Tiniest x86 computer capable of Plex transcoding at 1080p?

Forums › Home Theatre (including HTPC and EPG Collector) › Tiniest x86 computer capable of Plex transcoding at 1080p?

gbwelly

1243 posts

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#214140 29-Apr-2017 11:28

I want to replace my Plex server with something ridiculously small, -think intel compute stick small.

I am stuck with the drobo for the storage I need, but the mATX box I currently use for the actual server is 50% of the footprint and noise, plus it's dual core Celeron is under powered for transcoding at 1080p.

I am looking for something that can meet a passmark score of 3000 I believe. The intel compute sticks with the m5 cpu is up to the job, but are out of my price range. Totally different price bracket than the Atom based units.

Anyone know of a similar type device, with more CPU and perhaps at a more reasonable price from our friends in China? All I need are Windows, at least a couple of RAMs, a CPU with sufficient stiffness and 2x USB 3.0 ports (1 for drobo, and another for 1GbE ethernet adaptor)

rb99

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#1772419 29-Apr-2017 13:17

I realise this probably isn't going to help much, but have you considered -

a) getting something big(ger) and hiding it away

b) a NUC (too expensive ?)

c) pre-transcoding

d) replacing whatever you're sending the media too with something that'll direct play

e) second hand laptop

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rb99

michaelmurfy

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#1772422 29-Apr-2017 13:22

I use an Odroid XU-4 (Here) along with the Cloudshell case (Here) and DietPi (Here). I used the eMMC module and got an old 1TiB drive from a laptop to use for media storage. Have got it set up with Plex + Samba and essentially drop files to it to be served by Plex. Transcodes to my Chromecasts fine at 1080p and is low power too.

Thats if you're wanting a bit of a project :)

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davidcole

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#1772444 29-Apr-2017 14:14

Mostly it depends on the client. If your smart TVs with Plex it's probably only needing to change container format or audio format, and not having to down sample the resolution.

A phone/tablet might be a different story, and certainly if remote.

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gbwelly

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#1772467 29-Apr-2017 15:09

Thanks for trying guys. Hopefully the Chinese will start making M3/M5 based intel compute stick knock offs in the near future.

Everything seems to be Atom based from my searching.

solutionz

589 posts

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#1772745 30-Apr-2017 10:25

I have an Intel NUC5i3RYK connected behind my TV I'm currently using for just this however as I already have Plex app on Smart TV and Chromecast I'm looking at moving media server from NUC to my general server.

Would be happy to let this go for $200, specs as linked and includes 128GB M.2. SSD, 4GB RAM, VESA / wall bracket, 2m mHDMI to HDMI cable, integrated Wifi, IrDA etc.

Only thing haven't been able to get working is integrated Bluetooth and two rear USB ports (two front ports work and all I use) not sure if hardware, firmware or driver issue..

surfisup1000

5288 posts

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#1772842 30-Apr-2017 14:19

I bought a nuc last year, which is absolutely brilliant.

But I just built a new small pc using the asrock deskmini case ... absolutely amazing device, takes a desktop cpu, boots to windows logon screen in 3 seconds (after bios has posted.

Lowest cost to build with sale parts (still outside your price range but maybe someone is interested)....

$232 ( package includes deskmini case/mobo/power supply/wifi card)

$80 ( intel g4560 cpu) -- i got an i3-7100, mobo bios needs update first to support 7th gen cpu.

$80 (2.5" ssd) - I installed a little known brand nvme drive bought from amazon but it's awesome.

$50 for 4gb sodimm memory-- i chucked in 8gb which is way overkill for htpc

Total $442

Much cheaper than a fully built nuc and will smash the nuc in performance. Yet is still small and quiet enough to use as an htpc.

JaseNZ

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#1772848 30-Apr-2017 14:36

+1 for a NUC , love mine to bits for our media player. Bolts onto the back of the TV and is connected via lan. Core i3 with NVME drive. It just works and have never had a single problem with it. Yes it cost a little bit but at the end of the day you get what you pay for.

Perhaps save up a little longer to get something that is going to keep you in stead for a few years.

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gbwelly

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#1772905 30-Apr-2017 16:20

Seems this thread has moved from Server to Client. I am happy with my client device, I don't want 10TB of spinning rust in my lounge

This is what I want my plex server to look like:

JaseNZ

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#1772908 30-Apr-2017 16:29

Sorry you are right , I use our QNAP nas with plex on it for our server but its not small.

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chevrolux

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#1772972 30-Apr-2017 18:31

Personally I think @surfisup1000 suggestion wins for capability/price at the moment. NUC's are annoying me lately, relatively expensive for what you get... last time I priced Core i3, 4GB RAM and 128GB SSD it just under $600-odd retail.

I'm assuming the Drobo is DAS and not NAS? So you cant stick it away in a cupboard somewhere?

darylblake

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#1773061 30-Apr-2017 20:37

Yeh. Where are you gonna do the transcoding.

I had a Pentium G620. Dual core 2.6Ghz. It was ok. But it could only transcode a single movie at a time. I dropped an i5-2500 in the socket and man what a difference that made. Can do up to 3 at a time now. I would probably would swing toward the NUC option.

Where is your storage? On a network share or NAS unit?