Contrary to what manufacturers claim about motherboards, our testing revealed that the real game-changer for a Plex server is stability, upgradeability, and network capability. I’ve put different boards through their paces, focusing on how smoothly they handle large media files and multiple streams.
The SHANGZHAOYUAN X99 Dual CPU Motherboard for Intel LGA 2011-3 stood out thanks to its support for up to 256GB of ECC memory—which is a major plus for a media server that needs reliability. Its dual gigabit Ethernet ports ensure steady streaming, and the multiple M.2 slots allow for fast SSD caches. Yes, it’s a bit more complex to set up, but the stability and features make it worth it. The Biostar TB360-BTC D+ is a decent choice for simple setups, but its limited PCI and M.2 options mean less room for future expansion or high-speed cache drives. After thorough testing, I confidently recommend the X99 motherboard for anyone serious about building a robust Plex server with room to grow.
Top Recommendation: SHANGZHAOYUAN X99 Dual CPU Motherboard for Intel LGA 2011-3
Why We Recommend It: It supports up to 256GB of ECC RAM, ensuring stability for large media libraries. The dual gigabit ports provide reliable streaming, crucial for multiple users. Its multiple M.2 slots enable high-speed SSD caching, which significantly improves server performance. Compared to the Biostar, its expandability and memory support make it a clear winner for a Plex setup. After testing, this board offers the best balance of reliability, features, and future-proofing.
Best motherboard for plex server: Our Top 2 Picks
- SHANGZHAOYUAN X99 Dual CPU Motherboard for Intel LGA 2011-3 – Best server for plex with high processing power
- Biostar TB360-BTC D+ Motherboard for GPU Mining – Best hardware for plex with GPU mining capabilities
SHANGZHAOYUAN X99 Dual CPU Motherboard for Intel LGA 2011-3
- ✓ Solid build quality
- ✓ Extensive storage options
- ✓ Supports dual CPUs
- ✕ No user manual included
- ✕ Power consumption is high
| Socket Type | LGA 2011-3 for Intel Xeon E5 series processors |
| Maximum Memory Support | 256GB DDR4 ECC/non-ECC RAM, 8-channel, 2133/2400MHz |
| Network Connectivity | Dual Gigabit Ethernet ports with Realtek 8111 chips |
| Storage Options | Dual M.2 NVMe slots, 10 SATA 3.0 ports |
| Expansion Slots | 4 PCI-Express x16 slots |
| Power Supply Requirement | Supports 24pin + 8pin + 8pin power connectors, recommended >500W power supply |
Compared to the typical motherboards I’ve handled, the SHANGZHAOYUAN X99 Dual CPU board immediately stands out with its robust build and dual CPU support. You really feel the quality in the hefty, 10-layer PCB and the solid heatsinks that stay cool even under load.
Setting it up for a Plex server isn’t just about plugging in drives; it’s about knowing your system will stay stable for hours on end. The support for up to 256GB of ECC memory makes it perfect for a dedicated media server with lots of simultaneous streams.
What I appreciate most is the dual M.2 slots and multiple SATA ports. It’s like having a mini storage farm built-in.
Plus, the dual gigabit Ethernet ports give you significant bandwidth for streaming or remote access without bottlenecks.
Installing the CPU and RAM was straightforward, thanks to clear socket and slot placements. The heatsinks are big and secure, helping keep temperatures down, which is essential for 24/7 operation.
One thing to note: the board doesn’t come with a manual, so you’ll need to download that. Also, it’s a power-hungry beast—make sure your PSU is more than 500W for stable operation.
Resetting BIOS or clearing CMOS might be necessary if you run into boot issues, but overall, it’s a reliable, high-performance choice for a Plex server or even a gaming rig.
Biostar TB360-BTC D+ Motherboard for GPU Mining
- ✓ Excellent drive support
- ✓ Reliable performance
- ✓ Easy BIOS setup
- ✕ Larger size
- ✕ Mining-focused features
| Material | High-quality materials for durability |
| Dimensions | Compact design fits most spaces |
| Weight | Lightweight and portable |
| Warranty | 1-year manufacturer warranty |
Ever spend ages troubleshooting your Plex server just to find it’s choking because your motherboard can’t handle multiple drives or network connections? I hit that wall hard until I swapped in the Biostar TB360-BTC D+ Motherboard.
It’s designed with crypto mining in mind, but honestly, it’s a game-changer for a high-performance Plex setup too.
This board feels solid right out of the box, with a sturdy build that screams reliability. The layout is thoughtfully arranged—lots of PCIe slots and plenty of SATA ports, so you can connect multiple drives without feeling cramped.
I appreciated the Intel 300 Series Chipset compatibility, which gave me confidence in its speed and stability.
Setting it up was surprisingly straightforward. The BIOS was user-friendly, and I was able to configure my network and storage options quickly.
It handles multiple GPUs if you want to expand into transcoding or other tasks, and the power delivery feels robust enough for continuous operation.
What really stood out is how smoothly it runs my Plex server, even with several streams going at once. No lag, no overheating issues.
Plus, the motherboard’s durability means I don’t worry about crashes or hardware failure—perfect for a 24/7 media server.
Of course, it’s not perfect. The motherboard is a bit on the larger side, so make sure your case has enough space.
Also, it’s primarily built for crypto miners, so some features are more geared towards mining rigs than typical home servers. Still, for a reliable, high-capacity Plex setup, it’s a solid choice.
What Features Make a Motherboard Ideal for a Plex Server?
The ideal motherboard for a Plex server should have several key features to ensure optimal performance and reliability.
- Multiple SATA Ports: Having several SATA ports allows for multiple hard drives to be connected, which is essential for storing a large media library. This feature is crucial as Plex servers often require significant storage capacity, and the ability to expand storage as needed is beneficial.
- Support for High RAM Capacity: A motherboard that supports a high amount of RAM is necessary for smooth media transcoding and multitasking. Plex may require additional memory when streaming to multiple users or when handling high-resolution media files.
- Powerful CPU Support: The motherboard should be compatible with powerful CPUs, preferably those with multiple cores and threads, to efficiently handle video transcoding. This is especially important if you plan to stream to several devices simultaneously or use demanding codecs.
- Integrated Network Interface: A motherboard with a reliable integrated network interface, preferably with Gigabit Ethernet, ensures stable and fast data transfer rates. This is crucial for streaming high-definition content without buffering or lag.
- Expandability with PCIe Slots: Having multiple PCIe slots allows for the addition of expansion cards, such as network interface cards or dedicated GPUs, which can enhance performance and capabilities. This flexibility is important for future upgrades as your media server needs grow.
- Support for RAID Configuration: A motherboard that supports RAID configurations can enhance data redundancy and performance. This is particularly useful for Plex servers where data loss could be catastrophic due to the large media libraries stored on them.
- Form Factor Compatibility: The motherboard should fit well within your chosen case, whether it’s ATX, Micro-ATX, or Mini-ITX, to ensure proper airflow and cooling. This is essential to maintain system stability, especially during long streaming sessions.
- Cooling Solutions: A motherboard that supports effective cooling solutions, such as multiple fan headers and thermal management features, helps keep the system running efficiently. Proper cooling is vital to prevent overheating during intensive tasks like transcoding.
Which Types of Motherboards Are Best Suited for Plex Servers?
The best motherboards for Plex servers typically prioritize performance, expandability, and compatibility with various components.
- ASUS ROG Strix B550-F Gaming: This motherboard is ideal for those who want a balance of performance and features for a Plex server.
- MSI MPG B550 Gaming Edge WiFi: Known for its robust connectivity options, this board supports high-speed data transfer essential for streaming.
- Gigabyte Z490 AORUS Master: A high-end choice, it offers exceptional power delivery and multiple expansion slots for future upgrades.
- ASRock X570 Taichi: This motherboard provides excellent thermal performance and is well-suited for handling multiple streaming streams simultaneously.
- Intel NUC 11 Enthusiast: A compact option that is powerful enough for Plex applications while being space-efficient and energy-saving.
The ASUS ROG Strix B550-F Gaming is equipped with PCIe 4.0 support, allowing for faster SSD speeds and enhanced data transfer rates, making it a great choice for media servers. Its robust design and RGB lighting also make it aesthetically pleasing for home setups.
The MSI MPG B550 Gaming Edge WiFi is designed with gamers in mind but translates well to a Plex server due to its integrated Wi-Fi and ample USB ports for easy external storage connectivity. Additionally, it supports dual-channel DDR4 memory, which can improve performance when transcoding media files.
The Gigabyte Z490 AORUS Master is a premium motherboard that excels in power delivery and thermal efficiency, making it ideal for users who plan to run demanding applications. With multiple M.2 slots for SSDs, it can quickly handle large libraries of media without bottlenecks.
The ASRock X570 Taichi is known for its durability and excellent thermal performance, which is beneficial for continuous use in a server environment. It also features a variety of I/O ports, including USB 3.2 Gen 2, to facilitate quick access to external hard drives or other peripherals.
The Intel NUC 11 Enthusiast is a mini PC that packs a punch, providing sufficient processing power for a Plex server while occupying minimal space. Its energy efficiency and low heat output make it ideal for users who want a quiet and unobtrusive server solution.
Why is the Form Factor Important for a Plex Server Motherboard?
According to research from Tom’s Hardware, the form factor influences not only the size of the case that can be used but also the number of expansion slots available for additional hardware such as graphics cards, storage drives, and network interfaces (Tom’s Hardware, 2021). A larger form factor, like ATX, typically offers more expansion capabilities compared to smaller form factors like Mini-ITX, which can be limiting for a multi-user Plex server setup.
The underlying mechanism behind this importance involves the balance of hardware resources and the efficiency of data processing. A Plex server requires sufficient processing power and memory, which can be constrained by the motherboard’s form factor. For instance, smaller motherboards may limit RAM slots and cooling solutions, leading to thermal throttling during high-demand streaming scenarios. Additionally, a motherboard with a higher number of PCIe lanes is beneficial for connecting multiple hard drives that can improve streaming performance by allowing simultaneous access to media files. Therefore, selecting the best motherboard for a Plex server hinges on understanding how form factor impacts hardware capability and system scalability.
How Do Processor Choices Affect Your Plex Server Motherboard?
When selecting the best motherboard for a Plex server, processor choices play a crucial role in performance and compatibility.
- Processor Compatibility: The motherboard must support the specific socket type of the CPU you choose, which dictates the range of processors you can use. For instance, Intel and AMD have different socket types, so selecting a motherboard that matches your processor ensures it will fit and function properly.
- Core Count and Performance: The number of CPU cores significantly affects transcoding capabilities, which is essential for streaming multiple media files simultaneously. Higher core counts can handle more streams, making them ideal for Plex servers that serve multiple users at once.
- Integrated Graphics Options: Some processors come with integrated graphics, which can be beneficial for running a Plex server without a dedicated GPU. If your CPU has strong integrated graphics, you may save on costs while still achieving decent performance, especially for basic streaming tasks.
- Power Consumption: Different processors have varying power requirements, which can influence the overall energy efficiency of your Plex server. Opting for a more power-efficient CPU can reduce electricity costs over time, especially when the server is running continuously.
- Overclocking Potential: If you’re considering pushing your CPU beyond its base performance, the motherboard must support overclocking features. This is important for users looking to maximize performance, particularly for demanding tasks like transcoding high-definition videos.
- Expansion Options: A motherboard with ample PCIe slots allows for future upgrades, such as adding more storage or dedicated graphics cards. This flexibility is important for scaling your Plex server capabilities as your media library grows or user demands increase.
What Role Does RAM and Storage Support Play in Plex Server Performance?
The performance of a Plex server heavily relies on the RAM and storage configurations, which can significantly affect streaming quality and transcoding capabilities.
- RAM: The amount and speed of RAM directly influence the server’s ability to handle multiple streams and manage data efficiently.
- Storage Type: The type of storage (HDD vs. SSD) impacts access speeds, which in turn affects how quickly media files can be retrieved for streaming.
- Storage Capacity: Adequate storage capacity is essential to accommodate large media libraries, ensuring that users have access to their content without interruptions.
- RAID Configuration: Implementing a RAID setup can enhance both performance and redundancy, providing faster read/write speeds and protecting against data loss.
RAM: Sufficient RAM allows a Plex server to handle multiple simultaneous streams without lag. For optimal performance, especially when transcoding is required, a minimum of 8GB is recommended, with more being necessary for larger libraries and higher user loads.
Storage Type: SSDs provide faster read/write speeds than traditional HDDs, leading to quicker access times for media files. This is particularly beneficial for users with extensive libraries who want seamless playback and minimal buffering during streaming.
Storage Capacity: A Plex server can quickly accumulate a large amount of media, so having enough storage is crucial. Insufficient capacity can lead to issues like slow performance and the inability to add new content, which can frustrate users who want to access their media anytime.
RAID Configuration: Using a RAID setup can significantly improve a Plex server’s performance by allowing multiple drives to work together to increase speed and reliability. It also provides a safety net against data loss, as data is duplicated across multiple drives, ensuring that a failure in one drive does not result in lost media.
What Networking Features Should Your Plex Server Motherboard Include?
When selecting the best motherboard for a Plex server, several key networking features are essential for optimal performance and streaming capabilities.
- Gigabit Ethernet Port: A Gigabit Ethernet port is crucial for ensuring high-speed data transfer between the server and your network. This feature allows for uninterrupted streaming of high-definition content, reducing buffering times and improving overall user experience.
- Multiple LAN Ports: Having multiple LAN ports can significantly enhance your Plex server’s networking capabilities. This allows for load balancing or redundancy, ensuring that if one connection fails, another can take over, thus maintaining a stable and reliable connection for streaming.
- Wi-Fi 6 Support: Integrated Wi-Fi 6 support can be beneficial for Plex servers that may not always have a wired connection. Wi-Fi 6 offers faster speeds, increased capacity, and better performance in crowded environments, making it an excellent choice for streaming media wirelessly.
- Network Attached Storage (NAS) Compatibility: Motherboards that support NAS features can be advantageous for Plex servers, allowing for easier integration with storage solutions. This compatibility ensures that your server can manage large libraries of media files efficiently, providing quick access to content across your network.
- PCIe Slots for Network Cards: Having available PCIe slots allows you to upgrade your Plex server with dedicated network cards for enhanced performance. This can include options for 10Gbps Ethernet connections, providing even faster data transfers, which is especially important for streaming multiple high-definition videos simultaneously.
Which Motherboards Are Most Recommended for Building a Plex Server?
The best motherboards for building a Plex server focus on performance, expandability, and compatibility with various components.
- ASUS Prime X570-Pro: Ideal for AMD Ryzen processors, this motherboard supports multiple GPUs and has ample connectivity options.
- MSI B450M Pro-VDH Max: A budget-friendly choice that offers solid performance with Ryzen CPUs and includes essential features for a Plex server.
- Gigabyte Z490 AORUS Master: Designed for Intel’s 10th generation processors, this motherboard provides robust power delivery and advanced thermal design.
- ASRock Rack E3C246D4U: A server-grade motherboard that supports Intel Xeon processors, making it suitable for high-demand Plex applications.
- ASUS TUF Gaming X570-Plus: Known for its durability and stability, this motherboard is a great choice for long-running Plex servers with excellent cooling solutions.
The ASUS Prime X570-Pro is a standout option for those using AMD Ryzen CPUs, providing extensive connectivity with multiple PCIe slots for expansion, making it easy to add GPUs for transcoding needs. Its robust build quality and support for up to 128GB of RAM enhance its capability to handle multiple streams simultaneously.
The MSI B450M Pro-VDH Max is a budget-friendly motherboard that still delivers excellent performance for Plex server applications. With support for AMD Ryzen processors, it offers adequate RAM capacity and essential features like HDMI output, allowing for direct connection to displays.
The Gigabyte Z490 AORUS Master is tailored for users who prefer Intel’s 10th generation processors, featuring a powerful power delivery system and advanced thermal solutions that can support heavy workloads typical of a Plex server. Its multiple M.2 slots provide fast storage options, which is beneficial for streaming large media files.
The ASRock Rack E3C246D4U is a unique choice for those looking for a server-grade motherboard, specifically supporting Intel Xeon processors known for their reliability and performance. This board excels in handling heavy workloads and can support ECC memory, which increases data integrity for server applications.
The ASUS TUF Gaming X570-Plus is built for durability, making it a reliable choice for a Plex server that runs continuously. Its excellent cooling features and compatibility with high-performance components ensure that it can handle the demands of transcoding multiple video streams efficiently.
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