I’m posting here because the NAS forums are split by device, and I’m looking at them from a more broad perspective.
I would like to have a NAS device that will provide 3 key things:
I’d like it to be low-wattage. Something that will draw very little power when not in use. That’s actually a big thing for me.
Good Transcoding
Outside access (Allow logging in from outside my home network.)
I know devices come and go, but I’d like to get some input on which devices work the best. Perhaps there is a forum here already dedicated to that that I’ve missed.
There are many many topics/questions on NAS specs.
That is the problem - they are all over the place.
If they could be brought together in one place - ideally in a table then that would be useful to many
“good transcoding” and “low wattage” will be difficult until Plex implements a solid, broad implementation of hardware transcoding that works for multiple brands of C(G)PUs.
“good transcoding” in software requires a beefy CPU. A NAS with a beefy CPU (for example, i3 or higher) are still pretty pricey, and will be higher wattage
“good transcoding” is pretty vague; in which resolution? how many concurrent transcodes?
“Outside Access” is something that probably every NAS is able to provide; how complex it is to configure is up to the user and to the implementation.
Long story short, at the moment there isnt a perfect ‘NAS low wattage good transcoding’ unit out there. I settled on a Synology DS916+, but I’m aware that until Plex implements proper hardware transcoding I`ll be able to transcode a single 1080p stream if the bitrate isnt too crazy. In any case, I try to avoid transcoding when possible by having my media in a format that works nice with my media players.
A system like mine can hold up to 6 drives and costs $700-800 without drives. A bit above your budget, but it exceeds the requirements otherwise and performs very well.
Is there an area on here to discuss building servers? I’m okay building servers. I’ve played with several versions of Linux, and of course windows. I’ve build web hosting servers, etc. Used to maintain a HTPC.
I think my only big question would be setting up the RAID, but that might be Motherboard/system specific. I have to look at what I have at home.
Happy to discuss building and hardware once you find the right place. I’ve been doing it for like 25 years. When it comes to Plex, I have a particular leaning towards FreeNAS. If you opt to go that route, the FreeNAS forums themselves are invaluable for builders.
Warning, though: I have high standards and don’t mess around with crap hardware or configs. Experience has taught that in the long run it’s not worth the initial perceived cost savings.
@sremick said:
Happy to discuss building and hardware once you find the right place. I’ve been doing it for like 25 years. When it comes to Plex, I have a particular leaning towards FreeNAS. If you opt to go that route, the FreeNAS forums themselves are invaluable for builders.
Warning, though: I have high standards and don’t mess around with crap hardware or configs. Experience has taught that in the long run it’s not worth the initial perceived cost savings.
