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Hi, I would like to check which is the best Synology option (DS425+ or DS925+) to be used for Plex with a mix of 1080p and 4K ripped movies. Also, when I checked the Plex compatible list the Ds423+ has also the Hardware – Accelerated Transcoding while the Ds425+ does not, even when they use the same processor: x64 (Celeron J4125) 2.0 Ghz. I really appreciate your feedback on this.
Thanks and regards,
Jean Paul
PS: Keep up the good work. I really enjoy your videos.
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Thanks for the message Jean Paul. You’re right to compare those models closely since the DS425+ and DS423+ both use the same Intel Celeron J4125 processor with integrated graphics. The confusion on the Plex compatibility list is because Plex sometimes only lists officially tested units. In practice both models can perform hardware-accelerated transcoding using the same Intel UHD 600 GPU once you have a Plex Pass subscription and enable hardware acceleration in settings.
Between the DS425+ and the DS925+, the DS925+ is the better long-term choice. It has a newer AMD CPU, more memory capacity, faster networking, and a longer expected software support window. However, the AMD chip does not include an integrated GPU, so it cannot perform hardware transcoding in Plex. That means if you rely on Plex to transcode 4K content for remote users or less capable devices, the DS425+ (or DS423+) is the better option.
