My current setup is a Dell with an older 2.8 i7 and 16 GB RAM, paired up with a QNAP NAS. The PC functions primarily as a PLEX media server and runs PHT for direct play as well using HDMI out to the TV. The thing sucks up power and the fans are super loud so I want to switch to a more energy efficient, and quieter Mac Mini, but still want to use the same setup.
Almost all of my library is in MKV and I usually will only have one 1080/720P stream going at a time.
I'm not looking to spend a ton of money but was thinking of going with a 2010/2011 i5 and bump up the RAM to 8 GB (or 16 GB if it will take it)
Would that be good enough to run the server, transcoding, and handle the video playback out to the TV as well?
If not, what would you all recommend?