


If you plan to stream in 4K, you’ll need a pretty beefy NAS. This determines how many streams and at what resolution you can concurrently run. And a server hardware plays an important role in how well Plex will run.ĬPU: First, there’s CPU power.

Because you’re streaming media from your own hardware, everything from your Internet connection to the Plex client you’re streaming to and media file format affects the streaming experience. When selecting a NAS for Plex use, you’ll want to think about a few different considerations. What Should You Look for in Plex Server Hardware – Plex NAS CPU Requirements and More But servers are often less user-friendly as well as more costly. On average, a server will have more processing power, memory, and additional upgrade potential. With most NAS devices, there’s an onus on user-friendly set up.Ī server generally accomplishes the same feat as a NAS, although servers usually come in either more traditional desktop form factors or rack mount server footprints. Many NAS boxes from the likes of QNAP and Synology come with a proprietary operating system (OS), whereas a do-it-yourself (DIY) server might instead use a Linux distribution (distro) installed. Often, network-attached storage devices feature non-user upgradeable processors and limited RAM. For instance, a NAS box usually is a pre-built solution with a CPU (central processing unit), RAM, and harddrive bays. It’s essentially a server, but more self-contained. That way, files on a NAS are accessible on the local area network as well as outside of the network. What is a NAS and How Does it Work?Ī network-attached storage device is basically file storage that’s connected to the Internet.

Getting started with Plex requires a library of films, shows, and music albums which you can acquire through DVD, Blu-ray, or CD rips, a Plex server, and a Plex client. As such, it’s one of the best apps for cord-cutting. However, Plex added a slew of cord-cutting features such as ad-supported free, legal streaming movies and shows, the ability to use an OTA antenna for live TV and DVR functionality, plus web shows and podcasts. Then, Plex organizes your library with metadata and box art, and you can access your films, shows, and albums on any number of devices from virtually anywhere. Whereas streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, and Vudu host the content, with a media server you provide the movies, TV shows, and music files. You can think of Plex like a DIY Netflix or Spotify.
