Building a High-Performance Plex Server: Step-by-Step Guide

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. The Current Specs of a Plex Server
3. The Components of the New Plex Server
4. Building the PC: Step by Step Guide
   1. testing the Motherboard and GPU
   2. Installing RAM
   3. Connecting the Power Supply
   4. Installing the Wireless Card
   5. Installing the SSD
   6. Booting up the PC
5. Overcoming Snags in the Build Process
   1. Compromising the Case Integrity
   2. The Motherboard Doesn't Fit in the Case
   3. Compatibility Issues with the GTX 1070
6. Connecting the Cables and Cable Management
7. Configuring the Software: Setting up Plex
   1. Mapping a Network Drive through Windows
   2. Setting up Auto-Restarts for Power Failures
8. Conclusion

Building a Plex Server: A Step-by-Step Guide

Are you interested in building your own Plex server? Look no further! In this article, we will guide you through the process of building a powerful Plex server from scratch. From selecting the right components to overcoming snags and configuring the software, we'll cover it all. So, let's dive right in and get started!

1. Introduction

Welcome to this tech-take video on building a Plex server. We're excited to bring you this step-by-step guide on building your very own Plex server. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced tech enthusiast, this guide is for you. Let's get started by understanding the current specs of a Plex server.

2. The Current Specs of a Plex Server

Currently, I am using a Plex server with a Core i7-4771 CPU, a GTX 780M GPU, and 20GB of DDR3 RAM. This server pulls all the media from a TerraMaster 422 NAS, which provides a massive 30 terabytes of storage. While adequate for my needs, I wanted to build a more powerful server.

3. The Components of the New Plex Server

For the new Plex server, I've selected some high-performance components. Here's what I'll be using:

• GTX 1070 GPU
• 32GB Corsair Vengeance DDR4 RAM
• AMD Ryzen 7 2700X CPU
• Thermaltake Toughpower GX1 600W Power Supply

I purchased these components as a bundle along with the GPU, RAM, motherboard, and CPU for a reasonable price. Now, let's move on to the exciting part: building the PC.

4. Building the PC: Step by Step Guide

4.1 Testing the Motherboard and GPU

Before assembling the PC, it is crucial to test the motherboard and GPU. By placing the GPU onto the motherboard and connecting the necessary cables, we can ensure everything is working properly.

4.2 Installing RAM

Once the motherboard and GPU are functioning correctly, it's time to install the RAM. In this case, we have 32GB of Corsair Vengeance DDR4 RAM, which provides excellent performance.

4.3 Connecting the Power Supply

To power our Plex server, we need a reliable power supply. I've chosen the Thermaltake Toughpower GX1 600W Power Supply. Connecting it to the GPU, CPU, and motherboard ensures reliable power distribution.

4.4 Installing the Wireless Card

While not essential for Plex functionality, we'll install a wireless card for convenience during initial setup. This card will enable easy access to Windows during configuration.

4.5 Installing the SSD

The Kingston 480GB SSD will serve as the primary storage for the Plex server. Although we're expecting an M.2 SSD in the future, this temporary solution will work just fine.

4.6 Booting up the PC

With all the necessary components installed, it's time to boot up the PC. Although we won't see anything on the screen due to the lack of a display and connected SSD, verifying that it posts successfully is crucial.

5. Overcoming Snags in the Build Process

Building a Plex server is not always smooth sailing. In this section, we'll discuss the challenges I faced during the build process and how I overcame them.

5.1 Compromising the Case Integrity

Drilling out the hard drive bay to accommodate the motherboard was a significant compromise in the case's integrity. Nevertheless, careful cleaning afterward ensured no short circuits occurred.

5.2 The Motherboard Doesn't Fit in the Case

Due to a lack of compatibility between the motherboard and case, I had to make adjustments to accommodate the components. This illustrates the importance of ensuring compatibility before purchasing.

5.3 Compatibility Issues with the GTX 1070

Unfortunately, the GTX 1070 that came with the bundle did not fit in the case. However, I could replace it with a spare GTX 1650, which is sufficient for my requirements.

6. Connecting the Cables and Cable Management

With the components successfully installed, it's time to connect all the necessary cables. This includes front panel audio, USB headers, the 24-Pin power connector, and, in the original plan, the GPU power connector.

7. Configuring the Software: Setting up Plex

Once the physical build is complete, it's time to configure the Plex software. This step involves setting up Plex, mapping a network drive through Windows, and ensuring auto-restarts for power failures.

8. Conclusion

Congratulations! You've successfully built your own Plex server. In this two-part series, we covered the step-by-step process of building a Plex server, from selecting components to configuring the software. Stay tuned for the next video, where we'll dive into configuring Plex in more detail. Thank you for joining me on this journey, and happy Plex streaming!

Highlights:

• Building a powerful Plex server from scratch
• Overcoming challenges during the build process
• Configuring Plex software for optimal performance

FAQ:

Q: Can I use different components for my Plex server? A: Absolutely! The components we used in this guide are just examples. Feel free to customize your Plex server based on your specific needs and budget.

Q: Do I need a dedicated GPU for a Plex server? A: A dedicated GPU is not essential for a Plex server. However, if you plan to use your server for transcoding or gaming, a powerful GPU can enhance performance.

Q: How much storage do I need for a Plex server? A: The amount of storage you need depends on the size of your media library. Consider the number of movies, TV shows, and other media files you want to store and choose storage accordingly.