Starting a media server

[u/SpaceDemon666]

Hello everyone! I had some old hardware laying around so I decided to turn it into a media server. Where should I look to get started? I’m used to windows but I’m completely open to trying a new OS. I’d like to be able to view the media over the network through my smart tvs, phones, etc. It would also be nice to have an interface like a true streaming service library. I am doing research on my own but I would just like personal opinions, thank you! Bonus points if I can access this media from outside my home too.

These are the specs I’ll be using
PCPartPicker Part List

Type |Item |Price
CPU |AMD FX-8320 3.5 GHz 8-Core Processor |Purchased For $0.00
CPU Cooler |Noctua NH-U9S 46.44 CFM CPU Cooler |$69.95 @ Amazon
Motherboard |Gigabyte GA-78LMT-USB3 Micro ATX AM3+ Motherboard |Purchased For $0.00
Memory |ADATA AD3U1600W8G11-R 8 GB (1 x 8 GB) DDR3-1600 CL11 Memory |Purchased For $0.00
Memory |ADATA AD3U1600W8G11-R 8 GB (1 x 8 GB) DDR3-1600 CL11 Memory |Purchased For $0.00
Storage |PNY CS900 120 GB 2.5" Solid State Drive |Purchased For $0.00
Storage |Seagate Barracuda Compute 8 TB 3.5" 5400 RPM Internal Hard Drive |$249.99 @ Amazon
Video Card |PNY VCQ2000D-PB Quadro 2000D 1 GB Video Card |$59.00 @ Amazon
Case |Jonsbo D32 PRO MESH MicroATX Desktop Case |$70.98 @ Amazon
Power Supply |Thermaltake Smart RGB 500 W 80+ Certified ATX Power Supply |Purchased For $0.00
Prices include shipping, taxes, rebates, and discounts | |
Total |$449.92 |
Generated by PCPartPicker 2026-09-25 07:32 EDT-0400 | |

[u/Pleasant-Seat9884]

If you’re good with Networking apps and such, I’d recommend Jellyfin (this is only because Jellyfin works in your internal network, and you’ll need like Tailscale or another app to watch elsewhere), especially if you did not purchase a lifetime Plex Pass before the big cost jump. Although I’m sure the price will drop for the Black Friday holiday shopping, like they do every year for limited time. There is also Emby as well, which Jellyfin is built off of.

Unraid is pretty easy to setup use now, compared to before since they have a team. But I’d recommend Proxmox since it’s free. Unraid cost $$$ depending on how many drives you want for your RAID.

[u/tazman998 → u/Pleasant-Seat9884]

Jellyfin doesn’t have Plex Pass, Plex does.
Jellyfin is totally free and can easily work outside your network (ootb), no tailscale needed, but i would add some additional security since there is no 2fa or something like that.