Plex Media Server is a popular solution for organizing, streaming, and managing digital media collections. Many users run Plex on a server setup that involves a large storage array for media files. However, depending on your specific use case and hardware setup, you might find that moving Plex's metadata and application data from your array to a cache folder can improve performance, reduce wear on your main storage array, and optimize the overall efficiency of your media server. This article will guide you through the process of moving Plex data from your array to a cache folder.
Understanding the Basics
Before diving into the process, let's clarify a few key concepts:
-
Plex Data: Plex generates and maintains various files, including metadata, thumbnails, and libraries, which it uses to provide a smooth user experience. This data is typically stored in the main library folder on your array.
-
Cache Folder: A cache folder is usually a faster storage location, often an SSD, where frequently accessed data can be read and written more quickly than on traditional HDD arrays.
-
Array vs. Cache: An array typically consists of multiple hard drives that may be slower due to rotational latency, while a cache (often SSD-based) provides faster read/write speeds, enhancing the performance of applications like Plex.
Step-by-Step Guide to Move Plex Data to Cache Folder
Step 1: Prepare Your Cache Environment
-
Set Up Cache Drive: Ensure you have an SSD or another form of fast storage configured as a cache drive. Depending on your system, this may require setting up your SSD in the operating system or your RAID configuration.
-
Create a Cache Directory: On your cache drive, create a new directory for Plex. For example, you might create
/mnt/cache/Plexor a similar path depending on your file structure preferences.
Step 2: Stop Plex Media Server
Before making any changes, stop the Plex Media Server to prevent any corruption or data loss:
-
On Linux, you can stop Plex using:
sudo systemctl stop plexmediaserver -
On Windows, stop the Plex service from the Task Manager or through the command prompt.
Step 3: Move Plex Data
-
Locate Your Plex Data Directory: Typically, the Plex data folder is located in one of the following paths:
- On Linux:
/var/lib/plexmediaserver/Library/Application Support/Plex Media Server/ - On Windows:
C:\Users\<YourUsername>\AppData\Local\Plex Media Server\
- On Linux:
-
Copy the Data to Cache: Use a command line or a file explorer to copy the entire contents of the Plex data directory to your newly created cache directory. For example:
cp -r /var/lib/plexmediaserver/Library/Application\ Support/Plex\ Media\ Server/ /mnt/cache/Plex/ -
Verify the Copy: Check the cache directory to ensure that all files have been successfully copied over.
Step 4: Update Plex Configuration
- Modify Plex Settings: After moving the data, you’ll need to inform Plex about the new location of its data files. This can be done by creating a symbolic link from the original directory to the cache folder.
-
On Linux:
sudo mv /var/lib/plexmediaserver/Library/Application\ Support/Plex\ Media\ Server /var/lib/plexmediaserver/Library/Application\ Support/Plex\ Media\ Server.old sudo ln -s /mnt/cache/Plex /var/lib/plexmediaserver/Library/Application\ Support/Plex\ Media\ Server -
On Windows, you can use the mklink command in the Command Prompt to create a symlink.
-
Step 5: Start Plex Media Server
Now that you've successfully moved the data, start the Plex Media Server again:
-
On Linux:
sudo systemctl start plexmediaserver -
On Windows, restart the Plex service.
Step 6: Verify Functionality
-
Test Your Setup: Open your Plex interface and check if everything is functioning properly. Browse through your libraries, play some media, and ensure that the metadata loads quickly.
-
Monitor Performance: Over time, keep an eye on server performance to confirm that the move to the cache folder has positively impacted loading times and responsiveness.
Step 7: Clean Up
After confirming that everything works as expected, you can safely remove the old data directory:
sudo rm -rf /var/lib/plexmediaserver/Library/Application\ Support/Plex\ Media\ Server.old
Conclusion
Moving Plex data from your array to a cache folder can significantly enhance your media server's performance. With this guide, you should now be equipped with the knowledge and steps necessary to optimize your Plex setup. Always ensure to back up important data before making substantial changes and monitor your system's performance to reap the full benefits of your new configuration. Happy streaming!
