Macbook Pro as Plex server

[Donut417]

What do I need to consider if I decided to repurpose my 2020 Macbook Pro in to a Plex server? The machine has a 10th gen i5 and 16 gigs of ram. Im looking to hopefully lower my power requirements as DTE just raised rates. 

 

Do I need to buy a laptop cooler? Also is there anything to consider with mounting network storage as my data is stored on a NAS? 

[Electronics Wizardy]

I'd get wired networking. Shouldn't need extra cooling other than not blocking vents. Generally plex doesn't push a system to the limit for extended periods. I'd probably leave macOS on it. 

[Needfuldoer]

USB storage is sub-optimal, but I can't think of a reason it wouldn't work as a Plex server. 

[Donut417]

1 hour ago, Electronics Wizardy said:

I'd get wired networking. Shouldn't need extra cooling other than not blocking vents. Generally plex doesn't push a system to the limit for extended periods. I'd probably leave macOS on it. 

Yeah was going to get a USB C to Ethernet adapter.  Was planning on using MacOS. I am doing 2 to 3 transcodes at once for refrence. Though not all the time, there are times to server is idle and other times both family members are using it to watch Live TV. 

 

This setup is likely temporary. Im waiting on the FCC to make a god damn descsion on the state of ATSC 1.0/3.0. Final comments for the encryption issue closed a few days ago..... depending on their decision will impact what the next server may be. 

 

28 minutes ago, Needfuldoer said:

USB storage is sub-optimal, but I can't think of a reason it wouldn't work as a Plex server. 

Never said anything about USB storage. Clearly laid out that I was using a NAS. 

[Omon_Ra]

If you already have SMB setup for accessing the NAS, it's just mapping/adding the SMB share.

 

Intel has QuickQync, so as far as transcoding and playback it should be fine. Depends on your source files and how you have Plex handle local/remote playback. I'd review the encode/decode support for your CPU to make sure you won't run into possibly wonky/poor playback with certain file types, AV1 in particular. But the most common codecs are supported.

[Needfuldoer]

28 minutes ago, Donut417 said:

Clearly laid out that I was using a NAS. 

Hey I've spent the last two days digging out from a blizzard.

 

That should be fine for the media files. You definitely want local flash storage for the database and metadata though (thumbnails, posters, etc).

[Donut417]

2 minutes ago, Needfuldoer said:

Hey I've spent the last two days digging out from a blizzard.

 

That should be fine for the media files. You definitely want local flash storage for the database and metadata though (thumbnails, posters, etc).

The machine has a 512 gig SSD. 

 

8 minutes ago, Omon_Ra said:

If you already have SMB setup for accessing the NAS, it's just mapping/adding the SMB share.

 

Intel has QuickQync, so as far as transcoding and playback it should be fine. Depends on your source files and how you have Plex handle local/remote playback. I'd review the encode/decode support for your CPU to make sure you won't run into possibly wonky/poor playback with certain file types, AV1 in particular. But the most common codecs are supported.

If my i5 3570k can do it, I’m sure the MacBook can. Was mostly worried about overheating the machine. Plus we are talking OTA TV which is mostly SD content with a little HD sprinkled in. 
 

I’m not sure if SMB is setup. As I’m using NFS on my current server. 

[Omon_Ra]

6 minutes ago, Donut417 said:

If my i5 3570k can do it, I’m sure the MacBook can. Was mostly worried about overheating the machine. Plus we are talking OTA TV which is mostly SD content with a little HD sprinkled in. 
 

I’m not sure if SMB is setup. As I’m using NFS on my current server. 

I wouldn't be too concerned with heat. IIRC QuickSync on its own doesn't really generate a ton of heat/power draw, even though it's part of the CPU package. I'd probably dust out the vents and then either keep it standing on edge or raise it up off your shelf an inch or two once you tuck it away to help dissipate heat a little bit better, but considering it's likely temporary and Plex isn't really all that intensive, I think you'll be fine.

 

I am not familiar with NFS at all unfortunately, but I'm assuming it's just a matter of pointing your Mac to the hostname/IP of your NAS.

[Ha-Satan]

relevant

 

 

[jaslion]

6 hours ago, Donut417 said:

Was mostly worried about overheating the machine.

Itll run hot regardless thats how these specific macbooks are. My only worry is fan wear as well the fans in laptops arent meant to 24/7 really. itll work fine for a plex server tho.

 

Just lift up the butt of the laptop a bit for better airfloe under it and call it good. Its the best you can do laptop cooler dont do anything better they rely on lifting up the laptop

 

6 hours ago, Omon_Ra said:

IIRC QuickSync

That is only available with paid plex.