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My Synology DS224+ is used as a Plex server - both drives are basic setup. I have noticed that the Toshiba N300 Pro products are not on Synology DS224+ Compatibility list but the Toshiba N300 products are. The pricing for Toshiba N300 Pro is very attractive in my area. Are there any concerns if I use the Toshiba N300 Pro series in the DS224+? Particularly I am thinking of using the 14TB size drive. Your video showed that drives not on the Compatibility List can work just as well. I appreciate your thoughts on this matter. Thank you.
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Thank you for your inquiry regarding using Toshiba N300 Pro drives in your Synology DS224+ for your Plex server setup. Here’s a breakdown of considerations:
Compatibility and Performance
While the Toshiba N300 Pro series is not officially listed on Synology's compatibility list, this doesn’t necessarily mean they won’t work. Synology’s compatibility list often reflects drives they’ve had the opportunity to test internally, not an exhaustive list of all viable options. Many users report successful operation with drives not on the list, including other "Pro" models.
Specific to Toshiba N300 Pro
The N300 Pro series is designed with higher workloads and reliability ratings compared to the standard N300 series. For a Plex server environment, where read-intensive operations are frequent, these drives can provide excellent performance and durability. The 14TB size should also work seamlessly with the DS224+ in terms of storage capacity.
Potential Concerns
Warranty and Support:
Using non-listed drives may result in limited support from Synology if hardware issues arise. However, Toshiba’s warranty on the N300 Pro series is still valid independently.
DSM Notifications:
You might receive warnings in Synology DSM about unsupported drives. These can usually be ignored if the drives function as expected.
Firmware Updates:
Without official Synology certification, firmware updates for the drives may not be as streamlined. However, this is rarely an issue in home use cases.
Recommendation
If the pricing on the Toshiba N300 Pro drives is attractive, and you’re comfortable with the minor risks outlined above, they should perform well for your Plex server needs. Just ensure the drives are installed correctly and run an extended SMART test after setup to confirm their health.
