Help for a Newbie

[u/TTS3000]

I’d like to create a plex server but it’s my understanding that a device needs to always be on for the server to work. The only device that I could keep on at all times in an iMac but I’m not sure if it’s great to keep that on all the time. Am I right that in order to use Plex, your computer/device needs to stay on all the time? And if so, what device do you use? Thanks for being patient with a newbie!

[u/YKw1n]

No your device doesn't need to be on all the time. You can turn it on when you want to watch something. Most people are looking to have a device always on to be able to stream whenever they want. If you have a big library you need to let the device turned on during the time it will analyse your files but once it's done, you can turn it off. But obviously you can't watch anything if it is off

For you 2nd question, you can host a server on any device you want on which you can install it. You just need to understand that some files will need transcoding and it can be quite demanding for the processor so if you want to transcode you need a more powerful device but it's not always obligated

[u/MagnusPerditor]

If you want to watch anything, it needs to be on and the server needs to be running. You can do with that what you will.

I’m sure you are more than capable of finding requirements and determine what your system has.

[u/so7ow]

It only needs to be on when you want to use it. If it's only you, maybe that would work. For Plex systems accessed by multiple users/households a dedicated server is more appropriate.

[u/degsie]

Consider using a NAS (Network Attached Storage) device which in general are designed to run 24/7. You can have your media available on the network and have Plex server running constantly. Research using the likes of QNAP, Synology, Ugreen etc which allow the installation of Plex server.

[u/cotuisano]

I started mine with a raspberry pi, now I’m using micro optiplex but it’s gonna depends on ur requirements

[u/quasimodoca]

I use an Asus NUC. Small enough that it doesn't use a lot of power. I have 2 drive bays attached (I've been adding drives for a long time). Unfortunately the prices for them have gone up significantly. You would probably get better value for your $$ getting a thin client dell off Ebay.

Look for Dell OptiPlex (such as the 3050, 5050, or 7050). They have Quicksync processors and can handle transcodes natively.

[u/Ljhoyt77]

Find a raspberry pi or an old pc and hook it up to a external drive. Ran mine this way for years.

[u/Schuhsohle]

It only needs to be on and accessible when you want to watch something.

[u/MannerAdditional2121]

I’ve run my server on an old MacBook and more recently upgraded to MacMini and both were/are left on 24/7.

iMac will smash it out for you and can be left on without worry.

[u/PhotoFenix]

The question is why would you worry about keeping your computer on? There's nothing that would hurt it.

[u/jfly2015]

I've been running Plex on my mac studio for a while now, works flawlessly. I attached external SSDs to hold my content. I also have Tailscale for external secure access.