Best Computer For Plex Media Server

Best Computer For Plex Media Server
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Do you want to know what the best computer for Plex media server is? We’ve identified 6 of them from our extensive market research. Each of the computers featured here has just the right specs to serve you well. However, the 2021 Newest HP Pavilion outranks the rest due to its unique features, overall ratings, and reviews from verified purchases.

Nonetheless, we understand that your preferences might be quite different from ours.

Hence, the reason we included five other viable options to give you the flexibility of choice to decide what the best computer for Plex media server is for you.

Table Of Comparison For The Best Computer For Plex Media Server

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S/NProduct NameProduct ImageProduct Specifications
12021 Newest HP PavilionCPU: AMD 6-Core Ryzen 5 3500 Processor

RAM: 8 GB

Operating System: Windows 10 Home

Storage: 256 GB SSD

Form: Tower Computer
2CHUWI HeroBox ProCPU: Dual-Core Intel Jasper Lake N4500 Processor

RAM: 8 GB

Operating System: Windows 10

Storage: 256 GB SSD (Expandable up to 2 TB)

Form: Mini PC
3Beelink T4 ProCPU: Intel Celeron N3350

RAM: 4 GB

Operating System: Windows 10

Storage: 64 GB eMMC

Form: Mini PC
4Beelink SEI8CPU: Intel i5-8279U

RAM: 16 GB

Operating System: Windows 10 Pro

Storage: 512GB SSD

Form: Mini PC
52019 HP EliteDesk 705 G4CPU: AMD Quad-Core Ryzen 5 Pro 2400GE

RAM: 8 GB

Operating System: Windows 10 Pro

Storage: 256GB PCIe SSD

Form: Mini PC
6Dell Optiplex 9020CPU: Intel Core i5-4570T

RAM: 16 GB

Operating System: Win 10 Pro

Storage: 1TB Solid State SSD

Form: Tower Computer

Compare The Top 7 On One Page

An Overview Of The Best Computer For Plex Media For Server

There’s nothing as satisfying as having your media library organized into the right categories and all in one place.

This way, you can easily find these files and retrieve them.

It’s even more satisfying when the organization process can be done automatically.

Now, the Plex Media Server is a device that can help you achieve this.

More specifically, a Plex Media Server is a free media server software that turns all your media files into an organized media library that you can access on any compatible device.

Plex media server, or Plex software as it is commonly called, is a very handy tool for music, movies, or TV shows enthusiasts.

This software requires a compatible device to allow you to view your media files (music, movies, or tv shows) on any device.

This device is usually a network-attached storage device (NAS) or another device on which you’ve uploaded and saved these media files.

With the media files uploaded to the device, all you need to do is download and install the Plex Media Server software.

Afterward, sign up so you can start enjoying the features of this software.

Now, whatever device/platform you install this software has to be one that’s compatible to run it.

There are several devices/platforms that are compatible with the Plex Media Server, e.g., desktop computers, laptops, tablets, Android. 

However, our major focus here is on computers- what computers can run the Plex Media Server software conveniently.

This brings us to the important considerations we need to consider when buying a computer to run Plex Media Server software.

Things To Consider When Buying The Best Computer For Plex Media Server

The computer is the hardware /platform on which you run the software- Plex Media Software.

With this setup, the computer becomes the central server from which you can access all your media content on other compatible devices on or off the internet.

Fortunately, the flex software works with almost all devices.

Nevertheless, for a more enjoyable user experience, it’s best to get a computer with the right requirements for your Plex Media Server software.

The basic requirements include;

CPU

The CPU is an important aspect of all computer operations.

Without it, you can’t control other features of the device efficiently.

So, it’s essential to also consider this spec in any computer you intend to use to run the Plex media server.

Fortunately, you don’t need a high-end CPU to run the Plex media server.

Hence, a computer with an i3 CPU or more would efficiently handle the demands of the Plex media server.

RAM

You also do not need large-sized RAM to run Plex on your computer effectively. 

Therefore, if what you can afford is 2GB RAM, you’re good to go.

Nevertheless, it wouldn’t hurt you to invest in something higher, maybe 4GB or more, if you can afford it- the bigger, the better.

Storage

Whatever computer you decide to buy to run Plex has to have sufficient storage space.

This is because the computer will contain your media library.

Given this, you can’t settle for a small storage capacity.

Thus, consider getting a laptop with a decent amount of storage.

Either SSD or HDD would be fine, but as you already know, SSD always offers better storage performance compared to HDD.

Operating System

The Plex Media Software is compatible with any modern operating system such as Windows, Mac, or Linux.

Power Supply

To view content from your computer via Plex media, you’ll need the computer powered on.

So, you’ll need this computer to stay on for as long as you may want to assess your media files.

Given, this you’ll need constant power supply to the computer.

So, you can either get a computer with long-lasting battery life or invest in a suitable backup power supply for your device.

Type Of Computer

Now, there are different types of computers.

Also, the Plex media software is compatible with most modern computers.

Therefore, you’ll need to decide what type of computer you’d want to use to stream movies via the Plex media server.

Since you would most likely be using the computer to stream your personal media library, you need a personal computer.

Given this, your options include; desktop computer, laptop, tablet, etc.

However, our focus in this blog post is on mini-computers.

Ports

When using a mini-computer, you also need a display and interaction interface.

The only way to get this is by connecting the display and control device to the mini-computer via some dedicated ports.

So, you need to make sure that whatever computer you want to buy to run plex media software has the right connectivity ports to allow you to connect to a display device.

Internet

Certain aspects or features of the Plex media server require you to have the internet to function.

For these, you’ll need to ensure that you have access to a stable internet connection when thinking of buying a computer for the Plex media server.

Your Budget

Above all, it all boils down to funds.

Therefore you need to decide on how much you’re willing to spend on buying a computer.

The only question that would be left to answer would be which computer should you buy?

And that’s what we address in the next section below.

Best Computers For Plex Media Server

1. 2021 Newest HP Pavilion Desktop Computer

 This is a desktop tower computer that offers excellent performance.

It can serve as your computer for the Plex media server.

You can also enjoy impressive gaming performance from this device.

CPU

Firstly, it features a powerful AMD 6-Core Ryzen 5 3500 Processor.

This processor is more powerful than the HP Pavilion desktop computer with an Intel Core i5-9400 processor.

Overall, this processor is strong enough to handle the most complex operations, from high-end gaming to server setup.

RAM

Furthermore, this desktop computer comes with 8 GB DDR4 RAM.

This is more than the standard RAM size of 2 GB required to run Plex media software.

Hence, you can run the Plex media software effectively and perform other major computing and multitasking operations with this desktop computer.

Storage

The 2021 Newest HP Pavilion gaming desktop computer offers a storage space of 256GB PCIe NVMe SSD.

This is quite sufficient for storing all of your media files and installing Plex media software.

Even more, it comes with a special HP 3 in 1 media card reader slot.

This is an additional storage option for you as you can easily store all your media files in a media card and access it via the media card reader slot.

Operating System

The operating system that manages all other software operations on this desktop computer is a Windows 10 home.

The Windows operating system is one of the best in the market.

Hence, you can rest assured that you’ll enjoy smooth interface and operation of any software installed on this computer, including Plex Media Software.

Ports/Connectivity

The 2021 Newest HP laptop also comes with a rich selection of useful ports and connectivity options.

These include; USB 3.1, USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-C, USB 2.0, HDMI, headphone/Microphone combo, DVI-D, DisplayPort, 5.1 Surround Sound Output ports, Realtek WiFi 5, and Bluetooth 4.2 Combo.

Other Features

In addition to the above features, this computer also has an attractive design.

It’s a tower computer with green LED lighting at the bottom that beautifully complements the overall look of the computer.

Lastly, it weighs ‎13.14 pounds, and it comes with an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 GPU to handle the not-so-demanding graphics content.

Pros

  • It offers excellent performance.
  • Also, it offers enough display ports and connectivity options.
  • It is quite portable.
  • Lastly, it is quite affordable.

Cons

  • Its cooling fans are a bit loud under high-demanding tasks.
  • Also, storage size is not so impressive.

Final Verdict

For its price range, it’s an excellent computer that can run Plex media software and do more.

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2. CHUWI HeroBox Pro

This is yet another excellent performing and portable computer that finds its way to our list of the best computer for Plex media.

Overall, it has enough performance power to function as your dedicated computer for running Plex media software.

CPU

It has an Intel Jasper Lake N4500 Dual-Core Processor.

This processor will efficiently handle the processing demands of the Plex media software and any other basic multitasking activities.

RAM

Furthermore, it has 8GB DDR4 RAM to support the processor in executing tasks.

Storage

The CHUWI HeroBox Pro offers a storage space of 256 GB SSD.

Need more storage than this? Not to worry.

The HeroBox offers options to expand your storage capabilities on this computer.

It supports SATA up to 2 TB and a TF card of up to 128 GB.

Operating System

This mini PC operates with the Window 10 OS.

Ports/Connectivity

Besides the SATA and TF card ports, this computer also has 2 USB 2.0 ports, 2 USB 3.0 Type-c VGA, and HD ports.

Specifically, the HD port can handle 4K, 60 FPS videos.

Hence, you should have no problem viewing high-end graphical content with this computer.

It also supports wireless connectivity thanks to its fast Dual-Band 2.4G+5G WiFi.

Other Features

It has a premium look, and it is designed to be placed both ways (horizontally or vertically).

Even more, it can be mounted on a VESA wall mount.

Furthermore, it can handle 4096x 2160 resolution visual content at a 60Hz refresh rate.

This is all thanks to its Intel UHD Graphics 600 Gen9 12EU, 700MHz.

Hence, this computer will be great for streaming 4k videos.

Lastly, it weighs ‎3.1 pounds.

Pros

  • It offers excellent performance.
  • More so, it can handle high-quality visual content.
  • Likewise, it offers multiple storage options.
  • It is portable, lightweight, and compact.

Cons

  • Processing speed is not so fast.

Final Verdict

It is a portable and efficient computer for streaming media files via Plex Media software.

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3. Beelink T4 Pro Mini PC 

This is also one of the best mini PCs on this list of the best computer for Plex media software.

CPU

Any Intel processor can conveniently handle the demands of the Plex media software.

Hence, this computer’s dual cores Intel Celeron N3350 processor with a maximum frequency of 2.4Ghz would serve you well.

RAM

It features 4GB DDR RAM.

Storage

The storage here is not the best as it comes with 64 GB eMMC storage.

This is also a fast and efficient storage type.

However, its size is quite small, especially if you have lots of large files to save.

Nevertheless, if you don’t need to save many files, then you’ll be just fine with this computer.

Operating System

It has a Windows 10 operating system.

Ports/Connectivity

Fortunately, there’s an abundance of ports on this computer.

Given this, you should have no problem connecting this computer to other essential hardware components.

To be more specific, it features the following ports; 4 USB3.0 ports, 1 x DC Jack, 1 x RJ45 1000M, 2 x HDMI, and 1 x Audio Jack (HP&MIC).

Likewise, it has 2.4G+5.8G dual-band WiFi and Bluetooth 4.0 for wireless connectivity.

Other Features

This computer has an ultra-portable and stylish design.

Also, it comes with an Intel HD Graphics 500 that supports 4k HD video, and it weighs ‎1.28 pounds.

Pros

  • It is portable and very lightweight.
  • Likewise, it is easy to set up and use.
  • Operates quietly.
  • Lastly, it is affordable.

Cons

  • Tends to lag while streaming 4k youtube videos.

Final Verdict

It’s a good computer for streaming video files via Plex Media software.

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4. ‎Beelink SEI8 Mini PC

This is yet another computer for Plex media software from Beelink.

It is stylish, compact, and efficient.

CPU

It comes with a high-performing 8th Gen Quad-core Intel Coffee Lake i5-8279U with a minimum frequency of 2.4GHz  and a maximum frequency of 4.1Ghz.

This is a fast and efficient processor with enough processing power to handle your computer’s entertainment, gaming, and work activities. 

RAM

It features a large-sized RAM of 16 GB.

Even more impressive is the fact that the memory is upgradeable because this computer has 2 memory slots. 

Hence, you can upgrade its memory to 32 GB for higher memory performance.

Storage

It also has an impressive storage capacity of 512 GB.

Like the RAM, the main storage is also upgradable to up to 2 TB.

Operating System

The Beelink SEI8 Mini PC comes with a Windows 10 Pro 64 bit operating system.

Ports/Connectivity

It has 4 USB 3.0, 2 HDMI (supports 4k display), 1 USB Type-C, ports for connecting to other devices.

More so, it supports Ethernet, WiFi (WiFi 5), Bluetooth ( BT5.0).

Other Features

Due to its compact nature, it can be mounted behind a monitor.

Thereby giving you a clean and tidy workspace.

Specifically, it weighs as little as ‎1.9 pounds.

Lastly, it features an Intel Iris Plus Graphics 655 graphics processor for handling light-end graphics tasks.

Pros

  • Firstly, it is lightweight.
  • More so, it offers excellent performance.
  • It is equipped with a large cooling fan that operates quietly.
  • It supports 4k videos.
  • Lastly, it features upgradable storage.

Cons

Final Verdict

It’s an excellent offer for the price.

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5. 2019 HP EliteDesk 705 G4 

Furthermore, on the best computer for Plex Media, we have another HP computer making it to this list.

This time we have the 2019 HP EliteDesk 705 G4. 

CPU

This computer has an AMD Quad-Core Ryzen 5 Pro 2400GE processor with a clock speed of up to 3.8GHz.

RAM

Furthermore, it has 8 GB RAM to support the powerful processor in executing complex tasks.

Fortunately for you, running Plex media software does not require much computing power. 

Given this, this computer’s 8 GB RAM will handle this operation effortlessly.

Storage

This computer offers 256 GB PCIe SSD storage for storing all your media files.

Consequently making it is a perfect fit for running Plex media software.

Operating System

It comes with a Windows 10 Pro operating system.

Ports/Connectivity

The HP EliteDesk 705 G4 features the following ports and connectivity options; Bluetooth 5,  USB 3.1 Gen 1, USB Type-C,  Headphone and Microphone, 3 DisplayPort, and 1 RJ-45.

Other Features

It comes with an AMD Radeon Vega 11 Graphics card, and it weighs only 2.77 pounds.

Finally, it comes with an optical drive that supports Blu-ray disc format.

Pros

  • It offers excellent performance.
  • More so, it is lightweight.
  • It also offers fast processing speed.

    Cons

  • It tends to overheat.

Final Verdict

It’s an excellent device.

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6. Dell Optiplex 9020 Desktop Micro Computer PC

At number six, we have the first Dell computer on our list of the best computer for Plex media, and it is a renewed computer.

Don’t let the word renewed make you skeptical about buying this device.

Renewed simply means a preowned device refurbished and repackaged with better compatible and fully functional components based on Amazon’s terms.

So, you can rest assured that this device will give an impressive performance relative to new models.

CPU

This device was rebranded with a high-performing 4th generation Intel Core i5-4570T with a clock speed of up to 2.90 GHz.

RAM

Furthermore, it’s furnished with a high-performing 16GB DDR3L RAM.

This is more than enough power than you’ll need to process your Plex media software.

Storage

As for the storage, it also offers a mega 1 TB SSD storage for your media files.

You can imagine all the large files you can fit in here without having to worry about running out of storage space for a very long time.

Operating System

This laptop is also compatible with the recent Windows 10 Professional (64 Bit).

However, it comes with Windows 10 Pro preinstalled.

Ports/Connectivity

For ports and connectivity, this computer does not disappoint either.

It features dual monitor support (HDMI + VGA) With HDMI Adapter, USB Wireless WIFI Adapter Bluetooth, 6 x USB 3.0, and RJ-45 ports.

Other Features

It’s a tower computer, and it weighs ‎5.59 pounds.

Pros

  • It offers impressive performance.
  • Also, it offers enormous storage space.

Cons

It has quite a bulky appearance, and it’s weighty.

Final Verdict

It’s an efficient computer that can run Plex media software and do more.

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Conclusion on Best Computer For Plex Media Server

There you have it, Six excellent computers for streaming Plex Media Software.

Decide on the best one that meets your fancy and get it now on Amazon.

Better still, you could go with our recommended option, the 2021 Newest HP Pavilion

Click the link now to get it on Amazon.