Plex is a great tool for those who want to stream thecontent they own on a variety of devices from different locations: be it asmartphone, a tablet, or a smart TV, Plex allows users to access their contentin the same way they stream movies from Netflix or listen to music on Spotify.
However, unlocking the true potential of Plex requires a dedicatedserver, and building a server can be complicated, to say the least.
Obs studio for mac 10.9.5. For many of us DIY’ers, the temptation is to go all out andbuild a server capable streaming thousands of movies to everyone in yourneighborhood—but unless you have unlimited data and an unlimited budget,building a massive Plex server like this is unrealistic. Checkers for mac online.
Plex Media Server is a digital media center and a media player that lets you access the videos, pictures, and music stored on one of your computers with any other computer, smartphone, or compatible device. Plex Media Server is an all-in-one media software system that stores and transmits content from a central location to all your favorite devices. Plex works as a “hub” for all your favorite media including Movies, TV Shows, Photos, Music and more. Plex Media Server is a user-friendly way to store all your movies, shows, and other media in one place–and make it accessible from any device, whether you’re at home or on-the-go. If you’re looking for a no-headache way to watch your movies anywhere, this is it. Plex is like mission control for your content. With our easy-to-install Plex Media Server software and Plex apps on the devices of your choosing, you can stream your video, music, and photo collections any time, anywhere, to whatever you want. Quick Start Video.
To use Plex, you don’t need an exorbitant amount ofhorsepower, and in many cases, people can get away with using a simple RaspberryPi for their Plex server and end up perfectly happy with it.
This article will cover everything you need to know forbuilding a budget Plexserver so that you can watch all your movies without ever having to getup from the couch. Furthermore, this guide will also teach you how to streamyour media from a remote location, which is perfect for those who travel anddon’t want to use local storage for movies and music.
What is Plex?
Plex is an application that allows you to set up your ownmedia streaming server. In the simplest terms, Plex lets you create your own“Netflix”, with the only caveat being, that, if you want to watch something,you’ll have to put it on the server.
This does mean that you’ll have to buy your content, be itdigital or on a disc format; however, most of us already have a nice collectionof DVDs and Blu-rays to start a server with, and by using Plex, those movies,TV shows, and personal recordings can be streamed to your smart TV or to any mobiledevice capable of running the Plex client.
Why Use Plex?
Netflix changed the game when it came to movie watching: nolonger did we need to go to Blockbuster, Hollywood Video, Redbox, or digthrough a giant tote of totally legitimateDVDs at the swap meet to find the movies we wanted to see.
Granted, Netflix didn’t have everything, but it had a lotand its library was always growing. However, flash forward today and streamingservices are popping up all over the place.
In 2019, we now have Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, Vudu, YouTube Movies, and more—lots more. If that wasn’t enough, Disney is launching its streaming service on November 12th, 2019.
While having options is great, having this many options is kindof a nightmare. Why?
Well, consider the divide that now exists between Netflixand Disney’s new streaming service. For the longest time, Netflix users wereable to watch movies from the MCU, but these movies are Disney productions andwill only be available on Disney’s platform once it launches. So, if youalready have a Netflix account, you’ll have to sign up for Disney’s service ifyou want to watch any of the Avengers movies, which is another $7 atop of whatyou’re already paying for Netflix.
While $7 doesn’t seem like a lot, we live in the age ofsubscription services, and many Americans are losing track of what they’vesigned up for. In fact, reports show that some individuals waste as much as$347.81 on streaming services that they’re not using, and the situation is onlygoing to get worse as time goes on. [i]
With Plex, users never have to worry about certain movies orTV shows disappearing from their libraries because the content on the server istheir content. Although the initialcost to set up a Plex server may be more expensive than signing up for asubscription, the long term cost savings of using Plex far outweigh the monthlysubscription fees required by modern streaming services.
With Plex, you’re only paying for what you want on the server,and once you have paid for it, it’s yours forever.
Setting Up a Plex Server
Installing the Plex server is incredibly simple—so if youalready have a machine ready to go, please check out Plex’sOfficial Quick Start Guide.
Cheap Plex Server Build
Building a budget Plex server is easy so long as we keep ourexpectations in check. Indeed, if you have an intensive use-case in mind, likesharing the server with all of your friends and family, then the budget-focusedcomponents recommended in this article probably aren’t going to cut it.
However, the tips in this article are more than adequate forbuilding a server that can handle direct play streams and perhaps 1-3simultaneous transcodes. We also don’twant to build ourselves into a box that we can’t easily upgrade; therefore,this guide is meant for those wanting to build a budget Plex server fromscratch, but who may want to upgrade their storage capacity, memory, orprocessor somewhere down the line.
For our specific product and component recommendations,please refer to the following list:
Please also note that there are other budget-friendlyoptions for Plex that don’t require building a brand new PC that are detailedfurther down below.
So, let’s get started with our how to make a Plex server guide!
Picking Your CPU & Motherboard
The CPU is the most important component of your new budgetPlex server, so we must pick the right one.
Even though this is a budget-focused build, we can’t stressthe following point enough: if you can afford it, try to splurge on the CPU, asa more powerful CPU will provide more longevity compared to a less powerfulCPU.
For example, the AMDRyzen 3 2200G processor can be bought for about $79.99, which is more thanenough power for handling 3 simultaneous transcodes.
Speaking of transcodes, we might as well discuss that for amoment. A transcode is when the Plex server alters the resolution of the mediaso that it can be more easily streamed. For example, if the original quality ofyour movie is 1080p, Plex can transcodes the media down to 720p or even 480p.Although transcoding helps remote users stream on slower internet connections,it also puts a significant amount of stress on the CPU.
As a general rule of thumb, you’ll need about 2,000 pointsin Passmark’s CPU score pertranscode. Therefore, if 4 individuals want to stream content from your server,the server’s CPU will need a Passmark score of at least 8,000 points.
The AMD Ryzen 3 scores 7,316, so 3 simultaneous transcodeswon’t be a problem, but anything more will likely overload the server,resulting in laggy playback.
As an added bonus, this CPU also has integrated Vega 8graphics, so there’s no need to worry about buying a graphics card just for theprivilege of hooking up a monitor to your server.
For the motherboard, we recommend the MSIB450M Gaming Plus. This micro-atx motherboard has plenty of expandabilityfor future upgrades, including up to 32 GB of memory, 1 PCI-E X16 slot forgraphics, 2 PCI-E X1 for SATA expansion, and even an M.2 slot for SSDs.
Memory
Plex servers don’t require an inordinate amount of memory torun, and Plex recommends at least 2 GB to get started.
Therefore, we recommend Kington’sHyperX Fury 2400 MHz 4GB, which can be had for as little as $20.99.
Hard Drives
Hard drives are critical components for all Plex servers, asthey will house not only your operating system but all of your Plex media filesas well.
For our budget build, we recommend the WesternDigital 4TB Elements USB 3.0 desktop hard drive. At this point, you mightbe thinking: wait, why an external hard drive?
As it turns out, this external storage solution contains aregular old 3.5 internal HDD; it just happens to be wrapped in a plasticenclosure, and instead of SATA, it uses USB to transfer files to and from theHDD.
And while you can certainly use this drive as an externalstorage solution, we feel that it makes more sense to remove the HDD from thisenclosure and install it as a SATA HDD inside your Plex server. This process,known as “shucking”, will save you tons of money, as an equivalent WDRed 4TB drive is far more expensive.
Why the price discrepancy? For starters, the regular Red 4TBdrive has a 3-year warranty compared to the external drives 2-year warranty,but besides that, there’s no functional difference. And while $10 might notseem like much of a price savings, take a look at the price difference betweenan 8TB Elements and a standard 8TB Red Drive. That’s right, there’s an $80 difference between these twonearly identical drives!
If you’re serious about putting together a Plex server,you’re going to want to know how to shuck drives from enclosures like theElements, and what’s more, how to mod them to be compatible with your server.
Unfortunately, shucked drives aren’t always compatible withmost power supplies and will require a simple mod—but don’t worry, it’s supereasy!
First, let’s learn how to shuck.
How to Shuck
Shucking drives from an enclosure like the Elements issimple, and to get started, all you’ll need are a few tools.
First, the plastic enclosure around the HDD is held in placeby a few plastic clips, and to access them, you’ll need a plastic wedge of somesort, typically one that is used for accessing computer parts like this simple ToolPry Bar Kit on Amazon.
Additionally, a simple flat-head screwdriver will work aswell, but be warned: to cash in on the manufacturer’s warranty in case ashucked drive fails, you’ll need to be able to put the enclosure backtogether—so we definitely recommend that beginners use a plastic tool thatwon’t scratch or break the enclosure.
Then, use the plastic wedge to gently separate the enclosurefrom the center—you’ll find the clips at each end (4 in total). Once the clipsare separate from the HDD’s plastic housing, you’ll need something to keep theclips separated, like an old credit card for example. And once all 4 clips havebeen detached, you should be able to slide the center of the enclosure out fromits plastic housing.
Once this is accomplished, all you need to do is remove asingle screw holding the internal HDD in place and bada-bing bada-boom, youhave yourself a brand new 3.5 inch HDD!
Modding Your New HDD
Due to power supply compatibility, you’ll need to cover the3.3v pin on your new HDD. For a quick visual guide, please check out thefollowing link: https://imgur.com/a/BFdmB
While this guide uses duct tape to cover the 3.3v pin, werecommending using KaptonTape, as it’s ideal for heat-intensive applications and it won’t leave asticky residue if you ever choose to remove it.
In addition, the tape linked above is pre-cut to the perfectwidth, so all you need to do is cut the length you want and apply!
Once this mod has been completed, this HDD can be installedlike any other HDD (you’ll need a SATAcable if you don’t have one lying around).
Power Supply
For a power supply, we recommend buying a PSU that has atleast an 80 Plus Gold Rating. While an 80 Plus Gold rated PSU will cost more,we feel that the added security of quality components is worth the price.Additionally, it’s possible to get refurbished or renewed units on Amazon for agreat price.
For example, check out the CorsairRM550x. For $39.99, you get a fully modular Gold Rated power supply capableof providing more than enough power for a Plex server. For a little more,there’s also the ApeviaATX PR 600W.
Blu-Ray Reader
If you’re planning on converting your physical media intodigital, you’ll need a Blu-Ray drive like the LGSuper Multi Blue Internal SATA Rewriter.
However, if you don’t plan on converting your physical mediato digital, this step can be skipped.
PC Case
Keeping expandability in mind, we like the ThermaltakeVersa H22 ATX mid-tower computer chassis. This computer case is compatiblewith both micro and standard ATX motherboards and can support up to 6 3.5’’HDDs.
Please note that to install 6 HDDs into this case, you’llneed an adapterthat converts the 5.25’’ drive bays to 3.5’’.
Additionally, this computer case has enough room for 3 2.5’’drives that are perfect for SSDs.
After buying a computer case, you’re pretty much done!
Total price: $350-$400
Not bad if you ask us, especially since these componentsoffer plenty of room for upgradability, in addition to enough horsepower toprovide 3 simultaneous streams.
Other Methods for Running Plex
Besides building a Plex server from scratch, there are othercost-effective methods for obtaining an in-home Plex server.
Using an Old Laptop or Desktop Computer
The cheapest way to build a Plex server is to not build oneat all, and instead, use an old laptop or desktop computer. If you only haveone main computer, you can still use it for Plex; however, you may experiencesome performance loss while Plex is running as it will require some CPUoverhead.
The overhead required to run a Plex server isn’t much,especially if all you require is direct streaming. However, if you plan onusing your Plex server to stream media from a remote location, or if you planon letting your friends and family have access to the server, you’ll need amore powerful computer—especially if the computer will be in use while Plex isrunning.
If you have a laptop or desktop computer that meets theserequirements, congratulations—you just saved yourself some money!
However, there are some drawbacks to using an old computer,especially an old laptop.
First, most laptops can’t be upgraded, so if your Plexserver needs a revamp, you won’t be able to simply upgrade the CPU, and in manycases, the memory (RAM).
Additionally, movies and TV shows can take up a lot of harddrive space, especially if you don’t plan on encoding to a smaller size andwant to instead maintain your media’s original quality. In fact, some 4kBlu-ray discs can consume as much as 80 GB of storage!
Plex Media Server On Openmediavault
And while most laptops come equipped with 256-512 GB harddrives, some of this space is likely to be used by existing files,applications, and the operating system itself.
This isn’t to say that you can’t expand storage; on thecontrary, plenty of Plex servers are composed of several USB drives or externalHDDs (like the Elements) plugged into a USBhub—it’s just not as convenient as adding a 3.5 inch internal HDD driveinto a PC enclosure.
Using a Streaming Device
Some streaming devices, like the NvidiaShield, make for a pretty capable Plex server. This device features two USB 3.0 ports andcan recognize external HDDs like the Elements mentioned earlier.
In addition to supporting external HDDs over USB, the NvidiaShield is also able to recognize USB hubs, making room for tons of storageexpandability.
Although it’s not the cheapest Plex client, the Nvidia Shield ispowerful enough to handle 3-4 transcodes, making it one of the most versatiledevices on the market!
Buy a Used/Refurbished Computer
The next easiest solution for obtaining a cheap Plex media serveris buying a refurbished desktop computer, like the DellOptiPlex 7010 SFF Desktop PC.
This computer comes with a 3.2 GHz Intel Core i5, 8GB ofmemory, and a 250 GB HDD spinning at 7200 RPM. And at $162.89, it’s anincredible value for what you’re getting.
While it’s tempting to simply go this route, there are somecaveats to be aware of: first, this computer doesn’t offer a lot in the way ofupgradeability (only 1 internal 3.5’’ HDD slot), and second, even though thisproduct is backed by Amazon’s 90-day guarantee, there’s a chance that somethingmight go wrong after this warranty period has ended.
That being said, many Plex enthusiasts do choose to use thisoption, and are pretty happy about the cost-savings!
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Plex Media Server is a very useful application that will help you manage and stream your media to the Media Center.
With Plex Media Server, you can organize your movies, pictures, music and TV shows in order to access them easily and fast.
Features and highlights
- Make your media beautiful
- Keeps track of your media
- Available on most devices
- Works on Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Google TV, Xbox, VIZIO and many late-model smart TVs
- Control the media that your friends and family can access, both in and out of the home
- Photos from your phone or tablet can be wirelessly synced to Plex automatically thanks to Camera Upload
- Create your own customized music or video playlists to fit any occasion, including smart playlists based on genre, collection, and more
- Movie trailers, interviews, and other extras
Plex Media Server 1.22.2.4282 on 32-bit and 64-bit PCs
This download is licensed as freeware for the Windows (32-bit and 64-bit) operating system on a laptop or desktop PC from media servers without restrictions. Plex Media Server 1.22.2.4282 is available to all software users as a free download for Windows. It's free to use, but some features within the application are limited as the program is classed as 'Freemium'.
Filed under:Plex Media Server Release Notes
- Plex Media Server Download
- Freeware Media Servers
- Major release: Plex Media Server 1.22
- Media Serving Software