Upgrading my PC for PMS

[Tristan2828]

I recently setup plex server on a older computer and enjoyed it enough to desire a better build. I need some help choosing what hardware to purchase though. I currently have 3 builds made in pcpartpicker and don’t know which one to pull the trigger on. First off, here is what I want my build to support:

1. “Always on” Plex Media Server

2. CPU with enough power to transcode 4-5 remote streams at 1080p

3. I will be setting up a TV turner like HDHomeRun and would like it to be able to save DVR recordings on the server

4. I will be setting up a Camera Security System and would like it to able to save on server

5. Low Power Consuption

6. Very Quite

7. Ad Blocker for whole house (not sure if this is possible)

I would like to spend around $400-500. I am going for a mini ITX build, but I will be using this case (https://pcpartpicker.com/product/7H2rxr/phanteks-case-phec416pscbk) until I buy a mini ITX case. I also have a gtx 760 (https://pcpartpicker.com/product/4RDwrH/zotac-video-card-zt7040110p) I can use, but I would prefer not too since I am going for a low powered, quiet build. I read a little about hardware acceleration, and from what I understand, if my CPU is good enough, then I don’t need hardware acceleration from a video card. I went with 16GBs of DDR4 2400 RAM, but I am not sure how much I will really need. I know plex recommends 2 GBs of RAM, but I have no idea how much HDHomeRun Recordings and my security cameras will take up.

Here are the three builds I have been choosing between. Let me know if you would make any changes to these builds as well. Nothing is set in concrete.

Intel Build w/ i3-8100

PCPartPicker Part List: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/QdqxXP

CPU: Intel - Core i3-8100 3.6 GHz Quad-Core Processor ($122.39 @ OutletPC)

CPU Cooler: ARCTIC - Freezer 33 CPU Cooler ($29.89 @ OutletPC)

Motherboard: ASRock - H370M-ITX/ac Mini ITX LGA1151 Motherboard ($94.99 @ Amazon)

Memory: Corsair - Vengeance LPX 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-2400 Memory ($63.99 @ Amazon)

Case: Phanteks - P400S ATX Mid Tower Case (Purchased For $0.00)

Power Supply: SeaSonic - 520 W 80+ Bronze Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($66.98 @ Newegg)

Total: $378.24

AMD Build w/ Ryzen 5 1600

PCPartPicker Part List: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/LK2tjy

CPU: AMD - Ryzen 5 1600 3.2 GHz 6-Core Processor ($116.89 @ OutletPC)

CPU Cooler: ARCTIC - Freezer 33 CPU Cooler ($29.89 @ OutletPC)

Motherboard: ASRock - Fatal1ty B450 Gaming-ITX/ac Mini ITX AM4 Motherboard ($119.99 @ Newegg Business)

Memory: Corsair - Vengeance LPX 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-2400 Memory ($63.99 @ Amazon)

Video Card: Zotac - GeForce GTX 760 2 GB Video Card (Purchased For $0.00)

Case: Phanteks - P400S ATX Mid Tower Case (Purchased For $0.00)

Power Supply: SeaSonic - 520 W 80+ Bronze Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($66.98 @ Newegg)

Total: $397.74

AMD Build w/ Ryzen 3 2200G

PCPartPicker Part List: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/pyFBw6

CPU: AMD - Ryzen 3 2200G 3.5 GHz Quad-Core Processor ($84.99 @ Amazon)

CPU Cooler: ARCTIC - Freezer 33 CPU Cooler ($29.89 @ OutletPC)

Motherboard: ASRock - Fatal1ty B450 Gaming-ITX/ac Mini ITX AM4 Motherboard ($119.99 @ Newegg Business)

Memory: Corsair - Vengeance LPX 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-2400 Memory ($63.99 @ Amazon)

Case: Phanteks - P400S ATX Mid Tower Case (Purchased For $0.00)

Power Supply: SeaSonic - 520 W 80+ Bronze Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($66.98 @ Newegg)

Total: $365.84

[EmmasDad]

Hey,
When I first became a “Plexer” a few years back I used a 2012 Mac mini with 8GB of memory. Build in Graphics and more. In time the thing could not keep up with the Transcoding and would freeze,

about 4 years ago I switched to a PC with the following specs :

• Intel core I7 8 Core -3.60GHz,
  -MSI Z97-G43 Motherboard (older model now)
• Corsair -Vengeance 16GB memory
• 2GB GeForce GTX 760 video card
• Corsair HX850 Power supply
  3 x 4TB Seagate Hybrid HDD’s
  3X 1TB Samsung SSD’s
  Windows 10 Pro.

It served me well and allowed me to transcode 3-4 streams at the same time while also playing a game on Steam at the same time. never had an issue with buffering, slowing down Etc, but the total of 5 fans in the Corsair Tower I had (including the 3 on the video card) were working hard to cool things down. Then about 4 weeks ago 2 of the fans on the video card crapped out without me knowing resulting in a total melt down complete with smoke and horrible stink. I was lucky that only the Video card took damage. I rebuild the server and upgraded the Ram to 32GB along with a new 8GB AMD Radeon RX 590 and a new better looking case (pic below).

I am no expert on HDHomeRun as the concept in Canada is not widely available but I am guessing you should okay with a 2GB video card. which is the only component I would consider upgrading if you run into issues. The Ram is plenty, CPU (either is great). What HDD are you installing?.
let me know what you decide on…best of luck

Here is my current setup (hard drives are all mounted on the back, cooled by the 3 fans). It is networked to 1 Mac Mini, 1 PC, 1 Macbook Pro, I have 4 security Cameras,

Hooked up to a couple of Monitors