Plex Server Requirements: What You Need To Run Smooth Streams

Setting up a Plex Media Server is an exciting step towards organizing and streaming your personal media library. Whether you envision accessing your movies and shows on your home network or remotely, understanding the Plex Server Requirements is crucial for a seamless experience. This guide will walk you through the essential hardware and software specifications to ensure your Plex server runs optimally, whether you choose a dedicated desktop, an everyday computer, or a Network Attached Storage (NAS) device.

It’s important to note that Plex is designed for personal, in-home use. While technically possible, running a Plex Media Server from a commercial hosting service might encounter compatibility issues and is generally not recommended by Plex. For optimal performance and adherence to Plex’s terms of service, setting up your server at home is the way to go.

If you’re unsure about the best setup for your needs, the Plex forums are an invaluable resource for community advice and discussions.

Related Page: Plex Forums: Plex Media Server

Plex Media Server boasts wide compatibility across various platforms, including:

Windows
macOS
Linux
NVIDIA SHIELD
Netgear Nighthawk X10 router
Numerous popular NAS devices from brands like QNAP and Synology

Related Page: Is Plex Media Server on a NAS Right for Me?

Operating System Requirements for Plex Media Server

Choosing the right operating system is the first step in setting up your Plex server. Plex Media Server offers broad support for popular desktop operating systems, giving you flexibility in your server setup.

Tip!: Always ensure your chosen operating system is up-to-date with the latest critical updates and service packs for optimal security and performance.

Windows

For Windows users, Plex Media Server is compatible with:

Windows 10 (version 1607 or later)
Windows Server 2016 (version 1607 or later)

Note: Plex Media Server on Windows is designed for x86 or x86-64/x64 architectures, commonly found in Intel and AMD CPUs. ARM-based Windows systems are not currently supported.

macOS

If you’re in the Apple ecosystem, Plex Media Server supports:

macOS 10.13 High Sierra or newer versions.

Linux

Plex provides official releases for a range of Linux distributions, ensuring compatibility and ease of installation:

CentOS 7 or newer
Debian 8 or newer
Fedora 27 or newer
SUSE 15 or newer
Ubuntu 16.04 or newer

FreeBSD

For users preferring FreeBSD, Plex Media Server is available for:

FreeBSD 11.2 or newer

Note: When running Plex Media Server within a FreeBSD jail, ensure VNET is enabled. Resources like FreeNAS documentation offer guidance on this setup.

Hardware Requirements: CPU and RAM for Plex Server

The hardware powering your Plex Media Server significantly impacts its performance. CPU and RAM are key components to consider, and their requirements vary depending on your intended usage.

CPU Considerations

CPU needs are highly variable, influenced by factors such as:

How you use Plex and which Plex apps you utilize.
The properties of your media library (resolution, codecs, etc.).
The number of simultaneous users streaming content.
Whether transcoding is required during playback.

As a minimum CPU recommendation, Plex suggests:

Intel Core i3 or equivalent processor, or faster.

Tip!: While Plex Media Server might install on systems with slower CPUs, performance could be significantly degraded, leading to a suboptimal user experience.

For basic, single-user streaming without transcoding, a modern computer meeting this minimum might suffice. However, for scenarios involving multiple users or frequent transcoding, a more powerful CPU is highly recommended. Insufficient CPU power can lead to buffering and pauses as the server struggles to keep up with transcoding demands.

To better understand your CPU needs based on your specific usage, Plex offers detailed resources.

Related Page: What kind of CPU do I need for my Server?
Related Page: Why is my video stream buffering?

RAM Requirements

Plex Media Server is generally not RAM-intensive. For most setups, 4GB of RAM is ample. Linux-based servers can sometimes operate efficiently with even less. While 4GB is usually sufficient, having more RAM won’t negatively impact performance and can be beneficial if the server machine is used for other tasks simultaneously.

NAS Devices for Plex Media Server: An All-in-One Solution?

Running a Plex Media Server on a NAS device offers the convenience of combining server functionality and media storage in a single unit. NAS devices are popular for their energy efficiency and compact footprint. However, they come with limitations that might affect your Plex experience.

Related Page: NAS Devices

NAS Compatibility

Plex Media Server is compatible with a wide array of NAS devices from numerous manufacturers. However, compatibility varies across models. It’s crucial to verify compatibility before purchasing a NAS specifically for Plex. Plex maintains a compatibility list to help you make informed decisions.

Tip!: Always check the NAS compatibility list to confirm your chosen NAS device is supported before purchase.

Related Page: NAS Compatibility List

NAS Performance Considerations

The primary constraint when using NAS devices for Plex Media Server is often CPU power. Many consumer-grade NAS devices utilize less powerful CPUs, sometimes ARM-based, which may lack the processing power for transcoding. While some NAS devices feature Intel CPUs capable of transcoding, these CPUs might still be too slow for smooth transcoding in demanding scenarios.

Before opting for a NAS, carefully consider your transcoding needs and the CPU capabilities of the NAS device. Plex provides resources to help you determine if a NAS setup is suitable for your specific use case.

Tip!: Evaluate your transcoding needs and NAS CPU capabilities to determine if a NAS is the right choice for your Plex Media Server.