What server for Jellyfin?

[cd36]

Hello,
I've been using Jellyfin for a couple of years and am very satisfied with its functionality and performance. Currently, it's installed on my Windows gaming PC which has a Ryzen 5 5600x and GTX 1080. However, I'm looking for a way to have my media server operational at all times, not just when my PC is on.

I'm considering a Raspberry Pi 4 with 4 - 8 GB of RAM, but I'm concerned about potential transcoding and performance issues, especially since my media collection includes high-quality formats like 4K, Remux, HEVC, AAC 5.1 audio, and not just standard .mp4 in x264. I also use x265 and .mkv formats.

Most of my media includes original audio, often with multiple audio and subtitle tracks. Subtitles are usually in .srt format stored alongside the media, though sometimes they're embedded in the files, allowing for language track selection without separate files.

I'm weighing a few options for my setup and would appreciate any advice:

1. Raspberry Pi 4 B, 4x 1.5 GHz with either 4 GB RAM (60€) or 8 GB RAM (80€).
   
2. Intel NUC Mini PC with an i3-4010U and 8GB RAM, priced at 80 €.
   
3. Upgrading a Ryzen 5 1600 I already own with a new GPU, PSU, RAM, and case, with a budget of 120 €.
   

I'm having a tough time deciding and would be grateful for your input. Most of the time only I use it (on iPad, SmartTV and Browser), sometimes my flatmate watches nature documentaries in 4K on his smart TV.

Linux without a graphical interface is probably the best choice anyway, I also know my way around more or less well and should be able to easily run a container with Jellyfin using Docker.

[tmsrxzar]

NOT a raspberry pi

https://jellyfin.org/docs/general/admini...selection/

SBCS (SINGLE BOARD COMPUTERS)
Most SBCs use low powered chipsets, often with less than ideal driver support from the chipset vendors. They are generally too slow for a good experience and/or have broken hardware acceleration support. Please avoid using SBCs such as Raspberry Pis (Including newer Raspberry Pi 5 Models) to run Jellyfin.

[mikesulsenti]

Option 2 or 3

Option 3 is preferrable because:
1 - More powerful CPU if needed
2 - More memory, you'll want 8GB minimum imo
3 - a $99 Intel Arc A310 or $120 A380 can do more than any iGPU
4 - Space for the storage to be in the system directly instead of via USB or network

[TheDreadPirate]

Definitely option 3. The GTX 1080 is still a very capable card for transcoding. And the codec support is modern enough for HDR content.

[cd36]

Option 2 or 3

Option 3 is preferrable because:
1 - More powerful CPU if needed
2 - More memory, you'll want 8GB minimum imo
3 - a $99 Intel Arc A310 or $120 A380 can do more than any iGPU
4 - Space for the storage to be in the system directly instead of via USB or network

Thanks a lot for your reply. The mainboard I own is an ATX so its a bit too big for my taste and the cases in this formfactor are ugly as hell haha. Maybe I'll just use a cardboard and some 120mm fans with the Intel ARC since that sounds like the best bang for the buck.