Plex Media Server is arguably the best media server that lets you find and access media content that matters to you. What makes Plex Media Server so versatile is its compatibility with everything from smartphones to TVs, streaming devices, game consoles, PCs and so on. But how much RAM is enough to run Plex Server without any issues?
However, while 2GB of RAM is the minimum requirement, it will help to have more RAM storage space on your device for a seamless experience.
So, whether you want to run Plex Media Server on a dedicated computer or your everyday computer, make sure it’s compatible with the server. This article explains more about how to get the ideal Plex Media Server PC.
How to Get the Best Device for Plex Server
Although Plex is a streaming service, it doesn’t work like other streaming services you know. With Plex Media Server, you can host and upload your content to its servers and share it with others. This way, you don’t have to depend on big companies to get content. And in addition to remote access to the Plex server, it also allows you to watch over 100 live TV, podcasts, or many web shows.
You need a compatible device to host or upload content to Plex Media Server. In essence, the device has to come with certain features. Below are the features to consider when getting a device for Plex Server.
Feature #1: Operating System
One of the things you want to look at when getting a device for a Plex server is the operating system. Although Plex Server is compatible with a wide range of operating systems, the device must meet certain requirements. For example, on Windows OS, you can install Plex Media Server on at least a 32-bit version running Windows 7 or at least a 64-bit version running Windows 8. Likewise, if you use 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 that you want to use that comes into play is the CPU. CPU requirements depend on how you want to use Plex Server. Things like media property and the number of people who will be accessing your Plex server, among other things, affect 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. Basically, most modern computers should meet this minimum requirement.
Feature #3: RAM
In addition to looking at the size of your PC’s RAM, 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 are to experience lag while running your computer. For Plex Server to work, you need at least 2GB of RAM, but the faster the RAM, the better. 2GB DDR5 RAM is better than 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, things can get tricky when it comes to storage units. You have different options. Two of the most commonly used storage units are SSD and HDD. SSD is 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 enough storage to hold basic application files, then get a faster HDD. This way, you can save yourself some cash and, at the same time, get enough storage space for what you need.
Final Thought:
Using a Plex server is one of the best ways to watch content. It doesn’t matter if you are using the free or paid version. You will definitely have fun. It is better than other streaming services because it allows users to host. Therefore, they can provide media content without consuming their data by uploading the content. They should connect their device to the Plex server and let the app do the rest.