Build a Plex media server with these Black Friday deals

Tired of paying for streaming services like HBO Max and Netflix? Black Friday may be your last chance to snag discounted Plex media server hardware.

It's worth noting that hardware transcoding and Plex remote streaming require a Plex Pass membership (or a cheaper remote streaming subscription if you only need the latter feature). If you don't want to pay for a Plex Pass membership, try using open-source Jellyfin, which is not subject to these restrictions.

Plex Pass Membership

Plex Pass membership is not necessary for Plex, but it unlocks useful features like remote streaming, hardware streaming, and skipping TV show intros. The hardware transcoding feature is especially useful because it guarantees streaming of odd file types that are not typically supported by client devices such as a TV or phone.

You can Save 40% on Plex Pass or Lifetime Membership until December 2nd with coupon code ANIPASS40. I suggest you purchase a lifetime membership if you think you'll be in it for the long haul—currently it's $150—or purchase an annual pass for $42 and upgrade to a lifetime membership next year if you end up becoming a Plex fanatic.

Get yourself a NAS or mini PC

Photo: Andrew Heintzman/How-To Geek

Technically speaking, you don't need to buy new hardware to create a Plex media server. Any old computer can do the job, be it a laptop or a desktop. Simply connect it to your router via an Ethernet connection, install the Plex media server software, and get started.

However, there are many benefits to using a dedicated device such as a NAS or mini PC. A NAS gives you multiple built-in drive bays and dedicated home server software, so it's the “easiest” option if you're really trying to build a long-lasting, scalable home media server. Mini PCs, on the other hand, provide a much better price/performance ratio, so they're generally a better option if you're on a tight budget or can't invest in storage right now (you can always plug in DAS housing Later).

Again, if you are using a mini PC or desktop PC as a home server, I highly recommend pairing it with external housing DAS for storage. You can also use a NAS as a network attached storage device for your mini PC if you already have a NAS and just want a mini PC for more transcoding options.

Brand

GREEN

CPU

Intel 12th generation N series

Memory

8 GB (expandable up to 16 GB)

Drive Base

2 x 22 TB

Ports

2.5GbE, USB-C, USB-A (3 pcs.)

This advanced network-attached storage device is changing the way data is stored and accessed via smartphones, laptops, tablets and TVs anywhere there is a network connection.

Photo: Jordan Glor/How-To Geek

Media servers require at least several terabytes of space to store movies and TV shows. You can get by with a small amount of storage if you're willing to regularly delete old media, but most people don't, so I generally advise you to go big from day one. Otherwise, you'll end up with a weird, low-capacity drive that you don't know how to replace later.

Any old 3.5-inch hard drive will work on a Plex media server—storage is storage, after all. Feel free to repurpose old drives if you want to save money. But if you are buying new rims, I highly recommend that you stick to NAS hard driveswhich are designed to last longer than conventional hard drives in a server environment. They also come with generous guarantees.

I must stress that using SSDs to store media on a Plex server is useless. Hard drives are the most economical option. However, you can benefit from SSD cacheespecially when downloading or transferring large files.

Credit: Western Digital

Storage capacity

8 TB

Compatible Devices

SATA

Brand

Western Digital

Spindle speed

5640 rpm

Translation speed

Up to 215 MB/s

The WD Red Plus line of hard drives is designed specifically for NAS use. This means the drive is designed for 24/7, 365 days a year use and a workload of up to 180 TB per year. You'll also receive a three-year warranty when you purchase the WD Red Plus drive line.

You'll need these accessories later – why not buy them now?

Photo: Corbin Davenport/How-To Geek

A NAS or mini PC is all you really need to set up a functional Plex server. But self-hosting is a hobby, and there is some additional hardware you might end up buying if you stick with it. So if you want to buy this thing right now, go for it. It's on sale.

The network switch is truly the most valuable thing here. Essentially, it adds additional Ethernet ports to your router. I have a NAS, mini PC, PlayStation and MacBook connected to my router via a cheap network switch, in case you're interested in hearing about the actual use of this thing.

Once you've collected all your Plex gear, I suggest reading up to prepare for the installation process. Plex is actually very easy to get up and running, but there are common mistakes that many beginners makeso it's best to do some research.

Type

Network switch

Manufacturer

TP-Link

Inputs

5

Do you need more Ethernet ports? The affordable TP-Link 5-Port Gigabit Network Switch makes setting up a high-speed local server a breeze, especially if you have multiple gadgets that require a wired connection.