QNAP TS-464 or the Synology DS423+ NAS Drive – Which Should You Buy?

Choosing Between the Synology DS423+ and QNAP TS-464 NAS is more than just about how you are spending your money at checkout! Making a move away from 3rd public cloud storage can be a big, BIG decision for some users. The ‘freemium’ and low cost monthly subscription to the likes of Google Drive and DropBox seems like a drop in the ocean, right up until you realise that over the years you have spent hundreds of pounds and you face the fact that you are going to need to consider moving that data onto something more long term and ‘in house’. For many users, this is their first encounter with two of the bigger brands in the world of NAS, Synology and QNAP and although at a glance they seem to provide the same kind of solution, even a brief second glance reveals that these two brands have very, very different ideas of where you should be spending your money. Synology is the sleek, apple-esc presented solution that promises a smooth and uncomplex experience, with an arguably more rigid and fixed architecture. Whereas QNAP is the more customizable and flexible in its hardware and software, but has a slightly higher learning curve and requires more time to configure perfectly. Both brands provide an excellent range of NAS solutions with each of the solutions in today’s comparison being quite similar in price, but what you are getting for your money, the range of software included, the scope of hardware that is available and how they translate to upgradable and scalability is incredibly different! So, today we are going to compare the Synology DS423+ NAS released in March 2023 (HEAVILY comparable to the 2020 gen DS920+) against the spring 2022 released QNAP TS-464 NAS.

Synology DS423+ vs QNAP TS-464 NAS – Design

The design of the QNAP TS-464 and Synology DS423+ are both very uniform to the brands, utilizing existing designs in their respective Home/Prosumer/SMB ranges. Both are 4-Bay desktop solutions that are designed to be deployed easily and pretty much anywhere. They are largely the same in physical volume, with the Synology DS423+ arriving the tiniest pinch larger, but both systems provide a similar level of storage on their four SATA and 2x NVMe M.2 SSD bays. The Synology has the more traditional shape of the lockable storage media bays being immediately visible, but finish this with an incredibly modernistic shape and matt surface design. The front of the system features a single USB backup port, as well as 5 LEDs for system/drive activity and those two M.2 SSD bays are located on the base of the system. The QNAP TS-464 NAS uses a more glossy and slightly coloured design by comparison (featuring a copper side panel), with the 4 drive bays of the system being covered by a slidable and lockable semi-translucent panel. The QNAP also featured the same LED/USB present, but there are more LEDs on the QNAP and the USB here is both a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Port (10Gb/s) and is accompanied by a one-touch copy button. This is one of the early examples of how things in the NAS market have moved forward in hardware but Synology has instead doubled down on their focus of it’s DSM software platform above all else. The QNAP TS-464 is certainly the more expensive NAS of the two, with the DS423+, despite being newer and having a different position in the brand’s portfolio (see the DS923+ to learn more), but the hardware you are getting for that price tag is notably different and will become a clear divide between these two. Because of the compact design, both systems need to factor in intelligent cooling, as they will likely be in operation 24×7. This is another clear area where the brands have gone in different directions here.

QNAP TS-464 NAS 168mm × 170mm × 226 mm	Synology DS423+ NAS 166 mm x 199 mm x 223 mm

The ventilation on the Synology DS423+ is certainly more visible but in a much more ‘branded’ and slick way. The QNAP TS-464 features no front-facing ventilation, instead using two small areas of ventilation on the sides of the chassis and the base of the TS-464 featuring further ventilation under each of the storage bays. The Synology on the other hand has much more passive airflow, with each of the individual storage bays being surrounded by a slit of ventilation and the side panel of the DS423+ having the Synology logo featured as further ventilation. Higher-end Synology desktop models feature metal mesh panels inside these logos to capture dust, but this is less of a concern in the more compact and discreet DS423+. Overall, I would certainly say that the Synology DS423+ have more visible efforts to maintain system temperature than the QNAP TS-464 (which is a real surprise when you see how the hardware these two systems are sporting compares) but both maintain a good operation temperature.

QNAP TS-464 NAS	Synology DS423+ NAS

When you look at the rear of the TS-464 and DS423+ NAS, you see another big difference in how each system maintains their respective internal temperatures, with the QNAP featuring a single 120mm fan that covers the bulk of the internal hardware airflow path and the Synology featuring two 92mm fans that cover around 70% of the rear of the chassis. Of the two, I would say the QNAP TS-464 is the noisier in operation of the two (when populated with 4x 4TB WD Red HDDs) by the tiniest of margins, but it isn’t really till you entertain the idea of enterprise HDDs or drives larger than 10TB that you need to worry about ambient sound around these two systems. Both the DS423+ and TS-464 can have the rotations per minute (RPM) of their fans changed manually or left on automatic as the system changes the internal cooling to ensure maximum efficiency.

QNAP TS-464 NAS	Synology DS423+ NAS

Overall, the design of the Synology DS423+ is still the better-looking system of the two and although I personally really like the copper and glossy look of the QNAP TS-464 NAS, I know that the bulk of users will want to ‘set up and forget’ their NAS, so these aesthetic design choices are less important to them. Equally, although the QNAP fan has the potential to cool its respective system much more, I think the Synology features a better balance of active airflow and passive ventilation overall. The QNAP still wins pretty big on its inclusion of a USB 3.2 Gen 2 One Touch Copy button enabled port for faster and more manual backup options (as well as still allow automated and connection-triggered backups as the Synology), but overall on points, this round belongs to the Synology DS423+ NAS.

QNAP TS-464 versus Synology DS423+ NAS – Internal Hardware

This is an area where you really see how both brands focus their priorities on the solutions they offer, as well as how the components common to NAS have evolved in the 2 years between their respective releases. The Synology DS423+ arrives with a familiar architecture to it’s predecessor (the DS420+) and is a fairly tried and tested formula by the brand. Synology was the first company to introduce NVMe SSD storage bays into desktop NAS systems around 5 years ago (something that QNAP has only really been catching up on in the last 2 YEARS). Likewise, Synology has made a few very brand-specific decisions in their system architecture that this rather more proprietary brand is often keen to implement. For example, the default DDR4 memory inside (2666Mhz SODIMM) is actually soldered to the main internal board (4x 256MB Modules), with an additional empty memory slot to allow an additional 4GB Synology-branded memory module. As the DS423+ has a CPU that has a maximum 8GB of memory, this is an oddly artificial limitation that results in the DS420+ only allowing 6GB of max memory, an odd move that is perhaps done out of system PCI/Bandwidth, rather than any kind of manufacturer restriction. The QNAP features a newer gen CPU (as you would expect after the later release) and this CPU allows up to 16GB of memory (4GB in the default model) across two upgradable slots. Likewise, returning to those M.2 NVMe slots, both system feature 2 bays that can be used for SSD storage upgrades, although both the DS423+ and TS-464 support SSD caching (when a pool of SSDs is used to speed up data write/read in conjunction with the larger HDD RAID array), Synology ONLY RECENTLY allowed NVMe Storage Pools on their platform, whereas QNAP  has allowed NVMes as standalone storage pools, for app booting, running the OS from and even their own special internal tiering system known as QTier. This is the first of several key differences between the QNAP TS-464 and Synology DS423+ NAS that show the divide in hardware between these units.

Model	QNAP TS-464	Synology DS423+
Price	£559               $650              €675	£508               $549              €569
Storage Media Support	4x SATA, 2x m.2 NVMe 3×1 for Cache/Pools/QTier	4x SATA, 2x NVMe SSD Cache/Pool Bays
CPU Model	Intel N5105/N5095	Intel J4125
CPU Frequency & Cores	Quad-Core 2.0-2.9Ghz	Quad-Core 2.0-2.7Ghz
CPU Benchmark Score	CPU benchmark 4161	CPU benchmark 3006
Memory Default/Max	4-16GB SODIMM DDR4	2-6GB SODIMM DDR4 (4GB onboard)
PSU Power & Design	90W External PSU	100W External PSU
Physical Fans	1x 120m FAN	2x 92m FAN

Of course, the clearest difference that most PC builder-minded people are going to notice is the CPU. NAS systems are designed to be operational for days, weeks, months and even years at a time. Therefore, in order to maintain optimal performance, as well as lower power consumption and lessen the damage that long-term operation can inflict on a processor, the CPUs used in NAS are a great deal more modest. In the case of the Synology DS423+ and QNAP TS-464 NAS, they feature Intel Celeron processors, each featuring an embedded graphics component (allowing graphical operations, multimedia handling and visual data to be handled by a specialized area of the processor), quad-core architecture and a base level clock speed of 2.0Ghz that can be burst (turbo/increased when needed). However, the newer generation N5105/N5095 CPU in the QNAP is able to reach a higher overall clock speed and also is more efficient (i.e uses a little less hardware resources to get a task done than it would take on the J4125 typically, so, therefore, can do more tasks overall when the full CPU power is utilized). Indeed, CPUBenchmark rated the newer CPU 30%+ higher in it’s scoring than the J4125 (again, as you would expect for a CPU released more than a year later by Intel), so this processor means that more can be done on the QNAP (in like for like tasks) and also this CPU allows a greater range of hardware to be built into the system. CPUs are one of the largest quantifying factors of how a NAS is built and this is because they can only handle a certain amount of connected hardware (storage bays, ports, expansion slots, etc) when connected to a larger controller/motherboard. This is commonly referred to as the # of PCI lanes and the chipset used in the build of the system. Because this newer Intel N5105 / N5095 CPU has more lanes to use at once than the J4125, it allows the newer NAS drive to have more hardware.

QNAP TS-464 NAS – Intel N5105/N5095 CPU

Synology DS423+ NAS – Intel J4125 CPU

These additional CPU resources, as well as the increased maximum memory and flexibility of how the M.2 NVMe SSD slots can be used ultimately mean that in terms of internal hardware, the newer released QNAP TS-464 wins over the Synology DS423+ NAS. It is worth remembering that the M.2 NVMe SSD slots on the QNAP TS-464 are PCIe Gen 3 x1 (down to the Celeron CPU still not having anywhere near the scope in it’s flexibility that the likes of an Intel Core, Ryzen or Xeon might have) and will bottleneck at 1,000MB/s, but this is still better than nothing and there is still the lingering question of the Gen 2 slots on the DS423+ being 2×2 or 2×4 – which will potentially limit the M.2 NVMes on the DS423+ further still. So the QNAP still seems to have a better balance of NVMe SSD support in its architecture overall.

Synology DS423+ or QNAP TS-464 NAS – Ports & Connections

Now ports and connections on the Synology DS423+ and QNAP TS-464 NAS is an area that is INCREDIBLY diverse in it’s approach by either brand. Once again, the reasons clearly to do with the CPU choice and position on their respective brand portfolios, but also the brand’s own decisions in build architecture/priorities still massively continue to be a contributing factor here. The Synology DS423+ NAS certainly comes across as the weaker of the two here in its connectivity and although a lot of the QNAP’s advancements in connectivity could be described as ‘future upgrades and simply facilitating extras or addons’, it still manages to provide a greater deal of connectivity to the day 1 user than the Synology system here. The port(s) that almost certainly will be the one that jumps out immediately on each system is the network connections. The DS423+ NAS arrives with 2x 1GbE ports which, although allowing link aggregation to create 2GbE with a smart switch, was still a little underwhelming in 2023 (as we had already started seeing 2.5GbE arriving at the same price as 1GbE with a number of client hardware devices in 2020). The newer QNAP TS-464 features 2x 2.5GbE (so 5GbE via link aggregation and a supported switch) which now that some ISPs and budget switch manufacturers are providing affordable 2.5GbE solutions, will be incredibly useful. Then the is the additional PCIe upgrade slot on the QNAP NAS that allows upgrades towards 10GbE, dual-port 10GbE cards and even combo cards to add 10G and further M.2  NVMe bays via a single card. Again, there ARE upgrades and not something in the baseline model, but you can not argue with the future-proofing available here. Additionally, the DS923+ NAS released in December 2022 had the option to upgrade to 10GbE – something hugely absent here in the eyes of many on this 4xSATA and 2xNVMe DS423+ NAS. There is simply no avoiding that in the 2023 released DS423+, those 1GbE ports are something of a limiting factor.

Model	QNAP TS-464	Synology DS423+
Network Ports	2x 2.5GbE	2x 1GbE
USB 3.2 Ports	2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gb)	2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gb)
USB 2.0 Ports	2x USB 2.0	0
HDMI Ports	1x HDMI 2.0 4K 60FPS	n/a
PCIe Upgrade Slots	PCIe Gen 3×2 Slot (2Gb/s)	n/a

After the network and PCIe differences that favour the TS-464, the distance between the 2020 and 2022 NAS hardware architecture here is further extended. The Synology DS423+ features a further USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gb/s) port, but LACKS the option to upgrade it’s storage down the line with an expansion (such as with the eSATA port on the DS920+ and DS923+ NAS supporting the DX517 official expansion). QNAP counters this on the TS-464 with the inclusion of another USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gb/s) port, as well as some (obviously less useful) USB 2.0 ports. These USB 2.0 Ports are primarily designed to be used in conjunction with the optional visual output (HDMI 2.0 4k 60FPS) on the QNAP as a KVM (Keyboard, video and mouse) setup with the included parallel HD Station application and its tool. The HDMI and direct interface of the QNAP is still pretty niche as a service on this system, but it has a number of useful multimedia, surveillance and VM utilities that can be quite impressive. Expansions on the TS-464 are more diverse than the 5-Bay DX517 on the DS423+ (which again, is NOT supported anyway), with QNAP offering 2, 4, 6, 8 and 12-Bay expansion chassis (arriving in JBOD or hardware RAID enabled) that connect over USB or an inclusive PCIe card. Overall, it comes as no surprise that in terms of hardware, the QNAP TS-464 still takes the first place, as the Synology DS423+ (like most of the brand’s solutions) is prioritizes the DSM platform and it’s tools/services over the hardware. Let’s discuss the software on each of these brands.

QNAP TS-464 or the Synology DS423+ NAS – Software

When you are choosing to buy a Synology or QNAP NAS, it is always worth bearing in mind that you are not just buying a bunch of hardware, but you are actually getting a fully-featured software solution. Both the Synology DS423+ and QNAP TS-464 arrive with each brand’s premium NAS software and services platform, DSM and QTS respectively. Both of these platforms include a traditional operating system level of accessibility and control, that can be accessed via pretty much any web browser or desktop OS, as well as numerous tailored mobile client applications. The Synology DSM platform is a lot more comparable in design and control with Mac OSX and is by far the more user-friendly option of the two. The QNAP QTS platform is a lot more comparable to Android in its initial GUI and then more like Windows in it’s navigation, arriving as the option with a greater deal of configuration and control, but with a steeper learning curve. Another big difference between QTS and DSM is how they present their services, with QNAP providing a larger degree of support of 3rd party applications (both in the app center and in the configuration of their own range of 1st party applications. Synology DSM on the other hand proves a larger and more impressive range of fist party tools that are designed to replace/improve upon the 3rd party tools you might be using, with many of it’s applications being comparable to top tier 3rd party paid tools in the market (the Synology collaboration suite, the Surveillance Station application and pretty much everything in Synology Drive, just as a start). The QNAP platform also, in it’s efforts to be as widely compatible and configurable as possible, occasionally stems into over-complexity and risks the user tripping over itself as it tries to manage the larger scale of configuration Whereas, although the Synology DSM platform may seem a pinch more closed and fixed, it manages to prevent the users from accidentally ruining their own storage system. Here is a full breakdown of the key applications that are included with the QNAP TS-464 and Synology DS423+, broken down into categories:

	QNAP TS-464	Synology DS423+
Browser Support	Supports all Browsers	Supports all Browsers
	Browser File Management	Browser File Management
	Photo/Music/Video Tools	Photo/Music/Video Tools
	Multimedia Console	Synology Drive
	AI Photo Recognition	AI Photo Recognition
	Edge m.2 Coral TPU Support
Storage Services
	SED Drive Support	SED Drive Support
	QTier	Synology Hybrid RAID
	Hybrid Mount	Hybrid Share
	ISCSI Target/LUN	ISCSI Target/LUN
	vJBOD
	Snapshots	Snapshots
	SSD Cache (Read/Write/Both)	SSD Cache (Read/Write/Both)
	Cloud Sync / QSync	Cloud Sync
	Ex-FAT is Free	Fast RAID Rebuild
	RAID Resync control	RAID Resync control
	Secure Erase	Acrtive Backup Suite
	Lots of Expansions (TR/TL)	Hyper Backup
	HBS 3	Synology CMS
	Qfiling and Qsirch
Business Applications
	QVR Pro – 8 Camera Licenses (+USB Camera Support)	Surveillance Station – 2 Camera Licenses
	Virtualization Station	Virtual Machine Manager
	Ubuntu Linux Station 18/20	Docker Support
	Container Station	Active Backup 365 & Workspace
	Hypervisor Protector	Synology Office, Chat, Calendar
	QMailAgent	Synology Mail / MailPlus
	HD Station	Synology C2 and Services
	BoXafe
	Security Councillor	Security Councillor
	Malware Remover	Synology VPN Plus
	McAfee Anti-Virus Scanning	Log and Notification Center
	QVPN	Auto Blocking on SSH, Telnet etc
	Log and Notification Center	256 bit Encryption
	Auto Blocking on SSH, Telnet etc	2 Step Authentication
	256 bit Encryption	Firewall App
	2 Step Authentication	Access Protection and Allow/Deny list
	Firewall App	Synology Secure SignIn
	Access Protection and Allow/Deny list	Synology C2 Password

As you can see, both NAS brands provide similar levels of software, services and features, but they are presented in very different ways. Once again, I cannot emphasise enough how much more the QNAP platform is configurable but ALSO how it can often give you too much configuration and risk overwhelming less experienced users. The Synology DSM platform, for all its comparative rigidicy, is still overall the better software experience and you definitely see that Software over hardware priority from the brand clearly here. I have made long, LONG reviews on each of the NAS brand’s and their software platforms, which you can watch below for much, much more information on their respective strengths and weaknesses.

QNAP QTS 5.0 Review	Synology DSM 7 Review

Ultimately, it will come as no surprise that Synology come out on top in terms of software compared with the QNAP. That is not to say that the QNAP QTS platform is not good, it really, really is and some of the applications that are included for home and business users are often genuinely impressive, unique and provide facilities to the end-user that are wholly unavailable on any other NAS platform (eg Multimedia Console as a single portal media manager, the 2-3 Click VM storages and repository that are available in Virtualization Station, Linux Station and Container Staton or the QuMagie AI-powered tool that is able to cover a greater range of subjects and categories that any other NAS photo tool out there). However, the QNAP QTS platform is not quite as polished, as user-friendly and as responsive as the Synology DSM platform overall. If you want a better idea how these two NAS software platforms compare directly (i.e face to face), then you can check out my DSM vs QTS video below:

Alternatively, if you are NOT interested in using the software included with your NAS, there is always the option to install TrueNAS – Something that is surprisingly easy on the QNAP NAS (see video below):

QNAP TS-464 or the Synology DS423+ NAS – Conclusion

Ultimately, choosing between the Synology DS423+ and QNAP TS-464 largely comes down to a question of hardware vs software. The QNAP TS-464 is by a long distance the more advanced in hardware in practically every way (thanks of course to the brand’s focus in this direction) which leads to that system having a tremendously large scope in terms of what you can do with it, how far the storage can be expanded and how upgradable the system can be. The QNAP is the better future-proof hardware choice and despite the Synology NAS platform having a stronger software platform, it still has a vast array of software and services available in QTS nonetheless. For those that are hardware-focused or want a NAS to support their existing 3rd party client tools and apps, the QNAP TS-464 is by and larger the better choice. The Synology DS423+ NAS on the other hand, despite its 2-3 year older hardware (already premiered in the 2020 released DS920+) and arguably safer/sensible stance on hardware in general, is still a great NAS that will likely becoming more popular and palatable in the 4-Bay NAS market as the pricing becomes a bit more flexible (as many will still weigh the DS423+ with the older DS920+ that still has stock floating around and opt for the latter). Add to that the core strength and first-party focus of DSM leading to this hardware+software solution providing you with a huge array of polished and premium feeling tools at your disposal. As long as you are happy to do things ‘Synology’s way’ and are looking for an easy to use system that will not tax the end-users brain, you will find Synology the better software choice overall.

QNAP TS-464 NAS – Spring/Summer 2022		Synology DS423+ NAS – Spring 2023
Reasons to Buy it? Better Hardware inside and out More Expansion/Upgrade Options Able to run more simultaneous apps/clients at once Faster USB Ports (10Gb/s) Larger bandwidth PCIe upgrade slot (PCIe 3×2 vs 2×2/2×4) Higher CPU Frequency, Efficiency & Proficiency M.2 SSD Useable Tiered Storage Option		Reasons to Buy it? Much more user-friendly Synology Hybrid RAID for flexibility Overall Better 1st Party Software Better Surveillance Access/Streaming Lower Price Point as it in the SOHO part of Syn’s Portfolio Quieter Operation First Party Accessories (HDD, SSD, Memory, etc) Available
Buy on Amazon	Where to Buy	Buy on Amazon	Where to Buy

 

A Guide to How Each Synology NAS Performs in Plex Media Server

Using a NAS as a Plex Media Server is something that seems to grow in popularity with each passing year! Perhaps it is the constant bickering between streaming platforms such as Disney+, Netflix and Prime as they fight over TV show streaming ownership, maybe it’s the rapid increase in costs – or perhaps it is simply that alot of users these days actually want to OWN the media they watch (as well as WATCH the media they own). Whatever the reason, many users look at Synology NAS solutions as affordable private servers that they can load their multimedia onto Box sets, Movies, Music, Audiobooks and Photos) and then stream them to devices in and outside the home. That is where Plex Media server comes in! Plex is, by far, the best way to replicate the kind of slick graphic user interface and design that streaming platforms provide, whilst allowing you to do so with your own media easily and automatically. Plex will scan and scrape metadata sources such as The Movie Database (TMDB) and IMDb for cast information, reviews, descriptions, trailers, thumbnails and more – then wrap it around your decades of media! Then they also allow you to stream it to multiple TVs, Phones, tablets and smart home devices to be enjoyed! What’s not to love? Not much right. Well, when it comes to buying a Synology NAS for Plex – there is a catch! Not all Synology NAS drives are built equally. Some have more powerful or more suitable hardware for Plex than others – and it doesn’t necessarily mean that spending MORE on a Synology NAS will automatically make it better for your ideal plex media server. So, in today’s article I want to cover the full rang eof Synology NAS systems in 2023 and how they perform in PLEX. A big thank you needs to go to the creator of this spreadsheet HERE for keeping track of the full spectrum of Synology NAS systems, their hardware and how they translate to performance when transcoding in Plex Media server.

In a Rush? Here are the Synology NAS I Recommend for Plex in 2023:

Synology DS423+ NAS – $460 4-Core Intel 64bit CPU -2/6GB Memory – 1GbE – 4-Bay	RECOMMENDED – Synology DS923+ – $575 2-Core AMD 64bit CPU – 4/16GB Memory – 1GbE – 10GbE Opt  – 4-Bay –  NVMe	Synology DS1823XS+ NAS – $1899 4-Core Intel Xeon 64bit CPU – 8/16GB Memory – 10GbE – 6-Bay –  NVMe
Best Transcoding Plex NAS Check Amazon Below for Current Prices/Stock	Best (non-Transcoding) Plex Solution Check Amazon Below for Current Prices/Stock	Best Heavy Plex Solution Check Amazon Below for Current Prices/Stock

The Plex Terminology Used in this Article

Before we go any further, it is important to clarify a few important terms that will crop up ALOT in this article. You can watch this video HERE for a full breakdown of Plex Terminology, but the most important and relevant ones to this article are as follows:

• SD, 160p, 240p, 480p, 720p, 1080p, 4K : The resolution refers to the level of detail at which media is displayed, ranging from SD to 160p, 240p, 480p, 720p, 1080p, and 4K. The higher the resolution, the more pixels are present, which is determined by the quality of the original recording. Displaying high-resolution media, such as 1080p and 4K, puts a heavier load on the NAS hardware. NAS devices with limited graphics capabilities or no graphics at all may struggle to play 4K media seamlessly or not play it at all. It’s important to keep in mind that just because a NAS brand, such as Synology, claims that their latest NAS is capable of natively playing 1080p or 4K media (natively meaning through their own software, client tools, and/or DLNA), this does not guarantee that the DS923+ A S will perform the same way with Plex. As Plex is a third-party tool, it may have different requirements and limitations.
• Transcoding, Encoding, Decoding: Transcoding, encoding, and decoding are various terms used when a media file needs to be transformed to be better suited for a specific device, internet connection, or hardware. When accessing media locally, transcoding may not be necessary, unless your files are mainly H.265/HEVC based. However, when accessing media from remote locations with limited bandwidth, weaker internet connection, or smaller devices, you may want to access the media in lower quality. This is where transcoding, or real-time encoding, comes in handy. Keep in mind that transcoding is one of the most demanding tasks for a NAS. To utilize the full resources of the NAS CPU, including its embedded graphics, you may need to enable the “Make My CPU Hurt” option in the encoder menu of the Plex NAS settings menu, which may require a Plex Pass subscription depending on the NAS.

• H.264, HEVC, H.265: The compression techniques H.264, HEVC, and H.265 are used to make large media presentations suitable for viewing on home devices. While H.264 is widely supported by all devices, not all have permission or a license to play H.265/HEVC, as the licensing and patents for H.265/HEVC are complex, expensive, and spread across multiple providers. This can lead to the need for automatic conversion/transcoding of H.265/HEVC media into H.264, which consumes more system resources. The Synology NAS drive, like the rest of the Synology NAS range, does not come with HEVC support by default.
• Bitrate:Bitrate refers to the quantity of data that is processed per unit of time, typically expressed in megabits per second (Mbps) for video and kilobits per second (kbps) for audio. The higher the bitrate, the better the quality and resolution of the media tends to be.

Choosing the Best Synology NAS for a Plex Media Server

When it comes to choosing the right Synology NAS for your Plex Media Server, below I have broken down the entire currently available NAS you can buy. I have broken them down into the following areas:

Model ID – This is the Name of the Synology NAS Device

CPU – This is the central processor of the Synology NAS server and this will be what decides the performance of your Plex Media Server

SD 480p / 576p –Most likely the lowest point at which you will need transcoding of a video media file, 480p was used for many early Plasma televisions, whereas 576p is considered Standard Definition in many countries worldwide

HD 720p – Otherwise known as ‘HD Ready’ or ‘Standard HD’, it is generally considered the lowest starting point for watching HD media and starts at 1280×720

HD 1080p – Widely regarded at ‘Full-HD’, it arrives at 1920×1080. Most media listed at high definition in 2020 will be 1080P

4K SDR 2160p – 4K SDR is the entry point into 4K Media. An SDR 2160p supported TV has around 4,000 lines of resolution (the lines across the screen that form the rows of pixels) but is not capable of completely showing the depth and richness of colours spectrum and contrast of 4K HDR. It is by no means a compromise and still an excellent picture, but rather this is due to the physical differences in the construction of the screen and not just how the images are processed, just like the differences between and SD and HDTV.

4K UHD HDR 2160p – The current top end of 4K Media file formats in popular commercial media. A 4K HDR TV has the same 4000 lines of resolution as those that support 4K SDR 2160p, but is physically capable of rendering an image with increased contrast and richer colours\separation thanks to the physical build superiority.

Be sure to check the kind of media you own (or plan on streaming from your Synology NAS), as well as the devices you will be playing back on for a better idea of what kind of plex media transcoding support you will need from your NAS server from Synology. Be sure to check the supported file types (most common modern files types you find for 1080p and 4K are .MKV .MP4 .MOV and .AVI).Below is the entire current Synology NASrange and how well they perform in the Plex Media Server Application with a single Stream.

What is Software Transcoding on a Synology Plex Media Server?

When media lives on your Synology NAS, sometimes the device a that you are playing back your plex media (Smart TV, iPhone, Laptop, iPod) onto cannot support the media file type (eg file format such as HEVC or audio formats like FLAC), the resolution or codec. In this case, the Plex Media Server on your Synology NAS will try to change the file to a more suitable version, on the fly, to ensure you can enjoy your media in the best way. This is known as transcoding and though the Plex application is actioning this with the software, the actual work is being done by the Synology NAS CPU. Software transcoding takes a heavy toll on the CPU and you will need a relatively powerful processor in order to support this feature. Typically the CPU will need to be:

• In Intel or AMD Based Based CPU that is 64bit (x86) in Architecture
• Higher than 1.6Ghz in Frequency
• More than 2 Cores

It is important to highlight that transcoding for Plex on a Synology NAS only really needs more power in the case of converting/changing video files. Audio and Image files will not require much support from the NAS.

What is Accelerated and Hardware Transcoding with Plex on my NAS?

Some Synology NAS arrive with a CPU that has improved rendering or graphical embedding enabled. This means that is Plex can utilize this hardware for transcoding, it will require much, much less of the CPU processing power to transcode a video file. In order to take advantage of Plex hardware transcoding on your Synology NAS, you will need to first check which NAS supports the transcoding to the extent you need by checking below. Next, you will need to upgrade your Plex Membership from the free version to the paid ‘Plex Pass’ subscription, as the option of Accelerated Transcoding with Synology NAS hardware is not included in the plex free subscription. The lists below feature all the current available Synology NAS and to what extent they support Hardware transcoding with a Plex Pass. To use Hardware Transcoding on your Synology NAS in a Plex Media Server, you need to enable it using the Plex Web access (head over to your Plex User interface on your browser.How to Enable Hardware Acceleration with Plex Media Server on a Synology NAS

1. Open the Plex Web app.
2. Navigate to Settings > Server > Transcoder to access the server settings.
3. Turn on Show Advanced in the upper-right corner to expose advanced settings.
4. Turn on Use hardware acceleration when available.
   
5. Click Save Changes at the bottom.

The changes should take place straight away and there is no need to reboot your Synology NAS. Be sure to have updated to the latest version of the Plex Media Server application on your NAS and that Hardware Transcoding is listed as supported in the list below.

Guide for the Chart Below

Software Transcode = Uses the NAS software and CPU Power to alter a file to a more suitable Plex Playback type

Hardware – Accelerated Transcoding – Uses Embedded Graphics that are Integrated into the CPU to Alter a file to a more suitable version for Plex Playback

RED BOX – Recommended Synology NAS for Plex Media Server. Could be based on Performance, Price or Value between both

Use the FREE ADVICE Button to contact me directly for a recommendation on the Best Plex NAS for your Setup/Budget. Please bear in mind that this is a one-man operation, so my reply might take a little bit of time, but it will be impartial, honest and have your best interests at heart.

This list is regularly updated HERE and full credit to this resource – it is AWESOME!

		Software Transcoding				Hardware – Accelerated Transcoding
Model	CPU Model	SD 480p / 576p	HD 720p	HD 1080p	4K SDR 2160p	SD 480p / 576p	HD 720p	HD 1080p	H.264 2160p	HEVC SDR 2160p	HEVC UHD 2160p
DS224+	x64 (Celeron J4125) 2.0 Ghz	Yes	Yes	Some	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	SDR Only	H.264 Output	H.264 Output
DS423+	x64 (Celeron J4125) 2.0 Ghz	Yes	Yes	Some	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	SDR Only	H.264 Output	H.264 Output
DS223	ARMv8 (RTD1619B) 1.1 Ghz	Awaiting App	Awaiting App	Awaiting App	Awaiting App	Awaiting App	Awaiting App	Awaiting App	Awaiting App	Awaiting App	Awaiting App
DS923+	x64 (Ryzen R1600) 2.6 Ghz	Yes	Yes	Some	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
DS723+	x64 (Ryzen R1600) 2.6 Ghz	Yes	Yes	Some	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
RS822+	x64 (Ryzen V1500B) 2.2 Ghz	Yes	Yes	Some	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
DS1522+	x64 (Ryzen R1600) 2.6 Ghz	Yes	Yes	Some	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
RS1221+ / RS1221RP+	x64 (Ryzen V1500B) 2.2 Ghz	Yes	Yes	Some	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
DS1621xs+	x64 (Xeon D-1527) 2.2Ghz	Yes	Yes	Some	Some	No	No	No	No	No	No
DS1621+	x64 (Ryzen V1500B) 2.2 Ghz	Yes	Yes	Some	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
DS1821+	x64 (Ryzen V1500B) 2.2 Ghz	Yes	Yes	Some	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
RS4021+	x64 ( Xeon D-1541) 2.1 Ghz	Yes	Yes	Some	Some	No	No	No	No	No	No
RS3621+	x64 ( Xeon D-1541) 2.1 Ghz	Yes	Yes	Some	Some	No	No	No	No	No	No
RS3621RPxs	x64 ( Xeon D-1541) 2.1 Ghz	Yes	Yes	Some	Some	No	No	No	No	No	No
DS1520+	x64 (Celeron J4125) 2.0 Ghz	Yes	Yes	Some	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	SDR Only	H.264 Output	H.264 Output
DS120j	ARMv8 (Realtek 1296) 1.4Ghz	Yes	Yes	Some	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
DS220j	aarch64 (Realtek 1296) 1.4Ghz	Yes	Yes	Some	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
DS220+	x64 (Celeron J4025) 2.0 Ghz	Yes	Yes	Some	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	SDR Only	H.264 Output	H.264 Output
DS420j	aarch64 (Realtek 1296) 1.4Ghz	Yes	Yes	Some	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
DS420+	x64 (Celeron J4025) 2.0 Ghz	Yes	Yes	Some	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	SDR Only	H.264 Output	H.264 Output
DS620slim	x64 (Celeron J3355) 2.0 Ghz	Yes	Yes	Some	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	SDR Only	H.264 Output	No
DS720+	x64 (Celeron J4125) 2.0 Ghz	Yes	Yes	Some	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	SDR Only	H.264 Output	H.264 Output
DS920+	x64 (Celeron J4125) 2.0 Ghz	Yes	Yes	Some	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	SDR Only	H.264 Output	H.264 Output
DS720+	x64 (Celeron J4125) 2.0 Ghz	Yes	Yes	Some	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	SDR Only	H.264 Output	H.264 Output
RS820+/RS820RP+	x64 (Atom C3538) 2.1 Ghz	Yes	Yes	Some	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
RS1221+ / RS1221RP+	x64 (Ryzen V1500B) 2.2 Ghz	Yes	Yes	Some	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
DS1621XS+	x64 (Xeon D-1527) 2.2Ghz	Yes	Yes	Some	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
DS1621+	x64 (Ryzen V1500B) 2.2 Ghz	Yes	Yes	Some	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
DS1821+	x64 (Ryzen V1500B) 2.2 Ghz	Yes	Yes	Some	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
RS4021+	x64 ( Xeon D-1541) 2.1 Ghz	Yes	Yes	Some	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
RS3621+	x64 ( Xeon D-1541) 2.1 Ghz	Yes	Yes	Some	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
RS3621RPxs+	x64 ( Xeon D-1541) 2.1 Ghz	Yes	Yes	Some	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
DS418j	aarch64 (Realtek 1293) 1.4Ghz	Yes	Yes	Some	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
DS418play	x64 (Celeron J3355) 2.0-2.5 Ghz	Yes	Yes	Some	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	H.264 Only	Decode Only	Decode Only
DS718+	x64 (Celeron J3455) 1.5-2.3 Ghz	Yes	Yes	Some	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	H.264 Only	Decode Only	Decode Only
DS918+	x64 (Celeron J3455) 1.5-2.3 Ghz	Yes	Yes	Some	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	H.264 Only	Decode Only	Decode Only
DS1618+	x64 (Atom C3538) 2.1 GHz	Yes	Some	Some	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
RS818+ / RS818RP+	x64 (Atom C2538) 2.4 Ghz	Yes	Some	Some	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
DS1517+	x64 (Atom C2538) 2.4 Ghz	Yes	Some	Some	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
DS1817+	x64 (Atom C2538) 2.4 Ghz	Yes	Some	Some	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
DS3617xs	x64 (Xeon D-1527) 2.2-2.7 Ghz	Yes	Yes	Yes	Some	No	No	No	No	No	No
FS2017	x64 (Xeon D-1541) 2.1-2.7 Ghz	Yes	Yes	Yes	Some	No	No	No	No	No	No
FS3017	x64 (Xeon E5-2620 v3) 2.4 Ghz	Yes	Yes	Yes	Some	No	No	No	No	No	No
RS3617xs	x64 (Xeon E3-1230 v2) 3.3 Ghz	Yes	Yes	Yes	Some	No	No	No	No	No	No
RS3617RPxs	x64 (Xeon E3-1521) 2.4-2.7 Ghz	Yes	Yes	Yes	Some	No	No	No	No	No	No
RS3617xs+	x64 (Xeon D-1531) 2.2-2.7 Ghz	Yes	Yes	Yes	Some	No	No	No	No	No	No
RS4017xs+	x64 (Xeon D-1541) 2.1-2.7 Ghz	Yes	Yes	Yes	Some	No	No	No	No	No	No
RS18017xs+	x64 (Xeon D-1531) 2.2-2.7 Ghz	Yes	Yes	Yes	Some	No	No	No	No	No	No
DS116	ARMv7 (Armada 385) 1.8GHz	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
DS216	ARMv7 (Armada 385) 1.3GHz	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
DS216+	x64 (Celeron N3050) 1.6GHz	Yes	Yes	Some	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No	No
DS216+II	x64 (Celeron N3060) 1.6GHz	Yes	Yes	Some	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No	No
DS216j	ARMv7 (Armada 385) 1.0GHz	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
DS216play	ARMv7 (STM STiH412) 1.5GHz	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
DS216se	ARMv7 (Armada 370) 0.8GHz	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
DS416	ARMv7 (Alpine AL-212) 1.4GHz	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
DS416j	ARMv7 (Armada 385) 1.3GHz	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
DS416play	x64 (Celeron N3060) 1.6GHz	Yes	Yes	Some	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No	No
DS416slim	ARMv7 (Armada 385) 1.0GHz	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
DS716+	x64 (Celeron N3150) 1.6GHz	Yes	Yes	Some	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No	No
DS716+II	x64 (Celeron N3160) 1.6GHz	Yes	Yes	Some	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No	No
DS916+	x64 (Pentium N3710) 1.6GHz	Yes	Yes	Some	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No	No
RS816	ARMv7 (Armada 385) 1.8GHz	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
RS18016xs+	x64 (Xeon E3-1230 v2) 3.3Ghz	Yes	Yes	Yes	Some	No	No	No	No	No	No
RS2416+/​RP+	x64 (Atom C2538) 2.4GHz	Yes	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
DS115j	ARMv7 (Armada 370) 0.8GHz	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
DS215+	ARMv7 (Alpine AL-212) 1.4GHz	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
DS215j	ARMv7 (Armada 375) 0.8GHz	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
DS415+	x64 (Atom C2538) 2.4GHz	Yes	Some	Some	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
DS415play	x86 (Atom CE5335) 1.6GHz	Yes	Some	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
DS715	ARMv7 (Alpine AL-314) 1.4GHz	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
DS1515	ARMv7 (Alpine AL-314) 1.4GHz	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
DS1515+	x64 (Atom C2538) 2.4GHz	Yes	Some	Some	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
DS1815+	x64 (Atom C2538) 2.4GHz	Yes	Some	Some	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
DS2015+	ARMv7 (Alpine AL-514) 1.4GHz	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
DS3615xs	x64 (Core i3-4130) 3.4GHz	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
DS114	ARMv7 (Armada 370) 1.2GHz	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
DS214	ARMv7 (Armada XP) 1.066GHz	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
DS214+	ARMv7 (Armada XP) 1.33GHz	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
DS214play	x86 (Atom CE5335) 1.6GHz	Yes	Some	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
DS214se	ARMv7 (Armada 370) 0.8GHz	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
DS414	ARMv7 (Armada XP) 1.33GHz	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
DS414slim	ARMv7 (Armada 370) 1.2GHz	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
DS2314+	x64 (Atom D2700) 2.13GHz	Yes	Some	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
RS214	ARMv7 (Armada 370) 1.33GHz	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
RS2414(RP)+	x64 (Atom D2700) 2.13GHz	Yes	Some	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
DS213j	ARMv7 (Armada 370) 1.2GHz	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
DS713+	x64 (Atom D2700) 2.13GHz	Yes	Some	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
DS1513+	x64 (Atom D2700) 2.13GHz	Yes	Some	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
DS1813+	x64 (Atom D2700) 2.13GHz	Yes	Some	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
DS2413+	x64 (Atom D2700) 2.13GHz	Yes	Some	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
RS10613xs+	x64 (Xeon E3-1220 v2) 3.1GHz	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
DS412+	x64 (Atom D2700) 2.13GHz	Yes	Some	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
DS712+	x86 (Atom D425) 1.8GHz	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
DS1512+	x64 (Atom D2700) 2.13GHz	Yes	Some	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
DS1812+	x64 (Atom D2700) 2.13GHz	Yes	Some	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
DS3612xs	x64 (Core i3-2100) 3.1GHz	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
RS812	x64 (Atom D2700) 2.13GHz	Yes	Some	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
RS812+	x64 (Atom D2700) 2.13GHz	Yes	Some	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
RS2212+	x64 (Atom D2700) 2.13GHz	Yes	Some	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
RS3412xs	x64 (Core i3-2100) 3.1GHz	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
DS411+	x86 (Atom D510) 1.6GHz	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
DS411+ II	x86 (Atom D525) 1.8GHz	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
DS1511+	x86 (Atom D525) 1.8GHz	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
DS2411+	x86 (Atom D525) 1.8GHz	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
DS3611xs	x64 (Core i3-2100) 3.1GHz	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
RS2211+	x86 (Atom D525) 1.8GHz	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
RS2411xs	x64 (Core i3-2100) 3.1GHz	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
DS710+	x86 (Atom D410) 1.6GHz	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
DS1010+	x86 (Atom D510) 1.6GHz	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
RS810+	x86 (Atom D510) 1.6GHz	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No

 

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Synology NAS Bargains and Deals this Prime Day 2023

Prime Day is here again and for many of you, this is the final decider on whether you are going to finally buy your very own Synology NAS or upgrade that old DS411+ or DS216+ that is starting to show its age. Synology has been focusing considerably more on rackmount NAS solutions in 2023 and the few desktop (Diskstation) NAS solutions that have arrived on the market have been either fantastically enterprise or currently regional exclusives at this time. This means that the majority of their desktop NAS solutions have been on the market now for more than a year each (some in the 18+ series have been around for quite a while longer!) and therefore there is considerable scope for the current range to have a number of great discounts available in the Prime Day 2023 sale. We predict that the likes of the DS423+ and DS923+ all-rounder NAS’ will likely be the star of the show in terms of deals, but given that the DS118, DS218 and DS418 were recently refreshed with 2023/2024 models, these might also be very discounted at e-retailers to clear stock. Below I have detailed the Top 3 Synology NAS for backups, plex, business, surveillance and value. Each with links to Amazon and their discount warehouse (which will be on an extra 20% discount during Prime Day 2023). Alongside this, I will also be updating this page regularly during Prime Day adding links to deals as they go live throughout the week of Prime Day, from Tuesday 11th July-Wednesday 12th July 2023.

————–  Useful Links  —————

US Amazon – Amazon USA Prime Day Official Page – Amazon UK Prime Day Official Page

Amazon Warehouse (20% Off Everything on Prime Day)

USA – UK – Germany

Synology NAS to Watch this Prime Day – Here

Recommended PS5 SSDs to Buy this Prime Day – Here

Still unsure of what you need – use the Free Advice Section here on NASCompares.

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TOP Synology NAS Deals to Watch Out For on Prime Day 2023

Below are the three Synology entries that are almost certain to be on sale this Prime Day at your normal online shop (not just Amazon).

• ​Synology DS923+ NAS Drive – Released at the tail end of 2022, the Synology DS923+ is pretty much the tipping point NAS for users looking at the Synology NAS platform that want scalability, upgradability and performance BUT do not want to go nuts on the price, physical size and impact in their home or office. The follow-up to the remarkably popular DS920+, the DS923+ is a NAS that focuses more on performance inside and out, as well as supporting the FULL rang of DSM 7.2 services!. Find it HERE.
• Synology DS220+ NAS – Originally released in summer 2020, the Synology DS220+ was one of the stand-out popular NAS choices of that series, as it presented affordable access to the Synology DSM Platform, Plex 4K performance and in a compact/low-impact design, whilst still doing so without the compromise that is generally associated with more affordable solutions. However, in the years that have passed, Synology have refreshed this model with the newer DS224+ (not quite launched at the time of writing!) and this will almost certainly result in stock of the DS220+ being reduced in price, with Prime Day 2023 being a great time to do so! Find it HERE.
• Synology DS118, DS218 & DS418 NAS – The standard/value series from Synology (the Realtek 64bit family) has been in circulation as far back as 2017 and is long overdue for a refresh. That said, Synology has continued to support it, providing it with DSM 7.2, BTRFS at the 2GB level and it can still handle Plex, backups, surveillance and native 4K transcoding well in 2023. However, in early 2023, we saw Synology begin to refresh all of these models with a new 2023/2024 series (the DS223, DS423 and DS124) and that means that all these devices, running on a still very capable CPU+Memory combo, will see discounts in order to clear stock. Additionally, these devices will still support DSM 7.2 for many years to come! A real potential bargain! Find it HERE.

Synology DS923+ NAS Drive	Synology DS220+ NAS	Synology DS118, DS218 & DS418 NAS

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Prime Day 2023 – Synology NAS Drives for PLEX

One of the big appeals of a Synology NAS drive is to use it as a Plex Media Server. Plex (if you didn’t know) is just as slick, fast and beautiful in design as Netflix, Prime Video and HBO Now, but instead of streaming/renting your content, you play the movies, tv shows and music that you own! Having your own Plex Media Server Synology NAS is fantastically appealing and a much more financially appealing choice than paying monthly for content you do not get to own. Below are the best 3 Synology NAS deals this Prime Day for a Plex Media Server in 2023.

Synology DS423+ 4-Bay NAS There are two ways we need to look at the Synology DS423+ NAS. In one way, the Synology DS423+ DOES support all of the features and services that users demanded in a fully-featured home/prosumer solution. It features an Intel Quad Core processor with embedded graphics, DDR4 memory, multiple gigabit ports, wide HDD/SSD compatibility and m.2 NVMe SSD support. These are all things popular and most certainly what users would want/expect in a fully featured home/prosumer solution (aka SOHO). Then, when you roll in DSM 7 and it’s enormous range of software and services, the DS423+ is an excellent NAS solution that counters a broad range of criticisms that were leveled at the DS923+ at launch. However, there is, of course, the unavoidable way that most long-term Synology users and those looking to upgrade an existing 2016/2018 Diskstation are going to look at the DS423+ – a Synology DS920+ with less memory and no expandability! For those that skipped the DSx20+ generation, the DS423+ is going to feel decidedly underwhelming at best and hugely disappointing at worst! Synology has made no bones that they prioritize their software and services, with hardware being an important but nevertheless secondary concern. The main criticism is that CPU being the same processor used in the 3 years previous generation. Intel has moved production away from the J4125 themselves several times (with most other NAS brands using the N5105 or J6412 right now) and although Synology has been known to move CPU architecture down through the generations previously, this is a particularly egregious example. Overall, this si still the best affordable option right now for users looking at an all-encompassing Plex Media Server NAS solution from Synology in a compact form.

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Synology DS1821+ 8-Bay NAS I have always been a long-term fan of the Synology brand as a whole, applauding their recent moves towards Ryzen processors and range-wide adoption of dedicated M2 NVMe cache bays. However, the Synology DS1821+, much like the DS1621+, is a giant leap in many ways and the smallest of stumbles in others. The switch from Atom to Ryzen embedded processor needs to be recognised for both the big jump it is from a brand that typically errs on the side of caution in hardware. Likewise, the inclusion of ECC memory, massive potential-filled PCIe expandability at PCIe 3 x8 and support of popular services like Synology Hybrid RAID (SHR) are certainly a plus. But many buyers will be put off by the continued adoption of 1Gbe as standard and the limitation of those NVMe bays to caching ONLY and not raw storage pools. With a price tag without storage media at around £1,000 (give or take), this is a big ask to pay for something that has lucrative software potential but arguably lesser hardware potential. In short, I do really like the Synology DS1821+ NAS, I just don’t know how long I could be in love with it long-term, as the rest of my network hardware environment embraces faster connectivity.

 

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Synology DS1621xs+ 6-Bay NAS Whatever way you look at it, you cannot what question the sheer level of hardware value present in the DS1621xs+, especially compared with other similarly priced Synology NAS. In the DS1621xs+, you find one of the best performing internal and external NAS systems in the entire Synology portfolio, as well as providing you with an enterprise rackmount grade solution in a desktop form. I know it seems like a big statement, but this could genuinely be one of the best examples of what Synology provide to business users and certainly reorganises the portfolio for small and medium business users for the better in 2023/2023. Is it perfect, of course not, few things ever can be. But if your budget can extend to it, the Synology DS1621xs+ easily represents the very best of everything that Synology has to offer, while still maintaining a fantastic high standard to third-party software users worldwide.

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Prime Day 2023 – Lowest Priced Synology NAS Drives

If you are new to Synology NAS and don’t want to spend much this Prime Day, then that’s ok. Synology has a great selection of fantastically low price NAS available to buy this Prime Day in 1 hard drive, 2 hard drive and 4 hard drive sizes. Below is the best 3 Budget NAS that Synology features this Prime Day 2023:

Synology DS120J 1-Bay NAS With the release of the new DS120j NAS, when it comes to buying your first network-attached storage device there are several reasons why the Synology range appeals to many. With a diverse range of hardware and storage options across a wide series of uses, as well as an impressive range of first-party applications, Synology has fast become one of the biggest names in the NAS. However, so many users have one tiny problem with most Synology devices, namely the price tag. In terms of overall price, you will find that a Synology NAS typically is around 15 to 20% more expensive than most other brands with the same hardware (we will leave software out of the equation for a bit). Added to this is the fact that most buyers looking to buy their first unit are nervous in spending large sums of money on a largely unexplored area of technology. Luckily Synology has already addressed this problem before with the inclusion of a budget range of devices that serves as a fantastic introduction point to network-attached storage and the Synology Diskstation Manager (DSM) system software.

 

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Synology DS220J 2-Bay NAS The Synology DS220j NAS is not the most powerful NAS drive, or the most fully-featured NAS drive – but the point is that it is not trying to be! Synology has held an exceptionally good reputation in the world of network-attached storage for a decade and if a new NAS buyer wanted to cautiously invest in a new piece of equipment in this area, then despite their modest budget, they will want to get the best they can for their money, from a brand with an established pedigree – THAT is what the Synology DS220j NAS is trying to achieve and for the most part, it completely succeeds! Aside from the memory being a touch light on the ground and the white chassis not being to everyone’s taste, in almost every other regard the DS220j is a great little NAS drive that any first time NAS users, or those making the jump from subscription cloud services like Google Drive and DropBox, are going to enjoy. Just keep an eye on the number of active users and tasks at any given time and you will be on to a winner here.

 

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Synology DS420J 4-Bay NAS Although this device will only cost you around £465 ex.VAT with 4x 2TB hard drives (Seagate Ironwolf NAS Drives) included, it can still perform the bulk of the standard tasks that are available in modern NAS and if you are looking for a universally supported DLNA or backup device, this is the one for you. Though definitely not aimed at the NAS experienced or 2nd-time buyers, or those looking for a solid foundation to build a business around where the customer data is critical. If you are looking for a network-attached storage device to act as a network backup or just want a simple NAS to do basic tasks such as media and protecting the data on your other devices, I recommend the Synology DS420j NAS

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Prime Day 2023 – Synology NAS Drives for Photo and Video Editing

Storing your photography or Video Editing archive for post-production on a Synology NAS is something taht has grown in popularity in the last few years. Now in 2023, not only can a Synology NAS be used to store your photos/video, but with upgraded connections to 10Gbe, Thunderbolt 3 to 10Gbe Adapters and link aggregation becoming more affordable, buying a Synology NAS this Prime Day 2023 for your post-production and live editing is easier than ever before Below are three great options for editors looking for a Synology NAS Deal from Amazon today.

Synology DS1522+ 5-Bay NAS The Synology DS1522+ is a good NAS drive and most business-focused users are going to appreciate what this newer configuration of hardware is able to provide. There was never any doubt in the extent to which this new NAS would support DSM7, and given its architecture, there is virtually nothing in the popular NAS software that this system cannot do. Likewise, having the option of 10GbE on a Diskstation of this scale will be hugely attractive to some, though the proprietary means with which you need to upgrade is arguably less desirable. The R1600 CPU is a good choice of processor for file handling and simultaneous tasks, as is the 8GB of memory that this system arrives with, plus the potential to ramp it up to 32GB. After that though, the desirability of this system to home users and multimedia users is a little less compelling and with such a large audience of users who look at NAS for their media streaming, the DS1522+ not featuring a more graphically enabled chip will leave them somewhat underwhelmed. Bottom line, the DS1522+ is a solid and full DSM7 supporting system here and you cannot fault the design, internal/external performance and ease of use of this Synology NAS. However, there will always be users wondering why this NAS never arrived with an Intel chip.

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Synology DS1621+ 6-Bay NAS The Synology ‘Plus’ series of devices has long held a reputation for providing mid-range hardware to mid-range business customers. Because of this, the DS1621+ needs to balance a fine line between providing fast and reliable hardware, whilst still maintaining a price point that won’t intimidate the average small-medium business user. In this regard, I think the Synology DS1621+ NAS gets it right, finding an impressive halfway point between these two factors. However, it is important for buyers to understand what they are buying and where the price point for the Synology DS1621+ is being aimed. Although it seemingly lacks some of the multimedia and prosumer features of ‘cheaper’ NAS devices in the Synology portfolio, it doubles down on more business and enterprise-level features in efforts to support that core audience. It’s about getting the right tool for the job and in that area, Synology almost completely succeed. The lack of above gigabit connectivity afforded to a NAS unit at this price point, compared with their competitors, may put some users off, but on the whole, you are getting good performance and excellent value on this combined hardware and software solution with some excellent scalability.

 

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Synology DS3617xsII 12-Bay NAS Meet the 12-bay desktop NAS that allows instant deployment with scalability up to 36 drives, delivering outstanding 2,358MB/s sequential throughput reading. DS3617xs is certified for VMware, Citrix, Hyper-V, and OpenStack, ready to bring superior agility and efficiency to businesses. Synology DS3617xs is backed with Synology’s 5-year limited warranty. With technical support and hardware replacement service, the 5-year warranty maximizes your enterprises’ return on investment. In Q1 of ’22, Synology revealed the DS2622xs+ NAS and although it was significantly more powerful than the DS3617xs, this did also result in this older-gen NAS arriving more affordably in some locations.

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Prime Day 2023 – Synology NAS Drives for 4K Video

4K TVs and High Definition media production have now reached a point that buying the right Synology NAS for storing, watching and adapting 4K Ulta High definition media in 2023 can be alot of work. True 4K media arrives in HUGE file sizes and you will need a more powerful Synology NAS drive to handle this kind of media all the way from the hard drives inside, to pumping it out to your 4K Display. Luckily a few of the more powerful Synology NAS solutions are on offer this Prime Day and if you are lucky enough to get a deal on one of these three, you will have a great NAS to enjoy 4K in your home or business environment.

Synology DS923+ 4-Bay NAS Synology has clearly made something of a gamble in the release of the Synology DS923+ NAS. There is no avoiding that making the switch from the Intel Celeron that has historically been the build choice of this product family and opting for the AMD Emb.Ryzen has ruffled some feathers! On the face of it, the R1600 here has a heck of alot of going for it over the previous generation! Higher clock speed, greater PCIe Gen 3 Support throughout, that 4-32GB of DDR4 memory in such a compact system and just generally giving you a lot more horsepower to play with, as well as better bandwidth potential inside and out! But at what cost? The 1GbE standard connectivity in the base model leaves alot to be desired, the proprietary 10Gb upgrade (though incredibly handy) limits the upgradability a tad and the lack of an integrated graphics processor is likely going to result in many long-term Synology advocates to skip this generation. Synology Diskstation Manager (DSM 7.1 at the time of writing) still continues to impress and although the brand still continues to heavily push their 1st party priorities, they have left a little more wriggle room in DSM 7.1 than DSM 7 before it in terms of media compatibility. In terms of design, I cannot fault Synology on this as the DS923+ chassis still arrives as one of the best-looking and still exceptionally well-structured devices at this physical scale and storage level. As always, a Synology NAS is more about the software than the hardware (and the DS923+ delivers in spades on the software side!) and with DSM 7.2 around the corner improving things. Just always keep in mind that the Synology DS923+ NAS is a system that arrives with the slight emphasis on having to do many things ‘their way’. If you are less technically versed, then you will definitely appreciate this level of user-friendly design and assistance, but more technically minded admins’ main strain a pinch! In short, the DS923+ IS a good NAS drive, but its focus has certainly ebbed more towards the business user this generation than the home.

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Synology DS1520+ 5-Bay NAS The DS1520+ NAS is something that Synology should be proud of. It is a great entry into their already impressive range of Diskstation NAS devices. If you are looking for a brand new NAS to consolidate your home media, to support your relative as the ‘IT whizz’ of the family, or move your business away from Google Drives and DropBox’ onto something safer, more scalable and dependable – then the DS920+ has alot to offer you. It gives you a great base to start using the DSM platform, as well as a good means to upgrade your storage internally at a later date (expansions in memory, expansions in storage, expansion in NVMe). If you are an existing DS920+ or DS1019+ owner, this might not seem like the jump you were waiting for. Although this is not the first 5 drive NAS that Synology has ever produced, you can clearly see that the brand has seen what was popular in previous generations and cherry-picked those areas to build the DS1520+. Arriving perilously close to the DS920+, in both release date and primary architecture, chances are that the benefits of buying the DS1520+ are far more long term

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Synology DS423+ 4-Bay NAS There are two ways we need to look at the Synology DS423+ NAS. In one way, the Synology DS423+ DOES support all of the features and services that users demanded in a fully-featured home/prosumer solution. It features an Intel Quad Core processor with embedded graphics, DDR4 memory, multiple gigabit ports, wide HDD/SSD compatibility and m.2 NVMe SSD support. These are all things popular and most certainly what users would want/expect in a fully featured home/prosumer solution (aka SOHO). Then, when you roll in DSM 7 and it’s enormous range of software and services, the DS423+ is an excellent NAS solution that counters a broad range of criticisms that were leveled at the DS923+ at launch. However, there is, of course, the unavoidable way that most long-term Synology users and those looking to upgrade an existing 2016/2018 Diskstation are going to look at the DS423+ – a Synology DS920+ with less memory and no expandability! For those that skipped the DSx20+ generation, the DS423+ is going to feel decidedly underwhelming at best and hugely disappointing at worst! Synology has made no bones that they prioritize their software and services, with hardware being an important but nevertheless secondary concern. The main criticism is that CPU being the same processor used in the 3 years previous generation. Intel has moved production away from the J4125 themselves several times (with most other NAS brands using the N5105 or J6412 right now) and although Synology has been known to move CPU architecture down through the generations previously, this is a particularly egregious example. Overall, this si still the best affordable option right now for users looking at an all-encompassing Plex Media Server NAS solution from Synology in a compact form.

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Prime Day 2023 – Synology NAS Drives for Business

Businesses in 2023 are producing so, SO MUCH DATA! Customer information, Web site images, legal documents, online marketing, internal communication, surveillance and security – it all adds up! With the majority of this data being highly confidential, copywrite or both, it is imperative that a business has a secure place to keep this data. Synology NAS drives have been used in business for a number of years and Diskstation Manager (DSM) arrives with every NAS, packed with applications and licenses for those enterprise applications (Synology Active Backup, Surveillance, Virtual Machine Manager, Drive, Office, Chat, Calendar, mail and more). Below are the best Synology NAS drive deals this Prime Day for those who want to invest in a business class server to protect their data and ensure high productivity in 2023.

Synology DS1821+ 8-Bay NAS DS1821+ is an 8-bay desktop NAS providing superior performance with great expandability, allowing for seamless expansion and upgradability to satisfy your growing business needs. DS1819+ comes with four Gigabit Ethernet ports and one PCIe expansion slot, providing great configuration flexibility, thereby satisfying your intensive workload demands. Synology Office is a collaboration package combining the convenience and usability of public clouds with the data privacy and security guaranteed by private clouds. It allows you to work seamlessly together on documents and spreadsheets in a protected environment

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Synology RS1619xs 4-Bay NAS RS1619xs+ is a high-performance and scalable 1U rackmount NAS designed with upgradable memory and M.2 SSD cache configuration to meet the needs of modern businesses that require a flexible, reliable, and efficient storage solution. Synology’s 5-year limited warranty provides hardware replacement and technical support via email and telephone services, maximizing your enterprises’ return on investment.  Synology iSCSI storage supports most virtualization solutions including VMware vSphere, Microsoft Hyper-V, Citrix Xen Server, and OpenStack Cinder, to enhance work efficiency. Create and manage virtual machines running multiple operating systems such as Windows, Linux, and DSM using Virtual Machine Manager.

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Synology RS2421RP+ 12-Bay NAS It is reasonable to say that when it comes to having a huge storage array, competent hardware and business class software, that the Synology RS2421RP+ does deliver on a number of its promises. Indeed, despite the huge similarity in internal hardware between the RS2421RP+ and other recent rackmount releases in 2023, the RS2421RP+ manages to still stand out with its unparalleled level of storage against the majority of solutions in the Synology portfolio. The price tag, edging closer to a number of Xeon powered solutions, may seem a touch high for some and given the difference between this 16-bay and the £1200+ 12-bay being relatively small – that price tag does seem a tad overly ambitious. That said, much like other rackstation NAS solutions of late, the jump from Intel Atom C3538 to embedded Ryzen V1500B was long overdue and although may seem fairly predictable and pedestrian now in, still remains a firm favourite. If the software and services of Synology Diskstation Manager appeal to you, you need storage in the hundreds of terabytes and you need a solution that is both scalable and centralised, you would be hard pushed to find a better solution from Synology right now without spending £5,000-10,000 without drives.

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Hot Tips when you Buy a NAS this Prime Day 2023

In order for you to get the very best NAS deals this Prime Day, here are some hot tips that I have personally used for the last few years to get the very best deals.

Amazon Warehouse Deals are 20% lower

For those that aren’t aware, Amazon has a whole section of their website that is dedicated to pre-owned and opened items. This includes both NAS, hard drives, SSD and more for your storage. During Amazon Prime Day 2023, the discount on these broken-seal items will be increased by an additional 20% and for those looking for an insane bargain, this will be irresistible.

Another tip when buying NAS or Hard Drives from Amazon Warehouse is that although (as they are broken seal/used/returned items) they have a shorter warranty from Amazon, you will almost certainly be able to claim the FULL warranty coverage from Synology, QNAP, WD or Seagate. They just want your serial number and a receipt of purchase – this will not state the amazon reduced warranty.

Amazon Warehouse for different countries can be found below:

 

Amazon Warehouse USA

Amazon Warehouse UK

Amazon Warehouse Germany

Latest Deals Update and Notifications

If you want to make sure you see the LATEST Prime Day deals for NAS (as new ones are added every hour) then I would recommend checking the official Amazon Prime page regularly. It will also include the very latest Lightning Deals too

US Amazon – Amazon Deals Page

UK Amazon – Amazon Deals Page

Amazon Prime for FREE

The prices listed on Amazon for NAS during the Prime Day event are only available to Prime members. If you are not a member, don’t worry, as you can use the 30-Day free trial to sign up for a Prime, or just pay for 1 month of Prime as a student and get it at 50% off. Then after you finish your purchase, you can cancel your subscription. The other bonus of this is that you will qualify for fast, next day delivery for free. I would recommend however that you do not cancel your subscription until you have received your order and tested your item.

As then you will still be able to take advantage of the fast and free return policy extended to Prime members. This is especially useful when buying NAS Hard Drives and you are worried about broken drives!

Improved Delivery on your NAS Prime Day Deal

It is a well-known fact that Amazon Prime membership includes free next day delivery and Amazon has even upped the stakes by stating that they will be providing the fastest-ever Prime Day delivery of just 14 minutes between the cart and the courier, last year we saw and heard numerous examples of delivery issues with Prime Day deals, adding 2-3 days on supposed next-day shipping.

If any of your Amazon Prime delivery dates are not the 24 hours turn around that they promise, then definitely complain to Amazon after you receive your goods (not before) as they will almost certainly have a deluge of customer enquiries after Prime Day 2023 and  in an effort to conclude the matter, you might get an additional discount, a gift vouchers or more. Currently, the trending ‘gesture of goodwill’ gift is a free month of Prime membership.

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The Best NAS for Under $500 of 2023 – Synology, QNAP, Asustor and Terramaster

We are now halfway into 2023, and even though this is an odd-numbered year, traditionally a quieter period for hardware releases in the tech industry, we have seen an enormous number of new NAS devices released by the big brands in the industry. Whether you are looking at just 2023, or the individual 2023 series, each brand has put out a confident range of solutions for home and business users to choose from. However, for many new users considering making the jump from existing cloud platforms to their own NAS system, it can still be a somewhat costly and trepidatious choice to make. Today, I want to talk about the best NAS that you can buy for under $500/ £500 / 500 euros of 2023 so far, each one based on the best value, the best price, the best hardware, and the best software.

Quick Disclaimers

Before going any further, a few things should be highlighted. First and foremost, none of these prices includes the cost of your storage media. This is because different uses have different requirements and budgets, each of which may scale from hundreds to thousands of dollars. However, all solutions in today’s article can run with as little as a single drive inside and are completely scalable – meaning you can add more storage drives and expand your storage over the years quickly and easily. Additionally, all solutions in this article are combined hardware and software solutions, providing you with a complete turnkey solution that can be deployed effectively out of the box, with many supporting the installation of third-party software such as TrueNAS or Unraid. Lastly, it’s worth highlighting that while all of these solutions are available for under $500, if you spend an extra $100 to $200 more (eg Synology DS923+ or QNAP TS-464), you can scale things up even more. These aren’t necessarily the best NAS overall; they are simply the best NAS you can buy right now in summer 2023 for under $500.

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The Asustor Flashstor 6 – Best Plex 4K/8K that’s under $500

Intel N5105 Celeron CPU – 4-16GB DDR4 Memory – 6x M.2 NVMe SSD – 2.5GbE – HDMI 2.0b 4K 60FPS – S/PDIF – USB 10G – $491 (06/07)

YouTube Video Review HERE – NASCompares Written Review HERE

It was a pleasant surprise when Asustor revealed their new NVMe-focused solution. Arriving with hardware architecture not dissimilar from other Intel Celeron-powered systems in the market, this new 2.5GbE equipped NAS is entirely focused on the use of M.2 SSDs and can support up to six drives in one or more storage pools. Although Asustor lacks some of the historical and AAA+ applications available from their competitors like Synology and QNAP, the Asustor Flashstor 6 is one of the best NAS devices I’ve seen this year. With the decreasing cost of Gen 3 SSDs as newer-generation drives come to market, fully populating a NAS with SSDs is becoming more affordable. This, combined with the system’s price range of $450-$499, makes it one of the best value solutions in the market right now. You can also easily install TrueNAS on it. Frankly, it is near impossible to build a NAS like this for less money than they are charging, and they even include their own software.

Click to view slideshow.

What we said in our Asustor Flashstor Review on 12/06/23:

I cannot stress enough how impressed I am that the Flashstor 6 and Flashstor 12 Pro are priced at $499 and $860, respectively, given the level of hardware on offer here. These are by no means enterprise-grade NAS server solutions, nor should they be thought of as such. However, given the cost of typical fully featured 4x HDD solutions from their competitors and the brand themselves, which often start at $550 and above, it is quite remarkable that the six M.2 SSD system with comparable internal hardware comes in at $499. As long as a user keeps their expectations in line with what this cost versus its capabilities, it’s really tough to argue with the price point that these two devices have arrived at on the market. The Asustor FS6712X Flashstor 12 Pro NAS presents a unique offering in the NAS market, leveraging NVMe technology to provide high-capacity, ultra-high-performance storage. The device’s design, with its rhombus-shaped enclosure and twelve M.2 NVMe slots, sets it apart from traditional NAS devices and offers a sleek and modern aesthetic. The tool-less drive installation mechanism makes it easy to set up and expand the storage capacity. However, there are some considerations to keep in mind. The limited number of PCIe lanes provided by the Intel Celeron N5105 processor may restrict the performance of high-speed NVMe drives.

The single 10GbE LAN port also presents a potential network bottleneck, limiting the device’s overall network performance. Users seeking maximum performance and network throughput may find alternative solutions better suited to their needs. Despite these limitations, the FS6712X shines as a storage solution for users who prioritize high-capacity storage, quiet operation, and low power consumption. The device’s ability to directly output 4K video, along with its range of Asustor-approved apps, makes it an excellent choice for media distribution and presentation. In terms of pricing, the FS6712X comes with a price tag of $850+. While this may appear high at first glance, it is comparable to 8 bay drive NAS SATA devices and many of those do not even include NVMe slots or 10GbE. Users looking for a more cost-effective option can consider the Flashstor 6, which offers half the number of slots and 2x 2.5GbE enabled ports for $499. As the cost of flash modules continues to drop, and larger capacity drives become available all the way up to 8TB (even without QLC), the FS6712X provides an attractive solution for those seeking high-capacity and high-performance NAS storage. While some underlying performance relativity by the end user needs to be factored in and hardware limitations exist thanks to the use of that Celeron to remain budget-friendly, the FS6712X is a tremendously smart move by Asustor. A well-designed NAS that presents a much more confident solution demonstrating the benefits of NVMe-focused NAS devices to an audience that would have assumed such things are way, WAY outside the realms of affordability!

DEAL WATCH – Is It On Offer Right Now? These Offers are Checked Daily

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Synology DS423+ – Best NAS for Software under $500

Intel J4125 Celeron CPU – 2-6GB DDR4 Memory – 4xHDD – 2x M.2 NVMe SSD – 1x1GbE – eSATA Expansion – USB 5G – $469 (06/07)

YouTube Video Review HERE – NASCompares Written Review HERE

When considering a Synology NAS device, the brand’s fantastic DSM software is usually the key reason. Not all Synology NAS are built equally, and depending on the device you buy, the extent to which you can wear and the number of simultaneous processes that can be done at any given time will differ greatly. Synology does offer a more business-class and scalable solution in their portfolio, the DS923 +, but that system is noticeably more expensive and lacks some of the multimedia and graphical capabilities of the more recently released and affordable DS423 +. The Synology DS423 + arrived in Spring 2023, and while the bulk of its hardware borrows from the older Synology DS920 + and elements of its predecessors, the DS423 + is a very solid NAS that supports everything in the Synology DSM 7.2 portfolio. This NAS trades more on its software than its hardware, hence why the base level hardware pales in comparison to some of the other releases on this list, but it is still a solid and dependable solution with easily the best NAS software in the market right now, all for under $500. The system also comes with integrated graphics, NVMe SSD pool support, and the latest innovations in volume encryption and immutable data protection in DSM 7.2.

Click to view slideshow.

What we said in our Synology DS423+ NAS Review on 15/03/23:

here are two ways we need to look at the Synology DS423+ NAS. In one way, the Synology DS423+ DOES support all of the features and services that users demanded in a fully-featured home/prosumer solution. It features an Intel Quad Core processor with embedded graphics, DDR4 memory, multiple gigabit ports, wide HDD/SSD compatibility and m.2 NVMe SSD support. These are all things popular and most certainly what users would want/expect in a fully featured home/prosumer solution (aka SOHO). Then, when you roll in DSM 7 and it’s enormous range of software and services, the DS423+ is an excellent NAS solution that counters a broad range of criticisms that were leveled at the DS923+ at launch. However, there is, of course, the unavoidable way that most long-term Synology users and those looking to upgrade an existing 2016/2018 Diskstation are going to look at the DS423+ – a Synology DS920+ with less memory and no expandability! For those that skipped the DSx20+ generation, the DS423+ is going to feel decidedly underwhelming at best and hugely disappointing at worst! Synology has made no bones that they prioritize their software and services, with hardware being an important but nevertheless secondary concern. The main criticism is that CPU being the same processor used in the 3 years previous generation. Intel has moved production away from the J4125 themselves several times (with most other NAS brands using the N5105 or J6412 right now) and although Synology has been known to move CPU architecture down through the generations previously, this is a particularly egregious example. If they had just scaled something up on this device, such as the network ports from 1GbE to 2.5GbE, add the option of a 10GbE upgrade or more over upgrade the base level memory from 2GB or 4GB. The Synology DS423+ IS a good NAS system and serves as a great means to enjoy the wide-ranging features of DSM privately or professionally! It just feels like more of a stop-gap system in some places and one that existing DS920+ or DS420+ owners will skip.

DEAL WATCH – Is It On Offer Right Now? These Offers are Checked Daily

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QNAP TS-462 NAS – Best NAS for Hardware and Scalability for under $500

Intel JN4505 Celeron CPU – 2-16GB DDR4 Memory – 4xHDD – 2x M.2 NVMe SSD – 1×2.5GbE – HDMI 2.0 4K 60FPS – PCIe Gen 3×2 Slot – USB 10G – $489 (06/07)

YouTube Video Review HERE – NASCompares Written Review HERE

Like the previously mentioned Synology solution, this QNAP prioritizes hardware over software. There is a slightly more business-oriented version available (the TS-464) that costs more and perhaps includes more hardware than you’d use. On the other hand, the QNAP TS-462 NAS arrives at a better price point while offering a taste of every single feature available on current-generation NAS drives. Anything you’ve heard great things about in the world of NAS is available here. Into NVMe storage pools and caching? Check. Integrated graphics? Check. KVM and 4K output? Check. Support for multiple expansions, upgradable memory, and integrated AI services? Check, check, check! The TS462 even comes with a PCIe upgrade slot that allows you to add further network or local connections as needed, with the system also arriving with 2.5 GB Ethernet off the bat. Finally, there’s the QNAP software, which, although not quite as advanced as the Synology platform, is pretty darn close and is hugely customizable with a vast range of office, multimedia, virtualization, and surveillance applications all rolled in. Bottom line, this QNAP NAS is great value for money and for those who found the more business-centric TS464 and recent changes to the fixed 8 GB memory to be slightly off-putting, the TS462 is an excellent and more affordable alternative.

Click to view slideshow.

What we said in our QNAP TS-462 NAS Review on 24/01/23:

The QNAP TS-462 NAS is a substantial update on the QNAP TS-451D (even worth considering for those who opted for the TS-451D or TS-451A previously) that features a more modern CPU that allows increased internal performance. This translates in hardware to M.2 NVMe SSD support, a larger bandwidth PCIe Upgrade slot, USB 3.2 Gen 2 10Gb/s connectivity and 2.5GbE by default. Some areas of the device are less compelling, such as that initial 2GB of memory (which you are almost certainly going to upgrade immediately, given QTS will eat up at least half of that to run the baseline/1st party apps generally). The limiting of those M.2 NVMe SSD bays to PCIe Gen 3×1 makes alot of sense, giving the range of this PCIe3 Celeron CPU makes sense, but is nonetheless going to annoy some users. lastly, the hardware gains in the system featuring much, MUCH more powerful and visually appealing HDMI 2.1 is a fraction let down by the HD Station software getting fewer and fewer feature-rich updates (outside of stability and performance fixes). As far as running the QNAP QTS EXT4 software platform on the TS-462, you will have little to no complaints, as it can run the bulk of the 1st/3rd party applications available to the software, just remember that you are running a dual-core and two thread processor – so the glass ceiling in terms of hardware resources is going to be a pinch lower than some of their Pentium, Intel Core or Xeon systems of course. After a bumpy start to 2022, with the brand needing to win alot of users back after being targetted by ransomware groups and missteps in communication, fast forward to the start of 2023 and you have a much more secure, closed and layered QNAP NAS platform here.

Click to view slideshow.

Choosing the QNAP TS-462 NAS over the increasing range of 4-Bay’s in the brand’s portfolio is a little less straightforward, with the TS-462 nestled somewhere between the TS-453E, TS-464, TVS-h474, TS-473A, TBS-464 and TS-453D (with several more 4-Bay options in the TS-x51+, TS-31P3 AND TS-31K still listed on their official site). I also think the TS-462 would do better to have been released alongside the TS-464 (and the rest of the x64 range), when the portfolio was a little less clustered and its status as an affordable alternative to the TS-462 made alot more sense! The QNAP TS-462 is designed for users looking to spend a little less on base hardware, whilst still buying a device that can be scaled in storage, network bandwidth and more down the line. QTS still continues to be fully featured and has a great many new security and access defaults/settings introduced to limit novice users leaving doors open, but still has a fractionally steeper learning curve than many of its competitors, often trying to do too many things at once (or at least not stopping an end user doing too much at times), which can lead to occasionally bumps in the road when using their platform on a more modest system as this. The QNAP TS-462 is a great 4-Bay NAS and a solid refresh/update on the TS-451D, but if you can stretch your budget a fraction more, I recommend opting for the TS-462 or TS-464 ($100-200 more) as much like this device doubles down on it’s predecessor hardware, so do those two NAS ram things up further for your money. A good NAS indeed, that lives a tad in the shadow of it’s own brothers and sisters!

DEAL WATCH – Is It On Offer Right Now? These Offers are Checked Daily

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The Terramaster F4-423 – Best Value NAS Under $500

Intel N5105 Celeron CPU – 4-32GB DDR4 Memory – 4x SATA HDD – 2x M.2 NVMe SSD – 2.5GbE – HDMI 2.0 4K 60FPS – USB 10G – $469 (06/07)

YouTube Video Review HERE – NASCompares Written Review HERE

If you are looking for the lowest-priced turnkey NAS solutions in the market in desktop form, it’s tough to beat the range of solutions and affordability offered by Terramaster. Although I could pick any number of their solutions that all come for under $500, some featuring 10 GBE and others having a vast number of local connections, the best of their 2023 series so far is the F4-423. Arriving with the same quad-core Celeron as their competitors at Asustor and QNAP, but at a lower price point, their systems offer pretty much everything that everyone else does, but on a smaller budget. Support for up to 32 GB of DDR4 memory, M.2 NVMe slots for caching or storage pools, 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity, and 10Gb USB ports means that you’re getting the same hardware as the prosumer boxes from competitors at more affordable home price tiers. The software, TOS 5.1, may not be as advanced as that of Synology’s DSM or QNAP’s QTS but makes up for it by focusing on the fundamentals and providing the baseline applications and services users want. There’s a lack of some premium AAA+ first-party services for things like virtualization or multiple client applications, but there is support for their own hybrid RAID system (TRAID) that is comparable to Synology’s Hybrid RAID, support for BTRFS, and a unique one-click isolation mode that can completely sever the system from all third-party remote services and all external connections at the click of a button. Additionally, the relative ease and simplicity of installing third-party software such as TrueNAS and Unraid make this an extremely affordable alternative to more expensive NAS devices on the market right now, offering a similar level of hardware for noticeably less money by comparison.

Click to view slideshow.

What we said in our Terramaster F4-423 NAS Review on 23/03/22:

Terramaster still continues to be the most affordable fully-featured provider of the whole NAS market and although a number of their solutions have always felt a little rough around the edges, you always got the impression that you were getting a good deal for the hardware that was available from QNAP and Synology. Now in 2022/2023, the same continues to be true but in the F4-423 NAS’ case, you are actually getting some pretty top tier (for the Home/Prosumer) market at a price tag that is really tough to argue with. Terramaster has clearly been watching their bigger competitors and cherry-picked the features that people have been asking for (2.5GbE, USB 3.2 Gen 2, M.2 NVMe SSD bays, etc) for this new generation. In terms of software, things are a little less convincing and although TOS 5 (currently in Beta at the time of writing) still continues to evolve into something genuinely fully featured and impressive, TOS 4 that the F4-423 includes at launch is usable (if unexciting) platform that provides the base level services that a new NAS user would want, but lacks killer apps that their competitors are offering right now (File Streaming, AI photo recognition, Surveillance, etc). Most of these ARE included in TOS5, but until it arrives much later in 2022 in a full release, the F4-423 feels like a powerful NAS that doesn’t have the software to show off its strengths yet. If you are reading this later in 2022 or 2023, this might well be irrelevant though, as the brand rolls out their bit firmware update to ALL Terramster NAS devices. Overall, I definitely CAN recommend the F4-423 NAS for its hardware, for Plex Media server or as an affordable multi-tier backup solution, but if you are looking for a NAS for more tailored data access or in a much more fully-featured package – hold out a little longer till TOS 5 gets released first.

DEAL WATCH – Is It On Offer Right Now? TERRAMASTER F4-423 4-Bay Amazon USA -16% £367.99 [LINK HERE] These Offers are Checked Daily

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This description contains links to Amazon. These links will take you to some of the products mentioned in today's content. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Visit the NASCompares Deal Finder to find the best place to buy this device in your region, based on Service, Support and Reputation - Just Search for your NAS Drive in the Box Below

Need Advice on Data Storage from an Expert?

We want to keep the free advice on NASCompares FREE for as long as we can. Since this service started back in Jan '18, We have helped hundreds of users every month solve their storage woes, but we can only continue to do this with your support. So please do choose to buy at Amazon US and Amazon UK on the articles when buying to provide advert revenue support or to donate/support the site below. Finally, for free advice about your setup, just leave a message in the comments below here at NASCompares.com and we will get back to you. Need Help? Where possible (and where appropriate) please provide as much information about your requirements, as then I can arrange the best answer and solution to your needs. Do not worry about your e-mail address being required, it will NOT be used in a mailing list and will NOT be used in any way other than to respond to your enquiry. [contact-form-7] TRY CHAT  

Support What We Do

    Terms and Conditions Alternatively, why not ask me on the ASK NASCompares forum, by clicking the button below. This is a community hub that serves as a place that I can answer your question, chew the fat, share new release information and even get corrections posted. I will always get around to answering ALL queries, but as a one-man operation, I cannot promise speed! So by sharing your query in the ASK NASCompares section below, you can get a better range of solutions and suggestions, alongside my own.  

What Is Going On at Plex? 20% Staff Layed Off? What is Happening and Should You Be Worried?

When it comes to enjoying your personal multimedia collection that you’ve built over decades, while still benefiting from the slick GUI available from third-party streaming services, there are very few better options out there than Plex media server. Plex has been around since 2008 and in that time has evolved from being a relatively small fish in the sea of multimedia server applications to becoming one of the biggest names for personal multimedia collections. Which is why it came as such a huge shock to many users when it became public knowledge that Plex had recently laid off 20% of its workforce in efforts to maintain profitability. Plex, unlike a number of open-source alternatives, is built on a hybrid free and paid subscription service model, with a significant percentage of the more desirable capabilities of the software behind a paid Plex pass. Today we want to discuss everything we know about the unfortunate ex-employees of Plex, how the Plex organization is adapting its business model in efforts to remain profitable, and what this might mean for new and existing users of Plex.

Click to view slideshow.

What Has Happened at Plex HQ and Why?

Although there has been no official statement from Plex on their own platforms, there have been numerous indications of recent events surrounding the layoffs at Plex and changes being required internally, published on several news outlets and social media platforms. Some of the earliest indications came from numerous ex-employee postings on LinkedIn volunteering that they were unfortunately involved in the large-scale layoffs at Plex. This was further corroborated by the popular website, The Verge, when they obtained Slack messages that detailed more about the current situation and responses from the CEO of Plex, Keith Valory.

“This is by far the hardest decision we’ve had to make at Plex, These are all wonderful people, great colleagues, and good friends. But we believe it is the right thing for the long-term health and stability of Plex. While we adjusted our business plan last year after the shift in equity markets to get us back on a path to profitability without having to cut personnel expenses, the downturn in the ad market in Q2 put significantly more pressure on our business and ultimately it became clear that we would need to take additional measures in order to maintain a confident path to profitability within the next 18 months,” CEO Keith Valory

For those who do not wish to visit the original article and find out more, you can find the TL;DR below:

• Information primarily stems from a Slack message obtained by ‘The Verge’
• Original investments in 2019 by PLEX towards ad-funded free streaming services on their platform did not produce the predicted ROI, due to a competitive and oversaturated marketplace
• 37 People Laid Off, totally 20% Workforce Affected (All Departments)
• Looking to turn things around and back into positive cash flow in 18 months
• Restructuring Plex Long term under four main product areas
• Changes in the product roadmap
• Reduced spending on marketing
• Several members of staff have shared information on the layoffs
• Several Plex backend devs on Reddit sharing their input
• Indications that another, smaller, round of layoffs took place at the start of 2023

With an incredibly competitive marketplace right now, with third-party streaming services fighting for your monthly subscription, and other supportive streaming services really squeezing the profit margins tighter, it comes as little surprise to many users that Plex trying to enter this crowded marketplace was always going to be challenging at best, and futile at worst. Furthermore, Plex is no longer a small indie outfit, and in order to support its existing large user base, wide variety of supported third-party hardware platforms, and continue to grow and remain sustainable, it seems like the company really does need to make some serious internal changes.

However, as bad as the loss of 37 staff members’ jobs is (and let’s be clear about this, it is really disappointing!), many existing Plex media server users are going to have to think about how this may impact their long-term enjoyment of Plex media server on the devices they use. So let’s take a moment, put on our worst-case scenario hats, and think about some hard choices that Plex may need to make to remain profitable and commit to that plan to be cash positive in 18 months.

What Is the Worst Case Scenario for Plex Users?

In the face of these drastic changes within Plex, it’s essential to consider the possible outcomes that could impact its user base. Let’s delve into the worst-case scenarios for Plex users, examining how these potential changes could significantly alter the Plex experience for both existing and potential new users.

• The End of Plex Pass Lifetime Memberships, Old and New
• Reduced Development of Less Popular Plex Client and Plex Media Server Devices
• Slow Down and/or Reductions in Support of New Compressions, Codecs, and Formats in Plex
• A Restructuring of the Plex Free / Subscription Tiers, favouring Ad Supported Tiers
• More Paid Client Tools, Beyond iOS and Android

So, let’s break down into each:

• The End of Plex Pass Lifetime Memberships, Old and New This would significantly impact existing users who have invested in a lifetime Plex Pass, relying on its benefits for as long as they use Plex. If Plex were to end this membership, they may resort to a monthly or annual subscription model which would increase the ongoing cost for users. The loss of the lifetime membership could also disincentivize new users who might have considered Plex as a long-term investment. For those that invested in the ‘Lifetime’ Plex Pass back when it was first introduced in 2013/2014 or so, that has still been incredible value IF the lifetime membership was rescinded (more likely, it will cease to be the same, as a new tier would be introduced in its place, slowly returning the lifetime pass technically). For slightly newer Lifetime pass users, it would be very disappointing.
• Reduced Development of Less Popular Plex Client and Plex Media Server Devices Users who are using Plex on less popular or older devices could be affected negatively. Plex might cease updates and improvements on these platforms, resulting in stagnation or even degradation of user experience over time. Users may be forced to switch to different, possibly more expensive or less preferred devices to continue using Plex with all its features. This could target any OS that is above a certain age range (as PLEX might want to prioritize their workforce towards newer OS’ and their updates. Alternatively, it could be the reverse and result in a similar situation as found with Drobo a few years ago and not staying on track with the newest OS’ updates, resulting in new hardware (that has the latest software revisions out the box) not working right/at-all.

• Slow Down and/or Reductions in Support of New Compressions, Codecs, and Formats in Plex One of Plex’s strengths is its support for a wide range of file formats and codecs. If Plex were to slow down or reduce the support for new technologies, users would be limited in the type of media files they could stream. This could frustrate users who have diverse media libraries or who wish to make use of the latest file formats. With the increased development and availability of 4K, as well as new and more efficient formats needed to handle 8K (from Cinema screen to your iPhone!), staying ontop of the latest compression formats and file types is going to be growing in importance year on year.
• A Restructuring of the Plex Free / Subscription Tiers, favouring Ad Supported Tiers If Plex were to restructure its free and subscription tiers to favour ad-supported content, this could affect the viewing experience for all users. Ads can be disruptive and may make the platform less enjoyable for users who are used to an ad-free experience. Paid users may also feel frustrated if the number of ads increases or if more content becomes ad-supported. Currently, Plex has three tiers. Monthly Subscription of $4.99 , Annual of $39.99 and a lifetime pass at $119. These do see promotions/discounts at sales events and different regions of the world have different prices, but these are largely the prices. Now, in order to become more profitable, Plex might adapt this towards a tiered system which has certain features locked to specific tiers. Or, they might introduce an Ad-supported tier as opposed to the lowerest tier (perhaps even replacing the free tier to maintain and subsidize it’s use).

• More Paid Client Tools, Beyond iOS and Android Currently, Plex charges for client tools on iOS and Android. If they were to extend this to other platforms, users could end up paying more than they currently do. For example, users who use Plex on their smart TVs or gaming consoles could be affected. This could make Plex less attractive compared to free or cheaper alternatives. This is probably the least likely ‘worst case scenario’ as it would need these platforms to have a robust payment system in place that is both reliable, convenient and not off-putting, but it’s something that some other platforms (Emby for example) have in a bigger way already.

Ultimately, ALL of the above are hypothesised and not confirmed in any way, but Plex needs to make changes in order to remain stable and profitable, so I would not rule them out either! Ultimately, changes to the subscription models and what are included are almost certainly going to be the BIG change that happens (and, in my opinion) are needed. Heck, if a GIANT like Netflix can change their subscription tiers in this current streaming vs profit climate to introduce ad-supported lower-priced tiers and/or alter the scope of what a subscription includes – ANYONE CAN!

Should You Leave Plex? What Are the Alternatives?

As Plex grapples with internal challenges, users may naturally start to contemplate alternatives. Two of the most notable competitors are Emby and Jellyfin, each offering their own unique advantages that could potentially serve as suitable replacements for Plex.

Emby, similar to Plex, offers a polished, user-friendly interface and supports a wide range of devices. Its strong live TV support is a particular standout, and it’s also known for its robust parental control features, making it an excellent choice for families. Emby offers a free tier, but to unlock all its features, including mobile and cloud sync, cinema mode, and offline media, users need to subscribe to Emby Premiere. If you’re accustomed to the premium features offered by Plex Pass, Emby might be a good choice. However, the transition might not significantly alter your spending, as Emby also operates on a subscription model.

On the other hand, Jellyfin is a completely free and open-source media server software, which might appeal to those who are more budget-conscious or prefer a more hands-on, customizable approach. Born as a fork of Emby, Jellyfin is entirely community-driven, meaning that it doesn’t feature any premium tier or include any form of advertisement. However, being community-driven, it doesn’t provide any official customer support, which might be an issue for less tech-savvy users. The interface is not as polished as Plex or Emby, but it’s continually improving. For those who value total control over their media server and don’t mind getting their hands a little dirty, Jellyfin could be an excellent alternative to Plex.

Ultimately, whether Plex users should switch over to Emby or Jellyfin largely depends on their individual needs and preferences. Both alternatives have their merits and downsides, and it’s important for users to carefully consider these before making the switch.

You can find out more by visiting our Plex vs Emby vs Jellyfin article below:

(Click the banner below to read the article):

Alternatively, you can watch my comparisons of Plex vs Emby and Plex vs Jellyfin, in the videos below:

Plex vs Jellyfin YouTube Video	Plex vs Emby YouTube Video

This description contains links to Amazon. These links will take you to some of the products mentioned in today's content. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Visit the NASCompares Deal Finder to find the best place to buy this device in your region, based on Service, Support and Reputation - Just Search for your NAS Drive in the Box Below

Need Advice on Data Storage from an Expert?

We want to keep the free advice on NASCompares FREE for as long as we can. Since this service started back in Jan '18, We have helped hundreds of users every month solve their storage woes, but we can only continue to do this with your support. So please do choose to buy at Amazon US and Amazon UK on the articles when buying to provide advert revenue support or to donate/support the site below. Finally, for free advice about your setup, just leave a message in the comments below here at NASCompares.com and we will get back to you. Need Help? Where possible (and where appropriate) please provide as much information about your requirements, as then I can arrange the best answer and solution to your needs. Do not worry about your e-mail address being required, it will NOT be used in a mailing list and will NOT be used in any way other than to respond to your enquiry. [contact-form-7] TRY CHAT  

Support What We Do

    Terms and Conditions Alternatively, why not ask me on the ASK NASCompares forum, by clicking the button below. This is a community hub that serves as a place that I can answer your question, chew the fat, share new release information and even get corrections posted. I will always get around to answering ALL queries, but as a one-man operation, I cannot promise speed! So by sharing your query in the ASK NASCompares section below, you can get a better range of solutions and suggestions, alongside my own.  

Which is the Best NAS Media Server Tool – Plex, Emby or Jellyfin

Although modern Network Attached Storage (NAS) devices can be used for a multitude of purposes, there has always been a large percentage of users who buy a NAS from the likes of Synology, QNAP, Asustor and Terramaster (or go full DiY/Open Source and opt for TrueNAS) in order to host their own multimedia server. If you have been out of the loop this last decade or so, then you might not be aware that the standard of media server software and ease of use has evolved incredibly and when it comes to NAS drive multimedia streaming, there are THREE big players in this arena – Plex, Jellyin and Emby. These three platforms (alongside many others, including tools such as Video Station from the NAS brands themselves) have allowed users who own DECADES of digital media (Movies, TV Shows, Music, Photos, eBooks, Comics, etc) to not only access them conveniently remotely from the comfort of their soft/hotel room/commuter train/beach – but also do so with the slick graphical user interface that you would often associate with premium streaming services such as Netflix and Hulu. This is done thanks to massive only databases (such as TheMovieDatabase and IMDb) that mean that your years of multimedia is scanned, sorted, and arranged into searchable titles. It then adds boxart, movie posters, cast lists, trailers, synopsis, trailers, extra content and more. Suddenly your dull breadcrumb ‘file/folder’ pile of media takes on an insane quality level and you have your very own personal Netflix – BUT CRUCIALLY YOU OWN ALL THE MEDIA!! That is the appeal of media server software like Jellyfin, Plex and Emby!

Jellyfin	VS	Plex	VS	Emby
Truly Open Source?		Premium Package?		The Middle Ground?

Although all three are quite similar on the face of it, all three have appealing design, interface, cost and customization choices that will almost certainly make one of them more suitable for you than the others! All three are supported by the bulk of modern NAS platforms, with via an available app in the brand’s official app center, available via a 3rd party app center (see QNAPClub or Synocommunity for example) or allow you to create a container within the NAS software and run from there, but there are definitely distinctions between all three that you might want to know before taking the plunge on your new multimedia server setup! So, today I want to go through all of the differences between Plex, Emby and Jellyfin media servers and, hopefully, by the end help you decide which is best for you!

Note – A huge thank you to Protektor-Desura for his time breaking down these services and his permission to use his data. You can find out more about his ongoing project HERE.

Plex vs Jellyfin vs Emby on a NAS – What have they ALL got in Common?

Before we go any further, it is worth highlighting the things there are supported by all three of these media server applications. It needs to be underlined that regardless of your specific requirements, Plex, Jellyfin and Emby are all EXCELLENT media server applications and alongside a massive range of client applications to watch/listen/read your multimedia on your devices, they have all grown into platforms that rival most paid subscription streaming services like Prime, Netflix, Disney+, etc. Here is a quick snapshot of all the things that Jellyfin, Emby and Plex have in common:

Plex, Emby and Jellyfin ALL Support the following: (Note – Some Services for Emby/Plex Require Subscription Services)
1080p/4K Support AV1 Compression Support H.265/HEC Support Metadata Scraping Group Watching	Android/iOS Client Amazon Fire TV App Apple TV App Roku App Android TV App Desktop PC/Mac Client	Hardware Transcoding Live TV / DVR Multiple Users Offline Downloads Smart Home Integration TV/Movie Tracking

Now, there are a whole bunch of other things that Plex, Emby and Jellfin have in common (the above list would easily be 10x longer if I names them all), so I stuck with the most requested/sought-after features. But what about the things that they don’t have in common? Or those things that are locked behind a subscription/one-off-fee? Let’s begin with the first difference that many users consider the biggest hurdle – the cost of Plex, Emby and Jellyfin.

Plex vs Jellyfin vs Emby on a NAS – Pricing

Now, for many users, the idea that the media server software that they want to use on their NAS costing them MORE money is REALLY annoying! The whole point for many users making the switch AWAY from streaming services (Netflix, HBO Max, etc) is because they wanted to spend that money on the hardware to watch the media they own, as well as ensure that it’s not changed/removed from one money to the next. Now, unfortunately, this is only half the story! The fact is that media platforms such as Jellyfin, Plex and Emby have REAL PEOPLE working o them, as well as continued development (and that is not even factoring in security/stability/feature improvements in the software’s life) that all needs to be subsidized. The NAS brands DO NOT financially support them, the Streaming services actively avoid/discourage them and although users can always donate – the user vs donation ratio is obviously is painfully uneven. Therefore unless these platforms embrace advertisements and/or 3rd party sponsorship (which is a slippery slop for many), the more ambitious platforms need to find ways to fundraise their services in a way that doesn’t hurt casual/low-end users, but pushes the heavier users to support the service.

Here is how Plex, Jellyfin and Emby breakdown their costs:

Server License Fees	Jellyfin	Plex	Emby
Free Option?	Yes, Completely	Yes, but some services unavailable	Yes, but some services Unavailable + Some Client Apps Need One-off payment
Monthly	Free Unlimited Users	Plex Pass $4.99 (15 devices)	Emby Premiere $4.99 (25 devices)
Yearly	Free Unlimited Users	Plex Pass $39.99 (15 devices)	Emby Premiere $54.00 (25 devices)
Lifetime	Free Unlimited Users	Plex Pass $119.99 (15 devices)	Emby Premiere $119.00 (25 devices)

So, IMMEDIATELY Jellyfin looks appealing, RIGHT? It’s totally free for the server application, client tools and (remember the chart above showing what all three support) has most of the same features as Plex and Emby. Although all three have free-to-use options, the ability to use ALL services and client tools is where the subscription services appear. Of the three, Emby works out the tiniest bit more expensive, but actually (when you work it out at the per-user vs cost) it is largely identical to Plex in costs. The main reason that Emby works out the most expensive technically is that although the Emby Premiere subscription is optional, some of the client applications (eg iOS, Android, FireTV, etc) require you to either have an existing Premiere subscription OR pay a one-off fee. Plex allows you to install the app for free on most platforms, but limits the range of supported services that you can use (eg, hardware transcoding, share watch, etc) without a Plex Pass subscription in place. Next, let’s dig deeper into those available features and services available in Emby, Jellyfin and Plex to see what is available, what differs and what is free/paid-for!

Plex vs Jellyfin vs Emby on a NAS – Features, Functions and Supported Formats

Now, as mentioned in the introduction, Emby, Plex and Jellyfin all support a whole bunch of services and features to help you enjoy a wide range of multimedia, in a wide range of formats and on a wide range of devices! But there is definitely some disparity when you dig deeper. Let’s go through the range of supported features of these three applications and see where they start to separate:

Features	Jellyfin	Plex	Emby
License	GPL v2	Full Commercial	Full Commercial
Client/Server	Yes	Yes	Yes
4K Support	Yes	Yes	Yes
ATSC 3.0 Support (4K HEVC Main 10 profile at Level 5.2 Main Tier, HDR, Dolby AC-4, MPEG-H 3D Audio)	No	No	No
AV1 Support	Yes	No	Yes
Audiobook Support	Yes	No	Yes
Bandwidth Limiting	Yes	Yes	Yes
Camera/Photo Upload	No	No	License
Collections	Yes	Yes	Yes
Comic Book Support	Yes	No	No
Commerical Skip	3rd Party Add-on/Free	License	No
E-Book Support	Yes	No	No
Favorites and Tags	Yes	No	Yes
Game Support	No	$2.99/Month	Broken
Group Watching	SyncPlay/Free	Watch Together/License	Limited/Free
Hardware Transcoding	Yes	License	License
Internet Radio Support	Yes	No	No
Intro Skipping	Yes, Plugin	Yes	Yes
LDAP Support	Yes	No	License
Live TV/DVR Support	Yes	License	License
Lyrics	No	License	No
Magazine Support	Yes	No	No
Mobile Media Optimizer	No	License	No
Mobile Sync	No	License	License
Movie Support	Yes	Yes	Yes
Multiple Plugin Repositories	Yes	No	No
Multiple Users	Yes	License	Yes
Music Support	Yes	Yes	Yes
Music Video Support	Yes	Yes	Yes
Offline Media (Download & Play Offline)	Yes/Free	License	License
Parent Controls	Yes	License	Yes
Per User Bandwidth Limit	Yes/Free	License	License
Photo Albums	Yes	License	Yes
Plug-in Support	Yes	No	Yes
Podcast Support	3rd Party Add-on/Free	No	Yes
Recommend & Discover	Yes	Yes	Yes
Remote Login Server	Never	Yes	Yes
Server Backup	No	Yes	License
Server Stats	Playback/Free, Reports/Free, Embystat/Free	License, Tautulli/Free	Yes, EmbyStat/Free
Sharing Libraries	No	Yes	No
Simultaneous Login Limits	Yes	No	Yes
Smart Home/Voice Control	Alexa/Free, Home Assistant/Free	Alexa/License, Google/Free	Alexa/License, Google/License
Theme Songs and Videos	3rdParty Plugin/Free	Yes/Songs only	License
TIDAL Music (Requires Subscription)	3rd Party Add-on/Free	License	No
Tonemapping CPU	No	Yes	Yes
Tonemapping GPU	Yes	Yes	Yes
Trailers & Extras	Yes	Yes	Yes
Tuner Sharing	No	No	No
TV Episode Support	Yes	Yes	Yes
TV Guide Data	Yes/3rdParty Add-on/Free, fHDHR/Free	License	License
Virtual Reality	No	License	No
Video Chapters Metadata DL	No	No	No

Now, Jellyfin is the most open of the three (cough because it’s pure Open Source), and as good as that sounds, it is worth remembering that this does come with a downfall in platform development when compared to the platforms that get user-subsidy via subscription. Jellyfin is the less visually modern of the three (for those that care) and also throws alot of information at you on the server side, whilst not guiding the user as much. This results in a slightly steeper learning curve vs Plex and Emby. Emby also suffers from this a little, but also does a slightly better job of guiding the user through the experience. The main difference here is regarding the extent of open source! Of the three, PLEX is the one that is the closest to ‘the establishment’, it has long since shrugged off it’s free ‘indie’ type image, as it is the closest in design, appearance and presentation to subscription services. This is not necessarily a bad thing, as this results in a premium level of support, development and updates, connections with existing services and just generally a much better-presented platform overall (server-side and client-side) that is more user-friendly and intuitive – exactly what you would expect from the more premium presented/priced package in 2023/2024. However, this also results in the platform being alot more rigid, restricting optional add-ons and packages that are typically ‘unofficial’ (i.e. ones that Plex do not add to the service themselves). Equally, that Development vs Subsidy balance results in ALOT of the more exciting features being locked/restricted behind a Plex Pass subscription. This is initially understandable (again, see previous paragraph about supporting good work), but many users bulk at the idea of paying for a service, when they already paid for their hardware and said software will occasionally intentionally limit that hardware utility behind the subscription. Both Emby and Plex are guilty of this. Let’s talk about Hardware Transcoding!

Plex vs Jellyfin vs Emby on a NAS – Hardware Transcoding

What is Transcoding? Transcoding (also referred to as encoding, decoding and converting in similar means) is when a file is changed in order to be better suited to the destination client device that it will be enjoyed on. Here are some examples of when you might need to take advantage of transcoding:

• You might own media in a specific compression (the technique used by the media industry to make cinema screen blockbusters into at-home watchable content, among other reasons), such as HEVC/H.265, but not have a licence to play it on your client device, a NAS that supports HEVC or have sufficient client-side hardware/permission locally to convert it
• You might own 4K versions of your multimedia, but you want to watch it on a mobile device where a 480p or 720p version is much, MUCH more client power/hardware efficient to watch
• You are on a limited internet/cellular connection (morning commute, hotel, coffee shop, etc) and need a compressed version of a media file streamed
• Your media might be in an unsupported format (a hugely overlooked factor in audio formats) such as mp4a, FLAC, ACC, etc and needs changing

Transcoding can be done in advance (offline transcoding) or as/when the file is being accessed (known as on-the-fly transcoding) and that later one requires your NAS/Media Server to have sufficient hardware to change the file quickly enough to keep up with organic natural playback (i.e. it takes less than a second to convert/transcode a second of media). Now, you can use software transcoding (i.e the NAS will use raw CPU/System power to change the file, which is less efficient and less effective) or you can use hardware transcoding, which uses specifically available NAS system hardware (graphics card or CPU integrated graphics) to do the job, which is MUCH faster and MUCH MORE efficient. Where Plex and Emby hit a wall is that both platforms have put hardware transcoding support in their premium subscription services Plex Pass and Emby Premiere. This effectively means that the media server software is charging you to use the hardware in your NAS. This upsets quite a few people. Now, in their defence, hardware transcoding does require the software to be adaptive to different graphical hardware, requires time/energy invested in optimizing the software to take advantage of the hardware the best it can and is technically a more specialized media service/function that is not used by everyone – so in a way it makes sense tha this would be one of the optional settings to use as a means to subsidize development in their platform. However, the fact that Hardware Transcoding is available for free in Jellyfin is one of the strongest benefits that users that need this service will observe when comparing Jellyfin, Plex and Emby.

Plex vs Jellyfin vs Emby on a NAS – Supported NAS Hardware & Software Server Platforms

Although Plex, Jellyfin and Emby are all supported on the bulk of NAS platforms, the actual installation of them on NAS devices (from brands such as Synology ,QNAP, WD, Asustor and Terramster) or Custom built NAS servers that run on TrueNAS Core, TrueNAS Scale or UnRAID is not as straight forward from one media server app to the other. Here is how the three media server applications compare with it comes to installing the server-side application for Emby, Plex and Jellyfin:

Server OS	Jellyfin	Plex	Emby
Android	No	Yes	Yes
Asusor	No	Yes	Yes
Docker	Yes	Yes	Yes
FreeBSD	No	Yes	Yes
Linux	Yes	Yes	Yes
MacOS	Yes	Yes	Yes
Netgear ReadyNAS	No	Yes	Yes
Nvidia Shield	No	Yes	Yes
Open Media Vault	Yes	Yes	Yes
QNAP	No	Yes	Yes
Rasberry Pi	Yes	Yes	Yes
Synology	Yes	Yes	Yes
Terra Master	No	Yes	Yes
Thecus	No	Yes	Yes
TrueNAS	No (docker supported)	Yes	Yes
WD My Cloud & My Passport	No	Yes	Yes
Windows	Yes	Yes	Yes

Straight away, you can see that the installation of Plex and Emby on..well..EVERYTHING is supported. Once again, that optional paid subscription model has evidently paid off! Not only is Jellyfin not available as a standalone installer on a large number of platform, but in some cases it can only be installed as a custom-built container application (requiring a container hypervisor such as Docker) and although this is not hugely difficult, it will be dependant on the end user to create it right, as well as the efficiency of the NAS hardware in question to run the container as efficiently as possible. Overall, when it comes to the installation of the server-side application for these three multimedia server applications, Plex and Emby are winning the race! However, this is just the client-side application (i.e the one running the media server on your NAS), what about the support of the client applications for all your devices? Let’s take a look.

Plex vs Jellyfin vs Emby on a NAS – Supported Client Apps & Player Devices

The success of your multimedia server is going to be based on the smoothness of how well your NAS runs the server slide Plex, Emby or Jellyfin application – but also HUGELY dependant on the quality and extent of how well it is supported on the devices that you plan on accessing and enjoying your multimedia (referred to as clients or client-tools). Although all three applications can be accessed via the majority of web browsers (Chrome, Safari, Edge, Mozilla, Opera, etc), the bulk of users want to access their media via their phones, laptops, Smart TVs and streaming boxes such as FireTV and Roku. The range of supported clients and the means/extent of their use is possibly one of the biggest areas of difference between Emby, Plex and Jellyfin that you will find! Here is how they compare:

Clients	Jellyfin	Plex	Emby
Android	Free (Google Store), Free (F-Droid Store), Free (Amazon Store), MrMC $2.99	$5 or Server License	$5 or Server License
AndroidTV	Free	Free	$5 or Server License
AppleTV	Free, InFuse $.99/month, $9.99/yearly, or $74.99/lifetime, MrMC $6.99	Free	$5 or Server License
FireTV	Free	Free	$5 or Server License
GoogleDaydream VR	No	$5 or Server License	No
iOS	Free	$5 or Server License	$5 or Server License
Kodi	Jellyfin-Kodi/Free, Jellycon/Free	PlexKodiConnect/Free	Embycon/Free
LenovoMirage Solo VR	No	$5 or Server License	No
Linux	Free	No	No
MacOS	Free	Free	$5 or Server License
OculusGo VR	No	$5 or Server License	No
Roku	Free	Free	Free
SamsungGear VR	No	$5 or Server License	No
Sonos	DLNA	Free	DLNA
SonyPlaystation 3	DLNA/WebBrowser	Free	DLNA/WebBrowser
SonyPlaystation 4	DLNA/WebBrowser	Free	DLNA/WebBrowser
Tivo DVR Box	No	Free	No
Tizen(Samsung TV)	Free/Not in Store	Free	Free
WebBrowser	Free	Free	Free
WebOS(LG TV)	Free	Free	Free
Windows	Free	Free	$5or Server License
Xbox360	No	Free	No
XboxOne	Free, Videotape/Free	Free	$5 or Server License

So, let’s break this down a little. In the case of Jellyfin, the application continues to be largely free and available on the bulk of currently used client hardware platforms. I say ‘largely’, because in some cases Jellyfin is not available as a direct client application for those platforms. You will need to use 3rd pary tools/plugins on some client hardware, some apps are glorified browser tabs with a lite GUI on top and some need to have a small fee to maintain their existence on certain app centers. Emby on the other hand is available on more platforms than Jellyfin, however, a large number of those platforms require you to either have an existing Emby Premiere subscription in place in order to download/use them or need you to pay a fee at the app center in order to use them. Finally, we have Plex, which is the one that seems to be the most freely available client application, widely available native installer client app and has much fewer instances of app-payment requirements than Emby.

Now there IS the argument that Emby and Plex need to subsidize these apps being hosted on these app centers, as their continued appearance there and patches being developed over time needs funding. But I do think the availability and potential pricing of these tools is something that is not advertised enough and something that many users do not realize until AFTER they have invested a bunch of time setting up their respective Emby/Plex Media server on their NAS. Jellyfin is clearly the one that is trying to keep itself Free/Open-Source as much as possible, but that comes with limitations on how far they can stretch themselves and the ease of installation on client devices in some cases.

Plex vs Jellyfin vs Emby on a NAS – Conclusion

Choosing between a Jellyfin, Emby and Plex Media Server NAS for your massive multimedia collection is one that going to be about the extent you are going to use it! If you are looking to create a simple media server that is largely accessible everywhere, but has lots of users, is user-friendly on both the server/client side, won’t need all the bells and whistles of a higher-end media enthusiast and you are just looking for a pretty way to enjoy your existing media that compares with premium subscription services – GO FOR PLEX!

If you are looking for a moderately customizable and featured multimedia server that gives you a good balance of control, usability and hardware support, but where the pricing can be a lot more flexible/ad-hoc (i.e one off payment per client of $5) and want the slick GUI, but also the option to customize it and take advantage of a few community add-ons – GO FOR EMBY!

Finally, if you are much more of a multimedia enthusiast, have a wide range of different media formats (i.e Audio, Video, literature and more), want to be able to link a large number of other services/tool and want to take advantage of the full extent of your NAS hardware (but are prepared for a slightly higher learning curve) – GO FOR JELLYFIN!

In summary, here are the pros and cons of each:

Clients	Jellyfin	Plex	Emby
Pros	Largely FREE on the client and Server side Supports Many more formats of media Wide range of supported Plugins Live TV / DVR Services are free to add Much more customizable Much more hardware efficient Offline Downloads Supported	Easiest to setup on Server/Client side Massive available as a client/server application with widest support Very User Friendly Optional Premium Support/Service options for Users Technically cheaper than Emby	One-off app payment vs regular subscription will appeal to some users Phone Camera Upload Support More Customizable than Plex, in add ons and GUI More Client/Server apps available than Jellyfin More media analytical tools than Plex
Cons	Steeper learning curve Fewer ready-to-go installer applications on client/server side Lacking some System config backup options vs Plex/Emby Lacks Premium/Paid support/Service option	Some Subscription/Paid restrictions Hardware Transcoding PLEX Pass barrier is annoying! Offline Downloads behind Subscription Service Lacks customization and Add ons of Emby/Jellyfin Live TV / DVR Support is behind Subscription	Hardware Transcoding behind Subscription Live TV / DVR Support behind Subscription Offline Downloading behind Subscription Not quite as widely available as Plex

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The QNAP TS-855X NAS Drive Review

The QNAP TS-855X NAS enters the network-attached storage market promising robust performance and high scalability, targeting businesses and advanced users with substantial data needs. Despite its commendable feature set, the device doesn’t come without its shortcomings. In this detailed review, we’ll navigate through every facet of the TS-855X – from the unassuming packaging to the expansive connectivity options and powerful internal hardware – all the while keeping a keen eye on its potential drawbacks. My objective is to provide a balanced evaluation to help you discern if the TS-855X truly offers the value for money it is asking for! So, today I want to review the new TS-855X private NAS server, drill down to how the brand has taken a different stance on 10GbE and its accompanying hardware this time around and break down its software platform into where its strengths and weaknesses are. Let’s go!

QNAP TS-855X NAS Review – Quick Conclusion

I have to say, I am MOSTLY impressed by how much bang for buck is being included in the TS-855X and although it is not the most powerful device in the market (arguably intentionally, as it favours the more affordable Atom over a xeon), it is a sensible workhorse of a NAS. On the positive side, the QNAP TS-855X NAS comes with numerous strong selling points. The device offers large storage potential, especially with the ZFS file system, making it a powerhouse for data management. The choice of CPU is also sensible, providing a balance between performance and cost-effectiveness. The inclusion of the QTier tool is particularly appealing, adding a layer of efficiency to the storage management. Another big plus is the user-friendly GUI for ZFS in QuTS, making it accessible for users with varying levels of technical expertise. The three-tier storage options and support of ECC memory with a maximum of 128GB further enhance the device’s versatility and potential. Moreover, the TS-855X provides a wealth of expansion options and comes with 8 camera licenses with QVR Pro/QTS. The well-ventilated design contributes to thermal efficiency, ensuring optimal performance, while its support for the latest 22TB and soon-to-be-released 24TB drives future-proofs your investment.

However, the TS-855X is not without its drawbacks. While the two SATA SSD bays provide extra storage options, they would have been better if they were U.2 slots, which offer faster speeds. Although the device supports ECC memory, the initial 8GB memory in the base model is non-ECC, which might not be optimal for all ZFS services. The memory capacity might also be somewhat low for users with intensive data needs. Furthermore, the software can sometimes be inconsistent under heavy use, and it has a steeper learning curve compared to competitors like Synology. Finally, the pricing structure for the TS-855X is a mixed bag. While some users may find the cost reasonable given its features, others might feel it’s a bit steep for what it offers. Therefore, while the QNAP TS-855X NAS offers a plethora of attractive features and strong performance, it’s worth keeping in mind that a spend of a few hundred more dollars opens the door to Intel Core-powered NAS in the TVS-hx74 series or more powerful Xeon triple tiered systems such as the TVS-h1288X. If you want power, but on a budget, it’s a great choice!

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QNAP TS-855X NAS Review – PACKAGING & ACCESSORIES

The retail packaging for the QNAP TS-855X NAS doesn’t stand out in terms of visual appeal, but it certainly does its job. Its dull exterior can be described as ‘functional chic’, focusing more on substance than style. Even so, the packaging is impressively solid, providing a sense of reassurance that the NAS device within is well-protected during transit.

When it comes to the internal protective packaging, it boasts a sturdy and solid construction made of a hard foam structure. This robust internal packaging is designed to effectively cushion the NAS, further enhancing the protective aspects of the packaging and ensuring that the device reaches the user in impeccable condition.

As for the accessories, they include ethernet cables, an external mains cable, screws, m.2 heatsinks, tray keys, an instruction manual, and warranty information. These accessories may not be the most exciting, but they are certainly practical, providing you with all the necessary components to set up and start using your NAS right out of the box.

A noteworthy inclusion is the heatsinks for the M.2 NVMe slots within the QNAP TS-855X NAS. Although it may seem like a small addition, it’s an incredibly useful one. These heatsinks will play a significant role in maintaining optimal operating temperatures for your M.2 NVMe SSDs, which is especially beneficial for intensive workloads.

The overall packaging design strikes a perfect balance between protection and functionality. While the packaging and included accessories might be considered somewhat mundane by some, they include everything necessary for setting up and operating the NAS. This focus on utility over aesthetics makes the unboxing process a smooth and satisfying experience.

QNAP TS-855X NAS Review – Design

The QNAP TS-855X NAS chassis is sizeable, with dimensions of 231.9 × 292.9 × 319.8 mm. Its metallic structure gives it a hefty, robust feel, suggesting that it’s built to last and can handle the rigors of intensive data management.

As for the ventilation system, it’s clear that a lot of thought has been put into its design. There’s abundant ventilation on the front around the trays, a large side vent panel, extensive ventilation on the bottom, and additional ventilation on the rear of the casing around the two main active fans. This comprehensive cooling system ensures efficient thermal management, which is crucial for maintaining the longevity and performance of your drives.

The TS-855X NAS also features an LCD control panel, which provides real-time system information. This includes system temperatures, LAN addresses, and system warnings. Having this level of information readily available at a glance makes for a more user-friendly experience and allows for better system management.

Each empty bay of the TS-855X, which includes six SATA HDD and two SATA SSD bays, comes equipped with a plastic tray that requires no screws to secure the drives. This screwless design makes installing and replacing drives a breeze, adding to the overall user-friendly design.

Each bay features a dedicated LED light that indicates drive access and health. These LED indicators can have their brightness increased or decreased as per your preference. This offers an easy visual cue to help you keep track of drive performance and access.

Moreover, each bay is lockable, offering an added level of security for your drives. This can be particularly useful in shared environments, providing a physical deterrent against unauthorized drive removal.

The TS-855X is quite flexible when it comes to drive configuration. You can operate the system with as few as a single SATA drive, or you can choose to partially or fully populate the bays. This scalability ensures the NAS can adapt to your storage needs as they evolve.

Additionally, you can attach up to two expansion devices from QNAP to the TS-855X. These expansion devices range from 2-bay and 4-bay models to larger 16-bay models and even daisy-chainable rackmounts. This flexibility allows for considerable storage expansion possibilities, ensuring your NAS can grow along with your data requirements.

There is a front-mounted one-touch button USB port available for local backups on the TS-855X. This convenient feature enables straightforward local backups, adding to the overall versatility of the system.

QNAP TS-855X NAS Review – Ports & Connections

In terms of connectivity, the QNAP TS-855X NAS brings a variety of options to the table, even if it feels a bit oriented towards business needs.

It offers a 10GbE copper port, which is directly available and not via a PCIe card. This high-speed network connection allows for rapid data transfer, making it ideal for businesses or power users with demanding data needs.

There are two Gen 3×4 PCIe slots available for adding upgrade cards. These slots can be utilized for various additions, including 10GbE, 25GbE, NVMe Storage Upgrade cards, and more. This provides the user with considerable expansion possibilities, catering to potential future upgrade requirements.

The TS-855X also comes with two 2.5GbE ports, which support SMB Multichannel. With these ports, the system can provide a potential 15GbE of network connectivity on day one, with lots of room for increased bandwidth later on.

Additional connectivity options include two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Ports, which can be used for external storage drives, network adapters, office appliances, UPS’, and the previously mentioned QNAP expansion devices. This wide variety of connectivity options positions the TS-855X as a highly versatile and adaptable NAS solution.

QNAP TS-855X NAS Review – Internal Hardware

At the heart of the QNAP TS-855X NAS is an Intel Atom C5125 8-core processor, with each core operating at a clock speed of 2.8GHz. This CPU is a reasonable and affordable alternative to a Xeon Processor, bringing a solid balance between performance and cost-effectiveness.

This CPU allows the TS-855X to deliver impressive performance, achieving up to 3,500MB/s sequential read and 2,200MB/s sequential write with SATA SSDs and 25GbE network upgrades. These figures demonstrate the power of the TS-855X, which is well-suited for handling demanding tasks such as large file transfers, streaming high-definition content, or running intensive server applications.

The NAS arrives with 8GB of UDIMM Memory that can be upgraded over 4 slots up to a maximum of 128GB. This expanded memory capacity will be particularly beneficial for tasks that require a lot of RAM, such as running virtual machines, managing large scale databases, and handling dedicated flash storage.

The CPU of the TS-855X supports ECC memory. However, to keep the cost of the NAS at an affordable range of $1300-1400, ECC memory is not included by default. This compromise allows QNAP to offer the TS-855X at a more competitive price, while still providing the option for users to upgrade to ECC memory if needed.

Apart from the 6 HDD bays and 2 SSD bays, the QNAP TS-855X NAS also incorporates 2x NVMe SSD Bays inside. This additional storage option introduces an extra level of versatility to the system’s storage configuration, opening up new possibilities for performance enhancement.

These M.2 NVMe Bays are 2280 PCIe Gen 3×4 and allow the TS-855X to function as a three-tier storage system, supporting caching and QTier. This three-tier system enables the NAS to efficiently manage and distribute data across different types of storage media, optimizing performance and storage efficiency. The M.2 NVMe Bays can also be used for storage pools with drives OR for AI upgrade cards like the Google Coral or NPU upgrades. This provides users with even more options for enhancing the capabilities and performance of the TS-855X.

The good news is that unlike Synology and its inclusion of M.2 NVMe SSD slots, the 2280 slots inside the QNAP can be used for more than just read/write caching. The use of SSD caching to provide performance benefits to a slower, but larger and more affordable Hard Drive RAID away are quite well established in the NAS industry, using the SSD space to either write files to the system faster (acting as the primary write area, before moving the data) or increase the speed of accessing commonly requested files on the NAS (making copies of those files onto the SSDs, though largely tiny files are optimized and do not really affect larger block/sequential data). However, though the QNAP TS-855X supports SSD caching on these bays, it also supports their use in QTier. This is similar to caching but in QTier the available HDD and SSDs are combined into a single storage area and it intelligently moves files periodically to the appropriate storage media as it analyzes their access and requests. Finally, if you wish, you can use the NVMe SSD bays for just a fast accessing and performing storage pool and volumes of it’s own. These two bays, plus the main SATA HDD bays, plus adding a PCIe SSD storage card in an available slot means that the TS-855X has enormous storage potential. These m.2 bays can also be used for system upgrades, but these are still quite few in reality and it is only the google TPU m.2 upgrade that increases AI system processes that is recommended in 2023 so far.

Finally, despite the size of the TS-855X NAS, the interior is surprisingly spacious. The clever design allows for excellent airflow within the chassis, contributing to efficient cooling and optimal performance. This thoughtful design ensures that the TS-855X can handle even the most demanding tasks while maintaining a high level of reliability and durability.

]QNAP TS-855X NAS Review – Software & Services

Alongside the hardware of the TS-855X NAS, you also receive the complete software and services package of QNAP QTS (currently in version 5.0). This is a complete operating system. similar in design and presentation to Android OS, it runs hundreds of applications, services and functions, as well as arriving with many mobile and desktop client applications that allow you to interact with the data on your NAS in a much more tailored way. Alongside this, the QNAP QTS software on the TS-855X also includes a few extra SSD tools for anti-wearing on SSDs, better SSD profiling and even options to separate the media into storage, caching or tiered storage where appropriate. The performance and services of QTS have been covered many times on this channel, so reviewing it’s individual performance on the TS-855X NAS is a difficult task, as we have to look at two key things. Is QTS a good software platform and is QTS 5.0 a substantial update on QTS 4.5?

On the first score, I can comfortably say that QNAP NAS software and services have truly come into their own and the balancing act of supplying the end-user with the flexibility to use the system ‘their way’, whilst still keeping it user-friendly is the best it has ever been. Is it perfect, no. In its efforts to make itself customizable in every way possible, QTS develops an inadvertent learning curve that may catch some novice users unaware. Likewise, although QTS 5 has done a lot of work on its presentation of information and notifications, there is still the odd moment of ‘TMI’ when switching between services on the fly. QNAP’s NAS software is still easily one of the most adaptable in the market right now and allows users to have a truly unique storage environment if they choose and although not quite as user-friendly as Synology DSM, it counters this by being fantastically flexibly by comparison (from file/folder structure to 3rd party services support and connectivity). That said, 2020-2021 were a bumpy road for the brand and a series of ransomware attacks were targetted at the brand that was caused by a combination of vulnerabilities in Linux (which practically all NAS and Android software is built upon) but also in how applications in the QNAP platform were allowed to have external access. In previous revisions of QTS, customization and guidance for changing settings on the system was made very easy and open but lacked a lot of the gravitas and significance that these changes ade to the system being highlighted to less experienced users (such as allowing the QNAP to adapt remote ports on your router over UPnP and how the HBS3 program allowed remote access. These omissions, vulnerabilities and communication issues in QTS have seemingly been resolved and QTS 5 seems to be a much tighter system on the whole (as much as anything can be once you open it to the internet). But many users still feel that the brand needs to do more and therefore until QNAP can remove the lingering stories of ransomware and malware over time, this si always going to be an existing sensitive issue for buyers. In order to see the extent of the latest version of QNAP TS 5.0 use the links below to the written review and video below released in late 2021:

FULL Written QNAP QTS 5 Review	FULL Video Review of QNAP QTS 5

Although the full review of QNAP QTS is available in the article and video linked above, let’s discuss the highlights of the platform. First off there are the software and services for managing files and folders on the fly. QTS includes several tools for managing files in your web browser (with full copy, paste, archive, extract, sharing, etc options built-in), as well as smart system/file search functionality.

Click to view slideshow.

The security when using your TS-855X NAS (again, a continued area of contention and criticism for QNAP in the past) in terms of customization and alerts have been noticeably improved and upgraded in both their deployment and presentation in QTS. These range from a multi-layered security advisor to control anti-malware scans, anti-virus schedules, firewall monitoring and more. There is also a range of access and security credential tools that are quite far-reaching all built-in. With QNAP having to prove its platform is safe more than most, there is a bit shift positively in this direction in the latest versions of QTS.

Click to view slideshow.

Overall storage management, access, mounting and how this factors into backups have also been massively diversified in QTS and along with numerous means to create a very unique storage system (factoring RAID, multi-stage 1-2-3 backups, connecting with cloud drive/objects and how this is presented to the end-users are incredibly deep. It can lead to a situation in which the end-user is a pinch overwhelmed, but you cannot say that QNAP is not providing the tools – they are just almost TOO numerous in their presentation.

Click to view slideshow.

The same goes for multimedia handling on the QNAP TS-855X, with a wide range of tools for handing photos, music and video in a tailored GUI to each media type. This is made considerably easier with QNAP’s multimedia console tool that provides a single GUI that can be used to handle all the backend setup of all your individual media apps. QNAP also provides AI photo recognition to allow decades of photos to be searched intelligently for people and subjects to quite an impressively deep degree (not needing internet access to do so, with the AI onboard the system). Then you have support for a wide range of 3rd party multimedia tools such as Plex media server, Emby, Twinky and Kodi (unofficially).

Click to view slideshow.

Then you have business tools (small, medium or even enterprise) included that can range from the deployment of multiple virtual machines across many platforms and a dedicated 1st party container deployment tool. One very unique feature of QNAP QTS compared with other NAS brands in their deployment of VMs is that they include 2-3 click download options in their respective applications that allow you to download ready to use VM in Windows 7,8 and 10, as well as a VM market place for more enterprise virtual clients and even a Ubuntu 18/19/20 VM deployment tool that allows you to quickly set up a VM and then access remotely OR use the HDMI+KVM set up locally. The container station tool also has its own pre-built tool repository too.

Click to view slideshow.

Finally, for surveillance use, the TS-855X arrives with QVR Pro which allows you to have a business-class surveillance platform hosted on your NAS. This platform has its very own GUI that supports thousands of IP Camera brands, as well as the software arriving with 8 camera licenses with the TS-855X, a multi-camera feed display, intelligent alerts, AI services (hardware appropriate), multiple client tools for mobile/desktop clients, integration of 3rd party system management tools and you can even attach USB cameras to your QNAP NAS and have local cameras fed into the NAS too.

Click to view slideshow.

So, software on the QNAP TS-855X is pretty diverse and although the brand has seen its fair share of security complaints in the past, I think that it would be hard for me to ignore the range of NAS hardware configuration, services and tools that are included.  Tests of the QNAP TS-855X on how it performs as a Plex Media Server, host for Virtual Machines and more will be conducted shortly over on NASCompares YouTube channel. I recommend visiting there to learn more. Below is the video review for the QNAP TS-855X NAS

QNAP TS-855X NAS Review – Conclusion & Verdict

I have to say, I am MOSTLY impressed by how much bang for buck is being included in the TS-855X and although it is not the most powerful device in the market (arguably intentionally, as it favours the more affordable Atom over a xeon), it is a sensible workhorse of a NAS. On the positive side, the QNAP TS-855X NAS comes with numerous strong selling points. The device offers large storage potential, especially with the ZFS file system, making it a powerhouse for data management. The choice of CPU is also sensible, providing a balance between performance and cost-effectiveness. The inclusion of the QTier tool is particularly appealing, adding a layer of efficiency to the storage management. Another big plus is the user-friendly GUI for ZFS in QuTS, making it accessible for users with varying levels of technical expertise. The three-tier storage options and support of ECC memory with a maximum of 128GB further enhance the device’s versatility and potential. Moreover, the TS-855X provides a wealth of expansion options and comes with 8 camera licenses with QVR Pro/QTS. The well-ventilated design contributes to thermal efficiency, ensuring optimal performance, while its support for the latest 22TB and soon-to-be-released 24TB drives future-proofs your investment.

However, the TS-855X is not without its drawbacks. While the two SATA SSD bays provide extra storage options, they would have been better if they were U.2 slots, which offer faster speeds. Although the device supports ECC memory, the initial 8GB memory in the base model is non-ECC, which might not be optimal for all ZFS services. The memory capacity might also be somewhat low for users with intensive data needs. Furthermore, the software can sometimes be inconsistent under heavy use, and it has a steeper learning curve compared to competitors like Synology. Finally, the pricing structure for the TS-855X is a mixed bag. While some users may find the cost reasonable given its features, others might feel it’s a bit steep for what it offers. Therefore, while the QNAP TS-855X NAS offers a plethora of attractive features and strong performance, it’s worth keeping in mind that a spend of a few hundred more dollars opens the door to Intel Core-powered NAS in the TVS-hx74 series or more powerful Xeon triple tiered systems such as the TVS-h1288X. If you want power, but on a budget, it’s a great choice!

PROs of the QNAP TS-855X NAS	CONs of the QNAP TS-855X NAS
Large Storage Potential (Especially in ZFS) Sensible Choice of CPU QTier Tool is VERY Appealing ZFS in QuTS but with a User Friendly GUI Three Tier Storage Opts Support of ECC Memory & 128GB Max Tonnes of Expansion Options 8 Camera Licenses with QVR Pro/QTS Well Ventilated Design Supports Latest 22TB and 24TB (soon)	2x SATA SSD Bays Would Hva ebeen Better if U.2 Initial 8GB Memory is low for all ZFS services + is not ECC in default/Base Model Software can be a little inconsistent under excessive use Features a steeper learning curve than Synology Early Pricing is a Mixed Bag

The QNAP TVS-h1288X vs TVS-h874X NAS –  Which Should You Buy?

In the realm of Network Attached Storage (NAS) drives, QNAP has established itself as one of the best providers of turnkey NAS hardware in the market. However, though their portfolio is very diverse, there are currently two standout models in their Premium fully featured tier that make it a bit tough for potential QNAP buyers to pick between – they are the QNAP TVS-h1288X and the QNAP TVS-h874X. Both offer robust features and powerful capabilities, making them excellent choices for businesses or power users who need high-capacity, flexible, and efficient data storage solutions. This combined with both arriving with very modern server hardware, tremendous scalability in storage, a wide range of possible upgrades and power under the bonnet, result in users who have a $3000+ budget having a hard choice to make. While these NAS drives share certain similarities, there are notable differences in their choice of processor (i.e Xeon vs Intel Core – a battle as old as time!) that can significantly impact their performance and suitability for specific use cases. In this comparison, we will delve into the key aspects of each model – power, flexibility, upgradability, multimedia use, virtual machine use and more – to provide a comprehensive understanding of their strengths and determine which might be a better fit for you and your data!

QNAP TVS-H874x vs TVS-h1288x NAS – The TL:DR

TL;DR: The QNAP TVS-h874X-i9-64G and TVS-h1288X-W1250-16G are powerful NAS devices with distinct advantages. The TVS-h874X boasts a more powerful Intel Core i9 processor and PCIe Gen4 slots, making it better suited for intensive tasks like virtual machines or media servers. It could perform better with tasks that demand high CPU power and faster data transfer speeds, such as advanced virtual machine deployment or as a robust Plex Media Server. On the other hand, the TVS-h1288X features a solid Intel Xeon W-1250 processor and additional storage flexibility with extra 2.5-inch SATA bays. Its advantage lies in offering a larger number of PCIe slots and additional SATA bays for tiered storage, thus providing more flexibility for expansions and setting up hybrid storage systems. This device could be more suited for tasks that demand versatile storage configurations and a higher capacity for upgrades. In essence, the choice between the two devices depends on the specific needs and requirements of the user. While the TVS-h874X offers higher raw computational power and faster PCIe slots, the TVS-h1288X provides more flexibility in terms of storage and expandability.

Chassis
Model ID	QNAP TVS-h1288X NAS	QNAP TVS-h874x NAS
Written Review
Video Review
Where to Buy / Price	$2500-3000 (Check Amazon)	$2500-3200 (Check Amazon)

The QNAP TVS-h1288X vs TVS-h874X NAS – Price and Value

The QNAP TVS-H1288X, which was released at the end of 2020, has a price range of about $2500 to $3000. However, one significant aspect to consider is its limited availability, which can potentially affect the ease of procurement for interested buyers. This may limit its appeal despite its more competitive price point. Furthermore, the timing of its release could mean that its features, while still impressive, might not be the most current when compared to more recent models.

Click to view slideshow.

On the other hand, the QNAP TVS-h874X, launched towards the end of 2022, commands a slightly higher price bracket, falling somewhere between $2500 and $3200. Its appeal lies in its broader availability, making it a more accessible choice for consumers globally in 2023/2024. Another significant advantage of this model is the diverse combinations of CPU and memory it offers, allowing buyers to flexibly budget their investment based on their specific needs and requirements.

Click to view slideshow.

Comparing these two models, it is clear that while the TVS-h1288X may carry a lower price tag, the TVS-h874X seems to offer better overall value. Its wider availability and more updated features make it an appealing choice for consumers looking for a powerful, flexible, and readily available NAS device. Hence, when considering both price and value, the TVS-h874X could be a more viable option for most consumers.

The QNAP TVS-h1288X vs TVS-h874X NAS – Hardware Comparison

When looking at purchasing a Network Attached Storage (NAS) device, one must understand the key specifications and how they align with individual needs. To help you make an informed decision, let’s delve into a side-by-side comparison of the hardware specifications of the QNAP TVS-H1288X and the QNAP TVS-h874X. Below is how they compare, but I have highlighted in green the areas where one system has an advantage over the other:

Comparing the Intel Xeon W-1250 and Intel Core i9-12900KF CPU – Which is Better?

The Intel Xeon W-1250 and the Intel Core i9-12900KF are two powerful processors from Intel, each designed for different uses and with different strengths.

The Intel Xeon W-1250 is a server-grade processor part of the Xeon family. It has 6 cores and 12 threads, with a base frequency of 3.3 GHz and can turbo boost up to 4.7 GHz. One notable advantage of the Xeon series in conjunction with the TVS-h1288X including the W-1250, is its support and inclusion of Error-Correcting Code (ECC) memory, which can detect and correct common types of data corruption. This feature is crucial for server and workstation environments where data integrity is paramount. Moreover, Xeon processors often have extended lifecycle support compared to their Core counterparts, making them ideal for enterprise solutions that require long-term stability. However, these processors usually have lower clock speeds and fewer cores than similarly priced Core models, making them less suitable for tasks that require high single-core performance or benefit from multiple cores, like gaming or multimedia content creation. On the other hand, the Intel Core i9-12900KF is a high-performance consumer desktop processor. It’s part of Intel’s 12th generation Alder Lake series and uses a hybrid architecture combining Performance cores (P-cores) and Efficient cores (E-cores). The i9-12900KF has a total of 16 cores (8 Performance + 8 Efficient) and 24 threads, significantly more than the Xeon W-1250, and it can achieve higher clock speeds. The i9-12900KF DOES support ECC memory but the TVS-h874 arrives with non-ECC memory (likely for reasons of maintaining a reasonable budget point in the QNAP portfolio), but it does include integrated graphics, while some other Xeon chips do not. This chip is designed for demanding applications like gaming, multimedia production, and high-performance computing. It would typically outperform the Xeon W-1250 in most consumer applications, thanks to its higher core count and clock speeds. However, the i9-12900KF lacks some professional features found in the Xeon line that at the data center level (eg sustained high performance in larger frequency but low avg file volume processes) that makes it less suitable for large-scale file processing where speed over extended periods is paramount.

NAS	QNAP TVS-h1288X	QNAP TVS-h874X
CPU	Intel Xeon W-1250	Intel Core VS i9-12900KF
Total Cores	6	16
# of Performance-cores	0	8
# of Efficient-cores	0	8
Total Threads	12	24
Max Turbo Frequency	4.70 GHz	5.20 GHz
Intel® Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0 Frequency ‡		5.20 GHz
Performance-core Max Turbo Frequency		5.10 GHz
Efficient-core Max Turbo Frequency		3.90 GHz
Performance-core Base Frequency		3.20 GHz
Efficient-core Base Frequency		2.40 GHz
Cache	12 MB Intel® Smart Cache	30 MB Intel® Smart Cache
Total L2 Cache		14 MB
Processor Base Power		125 W
Maximum Turbo Power		241 W
Intel® Turbo Boost Technology 2.0 Frequency	4.70 GHz
Processor Base Frequency	3.30 GHz
Bus Speed	8 GT/s
TDP	80 W
Max Memory Size (dependent on memory type)	128 GB	128 GB
Memory Types	DDR4-2666	Up to DDR5 4800 MT/s Up to DDR4 3200 MT/s
Max # of Memory Channels	2	2
Max Memory Bandwidth	41.6 GB/s	76.8 GB/s
ECC Memory Supported	Yes
Direct Media Interface (DMI) Revision		4
Max # of DMI Lanes		8
Scalability	1S Only	1S Only
PCI Express Revision	3	5.0 and 4.0
PCI Express Configurations	Up to 1×16, 2×8, 1×8+2×4	Up to 1×16+4, 2×8+4
Max # of PCI Express Lanes	16	20

The choice between the Intel Xeon W-1250 and the Intel Core i9-12900KF largely depends on your specific needs. The Xeon W-1250 would be a reliable choice for server and workstation environments requiring error-correction and long-term stability, while the Core i9-12900KF would deliver superior performance for consumer/content-creation and multimedia applications, particularly those that can take advantage of its high core count and clock speeds.

Which NAS is Better as a Plex Media Server?

When determining the best NAS for a Plex Media Server, factors such as CPU power, transcoding ability, RAM capacity, and storage options come into play. If you want to know simply which is better for a 4K Plex Media Server, then that would be the QNAP TVS-h874 NAS. You can watch my YouTube video HERE on 4K Plex Testing of the TVS-h874. However, it’s worth touching on that the difference in their plex handling is a tiny bit more nuanced when you factor in the difference configurations of the TVS-hX74 more broadly. However, for the purpose of this comparison, let’s focus on the Intel i9 version.

Starting with the CPUs, the TVS-h874X-i9-64G with its Intel Core i9 16-core (8P+8E) /24-thread Processor, will likely outperform the TVS-h1288X-W1250-16G’s Intel Xeon W-1250 6-core/12-thread processor for most tasks. Given the processor-intensive nature of Plex Media Server, especially when it comes to transcoding, the TVS-h874X-i9-64G will be able to handle multiple simultaneous streams more efficiently. Both NAS devices have hardware-accelerated transcoding, which is a crucial feature for a Plex Media Server. This functionality allows the NAS to convert media files to formats more suitable for the device they are being streamed to, which can significantly improve the streaming experience. Regarding RAM, the TVS-h874X-i9-64G comes with a substantial 64GB. Although Plex doesn’t require a massive amount of RAM, having more can still be beneficial, especially if you plan to run other services on the NAS besides Plex. However, it’s worth noting that the TVS-h1288X has a higher maximum memory capacity at 128GB, providing more room for future upgrades if needed. While both NAS devices are capable of serving as a Plex Media Server, the QNAP TVS-h874X-i9-64G, with its more powerful processor and substantial amount of RAM, would likely offer better performance, especially when handling multiple streams or dealing with high-resolution content. However, if storage flexibility and future RAM upgrade potential are of higher concern, the TVS-h1288X-W1250-16G might be the more suitable choice.

QNAP TVS-h1288X NAS 4K Plex Tests	QNAP TVS-h874x NAS 8K Plex Tests

Integrated graphics can be significantly beneficial when it comes to streaming HEVC (High-Efficiency Video Coding), also known as H.265, content on Plex. This comes down primarily to the role of hardware transcoding. Transcoding is the process of converting a video file from one format to another. It’s particularly important when streaming content with Plex because it allows a media file to be converted to a format more suitable for the device it’s being streamed to. This process can be quite CPU-intensive, especially with high-resolution or high-bitrate content, like that encoded with HEVC/H.265. When you have a processor with integrated graphics that support hardware-accelerated transcoding, such as the Intel UHD Graphics 770 on the TVS-h874X-i9-64G or the Intel UHD Graphics P630 on the TVS-h1288X-W1250-16G, this can take a significant load off your CPU. These graphics units can handle the bulk of the transcoding process, freeing up the CPU to handle other tasks and improving overall system performance. Moreover, hardware-accelerated transcoding is generally much more efficient than software-based transcoding on the CPU alone, meaning you’ll be able to handle more simultaneous streams without running into performance issues. This is especially relevant for HEVC/H.265 content, which is more complex and thus more processor-intensive to decode and encode than older formats. Integrated graphics that support hardware-accelerated transcoding can significantly improve the performance and efficiency of a Plex Media Server, particularly when dealing with HEVC/H.265 content. Both the QNAP TVS-h1288X-W1250-16G and the TVS-h874X-i9-64G NAS drives offer this feature, enhancing their ability to serve as effective Plex servers.

What Are the Benefits of the TVS-h874 having PCIe4 and the TVS-h1288X having PCIe3 Architecture?

PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express) is the standard interface for connecting high-speed components to the motherboard. The main difference between PCIe 3.0 and PCIe 4.0 is the amount of data they can transmit simultaneously. Each new version of PCIe effectively doubles the bandwidth of the previous version. So, PCIe 4.0 can deliver roughly double the bandwidth of PCIe 3.0. The QNAP TVS-h874X-i9-64G comes with PCIe 4.0 architecture, which provides a significantly higher data transmission rate compared to PCIe 3.0. This becomes particularly advantageous when using high-speed devices that can take advantage of this increased bandwidth, such as certain NVMe SSDs, high-speed networking cards, or advanced graphics cards. For instance, NVMe SSDs connected via PCIe 4.0 can achieve faster read and write speeds, which could lead to faster data transfers, backups, or even general responsiveness of the NAS if the SSDs are used for caching or as primary storage.

On the other hand, the QNAP TVS-h1288X-W1250-16G comes with PCIe 3.0 architecture. While the bandwidth is lower than PCIe 4.0, PCIe 3.0 still provides robust performance for a wide range of devices, and is still the standard for many peripherals. Another point to consider is that the TVS-h1288X has three PCIe slots compared to the two in the TVS-h874, which could offer more flexibility in terms of expansion options, even if they’re limited to PCIe 3.0 speeds. In summary, if you’re planning to use devices that can take advantage of the higher speeds provided by PCIe 4.0, or if you anticipate needing that capability in the future, the QNAP TVS-h874X-i9-64G would be a better choice. However, if you don’t foresee needing the increased bandwidth, or if you value having more expansion slots, the TVS-h1288X-W1250-16G would be a viable choice despite having the older PCIe standard.

Choosing Between QNAP QuTS and QTS on Either NAS System?

QNAP QTS and QuTS hero are two NAS operating systems developed by QNAP. QTS is the standard, well-established system, while QuTS hero is a more recent offering that brings several key improvements and additional features.

QTS is a Linux-based operating system that provides an intuitive graphical user interface, supporting features like file sharing, backup, multimedia applications, and virtualization. Its extensive functionality, combined with its easy-to-use design, has made it popular for both home users and small businesses. Furthermore, QTS offers a vast array of apps through the QNAP App Center, which further extends the functionality of your NAS. However, QTS uses the EXT4 file system, which, while reliable, does not offer the same level of data protection as some more modern file systems. QuTS hero, on the other hand, is built on the same Linux foundation as QTS but incorporates the ZFS file system. ZFS offers several advanced features not available in EXT4, such as data deduplication, inline compression, and powerful snapshots. These features can help to save storage space, protect data integrity, and simplify data backup and recovery. Furthermore, ZFS uses a sophisticated checksum system to prevent data corruption. QuTS hero still supports all the same apps and features as QTS, so you’re not losing any functionality by choosing the newer system. However, the advanced features of ZFS can require more system resources, particularly RAM, so QuTS hero may not be suitable for lower-end NAS models with limited hardware. Luckily both of these systems are more than powerful enough to let you choose between them. Additionally, some QTS applications (such as QVR Pro with 8 camera licenses) CAN be installed on the QuTS platform if you download them directly from the App center, avoiding the 2 license that QVR Elite has.

How do the TVS-h1288X and TVS-h874 Compare in terms of flexibility and expandability of storage?

The flexibility and expandability of storage are key considerations for a NAS (Network Attached Storage) device, especially when it is expected to adapt to the increasing data storage demands of a growing business or a professional with evolving needs. The QNAP TVS-h1288X-W1250-16G has a notable edge over the TVS-h874X-i9-64G in terms of storage flexibility. In addition to the eight 3.5-inch SATA bays that both devices share, the TVS-h1288X also offers four additional 2.5-inch SATA bays. These extra bays can be used for SSDs, allowing for a tiered storage setup where frequently accessed data is kept on the faster SSDs, while less frequently accessed data is stored on the larger but slower HDDs. This hybrid storage system can enhance the performance of your NAS while maintaining a large overall storage capacity. In terms of expandability, both devices support M.2 slots for NVMe SSDs, which can further boost the performance of the NAS. The TVS-h1288X has two M.2 22110/2280 NVMe PCIe Gen3 x4 slots, while the TVS-h874X supports two M.2 2280 PCIe Gen 4 x4 slots, offering faster data transfer rates. For further storage expandability, both NAS drives feature PCIe slots, which can be used to add expansion cards for additional storage or to upgrade networking capabilities. However, the TVS-h1288X provides three PCIe Gen3 slots, compared to the TVS-h874X’s two PCIe Gen4 slots. While the Gen4 slots on the TVS-h874X offer faster data transfer speeds, the extra slot on the TVS-h1288X could potentially provide more flexibility for expansions or upgrades. Both the TVS-h1288X and TVS-h874X provide a good range of options for storage flexibility and expandability. However, the TVS-h1288X might offer more flexibility in setting up a tiered storage system with its additional 2.5-inch SATA bays. In terms of expandability, the choice between the two could come down to whether you prefer more PCIe slots (TVS-h1288X) or faster PCIe slots (TVS-h874X).

Click to view slideshow.

QNAP TVS-h1288X vs TVS-h874X NAS – Which Should You Choose?

Both the QNAP TVS-h874X and TVS-h1288X NAS devices offer robust features and excellent performance, making them highly suited for a variety of professional and business scenarios. Choosing the most appropriate device ultimately comes down to identifying your specific requirements and how they align with the unique strengths of each NAS. If your use case demands a highly powerful CPU, especially for heavy-duty applications like running multiple virtual machines or a robust Plex Media Server, the TVS-h874X with its Intel Core i9 processor could be the better choice. Its superior graphics capability, coupled with the high-speed data transfer rate of PCIe 4.0, makes it an ideal candidate for intensive tasks requiring high processing power and fast data movement. It ultimately has the wider scope of hardware bandwidth and resources to support numerous scenarios, at the same time!

On the other hand, if your needs revolve more around sustained performance and expandable storage, the TVS-h1288X is likely the more appropriate choice. The extra 2.5-inch SATA bays and additional PCIe slot can give you more options when setting up your storage system and potential future expansions. Its solid Intel Xeon W-1250 processor ensures it can handle most tasks effectively, making it a balanced choice for diverse storage needs and configurations. It’s just a shame that it lacks the PCIe4 Support of the newer NAS for Gen 4 SSDs and Gen 4 Upgrade cards. Ultimately, by aligning these strengths with your specific requirements, you can select the NAS device that will serve you most effectively in your professional or business endeavors. But, further emphasizing the key points, the QNAP TVS-h874X is an excellent match for businesses or professionals dealing with heavy computational requirements. Whether it’s running demanding virtual machines, providing seamless Plex Media Server performance, or managing data-heavy workflows, the powerhouse combination of the Intel Core i9 processor and PCIe 4.0 delivers both speed and power. It’s built for tasks that require high-performance computing and ultra-fast data transfer rates, proving its worth in high-demand scenarios. Both devices are formidable in their own right, each bringing a distinct set of advantages to the table. By evaluating your specific needs and requirements, you can secure a NAS device that will be a steadfast ally in your data management and storage journey.

Chassis
Model ID	QNAP TVS-h1288X NAS	QNAP TVS-h874x NAS
Written Review
Video Review
Where to Buy / Price	$2500-3000 (Check Amazon)	$2500-3200 (Check Amazon)

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