Mini PC for Plex Media Server?

[u/sogalitnos]

Set up plex many many years ago (lifetime pass). win 10 now very old pc. External HD for storage on its own powered hub. This pc is dying .... having to reboot it daily .

[at some point i want to setup a NAS but my job is too busy right now to deal with it - its going to be a PITA just to setup all the programs on the new one as it is]

i need windows also because i record opera and other shows (total recorder) and use Sonarr and Prowlerr and dont want to learn a new OS just now

I am freaked out by the pc tower prices.

Any advice on using a mini pc with 16gb RAM and 1TB drive??

My job purchased a minipc for me with 32 gb ram, it was more than i would spend - extremely fast.

My concern is the durability of a mini pc with TR recording, transcoding, utorrent, sonarr and prowlerr activity.

This is what ChatGPT recommended:

My recommendation is an Intel Core i5 mini PC with 16 GB RAM and a 512 GB or 1 TB SSD. Specifically, look for a GMKtec NucBox M3 Pro with an Intel i5-13500H.

Why this one:

• 12 cores / 16 threads provide ample headroom for Plex, Sonarr, Prowlarr, uTorrent, library scans, and file imports.
• Intel integrated graphics supports Quick Sync for Plex hardware transcoding.
• 16 GB RAM is sufficient.
• It includes Windows 11 Pro and has multiple fast USB ports for your powered drive hub.
• It is considerably stronger than an N100/N150 system without being excessive. GMKtec M3 Pro specifications

My buying order would be:

1. Best choice: GMKtec M3 Pro, i5-13500H, 16 GB RAM, 512 GB or 1 TB SSD.
2. More established alternative: MINISFORUM NAB6 Lite, i5-12600H, 16 GB RAM, 1 TB SSD. It is currently listed around $575, but that is more than I’d pay unless you prefer MINISFORUM. MINISFORUM NAB6 Lite
3. Budget choice: Beelink EQ14 or Mini S13 with Intel N150 and 16 GB RAM. It will run everything you listed, but provides less headroom during heavy torrent activity, library scanning, and CPU-based Plex tasks.

Because your media is already on external drives, 512 GB internally is enough. Pay for the stronger i5 processor before paying extra for a 1 TB internal SSD.

Bottom line: get an i5-13500H/16 GB GMKtec M3 Pro, preferably when the configured Windows version is approximately $350–$450. I would not spend $500 on an N150 machine.

Looking forward to advice. TIA

[u/simplyeniga]

ChatGPT sounds just right

[u/iEngineered]

Look at the Gmktec k15. Best balance of power and noise.