I’m hoping to phase out my regular PC as Plex server, and want to build something small and with a lower power footprint that can also accomodate plenty of storage for a home Plex server. I’ve looked into a NAS as an option, but found that generally you can build a more powerful and versatile PC to do the job for similar (or less) money. The plan is to run it always-on as a headless unit in the closet next to the main network switch. It would likely be direct playing to 1 or 2 internal (CAT6 gigabit network) devices (Roku, Shield, etc.), and occasionally maybe one remote stream that would require transcoding. The focus would definitely be on playing high quality, high bitrate internal network files (Atmos, etc.) on a big screen or projector. No 4k yet, but I’d like to plan for it if possible.
Hardware:
Intel Core i3-7100 3.9GHz (Kaby Lake)
MSI B250M PRO-VD Micro ATX motherboard
8GB RAM
https://ca.pcpartpicker.com/list/ZNt93F
That’s my current projected parts list. I’d like to make sure I’m up to date with whatever is required for hardware transcoding (Intel QSV?), etc. and make sure I don’t get the right processor, only to find the motherboard I chose doesn’t support a feature.
I’ll add a few WD Red drived for storage. I’m currently not sure if I should run this as a Linux or Windows box, and if I’ll need a small OS drive or if Linux can run from a USB stick in a case like this. Windows will be a lot easier for me, but if a Linux setup is much more efficient, I’d be willing to give it a try.
Any obvious things I have overlooked? Any concerns with the hardware? I have seen a lot about FreeNAS and other more complicated options, but if I’m running a machine like this as a media server with integrated drives then I shouldn’t need anything like that, right?
Oops, I don’t think I can edit that title.
You’re speaking a bit out of my league, but I have a great memory so take these few things for what they’re worth in making your decisions.
I would opt for 7,200rpm drives over WD Reds, which I believe operate at 5,400rpm. HGST has some good options. They may burn out quicker, but you know… performance.
Also, I recall there being some issues in running Linux from USB as it pertains to Plex.
Just some thoughts. There’s lots of people around here that run rigs similar to what you’re describing. You’ll get suggestions galore.
Thanks AmazingRando! I appreciate the feedback. The reason for the WD reds at 5400RPM is that I read it was more than enough for streaming media, and that the lower speed (theoretically, at least) reduces heat and prolongs drive life. I think they may also use less power, which is also a goal for this project.
I’ve been doing some more reading and playing around with this, and have managed to move over to a mini ITX setup which I think is closer to what I want. I have kept the same Core-i3 and 8GB RAM, but changed case and motherboard to the smaller form factor. I think mini ITX is perfect, especially for an onboard graphics or headless build, and I was able to reduce both the footprint and power usage.
https://ca.pcpartpicker.com/list/X3sf3F
I’m looking around a bit to see if anyone has better low output power supplies, like a 250w 80+ certified unit or something, preferably modular, but it doesn’t seem common.
Even after adding a pair of 6GB WD Red drives for storage and a 2TB Blue for OS and general use, it hovers around 130w, and should still have room in the case.
Any other thoughts or comments would be greatly appreciated!
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A different path but fits some of your requirements. And intel NUC with a 250gb SSD 8 gb RAM . ( they come in pentium, i3,i5, i7)
Then look at a couple of big USB drives or a DAS ( 4 bay usb drive) or NAS for your media.
@spikemixture I read your post mentioning intel NUC. I am going to replace my Shield Pro and run Plex on one. As a starting point I have found a local company selling the device with Windows 10. I have all my media stored on NAS so storage isn’t so much an issue.
I wanted to get your advice on how much memory I should be looking at I would likely be after an i7 variant so I can transcode 3-4 HD streams. Also I intend to run the device once setup without monitor, keyboard, mouse. Will this cause any issues if the device had to reboot?
@Trial_Master said:
@spikemixture I read your post mentioning intel NUC. I am going to replace my Shield Pro and run Plex on one. As a starting point I have found a local company selling the device with Windows 10. I have all my media stored on NAS so storage isn’t so much an issue.
I wanted to get your advice on how much memory I should be looking at I would likely be after an i7 variant so I can transcode 3-4 HD streams. Also I intend to run the device once setup without monitor, keyboard, mouse. Will this cause any issues if the device had to reboot?
MiniPC-Intel
My NUC is an I7 Skull with 16gb RAM (any more is a waste of money as Plex is not particularly memory hungry)
which worked well but did run Hot.
I live in the Philippines and it is always hot here!
It will transcode locally (remotely will depend on bandwidth) 3-4 streams but remuxing/re-coding your media is a real good idea.
If I was you I would be exhausting all other options regarding your Shield pro as that should serve your purpose.
Getting your media format right fixes a lot of streaming issues.
I have no monitor /mouse/ KB and connect via Remote Desktop from another windows box.
And make sure your NUC is set to start without having to sign in and have plex to open on start up.
In that case any reboot should get things up and running
But might be worth having near a monitor etc as at some time you will need them…
Why are you moving from the Shield pro?
I’m in Queensland, Australia so gets hot in summer but I think it would be hotter and more humid where you live so I should be ok hopefully.
Good to know you can run without keyboard, mouse, monitor etc… I’ve been trying to find information online to confirm the NUC will boot without them. Did you have to change to Legacy Boot?
I love the Shield but I find the inability to access the file system and back up my database frustrating and also, I have an intermittent issue with my media showing Unavailable. When I check Shield Storage mounting looks fine but only way to get working again is to unmount NAS and mount again.
This has happened when I’ve been away and I can’t fix until I’m able to physically access Shield settings menu. At least with a NUC if something like that happened I could RDP into device.
I am in 100/40Mbps HFC Cable Internet, 3-4 streams is ideal, I have a couple of family members who occasionally stream content or Live TV from me.
@spikemixture said:
My NUC is an I7 Skull with 16gb RAM (any more is a waste of money as Plex is not particularly memory hungry)
Would the NUC7i7BNKQ be up to the job or is the Skull required?
@Trial_Master said:
@spikemixture said:
My NUC is an I7 Skull with 16gb RAM (any more is a waste of money as Plex is not particularly memory hungry)
Would the NUC7i7BNKQ be up to the job or is the Skull required?
I run one and it works well- is also attached to a NAS. Two things to be aware of that I just figured out after months of troubleshooting.
-
Windows 10 throttles network connections for video streams- there is a registry setting you’ll want to set to turn this behavior off.
-
Windows 10 also limits CPU usage to 80% before throttling- again there is a registry setting that turns this behavior off.
I mention these because ever since I moved over to my NUC I’ve been trying to fix pixilation and video corruption (6 months). Last week I found and fixed these settings and have had clear video since.
Cool, thanks, so you run the BNK or Skull?
Would you be able to share url for the two registry settings? I will definitely be changing those.
@Trial_Master said:
@spikemixture said:
My NUC is an I7 Skull with 16gb RAM (any more is a waste of money as Plex is not particularly memory hungry)
Would the NUC7i7BNKQ be up to the job or is the Skull required?
Pretty sure that is the newer model so _should be better _!
FYI After starting with a 2 bay NAS, 4 bay NAS , 2x 8 Bay NAS (all synology) I found the CPU did not have enough grunt.
Then I3, I5 then the Skull I7.
In between I used Shield Pro 2015 and 2017 as back up servers. - All connected to the 8 bay NAS
Now I have a Qnap TVS-1282 which pretty much does it all (I7, 32g ram SSD’s, M.2, etc etc)
It was an expensive ride but I think I am covered - for awhile at least.
The reason I am telling you this (and you are into Plex) is you may be able to skip a few levels.
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The Qnap TVS-1282 looks awesome. Might have to convince my wife on the price though 
I run a BNK- the tweaks that worked are described at https://www.back2gaming.com/guides/how-to-tweak-windows-10-for-gaming/
About halfway down you’ll see the Network Throttling Index section- I performed that change, as well as the System Gaming Responsiveness change. I did not perform the Games GPU or Priority changes.
I have had 100X better Plex DVR performance since making these changes. Really wish their installer would do these things as I think it would save us Windows Plex users a lot of grief.
