Hardware Advice

[Mavity]

I'm going to set up a Jellyfin server for my parents soon and wanted some advice for hardware. I could use one of two old computers we have around the house or get one from my university's surplus sale that would probably be similar to my personal server (an Optiplex with an i7-4770). The computers we have are a Dell with an i3-3240 or a Dell Optiplex 780 with a Core 2 Duo E8400. Cost really isn't a big deal if I do go for one from a surplus sale, as they usually have pretty low prices. 

I'm planning on running Jellyfin with Docker on Debian 12, if that makes a difference.
Thanks!

[bitmap]

I used an OptiPlex that's likely the same exact model as a server at one point. It works, but any transcoding at all was pretty much a no go. So if your media is 100% compatible with client devices, that's fine. If not, you'll need something way more recent (iX-8yyyy+).

As a curiosity, why would you set up a new server rather than revise libraries and provide access to your own with either a reverse proxy or VPN setup? The i3 or a newer one you mentioned could either work as a HTPC, or you could use a client they already have. Managing one server will prove much easier over time, even if you're able to access theirs remotely. If you're a student, then....yeah I get it. You can't really run a full-fledged server on campus wifi (and not get caught).