Guide
Jellyfin vs Plex: hardware that actually matters
Transcoding needs (Quick Sync / iGPU), quiet idle power, and storage backend dominate the decision — not the media app UI. Use the mini-PC matrix for CPU/iGPU options, then size NAS or DAS for libraries.
Recommended hardware
- Beelink SER5 — Compact AMD Ryzen mini-PC often used for Proxmox and Home Assistant with upgradeable SODIMM.
- Beelink SER8 — Newer Ryzen 7 mini-PC aimed at heavier VM stacks and iGPU media duties in a dense chassis.
- Geekom Mini IT13 — 13th-gen Intel mini-PC often shortlisted for Quick Sync Plex/Jellyfin and multi-VM Proxmox labs.
- Minisforum UM790 Pro — Ryzen 9 barebone mini-PC with OCulink option for GPU passthrough experiments and dense VMs.
- UGREEN DXP4800 — 4-bay NAS alternative often paired with a mini-PC compute node for media libraries and backups.
- UGREEN DXP6800 Pro — 6-bay UGREEN NAS for larger Jellyfin/Plex libraries without building a full DIY chassis.
- Synology DS923+ — Plus-series 4-bay NAS with expandable RAM and DSM ecosystem — common Plex storage backend.
FAQ
Do I need a discrete GPU for Plex or Jellyfin?
Usually no for a few streams. Intel Quick Sync or a modern AMD iGPU covers most households. Discrete GPUs matter for many simultaneous 4K transcodes or exotic codecs.
Should the NAS also transcode?
Prefer a separate mini-PC for apps/transcode and keep the NAS as storage. Combined boxes work for light libraries but couple upgrades and heat.
Jellyfin vs Plex for hardware choice?
Hardware needs are similar. Plex Pass hardware transcoding and client ecosystem differ; pick the app first, then match Quick Sync / RAM / NIC to your stream count.