Recommendations for upgrade?

[microfiche]

I am using a Plex server that I built in 2017 (with a few upgrades to disks and CPU since) and I am thinking it is time to do a new build, both for fun and for performance. The only time I seem to run into performance issues is with ASS subtitles. I am hearing impaired, so everything has subtitles, but I convert to SRT when possible. In addition to the Plex Server, I also use this as a network share for shared storage.

Current config is: Intel i3-7100 on an Asus H110M-K Micro ATX LGA1151 mobo with 8 GB RAM. 2 x RAID1 mirrored 6TB WD Red Plus for data and a 120 GB WD SSD for boot. Running (by itself) on Windows 10 home.

I want to upgrade, but wondering if I might be better off with a NAS instead of a new PC on a dollar for dollar basis? The 6 TB drives are new so I would just transfer these over to whatever I end up with. My first thought was a new PC build, perhaps running unRAID, which I have never used, but have seen some good reviews.

If a new PC makes more sense, what would be some good basic specs for up to 3 simultaneous 1080p transcoded streams?

[Cafe_Diem]

Mind if I toss out an unusual suggestion? You could upgrade your dual-core Core i3 to a quad-core Core i7-7700 for just over $100 if you picked up a used one on ebay. That might already be enough to cover three transcodes w/subtitles as long as they’re not 4K HDR. (I left a link below for searching, specifically for the non-K 7700’s. The K model doesn’t have onboard graphics)

If you do decide on a new server: I just recently tried out Unraid with Plex/Tautulli in dockers, and honestly I’ve been generally happy with it. The biggest disadvantage so far is that there is no RAID striping (Unraid uses a Parity drive instead), so the read/write speed is limited to the speed of the single drive in question. That’s more than enough for gigabit, but may not max anything higher like 2.5gbe. I’m still happy enough that I upgraded the 30-day trial to a full purchase. But be sure to plan for two SSD’s as mirrored cache drives, to store your Plex app data. There are lots of instructions for how to do all that.

One thing about unraid: It takes a while for current Intel chipsets to have hardware encoding ability. Since you’re encoding w/subtitles, that’s probably less relevant to you. But the current 12th gen Intel is just becoming supported right now.

core i7-7700: Search Result | eBay

[microfiche]

Thanks @Cafe_Diem - that is not a horrible idea, but I have never bought a used processor.
I suppose as long as it was not overclocked or overheated and has all its pins, it should last as long as any other? I can see why I wouldn’t buy a new one!
If I was to try that - any tips on what sellers to avoid? I don’t do a lot of eBay…

[Cafe_Diem]

I don’t blame you for the hesitation! I don’t use ebay much either, for the same reasons as you, but I’ve had two relatively positive experiences buying used CPU’s from random sellers.

• I ordered a 4th gen Core i5 in January 2020 to upgrade a Pentium dual-core
• I ordered a 7th Gen Core i5-7500 in August 2018 to upgrade a Celeron dual-core.

Both CPU’s are still working just fine, and in use today.

I did have one issue: The 4th gen Core i5 was the wrong model. It was a VERY similar model, and it seemed like an honest mistake. I reached out to the seller, and they refunded the very minor difference in the price.

The usual ebay rules apply: Stick with sellers that have a long history and lots of good reviews. Probably stick with someone who is shipping from within your country (though it doesn’t usually matter). I usually just choose from the “Buy It Now” options, and skip the bidding process. And of course, once it arrives, check for any obvious physical defects, and then put it through its paces with one of the many CPU stress testers, to make sure there are no crashes or anything.

Oh, also: Your existing Core i3 heatsink/fan will probably work on a Core i7. But you should use some isopropyl alcohol clean all the old thermal paste off the heat sink (and any on the new CPU) and use fresh thermal paste when seating it on the new CPU. There are many youtube videos if you’re unsure. It’s a pretty small purchase, but worth the time.

(It sounds like you have some experience building a PC, but if not, none of these procedures are really challenging, but will take some time to learn about)

I obviously can’t guarantee this will work out for you, but it’s a process I’ve successfully completed twice, with long-term stability afterward. It could be an easy way to save a little money, while still increasing the power of your PMS.

Alternatively, I really am happy with Unraid, so I wouldn’t blame you for leaving the current computer alone, treating yourself to a new box and learning how to dockerize your Plex setup.

[microfiche]

Awesome, thanks for the help! Now to decide if swapping out the CPU is enough to amuse me for a while!

[Cafe_Diem]

Your question kind of simmered with me tonight, so I did some searching. Apparently, Intel’s i3 cooling fan/heatsink can be slightly inferior to the one on an i7, which was news to me. It’s a classic case of “it may still work great, or the beefier CPU may run hot” from what I’ve read. Replacement coolers aren’t really expensive on Amazon in case this comes up, but I’d feel bad if I didn’t mention it, since it would adjust your overall price point!

[CostaHT]

I used a NAS as storage and Plex server before, but today I use a laptop with a config similar to yours (inferior) and my NAS is being used for storage only.
Honestly, I don’t think you’re gonna find a NAS off the shelf that has a better hardware than what you have today.
If you really want to buy something new, I would go with a Mini ATX motherboard and a HDD enclosure with or without Raid similar to the one below and use one of these open source NAS softwares available on the internet.