Setting up your own Plex server on a NAS (Network Attached Storage) has become increasingly popular as users seek to create their own personalized streaming experience and eliminate monthly subscription fees. However, selecting the right NAS is crucial for a successful Plex server. With a wide range of models and prices available, making the right choice can be challenging. In this article, we’ll explore various examples of NAS servers suitable for setting up Plex, depending on your needs.
Choosing the Ideal NAS for Your Use
Much like a computer, a NAS comes with a variety of configurations and components, including RAM and a processor that can vary based on your requirements. For a Plex server, it’s essential to consider your specific use case. Will the server be for personal use only, or do you plan to share it with family and friends? This distinction is crucial because it affects the power and network requirements of the NAS.
For a personal Plex server, where you are the sole user and the NAS is exclusively for Plex, a basic NAS with 1GB of RAM and a dual-core processor should suffice. Models like the Synology DS118 can meet these needs effectively.
However, if you intend to share your Plex server with multiple users, especially for transcoding purposes, you’ll need a more powerful NAS. Transcoding involves converting video files into formats compatible with the viewer’s device, and it places a considerable demand on the NAS’s CPU and RAM. For multiple simultaneous connections and transcoding capabilities, a more robust NAS is essential.
Keep in mind that transcoding can be resource-intensive, and even a NAS that costs around 400 euros may not be sufficient if several users are connected simultaneously. If you’re considering sharing your server, you should carefully evaluate your requirements.
However, there is a workaround to allow others to connect to your Plex server without putting excessive strain on your NAS. By uploading your media files in a universal format like mp4 and disabling the transcoding option, viewers will access the original content directly, alleviating the NAS’s processing load. This approach is particularly effective if you have a good network connection.
For example, a Synology DS118 with its affordability (around 150-200 euros with hard drives) can handle over 10 simultaneous connections effectively when transcoding is not required. Keep in mind that viewers will need compatible devices to play the content, and mp4 files are recommended for broad compatibility.
However, if transcoding and accommodating multiple users are your priorities, consider more powerful NAS models like the Synology DS223 for smaller user groups. For larger-scale usage, higher-end NAS models would be necessary, albeit at a higher cost.
In conclusion, choosing the right NAS for your Plex server depends on your usage requirements, including transcoding needs and the number of users you plan to accommodate. Careful consideration of these factors will help you make an informed decision when selecting the ideal NAS for your Plex server setup. If you have any questions, please leave a comment, and we’ll be happy to provide assistance.