I’ll keep this really short and simple: how does the Nvidia Shield run Plex Media Server vs a dedicated Windows or Linux based machine (say with a new Intel Core i7 processor, etc)? I need to upgrade from our current laptop setup and am wondering about options. Thanks so much! Looking forward to hearing your thoughts. 
Reference from cross-posted thread:
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Two put it quite simply Plex server on the Shield Pro, I REALLY do not recommend a standard Shield as a server even though they have, mostly, solved the problem using adopted storage, is little different than on a PC except it is harder to add addons and accessing storage has some complications. I ran a Shield as my server for a while but I have gone back to using a PC simply because it is easier and more flexible.
I have a pretty large library (30+ tb) although not as large as some, and running on a PC (I use Windows 10) is simply easier for me. I understand Windows pretty well and O am OK with Linux but my Android skills are lacking. My belief is that, unless there is a VERY good reason not to, you should stick with the OS you know best.
I cannot recommend detailed specs for your use case as I do not use advanced video or audio.
The only thing I will say about the specs is decide on a good system for your use and add at least 40%. Also for the storage figure the most you think you will need in two years and double it.
Remember the old data center saying, “data grows to fill available space.”
Thanks. That’s actually really helpful. I was thinking maybe I should just try things out on the Shield but I’m not wanting a more difficult experience - in fact, we’re looking into other options to try to solve the issues that have cropped up of late running Plex on our older laptop. It’s certainly lasted well enough so I don’t really have any complaints but we’re wanting a more reliable experience now, which is why I’m looking at other options.
It sounds like I’m probably best off going with a setup like what I’m looking at - a small footprint but powerful HTPC that I can run either Windows 10 or Linux on and will host our PMS. I’m just confused any more as to what we need based on some of the things that I’ve been reading - ie that the Plex Server doesn’t do any decoding but that the Plex clients do. And, I don’t even know if that’s correct.
Thanks again for taking the time to answer about the Shield. I was worried that it wouldn’t be as good of an experience as we have had. I appreciate you confirming.
I will tell you the process I used when I got my last computer for Plex after I decided that Plex on the Shield just was not what I wanted to deal with any longer:
- I decided what I wanted (not needed) my server to do at a minimum and made a search that include a pretty large number of systems. (I wanted only those system that would run out of the box as I was/am tired of working with hardware and my eyes are too bad to really see those small plugs, wires and labels. I did make a requirement of a minimum of a one tb hard drive for the OS.
Then I began refining the above: - I made sure that I included hardware acceleration in the above as that takes a lot of load off the processor.
- I did NOT worry about storage as I intended to use external USB hard drive for my media and I already had my media stored on external.drives. (Note video is VERY undemanding so drive speed does not really matter)
- I removed from the above list those computers that were not using my preferred OS, (Windows 10) Actually it was at the time where systems were able to upgrade for free from Windows 7 or 8 so I included those as well.
- Then I looked at the remaining computers and, after looking at everything from overall specs to warranty to customer reviews and I ordered the computer that seemed the best.
When it arrived (it was one that already had Windows 10) I stripped all software off it that was not needed by the server functionality or maintenance or support functionality and I turned off all “sleep” and “power saving” functionality. (I do NOT believe that servers should sleep at all)
Then its functionality was tested and I installed DrivePool. (to pool all the external drives I was going to use)
Then I attached all my drives and transferred my DrivePool license to the new computer.
Then I recreated all my libraries I use Trakt to keep my watched status synced so I was not worried about transferring the database.
Then I just allowed Plex to do its thing and everything was back and working within a day or so.
Ever since then, a little over a year ago, Plex has been going strong and I have added a number of drives and ever since things have been very good.
One more note: I strongly do NOT believe that servers should have other duties so the above server lives in a back bedroom that I have converted to an electronics workroom and it sits there on a rack made from a rolling shelf system that a local convenience store was throwing out and, except for periodic reboots that are part of my regular maintenance schedule, it has been blissfully running all the time.
That is actually wrong. The server transcodes everything that a given client cannot direct play.
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I have 3 Shields (15pro,17pro, 17 16gb) and while I have never used them as my #1 server as I could never move my watched media over. If that had been possible I would have set one aside as my PMS #1.
So as backup servers overall I have found them stable and can handle most situations.
For the price compared to other alternatives it is certainly worth a go.
AND if it fails as a server you have the best player out there!
I went from a low powered NAS (415) to bigger NAS (1817+) then a Shield (almost) to I3 desktop , I7 NUC to a very big I7 NAS.
The i7 NUC ran very hot and is now in for repair or replacement as the fan stopped. ( I cannot speak highly enough of Intel Support - yes it was under warranty but bought from Amazon US and shipped to Philippines - Intel paid for shipping to Malaysia to be replaced and sent back to me all for Free)
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That’s amazing information, I’m so grateful that you took the time to share! It’s extremely helpful.
I agree, our server never sleeps. In fact, my regular laptop rarely does either. I read a few years ago it was harder on the hardware to reboot off and on often than to just stay on and it would add life to the system. That may not apply to “sleep” mode but suffice it to say that they several never sleeps. The only time I reboot is if needed for updates or lately, when the server laptop acts up. Really, at least the past couple of years, the only “other” work that the server computer does is to also host a Calibre ebook server for just my spouse and myself. It’s very minimal resources and keeps things simple to have both PMS & Calibre’s servers on the same always on machine.
I was thinking about getting the Chuwi HiGame but realized that the graphics card would be rather wasted on the PMS machine so I’m looking at the Coffee Lake Intel Nuc that’s just starting to trickle into retailers. It’s got good connectivity & ports, a faster processor, especially for prolonged use (like transcoding) and good support for hardware acceleration including Intel Quick Sync. I also like that it has an updated wireless card and Bluetooth 5.0 plus 4 USB 3.1 ports, a Thunderbolt port, and SD card slot. Plus I can use the SSD I already have, which lovers the price - and it keeps the small footprint we looking for. I can access it via TeamViewer from my current laptop - though I may have to look into cross-platform options as I’m considering switching over to Linux for this unit. But I can legally transfer my Windows license over to it given than the laptop will be decommissioned after so I don’t have to pay for an OS. Plus, I like the 3 year warranty. I think it will work for what we want and need.
Thanks again so much for your help and for sharing your knowledge and experience. It’s invaluable. I’ve also learned about a couple of things that I think will prove helpful like Tract and Drive pool, which I wasn’t familiar with before! Off to learn more about them…
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