Plex media server.

Forums › Home Theatre (including HTPC and EPG Collector) › Plex media server.

razor2000nz

207 posts

Master Geek

#152366 24-Sep-2014 14:59

Hi guys/gals,

I'm currently running my plex server through my laptop, so i'm having to keep it constantly open when using plex. is there a relative cheap ($100-$150) and small option out there that could do the job so i can put "it" in the cupboard and leave it on. Looked at Raspberry Pi, but not powerful enough. I have all my media on a WD my cloud, that streams to my LGTV's.
Any help appreciated

stuzz

351 posts

Ultimate Geek

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#1136635 24-Sep-2014 15:26

I'm using an old quad core Dell Desktop. It ran fine on win 7 with 4gb ram, but just bumped it to 12gb, as I run other stuff on it as well.

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MileHighKiwi

782 posts

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#1136639 24-Sep-2014 15:30

stuzz: I'm using an old quad core Dell Desktop. It ran fine on win 7 with 4gb ram, but just bumped it to 12gb, as I run other stuff on it as well.

I assume the desktop is always on?

Like the OP I have Plex running via the laptop and it is annoying that I have to turn on the laptop if I want to stream something from Plex on my tablet when I'm in bed for example.

stuzz

351 posts

Ultimate Geek

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#1136642 24-Sep-2014 15:31

Yep. The good thing about the Dell is that it is quiet. Never gets hot when streaming, although if you keep it in a cupboard, it may.

davidcole

6011 posts

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#1136654 24-Sep-2014 15:46

Smaller options are ok (intel nuc, nas etc) But what you're normally giving up is the ability to transcode to devices. It means the devices need to be more powerful (or set your source content as optimised for your devices eg MP4 for Apple/Roku).

Previously known as psycik

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razor2000nz

207 posts

Master Geek

#1136778 24-Sep-2014 17:32

I don't need to transcode as the TV handles most formats.

afe66

3181 posts

Uber Geek

Lifetime subscriber

#1136782 24-Sep-2014 17:42

I like the Sync function (with Plex pass) . When going on a trip I select the various movies I want and it syncs a smaller version to iPad or phone

Server running on synology NAS but cheaper to use old pc.

The plex server software doesn't let the drives hybernate (NAS) though.

A.

farcus

1535 posts

Uber Geek

#1136786 24-Sep-2014 17:47

doesn't the WD My Cloud have a DLNA server? Just use that and take plex out of the equation if there is no need to transcode anything.

razor2000nz

207 posts

Master Geek

#1136795 24-Sep-2014 17:51

farcus: doesn't the WD My Cloud have a DLNA server? Just use that and take plex out of the equation if there is no need to transcode anything.

it does, its just a very clunky interface to use, you click through folders and folders to get to the correct file.

remmers

6 posts

Wannabe Geek

#1161313 24-Oct-2014 12:24

I have same setup as OP except plex app on Samsung TV. I just bought a used Samsung Series 7 Slate. Works really well, very small, not heard the fan run. Added benefit is that I can detach computer and view plex on the slate.

ajobbins

5052 posts

Uber Geek

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#1161359 24-Oct-2014 13:47

I'm running mine on an old Dell Zino HD that I bought second hand off eBay about 2.5 years ago. It does pretty well, it a bit slow sometimes when it's doing too much, but WAF has been pretty high.

I use the one box as both client and server for the TV in the lounge, as well as running a few apps like SickBeard, SABnzbd, CouchPotato which are all behind an IIS reverse proxy for access via the internet.

Considering how much the box does and how old it is, I don't think you will need much. Something like this would probably do the job.

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razor2000nz

207 posts

Master Geek

#1161461 24-Oct-2014 15:27

ended up getting a amazon fire tv, and side loading xbmc, does the job nicely