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Would this mini pc be good for a Plex server?

3,515 830 January 4, 2025 at 05:59 PM Get AliExpress coupons
I have been using a old broken laptop for yrs as my Plex server and it is time to retire it.
I came across a GMKtec G2 that seems to me would work great but I am really out of the loop on these things. Any thoughts or suggestions? I realize I would have to get a us adapter.
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/32...nav-review
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eekster Pro
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Joined Dec 2008
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> bubble2 7,367 Posts
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jkee
01-04-2025 at 07:51 PM.
01-04-2025 at 07:51 PM.
Quote from eekster :
I have been using a old broken laptop for yrs as my Plex server and it is time to retire it.
I came across a GMKtec G2 that seems to me would work great but I am really out of the loop on these things. Any thoughts or suggestions? I realize I would have to get a us adapter.
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/32...nav-review [aliexpress.us]
You can probably do better with a refurbished pc off ebay.
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Joined Apr 2014
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> bubble2 3,515 Posts
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eekster
01-04-2025 at 08:26 PM.
01-04-2025 at 08:26 PM.
Quote from jkee :
You can probably do better with a refurbished pc off ebay.
It wont be used as a NAS, just to host plex.
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Joined Sep 2017
L5: Journeyman
> bubble2 935 Posts
ChinaRider
01-05-2025 at 02:24 PM.
01-05-2025 at 02:24 PM.
Intel N100 is fine for a Plex server, within reason. It's not exactly a workhorse but it will work. It all depends on your use-case, meaning how many simultaneous streams, is transcoding necessary on any of them, etc. Subtitle burning is likely a no-go.

I'm a heavy Plex user but I run an old PC as a dedicated server so this is all speculation based on stuff I've read online.

At this price point I'd say jump and see, but personally I'd opt for a low-end dedicated PC... But that will be easily 2x the price if not 3x unless you have spare parts lying around...

You refer to using this as a 'server,' where are you storing your media? That can also have an impact on how much use you can get out of this machine as a server...
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Last edited by ChinaRider January 5, 2025 at 02:29 PM.
Joined Apr 2014
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> bubble2 3,515 Posts
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eekster
01-05-2025 at 03:23 PM.
01-05-2025 at 03:23 PM.
Quote from ChinaRider :
Intel N100 is fine for a Plex server, within reason. It's not exactly a workhorse but it will work. It all depends on your use-case, meaning how many simultaneous streams, is transcoding necessary on any of them, etc. Subtitle burning is likely a no-go.

I'm a heavy Plex user but I run an old PC as a dedicated server so this is all speculation based on stuff I've read online.

At this price point I'd say jump and see, but personally I'd opt for a low-end dedicated PC... But that will be easily 2x the price if not 3x unless you have spare parts lying around...

You refer to using this as a 'server,' where are you storing your media? That can also have an impact on how much use you can get out of this machine as a server...
Thanks for the reply. I ordered a little bit ago.
I have a 10Tb ext connected to my router that has worked fine the past few yrs, I just cant deal with the old laptop any longer. When a decent sale comes around again I be getting a ds923+ or maybe 1522+. Neither are very good at transcoding so I guess we will see how it works out.
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Joined Sep 2017
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> bubble2 935 Posts
ChinaRider
01-05-2025 at 03:48 PM.
01-05-2025 at 03:48 PM.
Quote from eekster :
Thanks for the reply. I ordered a little bit ago.
I have a 10Tb ext connected to my router that has worked fine the past few yrs, I just cant deal with the old laptop any longer. When a decent sale comes around again I be getting a ds923+ or maybe 1522+. Neither are very good at transcoding so I guess we will see how it works out.
I'm on my second Synology NAS, upgraded from 2-bay to 4-bay not long ago. I absolutely love them, but I don't use them to host my Plex server. I primarily use them for backups and my own 'cloud' solution.

I've heard plenty of anecdotes from people hosting their Plex server on Synology devices with success, just make sure you get one that has the hardware needed if you plan on running your server on it. They obviously are not all equal.
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