Help needed building first Plex server

Jamiesmith2008 · November 17

Hi, I’m hoping someone could help me get a parts list for NAS to use for Plex. I would like to mess with homelab down the road, but for now I just need a media server capable of transcoding and playing 4k files. I know intel quick sync is popular in these builds. Some seem to also use a gpu, while others don’t. Budget is not much of an issue as long as there’s a clear reason for spending more.

I was looking into the qnap tvs-h874, but really wanted to try diy both from a value for money perspective and for just learning more along the way.

Requirements:
1. Stream 4k files and transcode if needed for Plex.

2. 6-8 3.5in hdd bays
3. Would like to be able to use remote access to share plex with my parents.

I could copy a build on pc part picker, but I’m just not sure what is complete overkill. I can spend the money if it’s needed now or will help down the road, but I am a noob at this and want to understand what the money is going to and why before I just follow someone else’s build who may have different intentions in mind.

Any and all help is very appreciated.