Graphics or not?

[Gamix]

Hello,

I'm sure you've seen this question a lot already and I've read those posts. The problem is that some people say yes and some say no.
So, I am in the process of building a NAS and I was wondering If I needed integrated graphics in it.

I plan to install a TrueNAS Scale and use it for :

- Storage (SMB)
- Plex
- Gaming servers (minecraft and something else - max: 2 simultaneously)

So, obviously I'm looking for at least 16GB RAM and at least a CPU with 4 or 6 cores with SMT. The problem is that I've heard people says that I need graphics for Plex and transcoding but I've read here that Plex only needs a good CPU because Plex auto-transcode.

Can someone tells me finally if I need a CPU with integrated graphics.

 

[Arwen]

Most system boards will require graphics for a console, and some won't even boot unless their is a graphics card. (Most "server" style system boards will include very light weight graphics in the IPMI remote management device.)

 

[winnielinnie]

You can save yourself future headaches by including integrated graphics (as a default) for your home NAS server. It's straight to the point, and you can configure (and reconfigure) the system (BIOS/UEFI) settings, by plugging in any spare monitor. It also allows you to view the on-screen console messages for pre-boot troubleshooting. (Once again, only requiring a spare monitor.)

 

[sfatula]

My media management strategy is that I only use clients that allow me to never transcode. This eliminates the "need" for the graphics card. But I am using a server board with IPMI. I certainly did not want to hassle with moving a screen to where my computer is just to do some changes. IPMI much nicer.

It's the internet though, so you will always get yes and no answers!

 

[Fleshmauler]

If you're going to have (for example as you mentioned in your post) 4 cores & you are dedicating 1 core to the OS, 2 (1 each) to a vm/server, and then a single core for plex transcoding, then you will have a bad time. While Plex can transcode using the CPU, it does hit the CPU pretty hard.

 

[Patrick M. Hausen]

But why live transcode at all? I bring all my media into a format all my devices can play and throw the result on my NAS. Handbrake works great.