If you want to build your own Plex media server, you’ll need the right parts. Keep in mind that this build is designed for performance, not cost. The build may be a bit pricey, but it will perform admirably.

CPU (AMD Ryzen 5 3600)

Plex is more intensive on the CPU than any other streaming media player. Your CPU requirements will vary depending on the kind of content you want to stream, the number of users, the exact version of Plex, and other variables. ..

Plex recommends a CPU with solid multi-core performance if you want to stream multiple people at the same time. ..

We recommend the AMD Ryzen 5 3600. At just over $170, it has 6 or 12 cores, a base frequency of 3.8 GHz, and a boost speed of 4.4 GHz—all for a thermal design point, or TDP, of 65W. Plex can utilize every core, but if you are only transcoding one video at a time, it can use all of the cores to complete the process much faster.

RAM (Corsair Vengeance 8GB)

Plex doesn’t use much RAM at all. For the average user, 2GB is more than enough. Of course, in the modern world, 2GB of RAM is just pitiful. Rather than leaving it at 2GB, invest in 8GB of RAM. Make sure the RAM you choose is compatible with your CPU, however.

Corsair Vengeance 8GB is a great choice for those looking for a affordable and reliable memory. It is compatible with Ryzen 5 3600 processors and does not have any compatibility issues.

Storage (HP S700 | WD Black SN750)

Plex is great for streaming media from an external drive. If you have a USB 3.0 port, you can use it to access the media from the external drive.

Plex is a great media player that can be used to store your videos, music, and photos. However, if you don’t have an SSD to store your data on, you’ll run into lag while trying to navigate menus within the Plex software. Additionally, if you want to keep your data safe and reliable, you should go for a brand that won’t fail or corrupt your data.

The HP S700 is a great choice for someone looking for a SATA connected drive. It has 512GB capacities available, and its SATA connection means it won’t be as fast as more modern connection types.

The Western Digital Black SN750 NVMe SSD is a great choice if you want an SSD that is directly tied to your motherboard and gives you faster access to all of your favorite movies and TV shows.

PSU (EVGA 600W 80 Plus)

A cheap power supply can turn your media server into a time bomb. You’ll also want to invest in a modular power supply, which is easier to work with. ..

We recommend the EVGA 600W 80 Plus Power Supply for anyone looking for an affordable, 12V and EPS compliant PSU. It has more power than necessary to keep a Plex media server going, but is great for those who want a PSU that is both ATX and EPS compliant.

Disc Drive (LG Super Multi Blu-Ray Disc Rewriter)

A disc drive is necessary if you’re going to transfer physical media to digital, since so many people have massive physical libraries.

If you have a lot of Blu-Ray discs and DVDs that you want to convert to digital format, the LG Super Multi Blu-Ray Disc Rewriter is a great option. It’s only $66 and it can fit in the likely-empty bay at the top of your PC case. You can use it to rip Blu-Ray discs and DVDs to a digital format, which means you can keep them on your computer and watch them whenever you want. ..

Case (Thermaltake Versa H22)

The Thermtake Versa is a gaming chassis, but all that means is that it has a lot of airflow—perfect for a server you may have running for hours on end. There are up to six 2.5” bays for stuffing drives into and plenty of space to work in. ..

The PC build case from Cooler Master is a great option for those who are new to PC building or for those who want to add some extra flexibility to their builds. It’s not the most attractive option out there, but it offers plenty of space and options for RGB-updating your Plex media server.

The Cooler Master CM Storm Trooper case comes with multiple I/O ports and a pre-installed 120mm fan. This should be more than enough to keep your components cool. ..

Other Components

Plex media server components to keep in mind

Plex is a streaming media player that can be used on Windows and macOS. It has a wide range of compatibility with other systems, including macOS and Linux.

This article is about the build that uses a Plex media server as its centerpiece. If you are looking for a prebuilt Plex media server, we recommend checking out our guide.