AMD unlocks up to 215% performance in HandBrake Transcoding with Threadripper

AMD has boosted Handbrake’s performance by fixing two threading bottlenecks

AMD has worked with the developers of Handbrake to boost the performance of the popular video transcoding app, delivering significant gains for Ryzen Threadripper series CPUs.

Specifically, AMD has worked with HandBrake to fix two “threading bottlenecks” that prevented the software from effectively using high-core-count CPUs. Thanks to AMD’s fixes, AMD’s Ryzen Threadripper CPUs can now deliver up to 215% more transcoding performance than before. These improvements are included with HandBrake version 1.11.0 (or later versions).

What was wrong with HandBrake?

Before update 1.11.0. HandBrake couldn’t make effective use of more than 64 logical processors. With higher core counts, compute resources were underutilised and performance could drop as more CPU cores became available. In some scenarios, performance could drop by more than 60% due to these issues. This is especially true for low-resolution transcoding, as added overhead could take more processing time than extra CPU cores could save.

AMD has worked to address these issues by working to improve Handbrake’s thread management. Instead of spending too much CPU time coordinating small jobs, Handbrake can keep more cores busy with transcoding work. This results in boosted performance, especially for high core count Ryzen Threadripper CPUs.

(Performance improvement with an AMD Ryzen Threadripper Pro 9995WX 96-core HEDT CPU)

For the AMD Ryzen Threadripper Pro 9995WX 96-core CPU, AMD found that its Handbrake performance increased by 31%-181%, depending on the workload. Note that no workflow changes were made. Handbrake simply ran much faster with version 1.11.1 (vs version 1.6.1).

AMD also tested its Threadripper 7980X 64-core CPU and discovered performance gains ranging from 16% to 215%. For creators, editors, and professionals, these performance gains mean shorter wait times and better use of their existing hardware.

(Performance improvement with an AMD Ryzen Threadripper 7980X 64-core HEDT CPU)

A community collaboration that’s good for everyone

AMD worked with HandBrake to make these multi-threading changes a reality. Not only does this make AMD’s high-core-count Ryzen Threadripper CPUs more attractive to HandBrake users, but it also improves HandBrake for all potential users. Remember, AMD isn’t the only company that produces high-core-count CPUs. Users of Intel’s Xeon HEDT CPUs will also benefit from these changes.

You can join the discussion on AMD boosting HandBrake’s performance on Ryzen Threadripper CPUs on the OC3D Forums.