Currently I have an old Netgear ReadyNas Ultra 6 Plus which is dying and I'm looking to replace it. In terms of my use case, currently I store all my media in the NAS with my computer serving as the Plex Server. Moving forwards, I intend have having the NAS functioning mostly as Media/Data storage (with my Mac continue to run Plex) and Time Machine back ups. Right now, my network is still 1GB but I am looking to upgrade it to 10GB soon. I am looking for a NAS that is fast enough so it can fully saturated the full 10GB connection, so it would feel the same as a USB4 SSD hdd. Currently, I'm looking at the Synology DS1621+ or DS1522+ filling it with WD 16TB Ultrastar HDD He16 or Toshiba Enterprise 16TB MG08ACA16TE drives (any preference on these two drives?). I'm afraid of security issues hence didn't consider QNAP. As the 1522+ is newer is it better than 1621+ with the exception of 1 drive short? Would they be able to fully saturate 10GB connection? Most appreciate your advice.
The Synology DS1621+ and DS1522+ are both good options for your use case. The DS1621+ is a more powerful device with a more robust CPU and more memory, making it better suited for demanding applications like virtualization or resource-intensive data management. However, the DS1522+ is still a solid choice for your media and data storage needs, and it should provide adequate performance for your use case.
In terms of speed, both devices should be able to fully saturate a 10 Gbps connection, provided that you have a compatible switch and NIC in your computer. However, actual performance may vary depending on factors like disk I/O performance, network configuration, and the specific workloads you are running on the NAS.
In terms of disk drives, both the WD Ultrastar He16 and the Toshiba Enterprise MG08ACA16TE are good options. The Ultrastar drives are designed for high performance and reliability, while the Toshiba drives are optimized for large-scale data centers and other enterprise environments. Ultimately, the choice between the two drives will depend on your specific needs and budget.
In terms of security, both Synology and QNAP are known for their strong security features and both offer robust options for protecting your data, such as encryption and firewalls. However, Synology is generally considered to have a stronger focus on security, and its DiskStation Manager (DSM) operating system is known for its user-friendly interface and robust security features.