(03-22-2024, 01:35 PM)ed Wrote: For your home NAS needs encompassing Plex, cloud storage, and potential RAM upgrades, considering your preference for Synology NAS, I'd recommend the DS423+ or DS224+. The DS423+ offers robust performance with its quad-core Intel Celeron J4125 processor, making it capable of handling multimedia tasks like Plex streaming and cloud storage efficiently. With its four drive bays, you'll have sufficient storage capacity for your media files and backups. Additionally, the DS423+ supports RAM upgrades, allowing you to enhance its performance over time if needed. On the other hand, if you prioritize compactness and affordability without compromising too much on performance, the DS224+ with its quad-core Intel Celeron J4125 processor and two drive bays could be a suitable option. It's a versatile NAS that can cater to your multimedia and cloud storage requirements effectively within your budget. Regarding your concern about transcoding, both the DS423+ and DS224+ offer hardware transcoding capabilities, ensuring smooth media playback across different devices. While transcoding might not be necessary for your specific usage scenario, having this capability can be advantageous for future-proofing your setup and ensuring compatibility with various playback devices. Lastly, for your cloud storage needs, Synology NAS devices seamlessly integrate with popular cloud services, providing convenient access to your files from anywhere. Considering your budget and requirements, both the DS423+ and DS224+ offer excellent value and versatility for your home NAS setup.