I'm a big fan of your channel and appreciate the valuable content you share in this niche. I currently use a QNAP TS-251D with two 3.5TB disks as a personal cloud storage solution. I primarily use it for storing and accessing movies, music, photos, and work files from my laptop.
While my current NAS generally meets my needs, I'm looking to upgrade to a faster model. Some movies take too long to load, and the device is often quite noisy. Additionally, I'd like to address the ongoing performance issues I've been experiencing.
My NAS is currently connected directly to my router.
Based on my needs and the challenges I've described, do you have any recommendations for a suitable NAS replacement? I'm open to suggestions for different brands or models.
Thank you for your time and expertise.
FC

I retired a few months ago and finally have time, ... but no money. In this scenario, I started planning and building a home NAS based on Proxmox and OMV. Despite my background in computer programming and security, I've had no previous experience with NAS. No wonder I find your internet channel and reviews so valuable. Thank you for your excellent work from a subscriber.
I am currently in love with UnRaid and the Lincstation N1 seems like a cheap, almost ideal option, but I have some doubts:
- According to your tests, what is the maximum speed I need for M.2s/2.5s units? Is there an ideal buy for the six discs?
- Which format do you recommend? Can I have problems recovering encrypted units in a disaster scenario?
- How many discs should I configure as "cache"? What is the minimum capacity for each?
- What kind of data should I store in the cache and in the M.2 and 2.5 units?
Can you please help me solve my questions and give me some recommendations? Thanks in advance!!

Looking to upgrade my current setup: M2 Mac mini + OWC Enclosure. Love the low power consumption and the compact look (the enclosure looks exactly like the Mac mini)

However, I already filled it up. So I'm looking to go all-in and never have to think about upgrading for 3-5 years. Current needs:

* Plex, w/ transcoding of multiple hevc 4k into as low as x264 1080p — can the M2 do this if I go with a DAS?
* Ability to access files wirelessly from my Mac using finder, AND the ability to use Mac tags. This is important, because I color code video files as I edit them (I won't edit off the drive) I also don't want to have to re-tag using a new system
* 5-6 drives for Raid 5-6 on 22TB drives
* Low tdp and compact.

Currently considering:
* NAS as a DAS and continuing with the Mini as a computer
* Using NAS like the new Ugreen. Synology and terra no longer good options? This will be most efficient and smallest
* BYO solution — won't be efficient but then I can use a better os

Thank you!

Hello can you give me some advice on configuring and setting up Trunking on my Qnap NAS TS 464. I can use 2 ports on my switch and configure them for trunking eg:- ports 3,4. But is there settings on the NAS I need to setup to utilize both 1 Gb ethernet ports on the NAS to give me faster ethernet through put....Thanks

Switch is a TPLink TL-SG1016DE

Right now I am using the TS-464 as a plex server and for the most part it has just been fine. I am looking to upgrade to the 6 drive version and thinking about possibly doing the TVS-h674-i3 vs the TS-664. I do play 4k with the unit and now that my kids are at collage they are logging in remotely to plex I don’t dive out my plex to anyone but my immediate family so most streams could be five at one time but more than likely 2. Is it worth the price difference going to the TVS, and being only a i3 is it that much of a difference? I only ask I haven’t seen you post anything on that model just the 8bay i7.

I have a Synology DS214play with two 16tb drives in SHR. I use 3.5tb of my storage. I use my NAS for Plex (I have a lifetime Plex Pass) and mainly for streaming FLAC audio files in and outside the house. I also use the NAS as a backup for my iPhone photos and I have a lot of video material from my youth on it (taken by my dad's camera). Two reasons why I want a new NAS: I want to use Sonic Analysis with Plex. I also want my NAS to support the latest DSM (my NAS goes to DSM7.1). I am thinking about using the NAS for movies and series as well, but I am not sure about that. I will play the movies and series at home on my LG smart TV. So I don't know if I will watch movies and series outside the home. Brand needs to be Synology. I also want my NAS to be future-proof, DSM software to be supported for a long time and there to be enough storage space. I was looking into the DS1522+, DS1621+ and the DS920+. Would like to hear your recommendations.

I am currently looking for a solution to back up data with some sort of failsafe and possibly edit directly off of the nas. I am not too familiar with how to set one up. Essentially I want to be able to utilize this as my cloud storage solution for backing up raw files and large video formats. I want to be able to access my files from anywhere and also upload from anywhere since I am a touring photographer and not always home. I know I want some sort of Raid system so that I can be protected and possibly got swap a drive if one fails without losing data

This will be a local NAS to back up 2 Windows 11 machines and 2 Apple machines

Currently, we have an Synology DS416play as Main storage and an DS120j for the backup. Since a few months we get more and more error messages and especially the main NAS feels very slow. Replacing the harddisks did not help, so we assume that we need a new one soon and looking for a performant setup with easy Backup Solution. Currently, we use 7 TB of data and think that around 10-12TB should be sufficient for the upcoming years. We are happy with the diskstation software, but the available Hardware looks quite old.

First up, love your site, ween watching for years. I have a Synology NAS DS916+ with an expansion. After watching your video regarding the Ironwolf Pro update from NE to NT, almost all of the compatible discs are not compatible. They suggested Pro NAS 12TB ST12000NT001 - I wanted to add a 22tb. Any advice?