The Plex Media Server is arguably the best media server that gives you the option to find and access media content that matters to you. What makes the Plex Media Server so widespread is its compatibility with virtually everything from smartphones to TV, streaming devices, game consoles, PC, and so on. But how much RAM is sufficient to run the Plex Server without issues?
Technically, using Plex can be split into two parts – the server and the client. The server is the device that runs your media, whereas the client is the device that streams the media. According to Plex, you need a minimum of 2GB of RAM to use the Plex Server efficiently.
However, while 2GB is the minimum amount of RAM needed, it would help to have more RAM storage space on your device for a seamless experience.
So, whether you want to run the Plex Media Server on a dedicated computer or your everyday computer, ensure it is compatible with the server. This article elaborates more on how to get the ideal Plex Media Server PC.
How To Get the Best Device for a Plex Server
While Plex is a streaming service, it doesn’t work like other streaming services you may know. With Plex Media Server, you can host and upload your content on its server and share it with others; this way, you don’t have to depend on big companies to get content. And apart from the remote access Plex Server offers, it also allows you to watch over 100 Live TV, podcasts, or several web shows.
You need a compatible device to host or upload content to the Plex Media Server. In essence, the device has to come with certain features. Below are features to consider when getting a device for Plex Server.
Feature #1: Operating System
One of the first things you want to look at when getting a device for Plex Server is the operating system. While the Plex Server is compatible with a wide range of operating systems, the device must meet certain requirements. For example, on a Windows OS, you can install the Plex Media Server on a 32-bit running at least Windows 7 or a 64-bit version running at least Windows 8. Similarly, if you use a macOS, the device must support macOS 10.11 El Capitan or later. You can also use Plex Server on a Linux device running CentOS 7, Ubuntu 16.04, SUSE 15, or others.
Feature #2: CPU
Another feature of the device you want to use that comes to play is the CPU. The CPU requirement varies greatly depending on how you want to use the Plex Server. Things like the property of the media and the number of people that will access your Plex Server, amongst other things, influence the ideal CPU that will work best for you. However, the minimum required CPU to run Plex Server is an Intel Core i3 or equivalent. Essentially, most modern computers should meet this minimum requirement.
Feature #3: RAM
Apart from looking at the RAM size of your PC, you should also look at the type of RAM, as this determines the speed of the RAM. The most common RAM in the market is DDR3, DDR4, DDR5, etc. The faster the RAM, the less likely you will experience lags while operating your PC. For the Plex Server to function, you need at least 2GB of RAM, but the faster the RAM, the better. A 2GB DDR5 RAM is way better than a 2GB DDR3 RAM. However, aim to get a PC with at least 4GB of RAM for better performance.
Feature #4: Storage
Since you will be hosting your media content, you must have enough storage space. However, when it comes to talks about storage units, things can get tricky; you have different options. Two of the most widely used storage units are the SSD and HDD. SSD is way faster than HDDs; however, HDDs are cheaper and have more storage capacity. If you can’t afford to buy a large SSD storage PC, you can buy one with just enough storage to hold basic application files, then get a fast HDD. This way, you can save yourself some cash and, at the same time, get enough storage space for what you need.
You don’t compulsorily need a dedicated GPU to use the Plex Server. However, a dedicated GPU will go a long way for hardware-accelerated transcoding. If the processing power of your PC is not powerful enough to keep up with the transcoding of your media, you will experience buffering and pausing as the app waits for the server to catch up.
Conclusion
Using the Plex Server is one of the best ways to watch content. It doesn’t matter whether you are using the free or the paid version; you will surely get entertained. It is better than other streaming services because it allows users to host. Hence, they can provide media content without their data usage skyrocketing from uploading the content. They must connect their device to the Plex Server and allow the app to do the rest.
