Best (Cheapest) option for a Plex server?

[marlman]

I have a WD NAS with all my media on but its not a model that you can install Plex on. So I have been looking for an easy cheap way to run a Plex server to take advantage of th Apple TV app.

Ths week end I was in my local Sainsburys and seen a Linx Windows 10 tablet for £100 it only has 16gb of storage but I bought it anyway

I set it all up and installed the Plex software and it all works fine, my Apple TV app finds it and it all runs reasonably quick.

So I was just wondering if anyone has a better or cheaper way of doing it?

I want to use kit I already own not looking to buy a new NAS.

 

[wlossw]

Any machine that runs linux can run plex media server... I believe you can even use a raspberry pi. Do you have any old pc hardware sitting around?

 

[felt.]

Rockstor has plex addon, it runs on anything

 

[Peepo]

How do these cheap machines handle realtime transcoding ?

 

[felt.]

from plex website

If you want very basic minimum suggestions:

• No transcoding: Core 2 Duo 1.6GHz (NAS devices based on ARM or PowerPC processors should also be capable of at least one stream with no transcoding)
• Single 720p transcode: Core 2 Duo 2.0 GHz
• Single 1080p transcode: Core 2 Duo 2.4GHz

 

[tgwaste]

These are great little computers. Throw Debian on it and go:

http://goo.gl/HJbnx3

You can upgrade to 8GB RAM 128GB SSD for ~$100 more.

 

[happyhippo1337]

The basic minimal suggestions seem strange to me. Not even my 3570k@ 4.5 GHz can transcode most of the movies that needed it on the fiy without stuttering.

 

[matrix07]

from plex website

• Single 1080p transcode: Core 2 Duo 2.4GHz

My 2011 MBA struggled on one 1080p files that's only 9 GB. The good news is I can play almost any files nowadays with no transcoding checked.

 

[wlossw]

Plex has introduced a new feature called media optimizer, that allows your machine to auto transcode to your most often used format ahead of time... A great feature for servers that can't do realtime transcoding... https://support.plex.tv/hc/en-us/articles/214079318-Media-Optimizer-Overview

 

[geesus]

Might be cheapest to wait and see if Infuse does everything you need without an external server (besides a NAS/network drive obviously)

 

[DNichter]

Might be cheapest to wait and see if Infuse does everything you need without an external server (besides a NAS/network drive obviously)

Agreed. Infuse would be best for you. No reason to spend extra money.

 

[UhFive]

Might be cheapest to wait and see if Infuse does everything you need without an external server (besides a NAS/network drive obviously)

I got selected for the Beta and can say, Infuse is great and I imagine it will meet most needs when talking about streaming from a NAS to the new Apple TV. Infuse has a nice interface and a pretty good following so I imagine it will be around for long time with regular updates. My only complaint about Infuse is the inability to stream to my devices when I am not on my home network, which PLEX offers and I find myself wanting to use often.

So I was just wondering if anyone has a better or cheaper way of doing it?

After spending weeks researching PLEX servers I realized I don't really NEED the transcoding on the fly as I have already converted most of my stuff to MP4, so I too am looking for a low budget solution for a Plex Server. I am looking at the older Mac Mini's on Craigslist and from what I've found, they are a great all around solution. Hook up an external drive to the USB 3.0 port in the back and hardwire the to the network and you should have no problems (or just point your MacMini to your NAS. A Mac Mini is not a cheaper solution, but likely a more reliable and faster option. Also as stated above, look into Infuse if you don't need transcoding and are only looking to stream to your ATV.