos, files, or media.

If the CPU is too weak or overloaded, it struggles to finish the task. This issue often happens in Plex, video converters, or streaming apps. The good news is that this problem can be fixed by upgrading your system or tweaking some settings.

1. What Causes the “Not Enough CPU for Conversion of This Item” Error?

This error happens when your computer can’t handle the conversion process due to low CPU power. Here are the main causes:

• Old or Weak CPU – Outdated processors can’t manage high-quality conversions.
• Too Many Background Apps – Running multiple programs simultaneously overloads the CPU.
• Not Enough RAM – Low memory makes your system slower during conversions.
• High-Quality Video Files – Converting 4K or large videos needs more CPU power.
• Overheating CPU – If your CPU gets too hot, it automatically slows down.
• Outdated Software – Old software versions may not be optimized for your system.
• Software Conflicts – Some apps running in the background can use CPU power without you knowing.

2. Solving the “Not Enough CPU for Conversion of This Item” Error

A. Upgrade Your CPU

If your computer is older, your CPU might not be powerful enough to handle conversions. Upgrading your CPU to a newer model can speed up performance and fix this issue.

Look for processors like Intel Core i5/i7 or AMD Ryzen 5/7 for better multitasking. Modern CPUs are designed to handle video conversions faster. If you’re using a media server like Plex, upgrading to a server-friendly CPU will improve streaming and conversion speeds.

B. Increase Your System’s Memory

Your CPU needs enough memory (RAM) to convert files smoothly. Your system might struggle during conversions if it has less than 8GB of RAM. Upgrading to 16GB or 32GB RAM can make a huge difference.

More memory helps your computer store temporary data while converting files. This means your CPU can work faster without freezing or crashing. Closing unused apps and clearing cache files can also free up memory.

C. Optimize CPU Usage

Sometimes, your CPU isn’t slow — it’s just busy! Too many apps running at once can overload your CPU. Before converting files, close unnecessary programs like browsers or games.

You can also change your system’s power settings to High Performance to give your CPU extra speed. Turning on hardware acceleration in apps like Plex or HandBrake can also move some tasks to your graphics card (GPU), making your CPU work less.

D. Check for Software Conflicts

Outdated or conflicting software can slow down your CPU. If you’re using older video conversion tools, they might not work well with modern systems.

Constantly update your apps to the latest version. Sometimes, antivirus programs or background apps can use too much CPU power.

Use Task Manager (Windows) or Activity Monitor (Mac) to find apps using your CPU and disable the unnecessary ones during conversions.

Insufficient CPU Power for Item Conversion

When your computer shows Insufficient CPU Power for Item Conversion, your processor isn’t strong enough to handle the task.

This usually happens with video conversions or streaming apps like Plex. The CPU struggles to convert large or high-quality files.

You can fix this by upgrading your CPU, closing background apps, or lowering video quality settings. Small changes can make your system faster and smoother.

Plex Not Enough CPU for Conversion of This Item Samsung TV

If your Samsung TV shows “Not Enough CPU for Conversion on Plex,” your server is struggling. Try lowering video quality settings, enabling hardware acceleration, or upgrading your server’s CPU. Direct Play instead of transcoding can also reduce CPU load and fix the issue.

Common Scenarios Leading to the Error

Several situations can lead to the “Not Enough CPU for Conversion of This Item” error:

1. High-Resolution Media Files: Streaming 4K or high-bitrate 1080p videos demands substantial CPU resources for transcoding. Servers with limited CPU capabilities may struggle with such tasks.
2. Unsupported Codecs: Media files encoded with codecs not natively supported by the client device require the server to transcode them into a compatible format, increasing CPU load.
3. Multiple Concurrent Streams: Handling several transcoding sessions simultaneously can overwhelm the server’s CPU, leading to insufficient resources for additional conversions.
4. Server Hardware Limitations: Devices with low-powered processors, such as specific NAS devices, may lack CPU power for transcoding tasks.

Potential Solutions to Address the Error

To mitigate the “Not Enough CPU for Conversion of This Item” error, consider the following strategies:

1. Upgrade Server Hardware: Enhancing the server’s CPU can provide the necessary power for transcoding demanding media files.
2. Optimize Media Files: Manually converting media files to formats compatible with client devices can reduce the need for real-time transcoding.
3. Adjust Streaming Quality Settings: Lowering the streaming quality can decrease the CPU load required for transcoding.
4. Limit Concurrent Streams: Managing the number of simultaneous streams can prevent CPU overload.
5. Enable Direct Play: Configuring the server and client devices to support direct play allows media files to stream without transcoding, reducing CPU usage.

Plex Not Enough CPU for Conversion of This Item LG TV

LG TVs may encounter this error if the CPU isn’t strong enough to convert videos. To improve video streaming performance, lower the video resolution in Plex settings, enable hardware transcoding, or upgrade your server’s CPU. Direct Play and a wired internet connection can also improve video streaming performance.

Plex Not Enough CPU for Conversion of This Item PS5

If Plex struggles on your PS5, the server’s CPU might not be powerful enough. Reduce the streaming quality, enable hardware transcoding, or upgrade your CPU. A wired internet connection instead of Wi-Fi helps improve speed and reduces CPU strain during video conversions.

Not Enough CPU for Conversion of This Item Mac

This error occurs on Macs when the system’s CPU is overloaded. To fix it, close unused apps, lower the streaming quality and enable hardware acceleration in Plex settings. If the problem continues, upgrading your Mac’s CPU or adding more RAM can significantly improve video conversions.

Plex Not Enough CPU for Conversion of This Item Subtitles

Subtitles, especially image-based ones like PGS or VOBSUB, can increase CPU usage. Switch to text-based subtitles (SRT) or enable hardware transcoding in Plex. Lowering the video resolution or upgrading your server’s CPU can also fix the issue for smooth playback.

Plex Not Enough Disk Space to Convert This Item

If Plex shows “Not Enough Disk Space to Convert This Item,” your hard drive might be full. Clear unnecessary files, empty the Plex cache, or choose a different drive for temporary transcoding files. Ensure your disk has enough free space to help Plex run smoothly without errors.

Plex Docker Not Enough CPU

Running Plex in Docker can limit CPU usage, causing slow video conversions. To fix this, increase CPU limits in Docker settings, enable hardware transcoding, or allocate more system resources. Upgrading your server’s CPU or switching to a dedicated media server can also boost performance.

Transcoding Off – Not Enough CPU for Conversion of This Item

If transcoding is off, Plex relies on your device to play videos. Weak CPUs may struggle with conversions. To reduce CPU load and improve playback, enable transcoding in Plex settings, lower the video quality, or switch to Direct Play.

Server Not Strong Enough to Play/Convert Files Using Plex?

If your server isn’t strong enough to convert files, upgrade your CPU or enable hardware transcoding. Lowering the video resolution or using Direct Play instead of transcoding can ease CPU strain. These small changes can make your server perform faster and more efficiently.

Why Do I Get the “This Server Is Not Powerful Enough to Convert Video” Message?

This message appears when your server’s CPU is too weak to convert videos. Lower the video quality settings, enable hardware acceleration, or upgrade your CPU. Direct Play instead of transcoding can help Plex stream videos without high CPU usage.

FAQs

1. How Can I Resolve the “Not Enough CPU for Conversion of This Item” Error?

Close background apps, lower video quality settings, enable hardware acceleration or upgrade your CPU. Using Direct Play instead of transcoding can reduce CPU usage.

2. Can I Use an Online Conversion Tool Instead of the Software on My Computer to Avoid the CPU Issue?

Yes! Online tools process conversions on their servers, reducing your computer’s CPU load. Just make sure your internet speed is fast enough.

3. What Are Some Other Ways to Optimize My Computer’s CPU Performance?

Close unnecessary apps, update drivers, enable performance mode and clean your system. Adding a cooling solution can also prevent overheating and improve performance.

4. Is There a Way to Reduce the CPU Usage During Conversion Processes?

Yes! Lower the conversion quality, enable hardware acceleration, and run fewer programs during conversion. Upgrading to a faster CPU can also help.

5. Are There Any Software Alternatives Specifically Designed for Low CPU Usage?

Yes! Tools like HandBrake, FFmpeg, and cloud-based converters use less CPU. Choose software with GPU acceleration for faster and smoother conversions.

6. What CPU Do You Need for Plex?

A modern quad-core CPU works well for smooth streaming. For 4K videos or multiple users, a powerful Intel i5/i7 or AMD Ryzen 5/7 is better.

7. Why Is Plex Using So Much CPU?

Plex uses more CPU during video transcoding. To lower CPU usage, enable Direct Play, use compatible formats, or upgrade your hardware.

8. Does Plex Transcode with CPU or GPU?

By default, Plex uses the CPU for transcoding. However, enabling hardware acceleration lets Plex use a GPU like Intel Quick Sync or NVIDIA NVENC.

9. What Is the Best Computer to Run Plex On?

A dedicated media server with an Intel i7/Ryzen 7 CPU, 16GB RAM, and an SSD provides the best Plex performance for streaming.

10. How Many CPUs for Plex?

A quad-core CPU is enough for regular streaming. For 4K streaming or multiple users, a six-core or eight-core CPU with hardware transcoding is recommended.

Conclusion

The “Not Enough CPU for Conversion of This Item” error happens when your system lacks the processing power to convert high-quality media files. By upgrading your CPU, optimizing settings, enabling hardware acceleration, and reducing background tasks, you can fix this issue and enjoy smooth, uninterrupted streaming or file conversions across various devices.