I’ve recently set up my old Mac Mini as my Plex Server. I use an Amazon Fire Stick plugged into my TV to play content. Today I tried playing a 9.5GB and it just didn’t work - video played for a few seconds before pausing for a minute etc. mac also locked up.
Are the following specs too low to get transcode fils of this size?
Mac Mini Early 2009
Processor: 2 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
Memory: 4 GB 1067 MHz DDR3
Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce 9400 256 MB
If it is time for an upgrade, what sort of Mac Mini spec should I be looking for on ebay?
If wanting an Mac mini, something that can run Mojave with a i5 skylake or later processor would be a good investment. After checking a 2018 model, the 2014 is Haswell
Also look at Trans coding, if you can avoid doing so. Check Firestick file compatibility of Audio, Video, sub Titles. Then you will not have an issue. What TV do you have?
I use LG app without issue once set up correctly.
Do you have you Mac mini hardwired to the ac Wireless Modem Router?
Thanks for the reply. The existing Mac is coping fine with all other files as these are 3.5Gb or less. It’s just the huge 9.5Gb file it’s having problems with. The Fire Stick can run all other files - and it can play the large one, but it pauses while the server catches up.
I only use this machine as a Plex server, so if I am to replace it I don’t want to have to invest in a machine that’s way more powerful than it needs to be. And I’m not a heavy film/TV watcher - life gets in the way too much
It not file size it’s the format of the file. Go to your dashboard in Plex server whilst playing and see if it’s Trans coding. This issue maybe your WiFi network.
