Plex Computer Requirements

Plex Media Server
1

Server Version#: 4.87.2
Player Version#: Apple TV 8.13

I am running Plex exclusively on a mid-2011 Mac Mini with 3 GB RAM. For the most part this server works great and there are no skips or lags during movie playback.

However, I have noticed some lag whenever I am working with the Plex server database, such as when I am adjusting settings or creating a collection and sometimes there is a caption at the top of the browser that says the browser is using a large amount of system resources.

I checked the system activity monitor an see that CPU usage is usually very low with typically greater than 90% idle. The same monitor indicates that it is often using 2.5GB of memory. The mini has two memory slots containing one 1GB and one 2GB memory boards.

I am considering upgrading the system memory to 8GB using two 4GB memory boards which is the maximum memory this computer can use. However, I thought it prudent to post and inquire if anyone with experience might have advise.

Thanx!

2

I don’t have any specific info, but in general, it is best to use matching memory modules. When they match, the system will use both simultaneously in a swap mode. With unmatching, it uses 1 at a time, so it’s half the speed. You should see a noticeable increase in performance with the new memory just due to them being matching.

3

Thanx for that reply. I’ll bear that in mind while upgrading.

For now, I’d like to add some additional information to my original text. While what I reported is correct as concerns the usage stats of the CPU and RAM. A closer look at the caption at the top of the browser actually says that it is using a large amount of energy. I also took a closer look at the system activity monitor and noticed that there is a column which lists ‘energy’ separate from CPU usage and RAM usage. So I am just wondering if this sheds any additional light on my situation.

Thanx!