What hardware do you recommend for running Jellyfin with a remote user?

[KarmaPolice]

Hello all,

I intend to build a home server running Jellyfin (and a few dockers) and I want my family to be able to access it remotely. I want to imagine a worst-case scenario of having to transcode 4k.

• Up to 1-2 remote connections
  
• Able to transcode 4k
  
• Budget around 400-700 CAD ($300-$500 USD)
  

Is this scenario possible?

Also, if you recommend used hardware, I am in eastern Canada so it probably needs to already be in the country for it to be affordable. I would gladly take any suggestions for used servers or parts around here. I am already looking around and on Facebook Marketplace, but I don't know what to buy yet.

Thanks for any help!

[redhead]

Look for something with an intel CPU capable of supporting Intel Quick sync Video.

Any 9th gen and above should support that.

[Venson]

Well for the whole server, that would also depend on a group of factors.

- What else do you want/plan to do with that server?
- How much capacity do you plan on supporting?
- Prebuild/DIY components?
- Do you want to have room for expanding or are you looking for a fix system today?

[skribe]

From a hardware perspective, this is easily feasible. The new Intel Arc cards, for example, are very capable transcoders, and relatively affordable. The iGPUs on many Intel CPUs are also quite capable.

For a home server, your biggest bottleneck for remote streaming is likely to be your residential ISP's upload speed. For any given stream, you'll need roughly the bitrate of the stream plus 10 to 20% overhead in your upstream bandwidth. So two 10mbps streams would require roughly 25mbps upload, give or take. So bear that in mind as you plan this out.

But hardware requirements for a Jellyfin server do not need to be that steep.

[KarmaPolice]

Thanks for the replies!

- What else do you want/plan to do with that server?
- How much capacity do you plan on supporting?
- Prebuild/DIY components?
- Do you want to have room for expanding or are you looking for a fix system today?

I would like to run Torrenting for Linux OSes, HomeAssistant, FreshRSS and what is needed for securing the remote access.

If capacity = storage, I'm thinking about 2 * 4TB.

I don't mind DIY components, energy efficiency and space is not a high priority.

I don't mind a fix system.

[skribe]

As a general rule, we don't allow discussion of tools and applications related to acquiring media in this space, as it's a bit out of scope and has different legal implications depending on your jurisdiction, and JF is a global project. But any server capable of running Jellyfin should also be able to run just about any other web app related to home media.

I think you could very easily build an Intel based system that is capable of filling your needs within your target price point.

[Venson]

Well apart from those other services, HomeAssistant is known to be quite resource intensive if used a bit. Also i would not recommend an ARM cpu as it might mess with your broad choice of software.

2*4TB is quite small assuming you will go RAID1 and also maybe use the NAS as a backup server for your personal devices?

Well the Easy route, would be something like a SynologyNAS like a DS220+ (300$) + 2x 4TB drives(200$) + Ram Upgrade (50$) which would be the typical Fire and Forget beginner NAS Setup, with relatively easy to use and puts you right on your budget.

Building such small nas yourself can be quite the Advanture so that would be up to you to decide if you want to go down that route. It will not be much cheaper.

[KarmaPolice]

Thank you so much! I will look into it further.

[wtfjacks]

Other then the gpu question you will also need to address the internet bandwidth question.
You say you will have 2 remote users and also want to stream 4k.
For 1 non-transcoded 4k stream you would need a minimum of 50 Mbps for a decent stream without
severe buffering.
Most ISP's don't provide these upload speeds except in their most expensive packages.
Just saying.

[jmshrv]

I'd assume the iGPU is good enough for two streams, although it'd be good to make sure. No point buying a fancy Arc card if you can get away with the iGPU