I have recently started to consider setting up a Plex server. Looking at some older posts on Ozbargain, I have seen some people recommend the HP Microserver. I am not sure what the reasoning for the recommendation is, or if there are better options. Regardless I have been looking at the Microserver, it appears that it does not come with an optical drive (despite it seeming to be always pictured with one), no HDD and no OS. Is that all correct? With the OS can this just use a vanilla version of Windows or does it require something special? I have never set up a server before.
With the 19% off Warehouse1 I am looking to order this weekend. Any advice or info would be greatly appreciated.
A lot of the time the HP Microserver is on sale with a fairly good price, its a nice nifty device, smallish and allows for 4 harddrives (I think 12tb max? At 3tb per bay though I used 4tb in one bay and its working). You're right that it doesn't come with an OS, HDD or optical drive.
Not too sure your particular use with an optical drive, but you will definitely need to factor in HDD for cost (I used WD REDs) and OS extra if you go the server route usually. Pretty sure plex server runs on anything from certain NAS drives, most OSs and even a rasberrypis I think? You can check the download section on plex to see which OS you can use. But I had it installed on my windows laptop before I had it on my Windows Server OS so should work on vanilla windows (64bit?).
If its the microserver I think you're talking about (HP ProLiant MicroServer Gen8 G1610T) then it should run Plex quite well, I'm pretty sure you should be able to get 1 1080p transcode with it from what I've noticed. This basically means that if you are playing the video on a device that isn't capable with the format, it should be able to convert a 1080p video on the fly without interruption (I think thats what it means :p). Usually this is the big part of finding a device thats right for you. I'd probably check out here to find the type of CPU you'll need, then can find a device that fits that? https://support.plex.tv/hc/en-us/articles/201774043-What-kin…
Personally: I found it to run well, the CPU is perfect for my needs, the price is also quite cheap, it allows me to do a lot more then some NAS out there at a lower price then some of them. Biggest hurdle I had is it takes a bit to set up, if you've reformatted computers before and are pretty good at setting them up, you'll probably be fine but if not, then you might come into some problems.
I've never used a NAS but I'm assuming the pros are they are easier to set up, I'd imagine most would be capable with plex and likely use less power.
There is definitely other devices out there though, so good luck! Hope you find something that works best for you.