Plex Server

Hi guys

would this be any good for a Plex server?

Would it be able to transcode live TV from HD HomeRun?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/DELL-HP-DESKTOP-TOWER-PC-INTEL-QUAD-CORE-CPU-2TB-HD-16GB-RAM-WINDOWS-10-SP/152892540452?hash=item23991b0624:m:mMnsrCbLUWHfv1L-2U0UuHQ&var=452651191964

Thanks
Luke

No, the ‘Intel Core 2’ cpu’s are simply too old to be of any use for today’s Plex transcoding requirements.
It could work if you pre-transcode every video file and use no subtitles.
Or if you only use it in the local network with all clients being computers with PMP on them.

So, not a real Plex experience at all with this sort of weak machine.

1 Like

Thanks

How about this one?

16gb ram with an i7 processor

How many users and at what resolution?

i7-2600 should handle 4 1080p transcodes
Rules of thumb is 2000 per 1080p transcode and that is listed at 8197

16GB is plenty for RAM

It will be mainly 1 user, 2 max. I’d also be recoding tv shoes and films via HD HomeRun inside Plex (if possible with this setup)

Thanks for your help mate :slight_smile:

Yes, that machine can be Plex server. However, you should consider the following:

  • Where are you going to store your media/how much storage do you need?
  • Are you planning to run anything else on the machine?

Check out this article regarding hardware selection.

You most likely won’t need 16GB of RAM. My Plex server has 4GB and never even comes close to using it all. Also, I’d personally stay away from SFF PCs since they will struggle to cool a CPU that is pinned at 100% usage while transcoding video files. You won’t be able to really add harddrives and the components won’t easily fit into another case if you ever decide to move it.

Take it look at a Dell Optiplex 3010 (which will do the job just fine, I am currently using one). It uses mostly standard hardware, has space for two hard drives and enough power to support a couple of users.

Thanks for your reply

I’d be using the machine solely for a Plex server with 1-2 users.

I’d store all the media on that machine (I can add a 2nd HDD later if needed (I think)

I’d be using it to stream already downloaded and converted films and tv shows as well as recording and steaming live tv with the addition of HD HomeRun :slight_smile:

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