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The QNAP TVS-h874-i5-32G-US is a robust NAS designed to support heavy multimedia tasks, making it a solid choice for those looking to use Plex for 4K streaming. With a powerful Intel Core i5-12400 processor and 32GB of DDR4 RAM (expandable to 64GB), it offers excellent performance for transcoding media files in real-time, supporting smooth playback of 4K content.
One of the standout features is its dual M.2 PCIe Gen 4 slots, which allow users to add SSDs for enhanced speed and performance, significantly improving file access times and overall responsiveness. The NAS also provides dual 2.5GbE ports, which enable fast network connectivity, making file transfers and streaming seamless even under heavy load.
The HDMI output (4K @30Hz) is a convenient addition for directly connecting to a display, allowing users to access their media library easily. Additionally, the multiple USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports offer flexible options for connecting external drives or additional devices.
The Synology 4-Bay Rackmount NAS RackStation RS422+ is a solid option for those looking to set up a Plex server. It boasts impressive read/write speeds of over 601/516 MB/s, ensuring stable data transfers, which is crucial for streaming high-definition content. The space-saving 1U design with a depth of only 327.5 mm makes it suitable for smaller server rooms or home setups. The dual 1GbE ports provide network failover and load balancing, enhancing reliability and performance during peak usage times.
Additionally, the plug-and-play network upgrade modules allow for easy addition of 10GbE RJ-45 ports, offering future scalability for higher network demands. However, as the product comes diskless, users will need to purchase and install compatible hard drives, which adds to the initial cost and setup time. While the device supports mechanical hard disks with a 7200 RPM rotational speed, it would be beneficial to check compatibility with SSDs for those seeking faster performance and lower latency.
Given its robust build (metal material) and modest size (21 x 15.75 x 5.45 inches), it's a reliable choice for both home and small business environments needing a dedicated Plex server. Its transcoding capabilities and Plex compatibility, while not explicitly detailed, are generally well-regarded in Synology products. This NAS device suits users who prioritize performance, reliability, and scalability in their Plex media server setup.
The Synology DS723+ 2-Bay Diskstation NAS is a solid choice for users looking to set up a Plex server for 4K streaming. It features an AMD Ryzen R1600 dual-core processor, which, with its four threads, provides reliable performance for multitasking and handling data-intensive tasks. However, with only 2GB of DDR4 ECC RAM, users might need to upgrade the memory to ensure smoother functioning, especially if multiple users stream 4K content simultaneously.
The included 8TB storage (2x 4TB Seagate IronWolf drives) offers ample space for media libraries, though the 5400 RPM speed might not be the fastest for high-demand scenarios. The two RJ-45 1GbE LAN ports provide sufficient network connectivity for most home setups, but the lack of 2.5GbE or 10GbE options might be limiting for users with higher bandwidth requirements.
Additionally, while the NAS supports Plex, users should be aware that the AMD Ryzen R1600 lacks hardware transcoding support, which could impact performance when streaming high-resolution content to devices that require transcoding. Despite these considerations, the Synology DS723+ offers robust features but may require some upgrades for optimal performance in demanding environments.