Good news selfhosted crowd! I pitched the idea of setting up a server, and she is down with the idea!
I want to run Linux and host things like Jellyfin, Audiobookshelf, Navidrome, maybe Plex (I currently host it off my Mac desktop but would move it to a dedicated server).
I know you can host Plex et al on something like a Raspberry Pi, but I want a bit more power. I want something that can push at least 2-3 4K streams.
I’m considering targeting 12th gen i5 with 16GB DDR4. Maybe 32GB if I can swing it. Is that overkill? I know you want 8th gen Intel for hardware transcoding of either x265/HEVC or AV1 (probably the former as the latter is newer).
There are other projects I’d like to run. I’d like to be able to host my own LLM/AI but I’m not trying to go performance overkill here. This would be my first server.
I am somewhat comfortable using the command line, and I would be remoting into the server via my Macs (I have a desktop and a MacBook). However, Linux can run Windows games via Proton and that’s something I’m interested in for some older titles that aren’t on Xbox (like Deus Ex, which came out in 2000 and should run on integrated graphics). I’m not inexperienced with Linux and have been using it off and on (mostly off unfortunately) for over 30 years. My go-to would be Ubuntu, but I’ve heard great things about KDE lately and I know the Internet is in love with Mint these days. Would the distro really matter all that much as long as I have the required services?
unless you’re transcoding each stream that should work, at least for Plex.
Currently running 10th gen i5 with 32gb of DDR and can run one 4k transcode, five 1080 streams, and four live TV streams. though, the transcode is laggy but if you pause and let it buffer it should work.
keep in mind I’m also running headless transmission, a VPN, tor, and like 8 other services on the same server.
if all you’re streaming is 4k, you will hit a point of diminishing returns on network throughput. I’d recommend getting a switch with SFPs and connect your server up to a 2.5gbe or even a 10gbe (though overkill but the sky is the limit). as long as all your stream boxes are connected through that switch on their regular 1gbe they should be fine.
personally I run a opnsense router/firewall and have everything passed through an unlocked Brocade ICX6610-48P-E. you can find them on eBay. FYI, these are commercial units and are VERY LOUD. basement or attic installation is a must if you don’t have a network closet. bonus, the ICX6610 allows you to turn on/off POE per port and even set the voltage. this means you can power everything from cameras, stream boxes, wireless APs, to even some POE lights. it’s also a managed switch, which means you can split your ports up on VLANs and other really neat things.