New Media Server

[TheDreadPirate]

CPU transcoding is very intensive and can significantly impact the responsiveness of the UI and any other applications you might have running. You should try to direct play as much as possible, but you should have the capability to transcode for edge cases. Or if you need to lower the resolution and bit rate for mobile devices. GPUs, including Intel iGPUs, can transcode MUCH faster and use less power while doing it. If you do go for a server platform, getting something like an Intel Arc A380 will provide all the transcoding power you need. They are pretty efficient at idle and under full transcoding load (20-30W max).

I'm not very versed with server and workstation boards so I can't provide specific part selection advice. FWIW, a lot of servers use addon cards for their SATA/SAS drives so going with a server platform may not eliminate the needs for one.