Hi There,
Im thinking about getting another 5 Bay NAS (Synology DS1522+ NAS) to replace my Older Synology DS1515+ NAS to run as a file server as well as Plex Media Server and just wanted to see what peoples opinions are on this.
I have seen a number of posts saying the DS1522+ does not support “hardware transcoding” apparently and at this stage am wondering whether it will be an improvement or not to upgrade to the DS1522+
Or, what other Synology NAS do people recommend? (One that is 4 or 5 bay).
I currently play movies/video’s from Synology DS1515+ NAS running Plex Media Server and cast them from Apple iPAD to Google “Chromecast” connected to TV and occasionally use an Apple TV 4K to play movies on NAS on TV as well.
Any help from anyone would be greatly appreciated… Thanks!
Depending on your growth plans and budget,
A used (from reputable source) DS920+ is the better option due to the J4125 CPU.
You can get a switch and link the two NAS boxes over gigabit (more than fast enough)
There are other ways but this gives you HW in the Syno itself.
There are other options, e.g. A little 4x4 Beelink AlderLake box which pulls media from the Syno. (beelinks are typically $150)
Separation of compute from storage gives you vastly improved flexibility / freedom. You can then get whatever you want for the NAS (pure storage box)
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Thanks for the prompt response @ChuckPa I really appreciate it.
Atm I have a Synology DS1512+ & DS1515+ Connected to a TP-Link 2.5Gb switch.
(Though the DS1515+ is the only NAS with PMS installed).
At first I thought my best option was to get the DS1522+ with 10Gb NIC… connect that to switch (though technically it will only run at 2.5GB due to switch limitation but that is fast enough. Still better than 1Gb Network). Which will more than double my file server speeds for transferring data on LAN.
Then retire the DS1512+ and DS1515+
(Otherwise it will be 3 NAS’s running if I added a new one.
I had a look at the DS920+ which looks good and it was even 4 bay and everything though I would have to get used as you said. I prefer to buy a new NAS.
Are there any “current NAS models” in Synology range that you recommend for running PMS On?
Thanks & Look forward to hearing from you soon.
Please understand my frame of reference.
When I recommend something, IMHO, it should be able to provide 2160p HDR → SDR hardware transcoding.
That requirement removes move of the Synology’s from the list as the only viable processor is the J4125 (an already older processor)
I suggested the BeeLink because, even with 1Gbps, unless you’re streaming out twelve or more 80 Mbps videos, you won’t be exceeding gigabit.
first off, im surprised your 1515+ is still running. I had two, both completely dead of the “atom-bug”…
Anyway. You have no issues with playing media on your 1515 so any upgrade will be an improvement.
I went from a 1515+ to the 1522+ and dont have any issues playing anything, even files that struggled on the 15. All in all its been a very good upgrade not only for performance but it is also almost quiet.
I also got hold of a nvidia shield Pro (2019) as a the media player. No regrets what so ever, its excellent.
I dont stream outside for “friends” so that’s is non issue for transcoding.
I would say though, i was originally trying to go for the 1521+ as it do have Hardware transcoding but it was “impossible” to get hold of. I did not even think about going for 4-bay nas as that would mean A LOT of extra work though the 9something+ is quite capable, time to go from 5 HDDs too only 4.
I was looking a little bit on 6+ bays, but nothing really felt right. Again, mainly for not wanting to rebuild everything.
Thanks for explaining @ChuckPa
Looks like you have given me a few options to consider for future upgrade options.
I really appreciate it…
I’ll do more reading up on the BeeLink and how it works. But the price is pretty good.
(Had never heard of it before until you mentioned it but it looks very interesting).
Thankyou for replying.
@PunkleJones I had one 1515+ “die on me” but it was replaced under warranty because it had a “known fault”. Can’t remember exactly what the problem was as it’s going back too far now. So the current 1515+ I have is the “replacement one” with the issue fixed in it. Though it has lasted quite some time. So has my 1512+ which still is running.
Im thinking about getting the 1522+ and to copy everything from the 1512+ and 1515+ to the 1522+ (Move all the data across…Which is going to be a fun task).
You mentioned the 1522+ is working well for you which is a good sign. I also only play stuff on LAN and not outside of LAN. So it may also work fine for me as well.
ChuckPA Mentioned the BeeLink which im currently looking into but either way I do need another newer NAS to replace my existing 1512+ and 1515+ which are old now. (Preferably another 5 Bay NAS).
Also you said the 1522+ is pretty quiet? Im a bit surprised cause I thought it would have made as much noise as the 1515+ so if it’s quieter it’s even better. Then I wont hear it much whilst sleeping. grin
Why were you looking at the 6+ Bay NAS’s? Did you already come close to filling up all 5 hard drives on the 1522+ ?.. if so, I think you can buy the expansion chassis to add another 5 x HDD’s to the 1522+.
Or were you looking at the 6+ bay before you bought the 1522+?
Mainly i was looking for the other Synology for Hardware transcoding, incl. the 6-bay ones but didn’t find it “attractive” for price, and the need of setting up everything from scratch.
Going from the 1515+ to the 1522+ was as simple as moving one disc at a time for “some time”, no setup needed.
And yes, the 1522+ is quite a bit quieter than the 1515+. Im sitting a couple of meters from it and can barely hear it. I dont even have the “fans” on quiet.
I have no issues playing any movies, tv-shows, but i also use the NVidia shield pro as media player, that thing is a beast, well worth its money.
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