Media server transcoding

kadaj817

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Mar 11, 2014
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So I am currently thinking about building a server for a media server since TV service are kinda high up there for me. My current build that I was going to go with is this:

Shuttle XH61V: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16856101134
Intel I3 3240: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116773 or Intel I3 3220T: http://www.amazon.com/Intel-i3-3220T-Dual-Core-Processor-Cache/dp/B0093H8JCM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1394526940&sr=8-1&keywords=3220t
Memory: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231215

I have an optical drive/hard drive that I can salvage off my old laptop. For a 24/7 machines, I was wondering if I should go with the T version since it is a 35W compare to a 3240. I am going to be using a plex media server on this machine. Most of my animes are mostly .MKV files with AAC audio and most of the movies are .mp4 with AAC. The question is I was wondering if this machine would have enough horsepower when running concurrent transcode to two different roku (my two brothers) and watching it on my tv. The media is located in a USB 3.0 external hard drive (the internal is going to be for a file server that keeps application/music on). It is going to be wired to a gigabit router (Asus N66U) and I notice that the shuttle does have to NIC.
 
Solution
Power consumption matters a lot on 24/7 machines. I have two servers at 400 watts, and they are expensive. :) Use Linux CentOS to set it up. (I have a very similar setup to you. Usb 3.0 should be able to handle streaming to two devices at once. There is also a setting in your router for servers that will make configuration easier. (Every router is different, I don't know where you can find it)

MCServerOwner

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Dec 12, 2012
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Power consumption matters a lot on 24/7 machines. I have two servers at 400 watts, and they are expensive. :) Use Linux CentOS to set it up. (I have a very similar setup to you. Usb 3.0 should be able to handle streaming to two devices at once. There is also a setting in your router for servers that will make configuration easier. (Every router is different, I don't know where you can find it)
 
Solution

kadaj817

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Mar 11, 2014
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I don't recall how much I have to pay per kilowatts but it's prolly around the 0.08 - 0.12 cent an hour. I used to use my Asus N71JQ laptop to do the transcode but it end up blowing up due poor ventilation. It transcoded about 1 stream since not really much people were using it. But it was a weak process (I7 720QM). I've seen some people posting some benchmark for these and the T version said 1 1080p stream and 720p. I just wanted to know if someone who had these experience with these. I am just gonna roll with W7 since I got some free cd key from school and use it for a htpc also.
 

MCServerOwner

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Dec 12, 2012
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Sounds good, I would suggest Linux CentOS, but if you have a windows 7 key, and enough RAM, go for it.