When you are set to ditch your streaming services and build your own in-home multimedia server, yous have a lot of options. Investing in a prebuilt auto is a good pick if you aren't tech-savvy, but for an equivalent cost you tin can build your own Plex media server that puts any pre-built option to shame.

If y'all desire to buy the individual components and build a Plex media server yourself, you just need the correct parts. Keep in mind that this build is designed for operation, not price. The build may be a bit pricey, but information technology will perform admirably.

CPU ( AMD Ryzen 5 3600 )

Plex is more intense on the CPU than any other component. Your CPU requirements will vary depending on the kind of content you want to stream, the number of users, the exact version of Plex, and other variables.

Plex recommends a minimum of an Intel Core i3 or faster, merely if multiple people will stream at the same fourth dimension, look for a CPU with solid multi-core operation.

We recommend the AMD Ryzen 5 3600. At merely over $170, it has half-dozen or 12 cores, a base frequency of three.eight GHz, and a boost speed of iv.4 GHz—all for a thermal design point, or TDP, of 65W. Plex can utilize every core, but if you lot are only transcoding i video at a fourth dimension, it tin utilise all of the cores to consummate the procedure much faster.

RAM ( Corsair Vengeance 8GB )

Plex doesn't employ much RAM at all. For the boilerplate user, 2GB is more than enough. Of form, in the modernistic world, 2GB of RAM is just pitiful. Rather than leaving it at 2GB, invest in 8GB of RAM. Make sure the RAM yous choose is compatible with your CPU, however.

For that, we recommend Corsair Vengeance. A single 8GB stick tin exist purchased for only $xl and will piece of work with no compatibility issues with the Ryzen 5 3600.

Storage ( HP S700 | WD Black SN750 )

Even though it can be tempting to lean toward an HDD due to the low cost of storage, Plex operates best on an SSD. Your unabridged library doesn't have to be accessible all at in one case. You can ever use an external drive to access some media, provided you lot have a USB 3.0 port.

Without an SSD, yous run into lag while trying to navigate menus within the Plex software. Unfortunately, you tin't skimp on SSDs, either. When it comes to storage, you lot want a reliable make that won't neglect or decadent your data.

The HP S700 is a solid choice if you desire a SATA connected drive, with 512GB capacities available from $78. Keep in mind that its SATA connexion means it won't exist as fast as more modern connexion types, even so.

If you want an NVMe SSD, and so the Western Digital Blackness SN750 is your all-time bet. Information technology's pricier, with 250GB drives starting at $64, merely it ties in direct to the motherboard and gives you much faster admission to all of your favorite movies and TV shows.

PSU ( EVGA 600W 80 Plus )

Just like with storage, you do not want to skimp on your power supply. A cheap power supply turns your media server into a fourth dimension flop. You will besides desire to invest in a modular power supply. Although it is largely a matter of personal preference, modular power supplies are easier to work with to permit for more than flexibility in your build.

We recommend the EVGA 600W eighty Plus Ability Supply. For only $60, you go a PSU that is both ATX 12V and EPS 12V compliant and has an intelligent auto fan to continue your temperatures cool without compromising performance. Information technology has more than than enough power to keep a Plex media server going.

Disc Drive ( LG Super Multi Blu-Ray Disc Rewriter )

Wait a minute, you might say. It'south 2020—is a disc drive necessary? If you're going to transfer physical media to digital, it admittedly is. Since so many people accept massive physical libraries, especially if yous are just inbound the Plex globe, a disc drive is necessary.

We recommend the LG Super Multi Blu-Ray Disc Rewriter. It'southward $66 and fits in the likely-empty bay at the top of your PC example. You can employ it to rip Blu-Ray discs and DVDs to a digital format.

Case ( Thermaltake Versa H22 )

The Thermtake Versa is a "gaming" chassis, but all that ways is that information technology has a lot of airflow—perfect for a server yous may accept running for hours on terminate. There are up to six 2.5" bays for stuffing drives into and plenty of infinite to work in.

If you're new to PC building, you volition appreciate the space. If y'all're an onetime mitt at building a PC, then y'all'll appreciate the flexibility this instance offers. It'due south non the most bonny option out there (and not a not bad selection if yous want to RGB-upward your Plex media server.)

At that place are multiple I/O ports along the instance and a single, pre-installed 120mm fan. Combined with the CPU fan, this should be more than enough to keep your components cool.

Other Components

These are the main components to keep in mind while you build your Plex media server, simply others are non so critical. For example, the motherboard. While important, as long every bit it is compatible with your CPU and RAM, information technology'southward difficult to go wrong. The same goes for any other internal fans you lot want to invest in.

In general, Plex works best with Windows operating systems, although it has a broad range of compatibility with other systems including macOS and Linux.

The full cost of this build will run you effectually $400, but it will perform better than any prebuilt of the same price. If you want to endeavor edifice your own Plex media server, utilize this article every bit a guide. Y'all don't have to match it part for part, but go on the requirements in mind equally you cull your own parts.