Having only been using Plex a few months, I’m a Plex novice. (I did recently purchase a Lifetime Plex Pass.) I am currently running Plex on a computer that I built 11 years ago, but it can handle only one HD stream at a time and I’ve ran into a few times where I needed more. I also have a second 10-year-old computer running as my home server (Windows Server 2008 running Active Directory, file sharing and e-mail server) that I am also replacing. (Yes, I’m aware that most people don’t run Windows Server at home, but I’m an IT guy that enjoys it.) At the current time, my video library only goes up to HD, but I do plan on adding 4K movies in the near future.
In most cases, there is only a single stream going at a time, but sometimes we have more, which is when we have problems. Theoretically, there could be as many as seven simultaneous streams, but I highly doubt that it will ever happen. At least 90% of the time, the Plex clients are Rokus, but occasionally, a phone or tablet is used. Additionally, my music library is hosted here for my family and it’s usually accessed via an Android phone.
My current thought is to build a new computer running Windows Server 2019 Essentials, combining the server functions as well as Plex on a single system. (I’m still not strong enough in Unix/Linux to depend on it yet, but that’s coming.) This new system will NOT be used as a desktop or gaming computer. I prefer not to replace the system in a couple of years, so I don’t mind spending a little extra now for VALUE, but I don’t throw money away to have the latest/greatest/top of the line. I’m going to reuse my old Thermaltake VA8003BWS ATX Full Tower (which is currently housing my current Plex system) for this build as it has plenty of space for drives. I also plan on grabbing a HDHomeRun to record live TV (I currently have an old Hauppauge HVR950Q HDTV Stick.)
Here are my questions:
Intel or AMD? From my own experience, I know that AMD works fine with Plex, but in doing my research, I have seen mentioned that Plex prefers Intel for hardware acceleration. While I have usually purchased AMD due to their price for performance value, I’m not opposed to spending a little extra on Intel if there is a good reason and I get a return on that investment. (In some of the posts, I see people say if there is no discrete video card, then go Intel, but if there is a video card, then then go either Intel or AMD???)
Based on the Intel/AMD recommendation above, what motherboard is good for this? (Since I’m running Windows Server, I would prefer it compatible with ECC memory.)
Of course, I’m going to put the OS on a M.2 NVMe SSD and add another SSD for the “Transcoder Temporary Directory.” I will probably only have 32GB of ECC RAM and get 5+ new hard drives for storage and run them in a RAID5 configuration. (I’m not stuck on ECC, but it’s something I’m considering since I live at a high elevation.) I’ll probably add more RAM later.
Does it really need a real video card, or does it really depend on Intel/AMD CPU mentioned in Question 1? Right now, I’m thinking that I can get by with whatever is built into the motherboard and in the future add a P2000 (or whatever is available at the time) to add longevity to the system.
Suggestions on a 4K disc drive for the computer? The current one is only HD, so I’ll need to upgrade it. (I am thinking USB so I can put it on my personal machine, but it’s only a thought right now.) I currently use MakeMKV to rip my the discs before storing them away for safe keeping.)
Yes, I’m aware that since I’m taking down my current Plex system and replacing it, I’ll need to follow some steps to properly migrate my library over without having to rebuild the metadata.
I’m looking forward to all the smart & experienced people out there to point me in the best direction.
There are a number of people knowledgeable on this topic that hopefully will jump in. A couple of threads where I’ve learned about the CPU needed are here and here.
Plex does have a new transcode engine in processs that is currently in beta. Some good info here too.
Start cheap, but not too cheap. it will give you opportunity to learn and play and see what you usage will actually be. The value leader in my opinion is the Intel i3-8100 as it is a true quad and it supports all important hardware transcoding options via its integrated GPU. you can get them used for about 120 can$ and they work on the latest series of intel systemboards (used 60-70 can$). add 4-8GB RAM, I stream 5-10 and 4K works as well (I use LG in my house and Roku at parents)
AMD will cost much more and few come with a iGPU, and those that do (APU’s) are not well supported in plex (hw transcoding), or not much better than the i3-8100 for software transcoding.
PS things appear to be changing, plex support is finally getting rev’ed, and more options for hw assisted transcoding appear close. even so, the i3-8100 with its i630 iGPU is an amazing value for plex server. the i3-8300 is a tick faster and a great starter as well, but I don’t tend to see them around cheap / used as much. the i3-8350K is even one more tick faster, but tests to me 40-50% more. I actually bumped my 8100>8350 because I ran across a great deal, but since I didnt run across anything the 8100 didn’t do well, it really made no difference…
A GPU can handle the transcoding and can provide MUCH, MUCH more power.
GPUs add-on cards can easily be upgraded later.
When using a GPU for transcoding, the CPU is only needed for core functions and container/audio transcoding which is a relativity light load.
With that said, getting a powerful and expensive CPU is not necessary and the money saved can be used toward the GPU, storage or new tires for your car.
Since you plan on using this as a dedicated server and in the event you do decide on using a GPU, I might suggest a higher core count CPU over a low core count high clock rate one. The difference between desktop and server boards/processors may also prove worthy since servers are designed for 24/7 load and hold up longer. I personally like the Xeon platforms which come in dual, quad and hex cores (and even multi-processor) which can be found in many used servers at an economical price. My 12 core, 24 thread server @ 2.93 Ghz cost around $600 which yields around 12,000 passmark as-is. I only had to add a GPU and storage which can do anything I throw at it with plenty left over.
Yes, the plan is to combine the functions of both computers into a single system that is new rather than having hardware that is 10+ years old that have no drivers for the new Windows OS. Since it’s only my family, the biggest load will be Plex.
I own a few “lab” servers (HP/Lenovo even a gigabyte) w Xeons, and in fact I ran a starter Lenovo server (ts140) with its quad Xeon as my main home server / plex server for years. but they never seem to make sense for me to leave them as my full time plex server. Noise and power usage (cost) and the lack of iGPU.
right now my xpenology server is
corsair t600 graphite case with 6 internal 3.5" , and adapters in 5 1/4 bays adding another 4 3.5" and 4 2.5"
good combo of quiet and cooling.
asus prime z390 systemboard , overkill, used to have an asus b360 that was equally functional in this role. just a case of using what I had on hand.
Intel i3-8350k CPU (oc to 4.5Ghz, playing to see if I notice any difference)
16Gx4=64GB (for non Plex related tasks, plex is happy with 4-8)
LSI 8 port SAS (support more drives than systemboard alone)
HDD are 7x 8TB Seagate ironwolf 7200RPM
SSD are 6x 1TB Micron 5100 Pro SATA
intel dual port 10G ethernet NIC
The only limitation I regularly run into now is 4K HDR>SDR tone re-mapping and there is no way to fix that today. Once an option is available, depending on what is required to fix it, I might have to add a GPU or maybe move up from a quad to a hex or octal CPU.
Till then I am very happy with my all in one home “server” and my actual server hardware sits powered off most of the time. I use Xpenology but Windows could easily work.
I have read that as well. I am too old and jaded to believe it will be that simple once it is in the hardware, drivers released with support, FFMPEG added support, and then plex to support it, then we can add it to the feature list. Till then it’s a possible future feature and a complete deal-breaker for transcoding 4k in my mind. Plex needs to offer us more features to handle it in the mean-time. disable 4k transcoding checkbox. Auto favour 1080p media. something
I am trying to find how to migrate my computer to a new one and having troubles finding anything on how to move an existing server I have a I7 9700 in the new system but I cant get my server to connect on the new one… only indirectly ??? thread links please have found a video to move files and registry from the old computer but I have over 2tbs of media so the metafiles are huge any suggestions please
Thanks that is the one way I had found… having trouble keeping the old system up long enough to compress the file… system was long over due to be replaced and freezes up half way through the compressing… old machine Dell XPS 410 from 06 good back in the day
I fully understand. I actually used the same chassis and power supply and data drive when I upgraded my 2008 system to my new system. I just followed the instructions to copy off the meta data and registry keys. Once I did that, I pulled out my old motherboard, installed the new one, installed the OS (new SSD) and completed the instructions. It just took time for export and import the registry keys and metadata. I also made sure that my IP was updated in my router to correctly open to the right IP/port.
But… if you don’t have anything special videos, it would be easy to just point the media types to your files and then scan the library.
Here is my build that I made earlier in the year. I added 4 of these HDDs in RAID 10 that I shucked from these HDDs. The Samsung SSDs are in RAID 0 and I’m using Intel QuickSync to stream.
Obviously it depends on a number of different requirements you may have. I have used this config to and tested it to 8 different 1080p streams and it was absolutely fine. I imagine I could probably do 1 4K stream and a couple of 1080ps, but I haven’t tried yet. 4K takes a disproportionately large amount of space up and is HEAVY on the transcoder. I’m also not 100% that HDR works properly yet (unless someone can correct me). If you have the money, I’d just buy my build. If you don’t need something quite so beefy, lower the CPU, but always try and go for the largest HDDs you can afford (in my opinion). Just make sure that it supports QuickSync as it helps enormously. My build also has the added bonus of space and capability for multiple GPUs if required in the future.
To answer your questions:
I’d stick with Intel. AMD is tempting. Very tempting. But QuickSync really helps to equalise the value ratio and I just think the support and drivers etc. is better.
See my config. I wouldn’t bother with Windows Server. You can buy Windows 10 for about £30 online. I use Windows Server at home in my estate but for other things. It always seems slower to me, but then it is installed on ESXi, where my Media Server is bare metal. I believe ECC RAM to be a rip-off. I’ve had about 10 different servers running at my home for about 5 years now - one of which is ESXi hosting 5 of the servers. None of ECC. None have ever had an issue. Personal choice, but I just think paying 3 times the amount for something that’s had zero effect for me would be a rip off.
NVMe has come down considerably in cost since I ordered mine. I would say either my RAID 0 SSD (2x500GB) or an NVMe would be fine. Probably look to pick what’s cheapest or personal preference.
See my build and the note about future expansion. Wouldn’t bother right now unless you are seriously pushing 4K.
once it is in the hardware, drivers released with support, FFMPEG added support, and then plex to support it, then we can add it to the feature list. Till then it’s a possible future feature and a complete deal-breaker for transcoding 4k in my mind. Plex needs to offer us more features to handle it in the mean-time. disable 4k transcoding checkbox. Auto favour 1080p media. something