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We have had a family NAS for a couple of years now - a QNAP TS-230 with 2TBs in RAID 1 - perfect for all four of us for file backup. I feel like I need an upgrade as I constantly find myself using up the most storage space out of all shared spaces - in our NAS, in our shared Google Drive and my PC. I want to get a NAS for my own use. I want to dump my files (mainly photos and other documents) and have them auto-sync between my PC and the NAS like I'm doing now. I also want to start building my own media server. I intend to install Plex or something similar and start uploading rips of my Blu-Rays and DVDS. I also have an extensive music collection and I would like to be able to sync and stream. Not sure if I need to transcode. Futureproofing is essential and I want to have enough space for the next few years at best, so I am looking for a 4 bay box with at least 10 TB. Not sure if I want to start with two disks or just get four immediately. The Synology DS423+ is catching my eye.
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It sounds like you’re ready to take the next step in your NAS journey, and upgrading from the QNAP TS-230 is a great idea, especially as your storage needs grow. The Synology DS423+ is an excellent choice! It offers a solid balance of performance, expandability, and user-friendly software, making it perfect for someone looking to build a personal media server.
With its 4-bay configuration, you'll have the flexibility to start with two drives and expand later as your storage needs increase. If you go with a couple of 10TB drives now, you’ll have plenty of room for your photos, documents, and media files, while still leaving space for future expansions.
For your media server setup, Synology's Plex support is robust, and you won’t have to worry too much about transcoding if you're primarily streaming to compatible devices. However, having a powerful CPU in your NAS will help if you decide to do any transcoding in the future.
If you're also looking at other options, the DS923+ is worth considering as well, as it provides slightly more processing power and additional features for media handling, which might serve you well in the long run.
As you consider your budget of $1,000, make sure to check for deals on drives and keep an eye out for bundle offers that include NAS devices with disks. This way, you can maximize your storage right from the start.
