I have come to the conclusion that using a Western Digital MyCloud Home for a NAS running PMS is no longer a viable option. The PMS version on this device is nearly three versions behind the current one available to just about every other platform that supports Plex and no help from WD about the issues I’m now experiencing with Plex; i.e., features and function disappearing, which will eventually render PMS unusable if WD continues refusing to update it, which it seems they haven’t done since 2017?
Therefore, I want to convert this device (purchased in Dec 2020) to a simple external hard drive for media storage only and run Plex media server software on a nice little Windows mini desktop. Does simply disabling it in the MyCloud web app do that?
Disabling the Plex service on the MyCloud will remove the server and your server configuration, but not your media. Therefore you should still be able to connect your new Windows based PMS to the MyCloud as storage.
At least that’s what I take from the related support article…
Warning! : If you later choose to Disable the Plex service, that will also remove all installation data. Your media will remain, but all information about your library setup, watched status, etc. will be removed.
Thank you! That’s what I thought. Just needed some knowledgeable confirmation.
I first began using Plex on a dedicated Windows laptop several years ago and all was consistently well with it, both on the laptop and through my Roku box. Then a friend bought me this NAS not knowing the unresolved Plex problems it’s had for so many people for so long. And, yes, all my media and other work product has always been backed up to two externals connected to my desktop so that if disaster occurs, just unplug and run for higher ground.
At present, I have a Dell Precision T1700 with a Xeon CPU I use to create and edit videos because the Xeon is designed for servers. If I can’t find a mini PC with that CPU, which of the I-cores might you recommend instead? Maxing the ram in any case, of course, but also, what about video for it as I’ve never had a good experience with onboard for such tasks as this.
Unless you expect to be constantly multi-streaming your media to dozens of family members, a decent Core i5 (Kaby Lake and upwards) should do the job just fine. That is unless you want to use that device also as a radiator / oven combination.
