By Sandeep 
Here we will tell you How to Build a Media Serverfor home entertainment. Let us first tell you that media server is not a new thing. Nowadays many people create their own media server for tasks like movie streaming, data storage, listening to music at home so that they can save all the video audio and image content of their home at one place. If you also want to create a media server on which you want to run your private streaming service at home, then you will have to setup a media server for this. You can use any old computer or office computer for this, but to maintain modern games, movies and picture clarity, you will need modern hardware power and data, so you will need to build a new machine. Here we will give you complete information about media server, what is media server, how does it work, what are its necessary components and which components you can choose according to your home environment to make a good media server. We will fully explain all these things here. First let us know what a media server is and how it works so that we can select its components.
What is a Media Server?
A media server is a computer device that stores multiple digital data such as movies, music, photos, TV shows and songs and streams them to different displays. You can connect multiple devices such as smartphones, tablets, TVs, computers to a media server and access its files and use them over the network or watch them on your device. A media server acts as a centralized hub for all media content. By creating your own media server, you can create a resource that meets your specific needs, provides greater flexibility and can also save money when compared to other media servers.
How a Media Server Works?
A media server is a system designed to store, manage, and stream digital media content (video, audio, etc.) at a central location and distribute it to various devices via a network.
We have divided the process of a media server into three main steps:
1. Setup:
In setup, the user first selects the media server software compatible with their server, such as Plex, Emby, or Jelly fin, and then installs it on their hardware. The hardware includes a capable computer or NAS (Network-Attached Storage) device that provides sufficient storage capacity, processing power, and network connectivity.
2. Media Management:
After installing the software, the user has to connect the storage drives and configure them with the media server. The media files are imported into the server’s library, where the files are organized into the correct categories.
3. Streaming:
When the media content is successfully imported, the media server is ready for streaming. It provides the media content to the user’s devices through a network connection. If the format of the content is not supported by the user’s device, the media server uses the transcoding process.
Media Server Hardware Considerations
Here we have highlighted all the components required for a media server and also expressed our opinion about the components you can use for your first media server. Here we have provided you complete information about all the components required for a media server, after knowing which you can easily create a media server, that too at home. Let’s see which components are required in a media server.
Processor (CPU):
The most important component of any server is its CPU, so choose a good CPU for your server. Let us tell you that
CPU is considered the brain of the server, which handles all the data processing tasks, which work to transcode media files for smooth playback on various devices.
Recommendation: According to us, to build a good budget friendly media server, you can choose a multi-core processor like Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 series. These CPUs are known to offer a good balance between performance and power efficiency, ensuring smooth streaming and quick transcoding.
Memory (RAM):
Function: Another important component in a media server to perform multitasking or any other demanding task is its RAM. It temporarily stores data, which the CPU needs quick access to, thereby reducing data processing latency.
Recommendation: We recommend that any server should have at least 8GB of RAM for normal tasks or medium range tasks. However, if you want to use the server for more intensive tasks like 4K video streaming and heavy transcoding, then you should have 16GB or more RAM.
Storage:
Function: Storage is where all your media content is stored. There are two main types: Hard Disk Drive (HDD) and Solid State Drive (SSD). And now sate ssd and nvme and m.dot 2 are also used which transfer data faster than before. However, storage in a media server depends on your usage decision. The more your data, the bigger size of hard drive or SD you can use.
Recommendation: We recommend that you should use a combination of both SSD and HDD. For the operating system and frequently accessed files, use SSDs due to their faster read/write speeds, and use large-capacity HDDs to store your media library. Aim to install at least 2TB of HDD space initially, which can be expanded depending on the size of your media collection.
Graphics Card (GPU):
Function: While not essential for all media servers, the most important component for picture quality in a media server is the CPU, which accelerates the processing power in your server as well as improves picture clarity, and the GPU can also assist in hardware-accelerated transcoding, which improves performance for high-resolution video streaming.
Recommendation: You can enjoy 4K video streaming using only entry-level CPU in media server. An entry-level GPU like NVIDIA GTX 1650 can provide better performance at lower cost for 4K transcoding tasks.
Motherboard:
Along with all other components in a media server, the motherboard also plays an important role as it provides the power required for all the components to work and connects all the components together, so it is important to have a good motherboard in your system. Try to use the new generation motherboard so that you do not have to upgrade it soon.
According to us, you can use AS Rock Z690 Pro RS LGA 1700
motherboard as it supports the new generation processors, which you will not have to upgrade soon.
Best Futuristic B650 Motherboards
Network Interface:
Function: A network connection is very important for video streaming in a media server and good network speed is also necessary for better performance because a reliable network interface ensures smooth data transfer between your media server and other devices on your network.
Recommendation: A Gigabit Ethernet port is required for high-speed data transfer. If your network supports it, consider using a 2.5GbE or 10GbE network interface for future proofing and better performance.
Power Supply Unit (PSU)
The PSU provides power to all the components of your server. Make sure it has enough wattage to support your components and includes an efficiency rating such as 80 Plus Bronze or better. A 400W to 500W PSU should be sufficient for most media servers.
We recommend the EVGA Super NOVA 550 GA 80 Plus Gold 550W (PSU) which provides better and proper power management for your system.
Cooling system :
Having a good cooling system to prevent overheating and an adequate cooling solution (such as a case fan or CPU cooler) has a significant impact on performance as it prevents your system from heating up quickly.
We suggest that if your media server has a heavy load then you can use a liquid cooling system for it but if there is not much pressure on your system then you can also use a normal cooling fan for it.Cabinet:
You should choose a PC cabinet that is compatible with all your components and should have proper air flow to cool your server. The size of your cabinet should be such that you don’t have to replace it if you upgrade your storage or components in the future. It should have space to install a good liquid cooling system and cooling fans. It should have multiple hard drive cabinets.
We recommend the Cooler Master N400 ATX Mid Tower PC Cabinet from Cooler Master which gives you extra space along with all the components.
Operating System:
The operating system manages to run all the hardware and software of the server. You can use any good software. There are many options like Windows, macOS, Linux.
We recommend you to choose Windows, macOS or various Linux as it is reliable and better.
Software:
There are some essential software for media server which helps in streaming and managing your content. There are many options for this, such as Plex, Kodi, Emby, Jellyfin, etc.
In our opinion, you should use Plex because its interface is very user-friendly and attractive, which makes it very easy to browse and play content. And Plex works on various devices, such as smart TVs, mobile phones, tablets, computers, and streaming devices. Plex supports multiple users, so all members of the household can create their own profiles and watch their favorite content. And you can also use it for free, but with a premium subscription you can also take advantage of extra features.
Best Components for Budget Media Server
Here we have provided information about all the components required for a budget media server, using which you can build a good media server even at a low price. So let’s look at the components of a budget media server.
Components:
Processor (CPU): In this you can use Intel Core i3-10100, which is currently available at a very low price. It has quad-core, 3.6 GHz base frequency, 6MB cache.
Memory (RAM): 8GB DDR4 is suitable for the budget. It is suitable for multitasking and basic media server operation.
Motherboard: In this budget media server, you can use AS Rock B660M PRO RS Micro ATX which is available at a good price and is also suitable for future updates.
Storage: For storage, you can install 256GB NVMe SSD for OS and 2TB Western Digital Blue HDD for media storage as these offer faster boot time with SSD, ample storage with HDD.
Network Interface: For this you can use the integrated Gigabit Ethernet which is a reliable and fast wired connection.
Power Supply Unit (PSU): You can use EVGA 450W 80 PLUS Bronze Power Supply in this budget build as it offers efficient and reliable power supply.
Case: You can use Cooler Master N200 case from Cooler Master as it is compact, has good airflow, multiple drive bays.
Operating System: You can use Ubuntu Server as it is free, open-source, and highly customizable.
You can buy all the components mentioned above from any online platform or offline shop. All these components provide you better performance at a good price. Before including all these, we have checked their past user reviews and only after that we have included them.
Best Components for Media Server
Here we have provided information about all the components required for the best media server, you can use it for multitasking and other demanding tasks, so let’s take a look at the components of the best media server.
Components:
Processor (CPU): In this you can use AMD Ryzen 7 5800X, in which you get octa-core, 3.8 GHz base frequency, 32MB cache, it provides suitable power for multitasking
Memory (RAM): In this you have to use at least 16GB DDR4 ram, it provides high capacity to handle multitasking and multiple streams.
Motherboard: In this you can use MSI MAG B550 TOMAHAWK MAX WIFI which is available at a good price and is also suitable for future updates.
Storage: For storage, you can install 512 GB Samsung 970 EVO NVMe SSD for OS and 2TB Western Digital Blue HDD for media storage as these provide fast boot time with SSD and ample storage with HDD.
Power Supply Unit (PSU): You can use Corsair RM650x 80 PLUS Gold power supply in this build which ensures high efficiency and reliability
Network Interface: You can use dual Gigabit Ethernet for this which provides enhanced network redundancy and speed
Case: You can use Fractal Design Define R5 case as it is compact, has good airflow, excellent build quality with multiple drive spaces, and sound dampening as well.
Operating System: You can use Unraid operating system as it is easy to use, supports various plugins and dockers.
You can buy all the components mentioned above from any online platform or offline shop. All these components provide you a better performance. Before including all these, we have checked their past user reviews and only after that we have included them.
Conclusion
Building a media server for home entertainment can greatly enhance the media consumption experience for you and your relatives. It centralizes all your media files in one place and makes them accessible to everyone. Whether you opt for a budget-friendly build or a high-end setup, understanding the important components and their roles will ensure that you build a system that meets your needs and enhances your media consumption experience. Investing in a well-built media server can give you a robust, scalable and enjoyable media streaming solution for years to come.