ASK NC

Dear nascompares,
I watched a lot of your great videos but still in doubt about the best purchase for my user case, which is:
* Basic backup of photos and videos from my phone to the NAS every day and backup the NAS monthly to an external 4TB hard drive which I then keep at my parents in law. I have 2x 4TB nas hard drives, which is more than enough for the coming 7 to 8 years if not longer.
* I want a good mobile app which smoothly displays and streams my photos and videos.
* Currently I have a TS-233 but it takes about 10 seconds to even watch one picture, which I really am annoyed about. What could be the cause of this issue ? I get the same problem when standing next to my router with 1000mbps internet, and on the nas the cpu and ram use dont exceed 60%.. possibly would I need 2.5gbe connectivity on my nas? Or is it due to a slow processor of the ts233?
* I am doubting between ds224+, ts262 or 264 (only 30 euros more expensive than 262), or ts264. Any advice is appreciated!

Data Backup:

You plan to use the NAS primarily for data backup. Most NAS devices are capable of handling this task efficiently. Your existing 2x 4TB NAS hard drives should provide plenty of storage for your backup needs.
Mobile App for Media Streaming:

You want a NAS with a good mobile app for displaying and streaming photos and videos. Synology is known for its user-friendly mobile apps that provide a smooth experience. This is an area where Synology shines.
Performance Issues with Current NAS (TS-233):

The performance issues you're experiencing with your TS-233 may be due to a combination of factors, including the processor, network connectivity, and possibly software optimization.
Your TS-233 might have a slower processor that could be causing delays in photo loading. However, even with a 1000Mbps connection, it should be able to handle basic photo viewing without much delay.
Network speed could be a factor. Upgrading to a NAS with 2.5GbE or faster Ethernet ports could help with faster data transfers and streaming.
NAS Model Recommendation:

Based on your budget and requirements, here are some options to consider:
Synology DS220+ or DS224+: These are good options for home users. They come with 2-bay configurations and are known for their strong software ecosystem and mobile apps.
QNAP TS-264 or TS-262: Both are part of the TS-200 series and are more budget-friendly options compared to the DS224+. The TS-264 offers slightly better hardware.
Upgrading to a 2.5GbE NAS could improve performance. Check the available models from these brands that offer 2.5GbE connectivity within your budget.

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