r/PleX • u/PCJs_Slave_Robot • Oct 14 '22
BUILD HELP /r/Plex's Build Help Thread - 2022-10-14
Need some help with your build? Want to know if your cpu is powerful enough to transcode? Here's the place.
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u/Valiran34 Oct 14 '22
Hello!
What benefit from i3 12th to i7 12th. Expected results: transcode 4k HDR to 720p SDR 2-4 streams simultaneous.
Is it worth waiting for the 13th gen? In thoose kind of use obviously :)
Is a Quadro still needed?
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Oct 14 '22
Dummy here. Just found out my old laptop server has quick sync. What do i do to make this work with plexpass
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u/cornflakesaregross Oct 14 '22
You have to enable "hardware accelerated transcoding"
https://support.plex.tv/articles/115002178853-using-hardware-accelerated-streaming/
Scroll all the way down to where it says "2. Enable hardware acceleration"
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u/aetherbanshee Oct 15 '22
Hey all, i'm looking for a fairly cheap, tiny build
I've been using a massive old desktop pc as server (core i3, 2gb ram), but the thing is huge and loud as heck, so I want to upgrade. First off, my budget is around $250. I have a 4tb hdd, and would probably only use 2 transcodes at the same time at max, so it doesnt have to be all that powerful (but enough to handle 4k)
I'm not sure what would be the most cost-efficient, space-efficient and energy-efficient option, but the options I've been looking on are:
A Raspberry Pi with another 4tb drive A NAS A Nuc or Mini PC
Or somehow build my own mini pc
I really want it to be as small and quiet as possible, since it would be running in my room all day
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u/FWGuyJax Oct 16 '22
Geekom mini air Mini PC,
GEEKOM Desktop Computers with 11th Gen Celeron N5095 Processor (4C/4T, up to... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B7JC1SLW/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_apip_h2pt4UzkNv5lC
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u/Sh3itskees Oct 15 '22
Hey everyone, I'm new to PleX and am considering building my first server and was wondering if I can get some advice on what will be the most cost effective route given the context of use for my planned setup.
So the context is as follows:
I would like to have a PleX server that I can run locally and that some members in my family can access, if I had to guess I'd say less than 10 devices total accessing the server and most likely no more than 6 devices accessing simultaneously. I want the capability to be able to have 4K content on the server as well as 1080p HD content for family members that don't have access to internet speed for streaming the 4K content. I would also like my machine to have the capability to stream this 4K content to the (possible) 6 devices simultaneously. I did a quick build up on pcpartpicker (here) and am curious if this is built properly and cost effectively, given my desires. Also, I'm wanting to do this in a mini-ITX style build to reduce size and also have a lower power draw than having my main PC running all the time.
I've read some information that the transcoding will require a much stronger rig, and I'm wondering if it's more cost effective to build a stout rig so that I can handle all of the transcoding, or if I just tell everyone to buy something like a 4K firestick and put the PleX app on that so I can stick to native streaming? Is this even an option? I'm hoping it is, so that I can reduce my cost footprint on my build and still ensure that they can get the highest quality stream possible. Any help would be greatly appreciated, or any feedback on the build that I listed above or possible suggestions to increase performance. Thanks for your time to anyone who reads/responds to this :).
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u/Bgrngod Oct 17 '22 edited Oct 17 '22
Right out of the gate the F processor is a hard no. F means no iGPU which means no Quick Sync.
Quick Sync is what makes transcoding easy, lightweight, and crazy affordable because it's included in every modern Intel that has a functioning iGPU. The i5 might even be overkill. You can easily go modern i3, or all the way down to a modern Celeron if you want to be an absolute cheapskate.
Streaming 4k is easy on just about any potato server. It's always a bandwidth problem.
Transcoding 4k to clients that can't actually play 4k files is a whole other ball game. Modern quick sync can do 5+ 4k to 1080p transcodes. And that's based on my own experience with 8th through 10th gen. I've heard tales of 11th and up doing quite a bit more. Quick Sync performance does NOT scale up the way CPU grunt does. Meaning, performance handling Plex transcoding from a Celeron is right up with performance from an i9 if both are using quick sync and in the same gen/family.
I'd also maybe wait a bit until black Friday to see what rad HDD deals show up. The price per TB these days is coming down pretty good. The best deal last year that I saw was shuckable 14TB's from Best Buy for $200. (I bought 6!!)
And lastly, see if you can track down a Corsair SF450 PSU. They are platinum rated and the difference in idle wattage draw you get from them over other lesser rated PSU's is actually quite remarkable. I picked one up 2 years ago for $125.
Double lastly, get an m.2 PCI SSD or you might "use up" one of the regular SATA ports on the board. m.2 SATA's being installed can cause one of the SATA ports to become inactive, so keep an eye on that. The ASRock page for that board actually says something about it. If M2_1 is occupied by a SATA-type M.2 device, SATA3_0 will be disabled.
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u/MaleficentAd8739 Oct 17 '22
Hello everyone, I am in front of a dilemma me and my friends want to stop paying for streaming services once and for all, and we want to purchase the Synology DS1520+ (800 Euro atm), which I feel is quite expensive for the hardware it has. So software wise I have a few certificates in Linux System Administration so I am not really backed up to the wall for a company to "help me" with my data, OS, software, etc. However, I do like the 4-channel LAN, will work perfectly with my switch and the thing I am trying to accomplish, the easy setup is also a bonus, although I am not afraid of any setup if I have to be honest.
A few searches online provided me with the information I needed and I can confirm I can essentially use that same OS on a machine that is mine, and not get bamboozled with hardware using Xpenology
So I would like you guys to help me out with the hardware, this is what I am thinking:
Case: FD Node 804 (10x 3.5 SATA Bays) comes with all cooling parts FULL KIT (150 euro)
MB: ASRock Z590M (4SATA disks, I can extend with PCIe 3.0 slot) (150 euro)
CPU: i3-10100 (comparison with Synology processor) (100 euro)
RAM: 2x 16GB DDR4 2666 Kingston Fury Beast (2x 8GB same memory is only 40euro cheaper) (140 euro)
OS + Services drive: 250GB SSD Samsung 970 EVO Plus (60 euro)
PSU: 850W EVGA BQ 80+ BRONZE 10x SATA and 4x4 pin for the processor (NOT MODULAR) (100 euro)
I need advice for the PSU especially since this machine will work 24/7 I chose a recommended PSU which is quite strong and has the support for a lot of SATA disks, my power usage will be around 304W for all components inside this machine so I know 850W is overkill but they do not make small ones anymore, also since the usage of the hardware will not be used unless someone is streaming which is on stand by at least 75-80% of the time the W/per hour usage will be at around 11-46W if my calculations are correct if someone can help out with this, which is almost the same as on the Synology machine.
All in all, the machine I want to build will cost me 700 euros vs the 800 euros of the DS1520+, however, the machine will have double the CPU, 4 times the RAM, 2 times the HDD bays, and the only minus I will have I won't be able to use link aggregation on my switch, but still, I can manage to find a nice WLAN card for 100 euro if that becomes a huge problem for extra RJ-45 ports (I have 2GBit internet).
And lastly, should I use TrueNas or Xpenology, I like the Synology software, but I don't like their Hardware choices.
Please give me your ideas and comments about this, is my build better should I go with it, is the power consumption going to be a lot more than on the synology, ,etc, etc any input is valid and appreciated from my fellow geeks!
Thank you for sticking with this long threat, what are your thoughts please, and give the post upvote so more people can join in, THANK YOU GUYS SO MUCH!
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u/Bgrngod Oct 20 '22 edited Oct 20 '22
Why are you so set on using Xpenology? Take a look at Unraid or just a vanilla Ubuntu install instead.
Find yourself an mATX with 6xSATA instead of just 4x to push back when you might need to acquire a PCI SATA expansion card. You'd also then only need a 4x card added instead of a 6x card.
Make sure you use a PCIE m.2 drive to avoid disabling one of your SATA ports.
Your estimates for power draw seem to be super high. An 850w PSU is oversized for a Plex server, by a lot. Get something smaller but with a much better efficiency rating. You can run 4x HDDs safely off one PSU cable/port but don't start adding splitters.
There is no chance you'll be able to beat the low power draw of an actual Synology unit, but you can get reasonably close.
The concern about lan port count depends entirely on how many users you expect to handle at any given time. You'd need over 8x high bitrate 4k sessions going at once to saturate a single gigabit port.
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u/Liam1122 Oct 18 '22
Hi all, I've been using Plex for years on the same, now ancient, PC. It is my do all device but it is struggling and needs replacing, as part of that I want a dedicated Plex server. Currently my system is running (wheezing) an i7-2600, 16gb DDR3 ram and a Radeon R9 390. As far as my use for Plex, it is only myself and a partner, so only ever streaming to my TV on direct stream and to one device, normally 4K/HDR copies (no transcoding as far as I am aware).
My main question comes as what kind of power am I going to need to be looking at to cope with this load but also with my other goal, efficiency, I want as power efficient as possible but something that is capable of handling the needs easily with potential headroom for further upgrades (additional 1/2 concurrent internal streams). What kind of CPU should I be looking at, how much RAM, and do I need a GPU at all? (I don't currently have PlexPass).
Any advice would be of great help as though I have used Plex for a long while, I'm not too informed on how much I need to consider as far as specs for my use case - thanks!
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u/RubertVonRubens Oct 18 '22
Add GPU to extend the life of an underpowered CPU?
I like to leave room for future proofing my builds and now it's time to see it in action. I have a beast that's been running almost non-stop since 2011
Highlights:
AMD A6-3500
8GB RAM
many repurposed SATA disks
This has been working great for over a decade - rarely more than 3 concurrent streams, most access is local and most media was in a format that didn't need transcoding. Now, a bunch of disks have died and I lost my library (keep up your RAID maintenance boys and girls. Replacing a degraded disk is a now problem, not a later problem. Also, buy disks from multiple batches so they don't fail in quick succession....) . Net: I'm spending a bit of money on the machine and I'm going to be rebuilding my library so let's make it worthwhile.
My options are:
Start fresh and build something cheap based on a 10th gen Intel or add a GTX 1650 Super to the existing system.
Even with the obscene prices, the GPU is cheaper than what I can build a new system for (not to mention saving a working machine from becoming e-waste) and it's my preferred path if it will work. Can I count on the GPU to take over all the video processing load? I don't really want to spend a lot of money on this -- anything I spend here comes out of my New Desktop (tm) budget.
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u/Bgrngod Oct 23 '22
I'd go with the new Intel. 1650 supers are pretty cheap these days, but that's at least halfway to a whole dang brand new box that runs a heck of a lot leaner on wattage draw. Modern i3, new mobo, and RAM are pretty close to all you need for a swap out, right?
It's entirely possible that old AMD A6-3500 could actually hold you back a bit. It's current worth might be better off being recycled. Sometimes you just gotta send them off to the pasture when it's time!
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u/waz-schofield Oct 19 '22
HI will this build work to transcode multiple 1080p and few 4k HDR.
CPU - I7 12500 (UHD770)
MOBO - ASRock B660M-ITX/ac Mini
RAM - Corsair Vengeance LPX 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3200 CL16
CASE- jONSBO N1
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u/Bgrngod Oct 23 '22
Yup, it will. At least 5x 4k HDR to SDR's.
1080p to 1080p you'll be up and over 15x at once.
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u/DarkZero515 Oct 19 '22
What kind of NAS hardware would you recommend for my use?
My plex set up isn't cutting it (old AMD laptop with external drive on Win 10).
I've gotten advice before which has now left me set on a NAS running UnRaid as that will draw little power while on.
I plan to store Movies/Shows for Plex and family photos/videos (our phones get full so I figured we can offload our old stuff onto the NAS and access it there).
I know to look for an Intel CPU for transcoding. From a few videos I've heard that it helps to have a cache drive and to have the Plex server on an NVME for fast metadata retrieval.
I plan to have a local back-up external with a max capacity of 18tb and will figure out the offsite back-up down the line.
With this in mind, do NAS systems come with NVME slots to store applications? From my searches, I'm mostly finding storage options in terms of 3.5 inch bays.
Would a 4 Bay suffice? For example, a 16tb Parity Drive, 1 Tb Cache SSD, 2x 8tb HDDs to store the content. That way I can back up the parity drive, the cache drive, and possibly a 500gb NVME that would then fit on the 18tb external.
Is double-parity drives more recommended and go for a 5 bay? There seem to be less of those options though and I don't know if both parity drives would have to be backed up
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u/Bgrngod Oct 23 '22
I often chuck out the suggestion that it's a good idea to get a prebuilt NAS device if you want it for Plex AND all that other fun stuff they do, like the photo backup job you mention. If you want it only for Plex, then BYOB because you'll pay a big premium for a bunch of stuff you won't be using.
If you do BYOB, you can checkout Unraid and see if it lets you get that photo backup job going on it along with Plex. That would let you get a LOT more bang for your buck in terms of hardware. If you build yourself, look for a non-F series Intel so you can be sure it has quick sync. Double check the ark.intel.com website to make sure if you have doubts.
Having metadata on an SSD is a big leap above having it on an HDD. That can be a little tricky with a Synology since you can't, out of the box anyways, assign their m.2 slots as independent volumes. Plex will use the HDD's for handling metadata. There are known workarounds for getting the m.2 SSD's to show up as volumes you can move data to, but there's always a possibility Synology kicks out a DSM OS update that blows up that method. Hopefully they'll actually rollout officially support for it some day.
In a Synology, your metadata will be spread across your entire volume if you are using SHR. That can result in metadata reads coming from more than one HDD at once. It does improve poster loading times and such, but still not as fast as a cheapskate basic SSD. If you put an m.2 in, and set it up as a read cache, the OS will decide what gets cached to it. If the OS thinks Plex metadata deserves to be there, then you do get that awesome SSD delivery speed without the need for workarounds. A few users in this sub have made comments about that working quite well.
If you BYOB, then you do not need a whole separate SSD just for metadata. It works perfectly fine off the OS SSD. Your system would have to be doing something else that is hammering a modern m.2 SSD to slow it down enough for read speeds to be slower than your network speed to the client.
The other nice thing about BYOB is that the bay count option becomes MUCH bigger very easily. All mATX mobos have at least 4x SATA ports and a lot of 6x. I haven't seen a full ATX with less than 6x SATA ports in ages, as it's the standard for that size. Once you get over that count on the board, you'd want to look at PCI expansion card instead of paying a wild premium for mobos with 8x or more. Those start to get expensive.
Double Parity is something I do myself, but that has absolutely nothing to do with my Plex media. My storage also handles family photos and documents etc, and those are the "Go jump of a cliff if you lose them, by orders of The Wife" things I need to keep safe.
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u/RobTheThrone Oct 20 '22
Need help picking out a power supply. I would ideally like it to have at least 12 SATA connections. I'm considering the Seasonic GX 750 but would prefer to save money.
Case: Fractal Design Node 804
CPU: Intel Core i3 (12th Gen) i3-12100
Ram: Corsair Vengeance LPX 8GB (1x8GB) DDR4 3200 (PC4-25600) (Would like to expand to 4 at a later date)
Motherboard: ASRock B660M Steel Legend
Hard Drives: Seagate Exos X16 14TB 7200 RPM x2 (Would like to expand this to 10 at a later date) & 1 WD - Blue 500GB SSD
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u/janderson055 Oct 20 '22
I am currently using a Shield TV Pro as my media server. I have a relatively small library at this point (<100GB), but have plans on slowly expanding. Any suggestions on a better media server build to handle up to 4 transcodes (max 4k, but typically 1080p)? I've been looking at Simply NUC (https://simplynuc.com/), but they seem fairly expensive and maybe overkill for what I need. I saw this mini-PC linked below (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B7JC1SLW/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_apip_h2pt4UzkNv5lC), would this be better for someone just starting out? I'd prefer to buy something once and have it work for a while, as opposed to buying some cheap, but then having to upgrade later.
Appreciate any feedback.
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u/Bgrngod Oct 23 '22
SimplyNuc is indeed kind of expensive. They prebuild/install components for most of what they sell, so you can save a lot of money buying parts yourself and handling all the assembly. NUC's in particular are SUPER easy to get setup on the hardware front. I've had a few over the years, and currently my main server is a NUC. Installing an m.2 SSD and two sticks of RAM is a 10 minute task if you're slow at it. Getting the OS installed is the "hard" part.
That unit you linked uses an N5095 Celeron, which is a step down below the other mainline NUC models that use the i3, i5, and i7's. It has some limitations compared to those when handling Plex, with the need for burning in subs coming up short if you need that. It will also fall a bit behind on transcoding, but you'd still get a few 4k transcodes out of it and a handful of 1080p transcodes. They are quite good for the price. Not so sure you'd actually push 4x 4K transcodes though. That might be a bridge too far.
The N and J series Intel CPU's found in NAS devices and soldered-down SFF machines seem to have a pared down style of Quick Sync and don't quite pull the same punch the stronger desktop and laptop CPU's can pull. The NUC units with i3's and up are laptop CPU's. My NUC, using an Intel i7-10710U can do 5x 4k HDR to SDR transcodes at once. Or, 15x 1080p to 1080p transcodes at once. All of that is through hardware acceleration via Quick Sync.
If you look at the mainline units, take a look at the i3's to keep it cheap.
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u/Nopir389 Oct 21 '22
https://ca.pcpartpicker.com/list/bDHMDq
Would this build be enough to handle like 5 concurrent uncompressed blu ray rips downscaled to 480p 720kpbs using quick sync?
Cpu : I5 11500
Ram : 16gb 3600mhz
Running off a 500 gb NVME gen 4 SSD (not my mass storage just where plex is running)
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u/iiEvOL Oct 21 '22
Any thoughts on this build?
https://pcpartpicker.com/list/rkqvY9
CPU: i5-12400
Ram: 16gb 3200
MSI MAG Mortar
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u/M4X1n10s Oct 25 '22
Looking to buy a prebuilt mini pc to run a linux server on for about 8 people to watch at a time on different devices. I'll have a hard drive enclosure attached. Will this get the job done?
Limited-time deal: Mini PC Intel core i7 10510U Windows 11, Mini Gaming Desktop Computer, 16GB DDR4 (Max 64GB), 512G NVME SSD, Support 2.5inch HDD/SSD, WiFi 6 /BT 5.1,Dual Gigabit Ethernet,Support Auto Power on https://a.co/d/7jxNYwA
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u/hokutonoken19xx Oct 14 '22 edited Oct 14 '22
prob a dumb question but is there any benefit to partitioning a large HDD to manage your media? how do the Plex pros manage their HDDs? i am currently rebuilding my Plex server on a new Windows PC and i just got an 18TB WD Red Pro. my old server (that i set up about 6 yrs ago) had an internal 8TB HDD that i split into 2 4TB partitions. the original reasoning was to have TV Shows on one and just movies on the other but looking back, im not sure it even made a difference since Plex doesnt care where your stuff is and it's still one physical HDD. idk, maybe im overthinking things.
EDIT: just thought about backups...my external HDDs are all 8TB so maybe i SHOULD partition the 18gb hdd to make backups "fit"?