PC or DS918+?

Plex Media Server NAS & Devices
1

Hi,

I have a bunch of movies and TV shows that I want to stream to my friends and family. All my movies and shows are ripped using Handbrake to mp4s 1080p. I am planning to give about 10 to 20 people access to my media library. So there might be a possible 3-6 simultaneous streaming at anyone time I assume. So for this purpose, am I correct to assume that a PC/Server would be a far superior choice than a NAS?

What are some of the pros and cons for going either the PC or NAS route?

If PC router, I want to build a PC strictly for streaming movies. What are the most important components you would want in this PC media server?

Does having a powerful gpu matter for streaming?

If NAS route, I am looking at the DS918+ using the WD Red 10TB 5400 RPM. Is this a good setup?

Question about transcoding. Do I need to worry about transcoding since my movies are ripped using Handbrake to mp4 format? These files are only about 3-8 GBs.

Is transcoding required only if I want to stream mkv format where the files are massive like 30GBs or higher?

Thanks.

3

Exactly as I thought. PC would be superior to the NAS. I have a NUC already. I would get another i7 NUC for streaming purposes.

Yes, I am using the .srt for subtitles.

Between these two NUCs, which one you think is better?

https://www.amazon.com/Intel-Business-Mini-Technology-BLKNUC7i7DNH1E/dp/B07CCQ8V4R/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1544581045&sr=8-4&keywords=nuc+i7+8th

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00WSB6X1Y/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A3TYVCQOBOECGH&psc=1

How much ram do you think is recommended for the NUC?

I rip all my movies with Handbrake h.264 mp4 fast 1080p 30 format. So my files should be compatible with most of the Plex client devices right?

I’m trying to understand transcoding more. So ripping movies with handbrake into mp4s is one thing but streaming movies over the net requires transcoding?

Does either NUCs have transcoding ability?

If it does, Plex can use the transcoding feature but I would need to have the plex pass?

Only I need to have the plex pass right while the Plex client doesnt need it?

You guys had a plex pass sale prior to black friday. Will there another sale for the upcoming holidays?

5

You’ve been a great help! Thank you very much!

6

You may want to look into the Nvidia Quadro P2000. Which you can do more than 6 streams at once with hardware acceleration. Based on reviews on amazon. Check it out. NAS is great if its only two transodings at once but it does struggle with 10bit and h.265 in my personal experience.

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The NAS CPU will struggle depending on the audio codecs and any subtitles but is fine with the Video component of the transcoding (HEVC or H.264) 2160p.

The ASIC in the J3455 has no subtitle ability. The nvidia isn’t used for subtitles either AFAIK.

I hope I’m mistaken but AFAIK, the P2000 is limited to two streams in Linux per the nVidia drivers.

8

Thanks guys but I bought a Nuc8 i7. Lets see how it works out.

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