Long time Plex and Synology user, looking to upgrade my DS216II+ to some better Synology hardware. I'm confused about best choice given that I use network connection only, no HDMI direct to TV, and watch on home network using an Android miBox.
Only have a single 720p plasma TV, although 4K possible when this one dies. Am I still better to go with a device like 920 due to its dedicated GPU, or is my use so low end that the newer 923 could still transcode internet downloaded files easily?
Want to use SHR/RAID and BTRFS with future expansion path, so 4 bay seems better chiice than 2, but budget may ultimately make thzt decision for me.
It's fantastic that you're considering upgrading your NAS setup for Plex and Synology use. Since your primary use is network-connected streaming and you're planning for a 720p TV (with 4K as a future possibility), it's essential to choose a NAS that can handle your needs efficiently.
The DS423+ is a solid option for your multimedia requirements. It's capable of handling various resolutions, making it a suitable choice for streaming to your 720p TV now, and it should handle 4K content when you decide to make the leap in the future. The DS423+ features a quad-core Intel Celeron J4125 CPU with a transcoding engine, which should handle your transcoding needs seamlessly.
On the other hand, the DS923+ is a powerful NAS, but it's important to note that its remote streaming is limited to 1080p. This means that while it's excellent for local use and supports 4K, the remote streaming capability is not as robust as the DS423+.
Considering your plans for SHR/RAID and BTRFS, a 4-bay NAS like the DS423+ provides more room for expansion and gives you a more flexible storage solution, especially when budget constraints might influence your decision. Many users opt for a 4-bay setup with 2 or 3 drives initially in SHR, which is a smart approach for a cost-effective, expandable configuration.
In summary, for your use case, the DS423+ appears to be the better fit, considering its robust multimedia capabilities, flexibility for future 4K streaming, and the ability to expand your storage with SHR. It should serve you well for years to come.