Budget Plex Server

[cjmcfarland]

I'm looking to build a plex server on a $300 budget. Here is my current parts list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/372n6

I would be using plex to stream content to my iPhone, Nexus 7, Chromecast, and Xbox. I don't think I would ever be doing more than one of those at a time though. I also don't think I would be streaming anything outside of my home network. Would the G3220 be able to handle the encoding? I would also be using this rig to store files and backup my Mac. I have a strict budget of $300 so please don't recommend a CPU that is much more expensive than this one.

 

[ewok93]

That should work just fine, but you can get a 1tb harddrive for cheaper than that 500gb one.

 

[fourstar77]

I'd recommend more than 2 cores if you will face any transcoding. Everything I've read is that cores are king, so the more the better as watching one movie may take multiple cores.

Here is what I built - All prices are from Amazon on about 3/31/2014. I know its over your budget, but you could shave some cost by swapping out the SSD for a 1TB drive and maybe targeting a bit cheaper processor (maybe FX 6300 with 6 cores).

Assumptions:
- Will install OS via USB drive or temporarily hook up a DVD drive.
- Will temporarily hook up a monitor, then access remotely via something like Chrome remote desktop.
- Use some form of UNIX.
- Will use a free media server software like Plex.
- Using a NAS for media storage, or onboard SATA raid.

$46.98 - Corsiar CX 430
$43.49 - Crucial 4GB (2Gbx2) DDR3 1333 Ram
$139.99 - AMD FX-8320 (8 core)
$40.79 (with $10 rebate) - ASUS M5A78L-M LX Plus motherboard
$74.99 - Crucial M500 120GB SSD (for OS)
$5.00 - Milk Crate
total = $351.24
* Additional media storage drive costs will vary depending on how much storage you need.

I used Windows 7 Home, but a cheaper option would be Windows Home Server for like $62 if you need a windows option.

Most of the forums recommend using Intel hardware, but AMD is so much cheaper and most people say having enough cores is key. This AMD chip has a much higher TWP (like 145 vs like 85ish for intel 4550K), but it costs less than half as much. Also, you get 8 cores instead of 4 cores hyper threaded. I have been using milk creates for litecoin rigs for a while now and they work great for a server that is going to sit in your basement out of sight. They allow great air flow/component access and are really cheap. I use a KVM switch between my 2 litecoin rigs and 1 Plex media server so I only need one monitor.

With this setup, I've been able to stream through my Roku 3, as well as to various Android and iOS devices simultaneously. Have not yet experienced any stuttering, even with transcoding a 25+GB blu ray file (in MKV format).

Hope this helps.