Synology for Plex

[Enquiries]

I have a DS918+ with a DX517, I have four 16tb (ironwolf Pro) and five 8tb (Ironwolf ). I want to upgrade the Ds918+ to a Synology NAS that has a built in GPU for hardware transcoding. What is the best oprions for my price range?

[ed]

For upgrading your DS918+ and looking for a Synology NAS with a built-in GPU for hardware transcoding in the $800 to $1,500 CAD price range, here are some great options to consider:

1. Synology DS923+
Price: Typically around $1,000 to $1,200 CAD (depending on the retailer and promotions).
Key Features:
AMD Ryzen R1600 dual-core CPU (higher performance for media tasks).
4GB DDR4 memory (expandable to 32GB), making it more than capable for Plex and other tasks.
Built-in hardware transcoding via the Vega GPU (ideal for 4K media transcoding).
4 drive bays with support for SHR or RAID.
Perfect for a home setup with Plex since the built-in GPU supports hardware transcoding for smoother streaming.
Expandable via the DX517 expansion unit (which is good for future-proofing).
2. Synology DS1522+
Price: Around $1,500 CAD.
Key Features:
AMD Ryzen R1600 dual-core CPU, similar to the DS923+, with hardware transcoding capabilities.
8GB of DDR4 memory (expandable), providing ample room for multitasking and media management.
5 drive bays for more storage flexibility, which is great if you plan to expand.
Built-in GPU for transcoding, ideal for multiple streams, especially 4K content on Plex.
A little pricier but offers more room for growth in terms of storage.
3. Synology DS720+ (if looking for something more budget-friendly)
Price: Around $600 to $800 CAD (on sale or used).
Key Features:
Intel Celeron J4125 quad-core CPU, which is slightly lower than the Ryzen options but still performs well for 4K transcoding.
2GB of DDR4 memory (expandable to 6GB).
2 drive bays, which is a bit limiting compared to your current setup but could work for a smaller setup or secondary NAS.
Supports Plex transcoding (software-based) but doesn’t have the hardware transcoding GPU of the DS923+ or DS1522+.
Recommendation:
Given your current setup (4x16TB + 5x8TB drives), I'd recommend the DS923+ or DS1522+ for your needs since these models will provide the necessary GPU transcoding for Plex and future storage expansion. They fit within your budget and offer a good balance of power, storage flexibility, and transcoding capabilities.

If you're willing to stretch your budget, the DS1522+ would be ideal for more storage and future-proofing, but if you prefer to stay closer to the lower end of your range, the DS923+ is a solid choice with plenty of room for growth.