Mac Mini M2 8gb vs 2018 i5 16gb for Plex Server

[MadMax65]

Hello, I believe the M2 with 8gb will be better but want to confirm.
Mac Mini M2 8gb ram vs 2018 i5 3.0ghz with 16gb ram for Plex Server mostly used directly connected at home but transcoding to 1 iPhone sometimes during the day.
Which is the way to go?

 

[JCsHands2]

Go with the M2 over the i5.

Is there a specific reason these are the two models you're considering? Are they both machines you already have?

 

[MadMax65]

Go with the M2 over the i5.

Is there a specific reason these are the two models you're considering? Are they both machines you already have?

Looking to build a simple Plex server for my son to use for himself and I picked up a 2018 i5 3.0ghz 16gb over the weekend for $120 but haven't had a chance to set it up yet.
It should be perfect for him but came across an M2 for $200 today and was wondering if I should go that route instead.

Update:
Gave it some thought and I guess I'd be paying almost 70% more for the M2 and I don't think it will make a big difference for his needs as just a Plex server and nothing else......thoughts?

 

[IJustWannaTalk]

The M2 means you won't have to worry about replacing it for YEARS.
My 1.4 GHz Intel Core i5 with eight gigs and an SSD runs plex just fine, with USB 3.0 storage.
I would definitely replace it with a $200 M2 Mac Mini if it died, though.

Helluva deal on that M2.

 

[MadMax65]

The M2 means you won't have to worry about replacing it for YEARS.
My 1.4 GHz Intel Core i5 with eight gigs and an SSD runs plex just fine, with USB 3.0 storage.
I would definitely replace it with a $200 M2 Mac Mini if it died, though.

Helluva deal on that M2.

You're running a 2014 1.4 i5 with 8gb ram and Plex runs fine....... that's great.

Unfortunately, the M2 turned out to be Activation Locked and so passed on it.

I'm sure the 2018 3.0ghz i5 16gb ram will last for a long time but will keep a lookout for any deals in the future for newer Mac mini's for him.

 

[Isamilis]

Looking to build a simple Plex server for my son to use for himself and I picked up a 2018 i5 3.0ghz 16gb over the weekend for $120 but haven't had a chance to set it up yet.
It should be perfect for him but came across an M2 for $200 today and was wondering if I should go that route instead.

Update:
Gave it some thought and I guess I'd be paying almost 70% more for the M2 and I don't think it will make a big difference for his needs as just a Plex server and nothing else......thoughts?

Second this. Go with i5.

 

[IJustWannaTalk]

You're running a 2014 1.4 i5 with 8gb ram and Plex runs fine....... that's great.

Unfortunately, the M2 turned out to be Activation Locked and so passed on it.

I'm sure the 2018 3.0ghz i5 16gb ram will last for a long time but will keep a lookout for any deals in the future for newer Mac mini's for him.

Ugh. Was a great deal.

He'll definitely be fine with what you chose.

 

[Che Castro]

Don’t get 8gb ram anything