I'm working on setting up a home media server to run through Plex (I bought it a while ago). I've been diving into research about doing this, but am frankly a HUGE newbie. Currently, I'm overwhelmed at the equipment I likely need and am trying to figure out what is and isn't overkill...

Here's my current set up.

• I have a laptop with the pictured processor and RAM.
• It's connected via Ethernet to an old Modem/Router Combo (24x8 Cable Modem AC1900 plus Router, MG7700)
• The storage for my videos (ripped from DVDs) is on an external hard drive connected via USB 2.0.

Now, I know this setup isn't ideal, but it's where I started. There are probably multiple points of slowdown... Currently, when streaming with a TV that's on my network, it can (mostly) smoothly run lower quality shows (mostly 90s Star Trek) but struggles to stream anything more than 720p.

Ideally, I am looking to be able to stream 4k movies and also be able to smoothly access this network remotely with Plex so I can stream kids movies for my niece when I'm over.

Currently, I've been reading some discussions on getting an old workstation computer vs Mini PC vs NAS for running a server off of. But most of the recommended PCs or NAS I'm seeing actually have worse processors than the one in this laptop so maybe that's not the problem? I should probably move off of the laptop anyway but I'm not sure which way to go.

I should probably get an Independent Router and Modem, because I was reading that these combo ones can be pretty bad.

And the hard drive being external certainly can't help, right?

I'm just not sure where to start with deciding what to change to make things run smoother. Let me know if you have any advice on what I should prioritize upgrading to get a smoothly running home server!

Thanks!