Is There Any Raspberry Pi 3 B+ Deal? OR low powered 24/7 Server?

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  trankillity on 02/06/2019 - 15:58

  +1

  Really wouldn't recommend a RPI for Plex server unless you can guarantee that 100% of the clients you serve will be doing Direct Play/Direct Stream. You need a fair bit more grunt for transcoding.

  • 

    Enjj0y on 02/06/2019 - 19:47

    So what do you recommend for low power use? Wants to run server 24/7.

    • 

      Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 02/06/2019 - 20:43

      Old laptop off ebay with a processor with a passmark over 4500.

      • 

        Tnetennba on 02/06/2019 - 22:51

        I'd recommend an old dell / hp etc. workstation, e.g. optiplex 9010/9020 instead of a laptop.

        • 

          Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 03/06/2019 - 11:57

          @Tnetennba: OP requested low power use.

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            Enjj0y on 03/06/2019 - 11:59

            @Typical16-bitEnjoyer: what about power usage? I have 3-4 mini desktop sitting around but mainly worry about the age and power usage. What if power supply create problem or fire when not at home!!

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              Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 03/06/2019 - 12:19

              @Enjj0y: Was that a question or a statement? Not sure what you're trying to convey there.

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            Tnetennba on 03/06/2019 - 13:03

            @Typical16-bitEnjoyer: Fair enough but I don't really think they are that power hungry. Laptop isn't either really, at least not in the same class as a raspberry pi

    • 

      trankillity on 04/06/2019 - 09:41

      Depends on your budget/future uses. I personally went for a NAS that was capable enough to transcode most stuff except X265 (Synology DS418play). That way I have unlimited storage and a mini "server" to run some stuff (I'm actually using your exact use case of Unifi + Plex, as well as torrents on it).

      Another, cheaper alternative would be the nVidia Shield. It's a powerful piece of hardware that can run its own Plex server. Unfortunately it doesn't do the best job of being a Plex server with quite a few reported issues with it, but it's definitely an option - especially if you need a media player as well. Plus there's the added bonus of it also being an emulation powerhouse, being able to run all the way up to PSX/Dreamcast at full speed.