+- ASK NC (https://ask.nascompares.com)
+-- Forum: Q&A (https://ask.nascompares.com/forumdisplay.php?fid=1)
+--- Forum: Before you buy Q&A (https://ask.nascompares.com/forumdisplay.php?fid=2)
+--- Thread: Best NAS for plex? With alot of bays 6 min (/showthread.php?tid=12142)
Best NAS for plex? With alot of bays 6 min - Enquiries - 07-03-2025
Just need something to replace my getting old Qnap TVS-682. I need more than 6 bays if possible, 8 ideally. Main priority on low power usage > storage > cost > sound (db)
It is only used for plex, 11 docker containers, some python scripts. Max 4-5 4k transcodes at any one time.
RE: Best NAS for plex? With alot of bays 6 min - ed - 07-04-2025
If you’re looking for more than 6 bays, low power draw, and strong 4K Plex performance with support for your Docker and Python workloads, here’s what I’d recommend:
Best Fit: QNAP TVS-h874 (8-bay)
• This is essentially the spiritual successor to your TVS-682.
• Available in i5 and i7 versions — the i7 is ideal for sustained 4K transcoding and will handle 4–5 simultaneous 4K streams much better.
• HybridDesk Station and built-in GPU acceleration on Intel iGPUs make it perfect for Plex.
• 8 bays, with expansion options later if you need.
• It supports both ZFS and QTS depending on your choice.
• Power draw is modest for what it delivers, and it’s quieter than the older 682 series.
These usually come in just above your £1,000 mark for the base i5, but it’s close — especially if you shop around for a barebones unit.
Alternatives:
• If you really must stay under £1,000, the QNAP TS-873A (Ryzen V1500B) 8-bay is a good value choice. It won’t handle as many 4K transcodes as the TVS-h874, but for 2–3 streams it’s fine and still good with Docker.
• Or if you’re open to DIY, a Minisforum MS-01 with an external SAS JBOD or Aoostar WTR Max with an expansion shelf would let you build a more tailored system for about the same price, but you’d have more complexity setting it up.