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Winner
The GMKtec Mini PC with the Intel Twin Lake N150 processor is a solid choice for a Plex media server. The upgraded N150 offers decent performance for everyday tasks, office work, and home entertainment, boasting a burst speed of up to 3.6GHz. With 16GB of DDR4 RAM and a 512GB PCIe M.2 SSD, this mini PC ensures ample memory and fast storage, reducing boot and load times significantly when managing media files or running multiple applications simultaneously.
The dual HDMI outputs supporting 4K resolution at 60Hz make it ideal for streaming high-definition content on multiple displays. Additionally, the integrated Intel graphics coprocessor performs well for media playback, though it may struggle with more intensive graphical tasks. Connectivity is robust, featuring four USB 3.2 ports, WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, and a 2.5GbE Ethernet port, which provides fast and reliable network speeds crucial for streaming media.
The compact form factor and upgraded cooling system are also noteworthy, ensuring the device runs quietly and remains cool under load. However, the integrated graphics might be a limiting factor for users requiring higher-end graphical processing, and the single memory slot could restrict future expandability. This mini PC is a capable and efficient device for those seeking a compact and powerful media server setup.
The Beelink SER5 MAX Mini PC stands out with its powerful AMD Ryzen 7 6800U processor, featuring 8 cores and 16 threads, which means it can handle multiple tasks smoothly and efficiently. This is great for a Plex media server where you might stream to several devices at once or do some light gaming or video editing on the side. Its 32GB of fast LPDDR5 RAM and 500GB NVMe SSD provide plenty of memory and quick storage access, ensuring your media files load fast and multitasking won’t slow it down.
The integrated AMD Radeon Graphics with support for triple 4K displays at 60Hz means you can connect several screens or TVs, making it ideal for high-quality video playback without lag or stutter. Connectivity is well-rounded, including Gigabit Ethernet, dual-band WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, and multiple USB ports, allowing for stable wired or wireless networking and flexible accessory connections. The compact mini PC form factor makes it easy to place anywhere without taking much space, perfect if you want a neat media center setup. It runs on Windows 11 Pro, providing familiar software support and compatibility with Plex and other media apps.
While this mini PC packs strong specs, the 500GB SSD might feel limiting if you have a large media library—external storage would be needed. Also, the price might be higher compared to simpler media server PCs, especially if you don’t need all the processing power for gaming or heavy multitasking. The Beelink SER5 MAX is a robust and versatile mini PC that suits Plex users looking for smooth 4K streaming, multitasking, and future-proof hardware. It is ideal for those who want more than just basic media playback, blending power, connectivity, and compact design in one package.
The GMKtec Mini PC with Intel N150 processor is a compact and efficient choice for a Plex media server. Its quad-core CPU with speeds up to 3.6GHz offers decent performance for streaming and handling multiple tasks without lag. The 12GB DDR5 RAM ensures smooth multitasking and quick responsiveness, while the 512GB SSD provides fast boot times and ample storage for your media and server apps, with options to expand if needed.
Connectivity is a strong point here, featuring dual Gigabit Ethernet ports for reliable wired network connections, which is crucial for streaming high-quality 4K videos without buffering. It also supports WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 for fast wireless connections and peripheral compatibility. The mini PC can drive up to three 4K displays simultaneously, making it easy to connect to various screens or a home theater setup. Its small form factor (about the size of a small book) makes it easy to place anywhere without clutter.
While the Intel UHD integrated graphics support 4K playback, this setup may struggle with heavy transcoding tasks if you have many simultaneous streams or use demanding codecs. The 512GB storage might fill up fast if you plan to keep large media files directly on the device, so external storage or network-attached storage would be advisable for big libraries. The GMKtec Mini PC delivers a balanced mix of power, connectivity, and compact design, well suited for users wanting a dedicated Plex media server that handles 4K streaming smoothly in a home environment without taking up much space.
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