Configuring Plex Media Server on FreeNAS: A Step-by-Step Guide

FreeNAS is an excellent platform for building a centralized storage solution, and with the right configuration, it can also serve as a robust media server. One popular media server application that can be easily set up on FreeNAS is Plex Media Server. In this article, we'll walk you through the process of configuring Plex Media Server on FreeNAS, leveraging the power of Intel GPU offload to enhance video encoding and decoding.

Before we begin, make sure your system meets the minimum requirements for running Plex Media Server on FreeBSD 12.0+. Specifically, your Intel-based machine should have a supported GPU that can take advantage of hardware-accelerated encoding and decoding.

Step 1: Enable Loading of Kernel Module on Boot

The first step is to enable the loading of the kernel module (i915kms) on boot. You can do this by running the following command:

```

sysrc kld_list+=i915kms

```

This will ensure that the module is loaded automatically when your system boots.

Step 2: Install Multimedia/drm-kmod

Next, you'll need to install the multimedia/drm-kmod package. You can do this by running the following command:

```

pkg install drm-fbsd12.0-kmod

```

This package provides the necessary kernel modules for Intel GPU offload.

Once you've installed the package, start Plex Media Server by running the following command:

```

service plexmediaserver start

```

Step 3: Configure Plex Media Server

After starting Plex Media Server, visit the INTEL GPU OFFLOAD NOTES page to learn more about configuring your system for hardware-accelerated encoding and decoding.

To configure Plex Media Server, you'll need to create a few directories. By default, the Plex metadata path is set to /mnt/Coruscant/plex_data, but you can change this by creating a new directory and specifying it in the Plex configuration file.

Additionally, you may want to mount your media directory manually when setting up Plex Media Server. This will allow you to access your files from within the Plex interface.

Step 4: Start Using Your Media Server

With Plex Media Server configured on your FreeNAS system, you can start using it to stream your favorite movies and TV shows to any device connected to your network. Simply open the Plex Media Server app on your client device, and you'll be able to access your media library.

In conclusion, configuring Plex Media Server on FreeNAS is a straightforward process that requires only a few commands and some basic configuration settings. By following these steps, you can turn your FreeNAS system into a robust media server that leverages the power of Intel GPU offload for enhanced video encoding and decoding.

Configure plex media server on freenas