Some people use a NAS device to hold and manage media alongside their Plex server, while others run the entire operation, server and all, on a single NAS device. If you’re familiar with Linux, try using a distro without a GUI to save computer resources and maximize performance. That said, Linux is ideal because it requires little maintenance and is very power efficient. Windows and macOS-based servers offer similar performance to Linux-based servers, so if you aren’t comfortable with Linux, don’t bother using it.

Plex works on Windows, Linux, macOS, and dedicated NAS systems like the Synology Diskstation. Of course, you can save a lot of money turning any old PC or laptop into a Plex server, but such a machine will take up a lot of space and use a lot of power. This computer should be small and power efficient, as it requires a wired internet connection and will run 24/7. The most important component of your Plex server is the computer that manages your media files and runs the Plex software.

What Are the Plex Hardware Requirements?Ī Computer to Run the Plex Media Server Intel, NVIDIA.

A Computer to Run the Plex Media Server.

Running plex in the cloud