Running VMware with macOS on Intel Nuc 12 Pro for 24/7 Plex Server Usage

Running VMware with macOS on your Intel Nuc 12 Pro i5 alongside Plex can be a viable setup, but several factors will determine the overall performance:

Hardware Capabilities:

• Processor: The i5 model of the Nuc 12 Pro should be capable of handling virtualization and Plex simultaneously, provided the workload on Plex isn't too CPU-intensive.
• RAM: Adequate memory is crucial since both VMware and Plex will require their share of RAM. Ensure your NUC has enough memory to allocate to the macOS VM without starving Plex or the host OS.
• Storage: Running a VM and Plex server will increase read/write operations. An SSD would handle this better than an HDD, offering faster data retrieval and less likelihood of a bottleneck.

Performance Considerations:

• Virtual Machine Resource Allocation: Allocating too many resources to the macOS VM could starve Plex and vice versa. Balance the allocation according to the demands of each.
• Network Bandwidth: Running both services will have an impact on your network. If Plex streams are high in quality and the macOS VM performs tasks that require significant bandwidth, this could be a limiting factor.
• Plex Usage Patterns: If Plex is heavily used, particularly for transcoding, it could slow down when the VM is also under load. Conversely, if Plex usage is light, you might not notice any slowdown.

Best Practices:

• Monitoring: Keep an eye on the NUC's resource usage. Tools like the Intel Power Gadget for Windows or similar monitoring solutions can help you understand the system's performance under load.
• Testing: Before committing to this setup, run some stress tests to see how well your NUC copes with both the VM and Plex running.
• Backup: Ensure you have a backup strategy for both Plex and the macOS VM. Regular backups are essential when running servers 24/7.
• Updates and Maintenance: Schedule regular maintenance windows to apply updates and reboot the system, ensuring minimal downtime during peak usage periods.

Final Thoughts:

It's generally okay to run VMware with macOS alongside Plex, as long as your hardware is up to the task and you manage resources wisely. However, continuous operation at high loads can shorten hardware lifespan, so make sure your NUC is operating within a reasonable temperature range and has good ventilation.

Remember, running macOS on non-Apple hardware (including virtual machines) is against Apple's end-user license agreement and is not supported by Apple. Proceed with caution and at your own risk.