I have 3 kids using Rasberry pi 2 b+ with rasplex and then they all use there phones and Tablets, I use Plex on 2 Devices in the house and then my phone and my Girlfriends house. So that's about 14 Total Devices, I know some can Direct Play, but some will need transcoding. I am just not sure what "good affordable , ie under $500 Specs "are today in processors and Graphics cards. I understand all the expensive stuff is Generally good, just not what the affordable stuff will do, or which is best for this application.