1u plex/file server build

[Pugsport]

well im after some advice on part to use for a plex/file server and if it would be doable in a 1u chassis

id like to use it to store files and also like to use it to run plex at the moment because ive not used plex before i was thinking of going down the i3 route which means id be able to upgrade the processor at a later date if more power was needed for streaming.

im not really sure what motherboard and ram to go for as i dont need all the bells whistles that most of the motherboards have like sli and/or crossfire

the only parts i have found to use so far are
Chassis: - https://www.xcase.co.uk/collections...oducts/x-case-rm-140-pro-4-x-6gb-hotswap-bays
CPU Cooler: - https://www.xcase.co.uk/products/dynatron-k199-1u-active-cooler
Hard drives:- 4TB WD RED PRO or Seagate Ironwolf 4TB drives

 

[FTLN]

Cpu wise it all depends if you are going to be transcoding or not, are you going to be streaming from a remote location and will this location have low bandwidth ? If you are streaming locally then no transcoding is needed and you can go for a cheaper cpu.

 

[Pugsport]

Cpu wise it all depends if you are going to be transcoding or not, are you going to be streaming from a remote location and will this location have low bandwidth ? If you are streaming locally then no transcoding is needed and you can go for a cheaper cpu.

my plan is to have a small form factor PC in each location/room around the where content from the plex server will want to be used, so i guess server to PC wont require transcoding and i dont see at this point in time that people will be playing films via their phones or tablets.

the only thing i may find myself doing is every now and then watching a film on it round a friends via the internet but this will probably be once in a blue moon.

internal network speeds will be at least gigabit and i have fibre to the cabinet internet

 

[FTLN]

Then I guess your good for a cheapo cpu and 2 gigs of ram. This is even doable with a NAS. have you though about getting a synology, these run plex really well and even have dedicated hardware transcoding on the iGPU and would be much more power effecient.

 

[Kei]

Perfectly doable IMO. The only limiting factor by going 1u other than cooling will be disk space as 4 bays doesn’t leave any room for future expansion. Presumably, you’re going to go for raid 0 or an equivalent software version of it.

As to transcoding, my server is powered by my old underclocked phenom II x4 which does ok with one 1080p stream being transcoded. Never tried multiple streams and I’m fairly sure 4K is out of the question.

 

[sheroo]

I wouldn't bother with 1U unless your going with an Atom board or alike. The cooling fans tend to be 40mm and make an absolute racket, and you can't use a standard PSU.

Look at your storage requirements, work out how many drives you are going to need and start from there. Personally I would go i3 and 2U. You'll be able to use a standard PSU, with 80mm fan, chassis might have 80mm fan wall etc. Far more expandable...

 

[Pugsport]

thanks for the input guys and yes maybe your right i need to stick with a 2u or 3u case as looking to run at least 4 x 6tb drives to start with so extra room to add one or two would be good. not really sure on what cpu and motherboard combo would be good though

 

[sheroo]

Asus Prime B250M-C & i3 7100 gets my vote.

 

[Pugsport]

thanks for that mate. out of interest dose anyone know if smart tvs that you can use with plexi server require transcoding at all?

also it would seem now that the server may have to also host a charity website of my dads, unless you guys think id be better off putting that on its own system