Questions about Plex

[Snoopy31195]

I am considering turning my old desktop into a media server and have been considering using plex for it, but I have a few questions for those of you who have used it before I install it.

 

1.The old desktop is an Athlon 64 3800+, which is a 2.4Ghz single core, with 2GB of DDR2 (I think) ram. It exceeds the minimum specs for plex, but I wanted to know if it will perform well?

 

2.The plex media server software is free and the android/ios apps cost $5. Is the application for streaming to a pc free?

 

3.Can I buy the app once for my family and they log in to their own accounts to access to server or is the purchase for only one account?

 

4.Is there an alternative that you recommend?

 

Thanks for taking the time to read this and I will happily accept any other Plex related tips you have.

[Cvdasfg]

I am considering turning my old desktop into a media server and have been considering using plex for it, but I have a few questions for those of you who have used it before I install it.

 

1.The old desktop is an Athlon 64 3800+, which is a 2.4Ghz single core, with 2GB of DDR2 (I think) ram. It exceeds the minimum specs for plex, but I wanted to know if it will perform well?

 

2.The plex media server software is free and the android/ios apps cost $5. Is the application for streaming to a pc free?

 

3.Can I buy the app once for my family and they log in to their own accounts to access to server or is the purchase for only one account?

 

4.Is there an alternative that you recommend?

 

Thanks for taking the time to read this and I will happily accept any other Plex related tips you have.

1. Depends what you consider well. 1080p and well encoded yes.. 4k no

 

2. yep just set up as a network drive

 

3. not sure sorry

 

4. nope plex is amazing. I run it as a jail in my Freenas and it works wonders

[Joshosaurus]

I am considering turning my old desktop into a media server and have been considering using plex for it, but I have a few questions for those of you who have used it before I install it.

 

1.The old desktop is an Athlon 64 3800+, which is a 2.4Ghz single core, with 2GB of DDR2 (I think) ram. It exceeds the minimum specs for plex, but I wanted to know if it will perform well?

 

2.The plex media server software is free and the android/ios apps cost $5. Is the application for streaming to a pc free?

 

3.Can I buy the app once for my family and they log in to their own accounts to access to server or is the purchase for only one account?

 

4.Is there an alternative that you recommend?

 

Thanks for taking the time to read this and I will happily accept any other Plex related tips you have.

 

1. If the server does not have to transcode it will be perfectly fine, It could probably transcode some things though.

2. The server creates a local webpage on your network that allows streaming and you can still use a shared network drive. (Also there is a free desktop HTPC app)

3. If you have plex premium (or whatever they call it) then yes but that is $149 or $5 a month

4. Personally other than setting up network drives I cant think of an alternative.

 

Do note that it does support DLNA streaming so you could use a Third party app if you want.

[SteveGrabowski0]

I am considering turning my old desktop into a media server and have been considering using plex for it, but I have a few questions for those of you who have used it before I install it.

 

1.The old desktop is an Athlon 64 3800+, which is a 2.4Ghz single core, with 2GB of DDR2 (I think) ram. It exceeds the minimum specs for plex, but I wanted to know if it will perform well?

 

2.The plex media server software is free and the android/ios apps cost $5. Is the application for streaming to a pc free?

 

3.Can I buy the app once for my family and they log in to their own accounts to access to server or is the purchase for only one account?

 

4.Is there an alternative that you recommend?

 

Thanks for taking the time to read this and I will happily accept any other Plex related tips you have.

 

1. You can't transcode HD with that CPU. Plex recommends 1500 Passmark per 720p stream and 2000 Passmark per 1080p stream. Your CPU has a Passmark of 1005. It will only be able to stream HD to a PC that has every video codec, every container already installed, so forget Roku or ipad/iphone/android. Also Plex transcodes anything with subtitle files present, so that will be a big no-no.

 

2. Streaming in your local network is free

 

3. You need to buy the app for each device you use it on other than a PC. If you want individual accounts those cost a monthly fee, not worth it to me.

 

4. Buy a better CPU/board/RAM for your media server. You don't need anything expensive, but you can't just throw 10 year-old low-end hardware at Plex and expect it to work well. An Athlon x4 860k should easily handle transcoding two 1080p streams, an FX-6300 three. Also all connections on your network should be with cat6 cable through a gigabit router if you want to stream 1080p.