It’s 2022 and the world has already seen the pandemic hitting really hard. The only thing that managed to keep us entertained in these tough times is our favorite movies, TV shows, and media. You can store the content on a network-attached storage drive and access it from any device but only the best motherboards for Plex & Home theater builds can pair with your processor and allow you to stream without any issues.
As Plex requires video transcoding for 4K quality on various devices, the processor demand gets very high. In most cases, you may want to use a GPU and squeeze the maximum of all the components. This is where the need for a good motherboard comes in. With our expertise in motherboards and knowledge of Plex media, we’ve selected some motherboards for the best plex server and reviewed them for your demand. Let’s get started.
Our Top Picks for Plex & Home Theater Builds Motherboards
Review of Motherboards for Plex & Home Theater Builds
We tested plenty of motherboards for AMD and Intel processors and selected the best among them. Regardless of the processor you use, we’ve ensured to review the motherboards for Plex & Home Theater builds as per the performance, aesthetics, form, and value.
1: ASUS AM4 TUF Gaming X570-Plus – (Best Plex Board for AMD)
Specifications:
- Brand: ASUS
- Chipset: AMD 570X
- Form Factor: ATX
- Socket: AM4
- Wireless: Yes, WiFi 5
- Memory: DDR4 SDRAM, 4x, Max 128GB
- Speed: 4400 MHz
- Weight: 2.64 lb
- Dimensions: 13.31 x 10.74 x 2.68 inches
If you have a Ryzen processor and looking to build a home theatre PC for Plex, the ASUS AM4 TUF gaming X570-Plus fits the need. At first glance, you get an all-black board with a blend of yellow highlights that makes it appealing and differentiates from others. In terms of performance, the 12+2 power stages are more than enough to support high-quality plex usage and other important tasks.
As per our experience, you won’t have any issues using Plex for more than 6 hours. The VRM heatsinks are large enough to dissipate the heat faster, and the thermal pad along with the chipset heatsink ensures maintained temperature for maximum performance. Even the connectivity justifies the price of this motherboard. You get Dual PCIe 4.0, USB3.2, Type-C, and M.2 slots for the best performance.
The components are military-grade so you can rely on durability. Moreover, the Realtek S1200A codec provides the ultimate audio quality for the plex server build 2017 to 2022. The Aura Sync RGB with the motherboard makes your build more attractive. However, the board is missing the WiFI 6 connectivity but the WiFi 5 works perfectly for Plex. From performance to aesthetics, the ASUS TUF gaming board offers it all which is why we consider it the best AMD motherboard for Plex & Home theater builds.
2: MSI MPG Z690 Edge – (Best Plex Board for Intel)
Specifications:
- Brand: MSI
- Chipset: Z690
- Form Factor: ATX
- Socket: LGA 1700
- Wireless: Yes, WiFi 6
- Memory: DDR4, 4x, Max 128GB
- Speed: 5600 MHz
- Weight: 4.77 pounds
- Dimensions: 12 x 9.6 x 2.5 inches
Having an Intel processor clearly indicates that you believe in the long run which is why we selected the MSI MPG Z690 Edge motherboard as our next pick. It is a premium motherboard that alone supports the PCIe 5.0 slot and offered unrivaled performance in our testing. Apparently, the matte finish of the board with the glowing dragon makes all the difference and gives you a premium feel.
The performance of this board remains unrivaled as you get 16+1+1 phases, core, and DDR4 RAM memory boost which can reach the speed of 5600(OC) MHz. If you’re concerned about its performance due to overheating, it comes with best in class thermal solution for faster heat dissipation and continuous work. Moreover, to stream Plex and multimedia purposes, the 2.5G LAN and WiFi 6 technology are best.
Only a few people know that this motherboard provides a dedicated headphone amplifier which is helpful in noise cancellation and lets you enjoy the best audio quality possible. If you’re using the Intel processor for Plex and home theater builds and budget is no concern for you, this motherboard is best suitable for you. However, if you want a budget-friendly pick, the MSI PRO Z690-A will work for you.
3: ASUS ROG Strix B560-A – (Best Looking Board for Intel)
Specifications:
- Brand: ASUS
- Chipset: B560
- Form Factor: ATX
- Socket: LGA 1200
- Wireless: Yes, WiFi 6
- Memory: DDR4, 4x, Max 128GB
- Speed: 5000MHz
- Weight: 2.38 pounds
- Dimensions: 13.3 x 10.75 x 2.68 inches
The next pick is dedicated to those who prefer both aesthetics and performance. The Asus Rog Strix B560-A is a white-themed motherboard that features a glowing ROG logo and silver linings all over the board. It offers all the necessary features needed for plex and home theater builds. As compared to MSI MPG Z690 Edge, the 8+2 power stages seem very low but the price difference justifies it.
Surprisingly, the DDR4 RAM can reach speeds of 5000 MHz which is enough for Plex and multimedia purposes. As for connectivity, the board provides WiFi 6 for worry-free streaming, type-C, PCIe 4.0 for storage and graphics enhancement, and SupremeFX S1220A codec to get the realistic sound effect.
It has the LGA 1200 socket so you can easily pair your 10th and 11th Gen Intel processors. Overall, if you’re willing to compromise a bit on performance and choose aesthetics, you can build your own NAS using the ROG Strix B560-A motherboard.
4: ASUS ROG Strix B550-A – (Best Looking Board for AMD)
Specifications:
- Brand: ASUS
- Chipset: AMD B550
- Form Factor: ATX
- Socket: AM4
- Wireless: No
- Memory: DDR4, 4x, Max 128GB
- Speed: 2666 MHz
- Weight: 3.7 pounds
- Dimensions: 12 x 9.6 x 2 inches
The Asus ROG Strix B550-A is not only the best-looking AMD motherboard for Plex but also offers you premium features at its price. There are only a few motherboards that are Windows 11 ready and the B550-A from ASUS is one of them. This board features almost the same specifications as the ROG Strix B560-A but the major difference is its compatibility and performance.
The B550 chipset is compatible with Ryzen 3000/4000 and 5000 series and delivers the ultimate performance with them. Apart from its impressive aesthetics, you get 12+2 power stages capable of performing demanding tasks without any worries. Moreover, the VRM, chipset, and dual M.2 heatsinks help the board to maintain its temperature.
As you’re looking for the best performing motherboards for Plex & Home Theater builds, audio quality definitely means a lot to you. The ROG Strix B550-A features the SupremeFX S1220A codec which outperforms others and allows you to use Sonic Studio III for voice-volume stabilization, noise cancellation, and rich audio boost.
In terms of connectivity, the USB 3.2 and type-C along with PCIe 4.0 help you install graphics and the latest peripherals. Even though you can buy the WiFi card separately, Asus should’ve provided it with this board. Overall, we recommend you this board for its aesthetics and ability to run Plex without issues.
5: MSI MPG B560I Gaming Edge – (Best Mini-ITX Board for Intel)
Specifications:
- Brand: MSI
- Chipset: B560
- Form Factor: Mini-ITX
- Socket: LGA 1200
- Wireless: Yes, WiFi 6
- Memory: DDR4, 2x, Max 64GB
- Speed: 5200 MHz
- Weight: 2.3 pounds
- Dimensions: 6.7 x 6.7 x 2 inches
Now comes the best compact motherboard for Plex & Home Theater builds. If you’re a self PC builder using Intel’s processor, the MSI MPG B560I is the perfect choice for you. It is a Mini-ITX board featuring an enhanced power design with core and memory boost. Although the maximum RAM capacity is 64GB with 2x slots, you get the RAM speed of 5200 MHz.
The board feels very durable and features a simplistic look. You get complete control of RGB via MSI center but the motherboard doesn’t come with any RGB lights on it. It can be purchased separately for aesthetics. In terms of power, it can endure high CPU demand while providing VRM, SSD, PCB, and system cooling. It offers you a separate pump-fan header for controlling the speed of the fans to make the sound quieter.
When it comes to connectivity, you can expect nothing less from this entry-level motherboard. The 2.5G LAN and Intel’s Wi-Fi 6E feature deliver a fast and secure network connection for streaming and other multimedia purposes. The 7.1 HD Audio with the Audio Boost technology lets you enjoy the surround sound of your favorite movies. The board is definitely lacking features like RAM capacity, the latest PCIe slots, and RGB but this is the best Mini-ITX motherboard for Plex and Home Theater builds available right now.
6: ASUS ROG Strix X570-I Gaming – (Best Mini-ITX Board for AMD)
Specifications:
- Brand: ASUS
- Chipset: AMD 570
- Form Factor: Mini-ITX
- Socket: AM4
- Wireless: Yes WiFi 6
- Memory: 2x. DDR4, Max 64GB
- Speed: 4800 MHz
- Weight: 2.2 pounds
- Dimensions: 6.7 x 6.7 x 2.1 inches
Finally, a Mini-ITX motherboard for Ryzen processors to perform the best in Plex, gaming PC and NAS. Asus Rog Strix X570-I is perfect for saving space while providing the required connectivities to users. We don’t find the board very attractive but in terms of performance, the board far exceeds other of its range. The 8+2 power stages have a premium choke and capacitor that ensures maximum and stable power delivery to your Ryzen series CPU.
Despite the maximum performance you get through this board, the cooling factor is exceptionally well. The comprehensive cooling design of miniature fans delivered more than we expected. Moreover, the M.2 heatsink along with the aluminum backplate dissipates heat faster and helps run the system smoothly.
As for connectivity, it features the PCIe 4.0 slot, USB Type-C, WiFi 6, and Intel Ethernet and MU-MIMO support for higher download speeds. We paired the best graphics cards along with this board and the performance and graphics details went very high. If your search is a Mini-ITX motherboard for Plex then this motherboard is a value-for-money choice.
Tips to get the best Motherboard for Plex & Home Theater Builds
Now that we’ve presented our recommended motherboards for Plex & Home Theater builds, we believe you’ll make a wise decision. However, if you still have any doubts, the following tips will help you a lot.
1: Avoid Cheap Motherboards and Go for Performance
In this article, the best motherboards for Plex & Home Theater Builds are based on X570, B550, and Z690 chipsets due to their performance, durability, and latest release. We included these boards by considering the heavy demand for Plex and tasks.
However, you can go with the X470, B450, and Z590 chipsets but remember they provide fewer connectivities, compromise performance, and are cheaper than others. It’s up to you if you want a durable motherboard for long-term use or to save a few bucks.
2: Aesthetics to Impress Everyone
We know how looks can increase the worth of your build and make your setup the center of attraction. We recommend you go with motherboards that offer RGB looks. Moreover, we’ve included the best-looking motherboards for Plex & Home Theater builds that are white-themed. The white color gives a soothing look and when combine with RGB, you get the utmost beauty of these motherboards.
3: Form Factor and Chipset for Compatibility
As you’re looking for motherboards to build a home theatre pc and use Plex, you probable have a case. Motherboards generally have three different sizes named ATX (The most common ones), Micro-ATX, and finally Mini-ITX. The ATX-sized board is usually 12 x 9.6 inches and provides enough connectivities like M.2, PCIe slots, and 4x DDR4 RAM of up to 128GB maximum capacity. Whereas, the Micro-ATX is 9.6 x 9.6 inches and offers the same connectivity as ATX.
The Mini-ITX Form is best for compact gaming PC and NAS build. It offers 2x DDR4 RAMs up to 64GB maximum capacity with good connectivities. As for chipsets, it depends on the processor. Intel processors are compatible with the Z690 chipsets and the AMD processors require the X570 and B550 chipsets. Regardless of your PC case or processor, you can find a motherboard suitable for your needs.
4: Consider the Cooling for Peak Performance
Motherboards can build up temperature very quickly due to heavy usage of the CPU which can affect its durability and you won’t get the performance needed for Plex. Always prefer a motherboard that offers VRM cooling, heatsinks, and better heat dissipation. It is a fact that the lower your board temperature gets, the maximum performance you’ll achieve.
5: PCIe Slots for Video and Audio Boost
If you’re planning to use Plex, you cannot compromise the video and audio quality of the content. Even if you have pre-installed graphics with your processor, the need for improvements always arises. PCIe slots allow you to install graphics cards and increase the performance and responsiveness of your PC drastically. Furthermore, you can add a sound card and improve the audio quality as well as your experience with Plex.
6: Study Reviews Before Making a Decision
Buying a motherboard is a long-term investment that should pass many considerations. The specifications alone aren’t enough for deciding the performance of a motherboard. Hence, you should study reviews, consider the crucial factors and make a decision based on your purpose.
Final Verdict
Home theater builds and Plex requires transcoding. You are about to access multimedia from one computer to another computer or device and this processing gives load to your processor. Only the best motherboards for Plex & Home theater builds are able to provide enough power to your CPU and all the other components to make this work.
If you have an Intel processor, the MSI MPG Z690 Edge serves you the best whereas, for AMD users, the ASUS AM4 TUF Gaming X570-Plus is a great choice for having more than 5.8K reviews on amazon and clearing our stress and durability test. Hopefully, our testing and review of the best motherboards for Plex helped you select one for you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Which CPU is the best for using the Plex server?
The best processor for the Plex server is something that can handle transcoding and high-quality streaming. Intel and AMD processors are currently ruling the market and we recommend you go with any motherboard but make sure the chipsets are Z690 for Intel and B550 or X570 for AMD. These chipsets can easily handle the most demanding tasks.
Q2. Are graphics cards required for the Plex server?
You can create the plex media server without putting much strain on your CPU. However, if you’re building it for frequent and long-term use to stream content on 4K or 1080p quality, a GPU can ease up the task and help you get fast performance on the best NAS for plex.
Q3. How much RAM do I need for a Plex server?
If you’re creating a Plex server, we recommend you to go with motherboards that have a minimum of 64 GB RAM capacity as the amount of RAM totally depends on how you’re gonna use it. If you’re using it to stream 720p or 1080p content 4 to 8 GB RAM will suffice but if you’re into more intensive tasks and 4k quality, it demands high transcoding and the RAM should be 8 to 16GB.