Server NAS, suggestion request

[tabmorty]

This is not specific to QNAP, but this forum forced me to pick one of the listed options…

What I am looking for, is suggestion from other users, of what NAS might be a good fit.

After running on WD PR4100 for a while, my needs has changed.

I need 3-4 concurrent streams, 2 using hardware transcoding for access via WAN, and 2 non transcoding streams via LAN. Transcoding up to 2160p.

total usable disk size 18-20TB, (with RAID 5 minimum)

I see QNAP have option for Nvidia etc… but there are so many to choose from it’s a jungle out there.

The same NAS will also act as a backup unit for TimeMachine, and mounting to Windows/MAC for disk access.

What 4+ bay NAS would be a good fit?
How much memory?
If Nvidia is required for hardware transcoding, which Nvidia is “good enough” ?

I don’t need any overkill machine - just one that does the job.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

thanks

[ChuckPa]

Going to propose a solution which isn’t overkill but is one you can grow with.
You said 4 bay but I’m going to suggest something else for you to consider.

1. TVS-872X-i5-8G (or the 672X)

• you can populate the bays as you grow.
  – you can put in 4x HDD and setup RAID 6 from the start (Important??)
• The i5 is good for a 4-5 audio transcodes with ease.
• The i5 can handle a couple subtitle burning sessions (1-2 depending on bitrate)

2. Upgrade memory if you intend to use it as a “general purpose appliance”.

• PMS will run ok in 8GB but if you start using the machine as an Appliance, you’ll need extra memory.
• If you’re comfortable swapping parts,
  • Order exact spec memory and take it to 32 or even 64GB (if funding permits)
    You’ll be glad you did.

3. Graphics card:

• A simple Nvidia P2200 will do everything except AV1 (which is the up & coming codec).

I have a TVS1282-i7-64GB, 10GbE. I’m grateful I bought the wider chassis upfront.
As I needed more space, I added drives.