Plex Server/Mini PC Advice

pointless martyr on 24/04/2023 - 21:08

hi im looking to grab something like this in near future as a workstation/plex server combo

https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/770280

already have an older 2011 HTPC with 5 HDD + SSD jammed into it, 26TB

wondering what others do for attached storage on these mini PC's - perhaps JBOD system such as this?

https://www.auspcmarket.com.au/storage-drives/drive-boxes-en…

looking to get a 8th gen CPU (so its sort of future proof for window 11) that can support 2 monitors - what do you guys recommend lenovo/dell/HP - 8/16/32 GB RAM - i5/i7?

dont need PC gaming capabilities, just ms office + heaps of browser tabs/ youtube/ kayo / plex video / itunes and the odd snes/genesis/MAME emulator

cheers

Computing Computer Mini PC Plex

Comments

  • Italkdigital on 25/04/2023 - 01:00
    +1

    Heads up Windows 11 works on older Intel systems, just cant do upgrade from Windows 10 but need to do clean install for Windows 11 to install 👍😁

    • pointless martyr on 25/04/2023 - 01:13

      yep understand that…just uncertainty over if/when microsoft will 'force' upgrades by making windows10 end of life/ stopping updates etc makes me lean towards a pricepoint for 8th gen…thanks for reply

      i run 2pcs that are circa 2011…. would like to have my next purchase remain feasible til 2030 and beyond!

      • Chandler on 25/04/2023 - 14:06

        Consider running Linux on it - you should be able to run everything you've listed there on Linux, although Office (if you stick with MS Office over the Linux offerings like OpenOffice or LibreOffice) you would (probably?) need to run via an emulator like Wine.

        • ihfree on 25/04/2023 - 15:12

          There are Linux native versions of most emulators, AFAIK.

      • Italkdigital on 25/04/2023 - 15:51

        Well Windows 10 obviously will still run after end of life but no security updates so obviously have to keep your server off the internet but i reckon this version of Windows 10 say compared to Windows 7 is/will be more mature on the security side (maybe for a very long time) and if no one finds any vulnerabilities for the OS will maybe be fine through the internet, not sure im no expert on OS builds, well really Windows 11 is in essence is Windows 10 but modified/upgraded so whatever apps/programs updates etc that run fine on Windows 11 will run fine on Windows 10 too, again but no security updates and again I'm no expert lolz

  • ihfree on 25/04/2023 - 01:15

    You could keep the existing PC as a home server - relocate away from where you work of possible. If you're running windows run it until it is no longer supported then switch to Linux.

    i5(as long as it's 6c)/16gb is probably sufficient based on your use, though 32gb may be beneficial. Tiny form factor may be sufficient.

    • pointless martyr on 25/04/2023 - 11:39

      thanks for reply - yes i am keeping it running but was looking to cover a few bases in buying a new work mini pc- more future proof/more processing power/lower power draw is another factor (550w on htpc) .

      ie, i want the work mini pc to be capable of 24/7 plex duties in future but have a bunch of hdds that need to attached efficiently.

      • ihfree on 25/04/2023 - 15:11

        You're not going to be drawing the full 550w at all times. There may also be power saving measures that you could implement with the current system.

        You could measure it and work out the price difference per year and the time to break even.

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join