So I just had to replace my mobo and it still takes DDR2 RAM, AM2+ and AM3 compatible. Currently it has an AMD 4860e processor. 2.5ghz dual core.

 

1. I would like this server to be able to run plex media server and serve up 2-3 boxes and an iPad...

2. All my content is 1080p.

 

I understand that this processor may not be enough to transcode when needed?

I see on the plex board they recommended a quad core AMD 620e processor to do the job. What do you guys think? Any thoughts on this?

My previous PMS configuration was an i3 processor (dual core).  It actually ran extremely well, able to serve up at least 2 simlultaenous transcoded sessions.  I'm not familiar with AMD processors, but the recommended CPU for PMS on Linux is "an Intel Core 2 Duo processor 2.4 GHz or better."

 

I now feed my Windows 7 guest--which hosts PMS--4 virtual cores, and I think I've had about 6 simultaneous transcoding sessions.

 

You mentioned 2-3 "boxes."  Are we talking local computer-based clients?  If so, you probably won't see any transcoding.  When you get into the iPad and remote viewing is where you're going to need to take advantage of the CPU.

Question still stands, it will be for local streaming to an iPad, and also stream across the internet at 3-4 Mbps upload. What do you guys think?

I can only say if you mean megabits....3-4 will not be enough to stream 1080p.

I have an athlon ii x4 620 oc'd to 3 Ghz.  Most of my collection is 1080p MKV's.  I have difficulty transcoding 1 1080p stream on occasion and 2 completely saturate the CPU.  Most of this experience is Plex-->Roku which has issues with MKV.  The iPad has been much better but I think Plex always trancodes to 720p for that.  I would expect its able to do one 3-4mbit 720p stream well but multiple 20mbit 1080p transcoded streams are not likely.