Quick notes
- The Shield is also a good choice for users who don’t need a lot of power or who don’t plan on using their Plex server for anything other than streaming video.
- The Shield is a good choice for users who want a simple and easy-to-use device, while the NUC is a good choice for users who need a more powerful and versatile device.
When it comes to building a Plex server, there are two main contenders: the NVIDIA Shield and the Intel NUC. Both devices offer powerful hardware and a wide range of features, but there are some key differences between them that you should consider before making a decision. In this blog post, we’ll compare the NVIDIA Shield and the Intel NUC Plex server in terms of their hardware, software, and performance. We’ll also provide some recommendations on which device is right for you.
Hardware
The NVIDIA Shield is a compact streaming device that runs on the Android TV operating system. It’s powered by a Tegra X1+ processor, which is a quad-core CPU with 256 CUDA cores. The Shield also has 2GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage.
The Intel NUC is a small form-factor PC that runs on the Windows or Linux operating system. There are a variety of NUC models available, but the most popular ones for Plex servers are the NUC8i3BEH and the NUC10i3FNH. These models are powered by an Intel Core i3 processor, which is a dual-core CPU with four threads. The NUC8i3BEH has 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage, while the NUC10i3FNH has 16GB of RAM and 512GB of internal storage.
Software
The NVIDIA Shield comes with a variety of pre-installed apps, including Plex. You can also install additional apps from the Google Play Store. The Shield runs on the Android TV operating system, which is a user-friendly and easy-to-use interface.
The Intel NUC does not come with any pre-installed software. You’ll need to install Windows or Linux and then download and install Plex. The NUC is a more versatile device than the Shield, and you can use it for a wider range of tasks, such as gaming, web browsing, and office work.
Performance
The NVIDIA Shield is a powerful streaming device, but it’s not as powerful as the Intel NUC. The Shield can handle 4K video playback and transcoding, but it may struggle with multiple simultaneous streams.
The Intel NUC is a more powerful device than the Shield, and it can handle 4K video playback and transcoding with ease. The NUC can also handle multiple simultaneous streams without any problems.
Which One is Right for You?
The NVIDIA Shield is a good choice for users who want a simple and easy-to-use Plex server. The Shield is also a good choice for users who don’t need a lot of power or who don’t plan on using their Plex server for anything other than streaming video.
The Intel NUC is a good choice for users who need a more powerful Plex server. The NUC is also a good choice for users who want a more versatile device that they can use for a variety of tasks.
Recommendations
If you’re looking for a simple and easy-to-use Plex server, the NVIDIA Shield is a good choice. The Shield is also a good choice for users who don’t need a lot of power or who don’t plan on using their Plex server for anything other than streaming video.
If you’re looking for a more powerful Plex server, the Intel NUC is a good choice. The NUC is also a good choice for users who want a more versatile device that they can use for a variety of tasks.
The Bottom Line
The NVIDIA Shield and the Intel NUC are both good choices for Plex servers. The Shield is a good choice for users who want a simple and easy-to-use device, while the NUC is a good choice for users who need a more powerful and versatile device.
Basics You Wanted To Know
Q: Which device is more expensive, the NVIDIA Shield or the Intel NUC?
A: The Intel NUC is typically more expensive than the NVIDIA Shield. The price of an Intel NUC can range from $300 to $1,000, while the price of an NVIDIA Shield can range from $200 to $300.
Q: Which device is easier to set up, the NVIDIA Shield or the Intel NUC?
A: The NVIDIA Shield is typically easier to set up than the Intel NUC. The Shield comes with a pre-installed Plex server, while the NUC requires you to install Windows or Linux and then download and install Plex.
Q: Which device is more powerful, the NVIDIA Shield or the Intel NUC?
A: The Intel NUC is typically more powerful than the NVIDIA Shield. The NUC has a more powerful processor and more RAM than the Shield.