F5F Stay Refreshed Hardware Desktop Enhancing desktop for main purpose Transforming for Plex Server

Enhancing desktop for main purpose Transforming for Plex Server

Enhancing desktop for main purpose Transforming for Plex Server

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Chiller9592
Senior Member
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670
10-13-2016, 09:43 PM
#1
Hello, I hope you're well. I'm planning to refresh my old desktop and need some guidance on the process. I don't play games much—this machine is mainly for storing data and using Plex. My current configuration includes an Intel Core i5 4570 at 3.20GHz from ASUSTeK, a 24GB dual-channel DDR3 RAM at 775MHz (model from 2011-2018), a 1863GB Seagate ST2000DX SSD, a 2794GB Western Digital WDC WD30EFRX-68EUZN0 SATA drive, a 14902GB Western Digital WDC WD160EDFZ-11AFWA0 SATA drive, and a 931GB Seagate ST1000DM003-1CH162 SATA drive. It looks like my storage capacity isn't very flexible for bigger upgrades. I'm considering swapping the main boot drive to an SSD and cloning it, which should boost performance automatically. Since I'm not gaming but want a bit more speed and smoother transcoding, maybe upgrading to a new RAM module and CPU would help. If possible, the SSD could switch to an M.2 form factor. With your advice, what would you suggest? Thanks ahead! Ben
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C
Chiller9592
10-13-2016, 09:43 PM #1

Hello, I hope you're well. I'm planning to refresh my old desktop and need some guidance on the process. I don't play games much—this machine is mainly for storing data and using Plex. My current configuration includes an Intel Core i5 4570 at 3.20GHz from ASUSTeK, a 24GB dual-channel DDR3 RAM at 775MHz (model from 2011-2018), a 1863GB Seagate ST2000DX SSD, a 2794GB Western Digital WDC WD30EFRX-68EUZN0 SATA drive, a 14902GB Western Digital WDC WD160EDFZ-11AFWA0 SATA drive, and a 931GB Seagate ST1000DM003-1CH162 SATA drive. It looks like my storage capacity isn't very flexible for bigger upgrades. I'm considering swapping the main boot drive to an SSD and cloning it, which should boost performance automatically. Since I'm not gaming but want a bit more speed and smoother transcoding, maybe upgrading to a new RAM module and CPU would help. If possible, the SSD could switch to an M.2 form factor. With your advice, what would you suggest? Thanks ahead! Ben

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Shadowc8
Junior Member
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10-15-2016, 01:36 AM
#2
The streaming setup is either internal or remote. For Plex, I usually opt for the opposite: keep everything in a single format that clients can read, and use transcoding as a backup. It even offers an option named "optimise" for that purpose.
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Shadowc8
10-15-2016, 01:36 AM #2

The streaming setup is either internal or remote. For Plex, I usually opt for the opposite: keep everything in a single format that clients can read, and use transcoding as a backup. It even offers an option named "optimise" for that purpose.

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Macyxdd
Junior Member
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6
10-16-2016, 06:12 PM
#3
Thank you for your question. At home everything streams directly, so I don’t need much conversion work. Occasionally, my old AMP player and sound files cause issues when watching larger 4K videos. I use a Shield as my Plex Player. The main concern is for my family who have different setups, and they all need different solutions. My current system has worked perfectly for many years, but with more HD and 4K content coming in, I’m updating it to be more future-proof. I hope this helps clarify things.
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Macyxdd
10-16-2016, 06:12 PM #3

Thank you for your question. At home everything streams directly, so I don’t need much conversion work. Occasionally, my old AMP player and sound files cause issues when watching larger 4K videos. I use a Shield as my Plex Player. The main concern is for my family who have different setups, and they all need different solutions. My current system has worked perfectly for many years, but with more HD and 4K content coming in, I’m updating it to be more future-proof. I hope this helps clarify things.

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codebreaker475
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29
10-17-2016, 01:50 AM
#4
You need to mention him so he can notice your reply. (or quote)
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codebreaker475
10-17-2016, 01:50 AM #4

You need to mention him so he can notice your reply. (or quote)

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gavin_shaka
Senior Member
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535
10-17-2016, 07:24 AM
#5
Transcoding 4k has improved, but I still suggest focusing on optimization. Streaming a complete high-bitrate full quality 4k file remotely isn't practical, so it's better to stream a version that works at 4 Mbps 720p or similar. Based on their requirements and devices, achieving broad compatibility—like an H.264 stereo MP4 with compression—should be achievable without major challenges.
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gavin_shaka
10-17-2016, 07:24 AM #5

Transcoding 4k has improved, but I still suggest focusing on optimization. Streaming a complete high-bitrate full quality 4k file remotely isn't practical, so it's better to stream a version that works at 4 Mbps 720p or similar. Based on their requirements and devices, achieving broad compatibility—like an H.264 stereo MP4 with compression—should be achievable without major challenges.

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Ariiiiiii
Member
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63
10-17-2016, 09:00 AM
#6
You're asking about the specific optimization settings for H.264 stereo MP4 files. Are you referring to the available options within the optimise process, or is this a different context?
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Ariiiiiii
10-17-2016, 09:00 AM #6

You're asking about the specific optimization settings for H.264 stereo MP4 files. Are you referring to the available options within the optimise process, or is this a different context?

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