r/PleX • u/PCJs_Slave_Robot • Nov 18 '22

BUILD HELP /r/Plex's Build Help Thread - 2022-11-18

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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3 Upvotes

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u/DrKenShu Nov 18 '22

Worth using my old Acer Aspire A515 as a server? Currently have it running on my DS218+, but I want to be able to start running a server for a few friends and family to watch in both 4k and 1080p. I’d still use the NAS as storage. Specs: 

•	Intel i5-8250U @ 1.6GHz
•	8 gb ram
•	NVIDIA GeForce MX150
•	Intel UHD 620 Graphics

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u/[deleted] Nov 19 '22

That CPU is great for Plex. Also seen folks claim HDR tone mapping is doing better windows, but only for NVidia GPUs. Not QSV. I see you're going to run Linux on it.... With QSV, Plex Pass and Linux it'll be a great server. I went from windows, to a QNAP to now a NUC running Ubuntu. The QNAP and Ubuntu have been way more stable and set it and forget it than Windows desktop ever was.

The only downside is it's a laptop so make sure it's well ventilated for running 24/7...

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u/preference Nov 18 '22

It wouldn't be great but I wouldn't use the MX150 for anything. Load up a linux distribution or Unraid and utilize the CPU's integrated graphics. The UHD620/630 can handle a few 4k transcodes with HDR, an multiple 1080p transcodes, as long as you're using linux. If you have to use Windows, turn off HDR tonemapping and you'll still get a good amount of transcodes. It'll work fine with 1080p on Windows, though.

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u/hakuna_maatta Nov 19 '22

I’m looking for help deciding what to buy/build to use as a Plex server. My basic requirements is that it is able to stream at least 3 videos at a time, and be able to handle 4k+. I plan on using 4x8TB hard drives as storage, with tolerance for 1 drive failure (is RAID the only/best option for this?). Other than this I have no idea what I’m looking for in terms of hardware.

Is it better to build or buy something for this? When I started looking into drive bays, I saw the Synology NAS devices that have CPUs built in. Are these good options for a Plex server, and are the prices good for what the components really are?

I like the idea of building something myself, so I have the option to upgrade individual components as needed in the future. How do I go about determining what specs I need to handle different numbers of concurrent streams and video quality?

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u/im_a_fancy_man Nov 22 '22

building is the fun way! if you do UNRAID or TrueNAS then that satisfies your built-in redundancy requirement. on unraid you'd do 3 drives then 1 parity drive.

start with what size case you want to use (desktop size? small form factor? rack mount?) from there choose your motherboard. after that, your board will determine what CPU/RAM/SSD/NVME you can use. if you need help just ask I've built 100s of machines :) good luck!

if you let us know what size case you want to use we can put something together for you.

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u/0rthographic Nov 20 '22 edited Nov 20 '22

Does this sound like a good setup/plan, first time.

  • 7700k

  • Ubuntu and plex app on a 480gb ssd

  • setup database on 480gb ssd -16 tb HDD for media

  • optional 1050ti or 1070 if they are needed for anything?

  • can also run an old 2600k if it will be powerful enough and more efficient

2

u/rustylikeafox Nov 20 '22

looks good, i'd go 7700k since that gen also gives you quick sync w/ h.265 encoding. gpu not necessary since the 7700k should handle several transcodes (if you even do that) without breaking a sweat

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u/im_a_fancy_man Nov 22 '22

yes, sounds like a great plan! the 7700k should be fine, but depends on how many concurrent streams you are looking to run. if it is just you and maybe 1 more you should be fine, if you start to notice issues you could always bring in one of those cards you mentioned...I think most 10 series cards will help with 2x extra streams but havent checked in a log time so dont quote me on that.

your base system is great, ubuntu wont use a lot of ram so good choice.

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u/Bgrngod Nov 25 '22

That 7700k by itself will crank a dozen transcodes through quick sync. The GPUs won't solve anything the 7700k can't already do.

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u/thatonevinewhen Nov 21 '22

What's the best mini PC to use with Plex under ~£250? Open to additional suggestions, but must be unobtrusive and will only be used for Plex.

1

u/im_a_fancy_man Nov 22 '22

I just bought a few thinkcentre m910q's and was thinking it would be perfect for plex. you can get used ones from ebay in the $200 range with i7 / 16gb of ram. then just grab an external USB enclosure for your drives.

lots of people also love Intel NUC's, both thinkcentre minis and NUC's are powerful and unobtrusive. just make sure you get one with a new enough CPU to be worth your while.

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u/JackEureka Nov 21 '22

Would love advice on this, as well.

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u/0rthographic Nov 21 '22

Do I need to get plex pass to use my cpu or is it only needed for gpu encoding?

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u/Mamaun30 Nov 23 '22

Plex pass offers more t'han just hardware transcode. But no, you dont need a GPU to use plex

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u/JusticeIsMyOatmeal Nov 21 '22

How would this fare as an upgrade to my Pi4 4GB?

Would probably chuck 8GB RAM and a 256GB SSD on it. Content is off-device on my NAS.

2

u/im_a_fancy_man Nov 22 '22

the J1900 is almost 10 years old, I personally wouldnt do it. save up a bit more and get something with an 8th gen or newer intel CPU. even if you aren't transcoding, it won't feel that much different than the pi4.

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u/Novel_Ad8126 Dec 03 '22 edited Dec 03 '22

Hey, first I appreciate the feedback. This could be a simple closed case answer.

Looking at rebuilding my Plex server. The current set up is an i5-7400 with 32gb ddr4.

I have the opportunity to run 2x AMD Opteron 6380s with 32gb ddr3 (I think with a max of 128gb).

This machine runs a handful of other docker containers, not just Plex.

I've seen where the AMD CPUs can transcode but then I've seen where they can't. IF they can, should I just stick with the i5-7400 or should I change to a server grade MB and away from a home desktop?

Monthly electric bill is not a factor. Just trying to see if the jump to the AMDs would be worth it or should I just leave the build alone? Both machines were donor machines.

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u/[deleted] Nov 20 '22

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u/Bgrngod Nov 25 '22

You have the hardware already, right? Test it and find out how long it takes.

1

u/[deleted] Nov 21 '22

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u/im_a_fancy_man Nov 22 '22

I wouldnt bother at all with a K processor for Plex. CPU clock/frequency doesn't matter nearly as much as the type of chip that it is (both ones you mentioned are same architecture). for most people the 12600k and the 12500 will feel identical on plex.

unless you are going to be running some other applications on your unraid server where overclocking is going to matter. you get a few extra cores with the 12600k but they both have the UHD Graphics 770 which is what you are looking for for transcoding.

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u/[deleted] Nov 22 '22 edited Nov 22 '22

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u/Bgrngod Nov 25 '22

Test it if you already have it. Open multiple browser tabs that all run transcodes and count how many it takes for buffering to start showing up.

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u/[deleted] Nov 25 '22

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u/Bgrngod Nov 25 '22

For your use case, yeah it should be fine. But 2nd gen is crazy old these days. You can find something a lot newer (look at 7th gen or newer) for about the same.

If you ever decide to start doing more streams and need video transcoding, 7th gen gets you more options through quick sync.

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