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Hi i found a used HPE ProLiant MicroServer gen8 sold on facebook marketplace i was wondering if i could use it a a plex server. If i plan on testing it at the seller what should i look out for and checkt to see if it is in a good condition and if everything is in order.
The CPU is a Xeon E3-1265L V2 which is not the stock option and it has 16gb ram in it non-eec. Is it usually safe to buy these devices in the used market or should i buy brand new
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The HPE ProLiant MicroServer Gen8 is a solid option for a home NAS and Plex server, especially with the upgraded Xeon E3-1265L V2 CPU and 16GB RAM. Here's how you can evaluate the device and decide if it’s a good buy:
What to Check When Testing the Server
Hardware Condition:
CPU and RAM: Confirm the Xeon E3-1265L V2 and 16GB RAM are recognized during boot (via the BIOS or an OS test).
Drives and Bays: Ensure the drive bays are functional, with no broken or missing parts. Test if the drive caddies are included.
Power Supply: Verify the server powers on without any unusual noises or overheating.
Fans: Check the cooling fans for proper operation and ensure they’re not excessively noisy.
Physical Damage: Inspect for dents, corrosion, or other signs of wear that could indicate poor handling.
Firmware and BIOS:
Access the BIOS to confirm it’s up-to-date. You can also ask the seller if they’ve updated the Integrated Lights-Out (ILO) firmware, which is useful for remote management.
Network Ports:
Test the onboard Gigabit Ethernet ports to ensure they are functional, especially if you'll rely on them for NAS use.
Connectivity:
If the MicroServer has a remote access card (ILO 4), ensure it works. This is a helpful feature for monitoring the server remotely.
Considerations for Plex Server Use
CPU Performance:
The Xeon E3-1265L V2 supports hardware transcoding for Plex, which is excellent for streaming to devices that may not support direct play.
It can handle 1080p streaming easily and may support limited 4K transcoding, depending on the complexity of the media.
Storage Expansion:
With 4 drive bays, you can use your 8TB drives in RAID configurations for redundancy and performance.
Power Consumption:
The MicroServer is designed to be energy-efficient, which is ideal for 24/7 operation.
Used vs. New
Pros of Buying Used:
Lower cost (~€400 is reasonable for this configuration).
Still powerful enough for Plex and NAS needs.
Cons of Buying Used:
No warranty or guarantee of hardware lifespan.
Potential hidden issues like failing power supplies or aging components.
Recommendation:
For a home setup, buying used is generally safe if the device has been well-maintained and you thoroughly test it. Ensure the seller allows you to verify functionality before purchase.
Alternatives
If you’re considering new devices:
Synology DS423+: A simple, user-friendly NAS for Plex and storage.
QNAP TS-464: Offers better hardware for Plex transcoding and flexibility.
