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Best Hardware For Plex Server (2024 Updated)

If you’re looking for a reliable Plex server to manage your media, the hardware you choose is crucial. While many computers can run Plex, not all of them will provide the optimum viewing and streaming experience that you desire. Therefore, you need to focus on the technical specifications of the hardware to ensure that it meets the minimum requirements for operating a Plex server.

Before buying any hardware for your Plex server, there are a variety of factors you need to consider. Some of these include the processing power, memory capacity, storage, and the size and form factor of the device. A powerful CPU and at least 8GB of RAM are recommended for making transcoding quick and smooth. Additionally, you’ll need enough storage to store your media, and the size and form factor you choose will depend on your available space and the number of devices you want to connect.

Are you looking for hardware for your Plex server but don’t know what factors to consider? Will a larger hard drive improve your viewing experience? What type of CPU do you need for effective transcoding? If you are looking for answers to these questions, then keep reading. In this article, we’ll provide you with the guidance you need to choose the best hardware for your Plex server.

10 Best Hardware For Plex Server

# Product Image Product Name Product Notes Check Price
1
Ideal for high-speed file accessing, data backup/storage, media streaming, and enterprise-level applications.
2
The product is ideal for storing large amounts of data in enterprise-level applications or systems.
3
The product is ideal for storing and accessing media files on a network, without the need for physical storage devices.
4
Ideal for high-speed network attached storage, data backup and encryption, and media streaming.
5
The product is ideal for small business or home office use, as a server for storage, virtualization, and basic computing tasks.
6
This product is ideal for home/office use with its powerful performance, multiple display support, and network connectivity options.
7
It is ideal for an efficient and high-performance storage solution, particularly suited for small businesses and home offices.
8
Ideal for storage and sharing of large files, media, and data for personal or professional use via a network.
9
This product is ideal for personal cloud storage with a large capacity of 4TB.
10
This product is ideal for adding vintage charm and decorative appeal to cabinets, drawers, and furniture in your home.
Ideal for high-speed file accessing, data backup/storage, media streaming, and enterprise-level applications.
The product is ideal for storing large amounts of data in enterprise-level applications or systems.
The product is ideal for storing and accessing media files on a network, without the need for physical storage devices.
Ideal for high-speed network attached storage, data backup and encryption, and media streaming.
The product is ideal for small business or home office use, as a server for storage, virtualization, and basic computing tasks.
This product is ideal for home/office use with its powerful performance, multiple display support, and network connectivity options.
It is ideal for an efficient and high-performance storage solution, particularly suited for small businesses and home offices.
Ideal for storage and sharing of large files, media, and data for personal or professional use via a network.
This product is ideal for personal cloud storage with a large capacity of 4TB.
This product is ideal for adding vintage charm and decorative appeal to cabinets, drawers, and furniture in your home.

1. Terramaster 10gbe Nas: Enterprise 4-Bay Storage Server.

The 1U 4 Bay Enterprise-class networked storage server is highly scalable and designed to meet the requirements of enterprise virtualization, data-intensive applications and service continuity. It is equipped with a powerful configuration and delivers excellent performance. The U4-111 utilizes an Apollo quad-core 1.5 GHz (turbo boost up to 2.3 GHz) processor, 4GB DDR3 memory, a 10Gb Ethernet port, two 1Gb Ethernet ports, and AES NI hardware encryption.

The built-in 10Gb Ethernet port provides up to 10Gb of high-speed bandwidth. With 4 x 6TB dedicated NAS hard drives in RAID 0 mode, the device’s read and write speeds can reach 650MB/s and 670MB/s, respectively. The U4-111 is also fast and stable with two network interfaces and Link Aggregation supported. The enterprise version of the TOS operating system provides a wide range of professional applications such as file servers, mail servers, web servers, VPN servers, DHCP servers, DNS servers, Rsync remote servers, FTP servers and MySQL servers that are suitable for diversified professional applications.

The U4-111 is a reliable and efficient networked storage server that can handle large volumes of data-intensive applications. The powerful configuration and excellent performance make it an ideal solution for enterprises that require virtualization, service continuity, and high-speed bandwidth. The diverse professional applications available on the enterprise version of the TOS operating system make it a perfect choice for businesses that require a wide range of professional applications.

Pros

  • Powerful configuration and excellent performance
  • Built-in 10Gb Ethernet port provides up to 10Gb of high-speed bandwidth
  • Fast and stable with two network interfaces and Link Aggregation supported
  • Enterprise version of the TOS operating system provides a wide range of professional applications

2. Synology Enterprise 3.5" Sata Hdd Hat5300 12tb

The Synology HAT5300 series drives are designed to meet the demands of 24/7 environments. With a mean time to failure (MTTF) of 2.5 million hours and the ability to handle up to 550 TB of workloads per year, these drives are built for reliability and performance.

To ensure maximum reliability, Synology puts these drives through stringent validation and testing processes, subjecting them to up to 500,000 hours of testing. This results in a drive that can handle the most demanding workloads without any issues.

One of the standout features of the HAT5300 series drives is the automatic firmware updates that come with DSM updates. This means that users can enjoy the latest firmware updates without the need for additional maintenance sessions, reducing downtime and increasing productivity.

It's important to note that the HAT5300 series drives should only be used with Synology storage devices. Using the drives with non-validated devices will void the limited hardware warranty.

Pros

  • Designed for demanding 24/7 environments
  • High MTTF of 2.5 million hours
  • Can handle up to 550 TB of workloads per year
  • Subjected to up to 500,000 hours of testing
  • Automatic firmware updates through DSM updates

Cons

  • – Can only be used with Synology storage devices
  • – Limited hardware warranty does not cover usage with non-validated devices

3. Terramaster 2bay Nas – Streamline Your Storage

The F2-221 NAS storage is a high-performance device that is equipped with Apollo J3355 2.0GHz dual-core CPU and 2GB of RAM, which can be expanded up to 4GB. The device has dual 1GbE LAN ports that support network failover and Link Aggregation, with each port reaching 119MB/s read and 118MB/s write speeds. To keep data secure, the F2-221 NAS server utilizes AES hardware encryption engine to encrypt shared folders and network data transmission. Additionally, it features an advanced Btrfs file system that provides 71,680 system-wide snapshots and 1,024 snapshots per shared folder. This device is an ideal Plex server/media server that can deliver real-time hardware transcoding of up to two concurrent 4K video streaming. The F2-221 NAS enclosure has an aluminum-alloy shell and intelligent temperature control ultra-quiet fan that ensures efficient heat dissipation. The enclosure is compatible with 3.5” and 2.5” SATA HDD and 2.5” SATA SSD. For optimal performance, it is advisable to use dedicated NAS hard drives.

Pros

  • High-performance device with powerful hardware components
  • Dual 1GbE LAN ports with network failover and Link Aggregation support
  • Advanced Btrfs file system with system-wide snapshots and per shared folder snapshots
  • Real-time hardware transcoding of up to two concurrent 4K video streaming
  • Aluminum-alloy shell and intelligent temperature control ultra-quiet fan for efficient heat dissipation
  • Compatible with 3.5” and 2.5” SATA HDD and 2.5” SATA SSD

4. Terramaster 5-Bay 10gbe Nas: Secure Storage Solution

The F5-422 NAS storage is a high-performance device that offers powerful hardware features. It is equipped with Apollo J3455 Quad-core 1.5GHz CPU and 4GB of RAM which can be expanded up to 8GB to meet the requirements of large-scale applications. The NAS storage is a 10GbE device that comes with 1x10GbE RJ45 port to offer a fast speed of 670MB/s reading and 650MB/s writing. It also features dual 1GbE LAN with failover and Link Aggregation support.

This NAS server is designed with an AES hardware encryption engine to encrypt shared folders and network data transmission. This ensures that data is safe from unauthorized access. The 5 bay NAS is compatible with 3.5" and 2.5" SATA HDD and 2.5" SATA SSD. The device has a maximum internal raw capacity of 100 TB (20 TB drive x 5).

The F5-422 NAS storage supports advanced Btrfs file system, which offers 71,680 system-wide snapshots and 1,024 snapshots per shared folder. It can serve as a great media server or Plex server with the ability to transcode up to two concurrent 4K video streaming in real-time. The NAS storage is designed with an aluminum-alloy shell and intelligent temperature control ultra-quiet fan for good heat dissipation. It is recommended to use dedicated NAS hard drives for better and stable performance.

Pros

  • High-performance device with powerful hardware features
  • Supports advanced Btrfs file system
  • Real-time hardware transcoding of up to two concurrent 4K video streaming
  • Aluminum-alloy shell and intelligent temperature control ultra-quiet fan for good heat dissipation

Cons

  • – May require dedicated NAS hard drives for better and stable performance

5. Hpe Microserver: Powerful Yet Compact.

Introducing the Personal Computer from China, a high-quality device that offers exceptional performance and reliability. With a package dimension of 21.59 cms (L) x 36.576 cms (W) x 21.59 cms (H), this PC is compact and easy to use, making it perfect for both personal and professional use.

This PC boasts impressive specifications, including a powerful processor and ample storage space, ensuring smooth multitasking and efficient data handling. The device also features a sleek and modern design that is sure to complement any workspace.

Whether you're a student, professional, or gamer, this Personal Computer is an excellent choice. It offers a seamless computing experience that is both fast and reliable, making it perfect for all your computing needs.

Pros

  • Powerful and efficient processor
  • Ample storage space
  • Sleek and modern design
  • Ideal for personal and professional use

6. Beelink Mini Pc: 11th Gen Office Powerhouse

The Beelink U59 Mini Computer is a powerful device equipped with an 11th Gen 4 Cores Processor N5105 (Up to 2.9Ghz). With 4 Cores and 4 Threads, it can efficiently handle simultaneous multitasking. This mini-pc is suitable for Zoom meetings/Skype, running Office, CAD, PS, Pr, Ai, surfing the internet, and streaming videos simultaneously, thanks to its buttery smooth multitasking.

The Beelink U59 pc mini can connect 3 monitors at the same time, which makes it suitable for a simultaneous multi-task display. It also features 802.11ac Dual Band 2.4 & 5GHz Wi-Fi, which provides a stronger resistance to disturbance and a more stable wireless signal.

The Beelink U59 desktop pc mini is designed with a variety of interfaces (4*USB3.0, 2*HDMI, 2*RJ45 1000M LAN, 1*Audio Jack (HP&MIC), 1*Type-C, 1*DC Jack) that easily meet office business needs and home audio and video needs. It also comes with a wall-mounted bracket that allows you to hang the mini computer behind the monitor, saving your desk space and making your desk look tidier.

The Beelink U59 Mini-computers support Wake On LAN, PXE Boot, RTC Wake, and Auto Power On (get into BIOS interface settings). Designed by talented European designers with cutting-edge technology, this mini-pc consumes less than 1 KW/h one day, reducing the carbon footprint.

The Beelink Mini PC has passed strict inspection before shipping, ensuring reliable performance. The company offers lifetime technical support, 24/7 after-sales service, and a 1-Year-free warranty. All of their products have obtained FCC, RoHS, CE Certifications.

Pros

  • Powerful 11th Gen 4 Cores Processor N5105 (Up to 2.9Ghz)
  • Efficient simultaneous multitasking
  • Suitable for Zoom meetings/Skype and running Office, CAD, PS, Pr, Ai, surfing the internet, and streaming videos simultaneously
  • Connects 3 monitors at the same time for simultaneous multi-task display
  • Stronger resistance to disturbance and more stable wireless signal with 802.11ac Dual Band 2.4 & 5GHz Wi-Fi
  • Variety of interfaces that easily meet office business needs and home audio and video needs
  • Comes with a wall-mounted bracket to save desk space and make the desk look tidier
  • Supports Wake On LAN, PXE Boot, RTC Wake, and Auto Power On (get into BIOS interface settings)
  • Consumes less than 1 KW/h one day, reducing the carbon footprint
  • Lifetime technical support, 24/7 after-sales service, and a 1-Year-free warranty
  • Obtained FCC, RoHS, CE Certifications

7. Truenas Mini X+: Ultimate Compact Storage Server

The Dual 10GbE NAS & SAN storage system is a compact, full-featured, and ultra-quiet device that is perfect for small/home office and SMB applications. Powered by the TrueNAS CORE, the #1 Open Source storage OS, this system is protected by the self-healing ZFS filesystem and built-in RAID that ensures the safety and availability of your data. It also has error-protection to keep your data free from corruption and snapshots to protect it from ransomware attacks and human error.

This system has a performance-oriented and quiet hardware design that includes 32GB ECC RAM, an 8-Core 2.2GHz Intel Atom CPU, and 5x 3.5” Hot-Swap SATA Drive Bays. It also has 2x 2.5” Hot-Swap SATA SSD Bays, dual 10 Gigabit Ethernet, remote management (IPMI), 3x USB 2.0 Ports, and 1x USB 3.0 Port. The device has an internal boot device and can speed up workflows by adding cache SSDs. The ultra-quiet Nanoxia fans ensure that the system operates silently.

The TrueNAS CORE supports Windows, MacOS, Linux, and Unix clients and syncs with AWS, Azure, Dropbox, and more. It also supports NFS, SMB, AFP, iSCSI, and S3 file sharing protocols. The device is ideal for file-sharing, backup, multimedia processing and distribution, video surveillance, edge/remote office, development, personal cloud, and other small/home office & SMB applications. You can broaden your Mini’s capabilities with VMs and an extensive suite of software plugins including Plex and NextCloud.

This device is built, tested, and supported in the U.S. by iXsystems. Proceeds from this product support TrueNAS development.

Pros

  • Compact and quiet design
  • Built-in RAID keeps data safe and available
  • Error-protection keeps data free from corruption
  • Snapshots protect data from ransomware attacks and human error
  • Performance-oriented hardware design
  • Supports various operating systems and file sharing protocols
  • Ideal for various small/home office & SMB applications
  • Broaden capabilities with VMs and software plugins
  • Built, tested, and supported in the U.S.

Cons

  • – Does not have a large storage capacity compared to other NAS devices
  • – Expensive compared to other NAS devices with similar specifications

8. Wd Diskless My Cloud Pro Series Pr4100 Network Attached Storage – Nas – Wdbnfa0000nbk-Nesn

The Intel Pentium N3710 Quad-Core 1.6GHz Processor and 4GB DDR3L Memory make this device a powerful tool for organizing and streaming media. With built-in video transcoding for HD streaming through Plex, you can enjoy your media in high quality without any lag. The device also offers centralized storage which helps to organize your media and improve your workflow. The setup process is quick and easy, and the robust Device Manager with My Cloud OS 3 makes it easy to manage your files.

This device also comes with comprehensive security features such as password protection and AES 256 bit volume encryption which ensures that your data is secure and protected from unauthorized access. Overall, this is an excellent device for anyone looking for a powerful and secure way to organize and stream their media.

Pros

  • Powerful Intel Pentium N3710 Quad-Core 1.6GHz Processor
  • 4GB DDR3L Memory for smooth performance
  • Built-in video transcoding for HD streaming through Plex
  • Centralized storage to organize media and improve workflow
  • Quick and easy setup process
  • Robust Device Manager with My Cloud OS 3
  • Comprehensive security features including password protection and AES 256 bit volume encryption

9. Wd 4tb My Cloud Home Personal Cloud – Wdbvxc0040hwt-Nesn, Single Drive, White

Introducing the ultimate storage solution for all your digital needs – the all-new storage device that lets you store all your photos, videos, music, and files in one central place. With a massive data transfer rate of 0Gbps, it ensures lightning-fast data transfer speeds that are sure to leave you impressed.

Setting up this storage device is quick and simple – all you need is your phone. You can easily set it up in minutes, and start using it right away to store all your digital content.

With auto-backup for photos and videos on your phone, you never have to worry about losing your precious memories. This feature ensures that all your photos and videos are backed up automatically, so you can access them from anywhere, anytime.

Additionally, this storage device also provides backup for all your PC and Mac computers. This means that you can easily save all your important files and documents to this device, and access them from any device, anywhere.

Overall, this storage device is a must-have for anyone looking for a reliable and secure storage solution for all their digital content. Its impressive data transfer speed, easy setup, and auto-backup features make it an ideal choice for both personal and professional use.

Pros

  • Massive data transfer rate of 0Gbps ensures lightning-fast data transfer speeds
  • Quick and simple setup from your phone
  • Auto-backup feature ensures that all your photos and videos are backed up automatically
  • Provides backup for all your PC and Mac computers
  • Reliable and secure storage solution for all your digital content

10. Bee-Themed Dresser Knobs For Vintage Charm

Add a touch of creativity and luxury to your furniture with these Bee Pull Knobs. Made of high-quality zinc material, these knobs come in a set of 6 pieces with matching nuts. Measuring approximately 2 x 2.6 x 1.8 inches, these knobs are suitable for furniture of different sizes and styles. The antique gold brass finish of these knobs makes them perfect for modern, European, Chinese, luxurious, and pastoral style home decor.

The knobs are easy to install and require no additional tools. With nuts included in the package, installing these knobs is quick and convenient. The moderate size of these knobs provides a comfortable grip and enhances the beauty of your furniture. The lovely bee-shaped design of these knobs adds a touch of creativity and brings a simple and luxurious appearance to your furniture. The rustic gold color of these knobs is the perfect icing on the cake, making your furniture classic and fashionable.

These rustic distressed knobs are ideal for drawers, dressers, cabinets, or other furniture door cabinets. They are durable and decorative, providing unparalleled beauty to your furniture. Whether you want to enhance the beauty of your living room, bedroom, or kitchen, these knobs are perfect for all. These knobs bring a retro and elegant decoration effect to your room.

These Bee Pull Knobs are an awesome gift idea for your friends and relatives. Their unique shape and exquisite design make them a perfect gift for new houses, birthdays, Christmas, New Year, or any other special day. Give your loved ones a perfect gift that they will cherish forever.

Pros

  • Made of high-quality zinc material
  • Set of 6 pieces with matching nuts
  • Suitable for furniture of different sizes and styles
  • Easy to install and require no additional tools
  • Lovely bee-shaped design adds a touch of creativity and luxury to your furniture
  • Rustic gold color makes your furniture classic and fashionable
  • Ideal for drawers, dressers, cabinets, or other furniture door cabinets
  • Durable and decorative
  • Brings a retro and elegant decoration effect to your room
  • Perfect gift idea for new houses, birthdays, Christmas, New Year, or any other special day

Best Hardware For Plex Server FAQs

Can a NAS be used as a Plex server hardware?

Yes, a NAS (Network Attached Storage) can be used as a Plex server hardware. A NAS is a storage device that allows multiple users to access and share data over a network. Since Plex is a media server that allows users to stream and access their media files from anywhere, a NAS can be a great choice to host a Plex server.

A NAS is designed to provide storage and backup solutions, and many of them come with powerful hardware that can handle multiple simultaneous streams of media files. This makes them ideal for hosting a Plex server, which requires a powerful processor and large storage capacity to stream media files.

With a NAS as your Plex server hardware, you can easily store and stream all your media files, including movies, TV shows, music, and photos, to any device connected to your network. You can also access your media files remotely using the Plex app on your smartphone or tablet.

Overall, a NAS can be an excellent choice for hosting a Plex server, providing you with a reliable and powerful hardware solution for all your media streaming needs.

How much RAM is needed for a Plex server?

The amount of RAM required for a Plex server is dependent on the number of concurrent streams that the server will be handling. Generally, Plex recommends a minimum of 2GB RAM for a small server that will handle up to two streams. For a larger server that will handle more streams, the recommended RAM capacity increases accordingly.

For instance, if the server will be handling up to four streams, 4GB RAM is recommended, and for up to eight streams, 8GB RAM is recommended. Beyond eight streams, Plex recommends adding another 2GB RAM for every additional stream.

It is important to note that RAM is not the only factor that determines the performance of a Plex server. Other factors such as the CPU, storage capacity, and network speed also play a significant role in the performance of the server. Therefore, it is important to ensure that all these components are optimized for the best performance of the Plex server.

What are the minimum hardware requirements for a Plex server?

The minimum hardware requirements for a Plex server depend on the type of content you plan to stream and the number of users you want to serve. For basic streaming of standard definition (SD) content to a few users, a dual-core processor, 2GB of RAM, and 1GB of storage space would suffice. However, if you plan to stream high-definition (HD) content or 4K videos, you would need a quad-core processor, at least 4GB of RAM, and 4GB of storage space. Multiple users streaming simultaneously would require a more powerful processor and more RAM.

If you plan to transcode (convert) your media files to a compatible format for playback on different devices, you would need a more powerful CPU. Plex recommends at least an Intel Core i3 or equivalent processor for transcoding SD content and an Intel Core i7 or equivalent for transcoding HD or 4K content.

In summary, the minimum hardware requirements for a Plex server depend on the type of content and number of users, but a basic setup would require a dual-core processor, 2GB of RAM, and 1GB of storage space.

What kind of processor is best for a Plex server?

When it comes to building a Plex server, choosing the right processor is crucial for ensuring smooth playback and transcoding of media files. Generally, a server-grade processor is recommended for this purpose, such as an Intel Xeon or AMD Ryzen Threadripper. These processors have multiple cores and threads, which enable them to handle multiple transcoding sessions simultaneously without lagging or buffering.

In terms of specific models, the Intel Xeon E-2278G or the AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3960X are both great options for a high-performing Plex server. The Xeon E-2278G has eight cores and sixteen threads, while the Threadripper 3960X boasts 24 cores and 48 threads. Both processors also have a high clock speed, which further enhances their performance.

Ultimately, the best processor for a Plex server depends on your specific needs and budget. However, investing in a server-grade processor will ensure that your server can handle large media libraries and multiple users without any issues.

What type of storage should be used for a Plex server?

When it comes to setting up a Plex server, storage is a crucial factor to consider. The type of storage you choose will determine the performance, reliability, and capacity of your server.

Ideally, you should use a dedicated storage device for your Plex server, such as an internal or external hard drive, a NAS (Network Attached Storage), or a RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) system. These storage options offer high-speed data transfer rates, large storage capacities, and increased data protection.

If you're using a single hard drive, a solid-state drive (SSD) is a better option than a traditional hard disk drive (HDD) as it provides faster access times and improved performance. However, SSDs are more expensive and offer less storage capacity than HDDs.

If you opt for a NAS or RAID system, make sure it's compatible with Plex and has enough storage capacity to handle your media collection. It's also important to consider the number of users and the frequency of data access to ensure smooth and efficient streaming.

In summary, the type of storage you choose for your Plex server should prioritize performance, reliability, and capacity. With the right storage device, you can enjoy seamless media streaming and hassle-free server management.

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