Decision paralysis - buying Hard Drives

[HellsBells]

Hi all.

I've finally got around to starting the process of setting up a NAS for media streaming and general file storage. Obviously I'm now spending 16+ hours a day watching YT videos about NASs which tend to contradict each other...

I think I've decided on a DS923+ on which I plan to run Plex etc. I already use Home Assistant, so it'd be nice to get them to play nice.

My big issue right now is buying hard drives - probably 2 to start with.. maybe 3.

I've come across the whole "dodgy Seagate drives" situation and it's causing me decision paralysis. 

It would seem logical that other drive manufacturers are also affected - it's just harder to diagnose. 

Official retailers seem to be selling these dodgy drives as well as Amazon/Ebay etc.

Does anyone have any advice about where to buy new Seagate drives? At least Amazon doesn't argue about returns (generally). 

Thanks in advance.

[ed]

I totally understand your frustration, it’s easy to get caught up in the endless opinions and contradictory advice when it comes to building a NAS!

The DS923+ is a great choice, especially with Plex and Home Assistant in mind—it’s solid for media streaming and has a good amount of versatility. As for hard drives, the Seagate debate is definitely a hot topic. While some people have had issues with Seagate drives, it’s worth noting that many others have had a positive experience, especially with the IronWolf series, which is specifically designed for NAS use.

To minimize the risk of getting a "dodgy" drive, I’d recommend buying directly from reputable retailers like Newegg, B&H, or Best Buy. They typically offer good return policies and are more likely to stock up-to-date models. Amazon is still a solid choice, especially with their return policies, but it’s good to check if the seller has good reviews and is an authorized distributor.

If you're really concerned about potential quality issues, you might also consider checking out WD Red drives, which are also highly rated for NAS use and have a reputation for reliability.

Starting with 2-3 drives is a smart approach, and for NAS setups, RAID 1 (mirroring) could give you peace of mind if you're concerned about data redundancy while you get everything set up.

In short, buy from trusted sources, and maybe lean toward IronWolf or WD Red for the peace of mind that comes with drives specifically designed for NAS environments.

[HellsBells]

Thanks for the advice, I'll check those suppliers out.