Installing Plex on an Intel NUC

Introductory Banter: Why an Intel NUC is Your Plex Sidekick

When it comes to transforming your media experience, the Intel Next Unit of Computing (NUC) stands out as a compact yet robust sidekick. It’s like having a mini-supercomputer at your disposal, making it the perfect candidate for running Plex Media Server. The Intel NUC packs a punch in a small size, offering immense power, versatility, and energy efficiency. So, why shell out big bucks for a bulky server when you can harness the sleek, efficient power of an Intel NUC? It’s time to dive into the fascinating journey of making your Intel NUC the ultimate Plex server. Roll up your sleeves and let’s get this tech symphony started.

Pre-Installation Checklist: Gearing Up for Greatness

Intel NUC Specifications

Before you get your hands dirty, ensure your Intel NUC has the right specs for an optimal Plex experience. You’ll want at least an Intel Core i3 or i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a solid-state drive (SSD) for swift performance.

Necessary Peripherals and Tools

Gather all necessary peripherals and tools: a monitor, keyboard, mouse, HDMI cable, and a USB flash drive. A screwdriver might come in handy for the initial setup. Make sure you have a reliable internet connection, preferably wired for the best streaming quality.

Setting Up Your Intel NUC Hardware

Unboxing and Hardware Assembly

Congratulations on your new Intel NUC! Start by carefully unboxing it. Inside, you’ll find the NUC unit, a power supply, and mounting accessories. Attach the mounting bracket if necessary, but for Plex purposes, a desktop setup works perfectly.

Open the casing using a screwdriver. Insert your RAM and SSD. Ensure both are securely placed in their respective slots. Close the casing and screw it back securely.

Connecting Peripherals and Powering Up

Connect your monitor using the HDMI cable. Attach the keyboard and mouse to the USB ports. Plug in the power supply cord. Finally, press the power button. A splash screen should appear, signaling that your NUC is alive and ready for the next steps.

Operating System Installation: The Backbone of Your Plex Server

Recommended Operating Systems

You can choose between Windows and various Linux distributions. Both have their pros and cons, but for a streamlined Plex Server, Windows 10 and Ubuntu are excellent choices.

Step-by-Step Installation Guide for Windows

1. Download a Windows 10 ISO from Microsoft’s official site.
2. Create a bootable USB drive using tools like Rufus.
3. Insert the USB drive into the NUC and restart it.
4. Press F10 during the boot screen to enter the BIOS.
5. Select the USB drive as the primary boot option.
6. Follow the on-screen instructions to install Windows.

Step-by-Step Installation Guide for Linux (Ubuntu)

1. Download the latest Ubuntu ISO.
2. Create a bootable USB drive using Etcher or similar tools.
3. Insert the USB drive into the NUC and restart.
4. Enter BIOS with F10 and choose the USB drive as the boot option.
5. Select ‘Try Ubuntu’ for a preliminary look before installation.
6. Follow the on-screen prompts to install Ubuntu permanently.

Installing Plex Media Server: The Main Event

Downloading the Plex Media Server

Head over to the official Plex website and download the Plex Media Server for your operating system.

Installation Process for Different Operating Systems

For Windows

1. Open the downloaded .exe file.
2. Follow the installation wizard closely.
3. Once installed, sign in to your Plex account or create one.

For Linux

1. Open Terminal.
2. Download Plex via wget: `wget https://downloads.plex.tv/plex-media-server-new/1.18.9.2578-513b381af/debian/plexmediaserver_1.18.9.2578-513b381af_amd64.deb`.
3. Install using dpkg: `sudo dpkg -i plexmediaserver_1.18.9.2578-513b381af_amd64.deb`.
4. Start the Plex service: `sudo systemctl start plexmediaserver`.

Initial Configuration: Tweaking Plex to Perfection

Basic Setup Wizard Walkthrough

When you first fire up Plex on your Intel NUC, you’ll be greeted by a setup wizard. Follow the prompts to set your media libraries. Select common media types like movies, TV shows, and music.

Essential Settings to Optimize for Intel NUC

Navigate to Settings > Server > Transcoder and turn on hardware acceleration to leverage your Intel NUC’s GPU. Enable remote access under Settings > Server > Remote Access to stream content outside your home network.

Advanced Optimization Techniques: Next-Level Performance

Hardware Acceleration

Ensure hardware acceleration is enabled. This is crucial for effective transcoding. Access Settings > Server > Transcoder and select ‘Enable hardware acceleration.’

Network Settings for Seamless Streaming

Connect your NUC to your router using an Ethernet cable for superior speed. Under Settings > Network, configure static IP addressing for smoother streaming.

Wrapping Up: The Result of Your Genius

Voilà! You’ve transformed your humble Intel NUC into a Plex powerhouse. You’re now the maestro behind an organized, efficient, and high-performing media server. Enjoy your streaming, genius.