I am new to using a NAS and there are some things I don’t yet understand. I have Plex running on my DS218+ and it seems to be working fine. I have a MoCA connection between my NAS and my Apple TV, and again, everything seems to work, except that transcoding is a bit slow, and occasionally when fast-forwarding through commercials on recorded TV programs I get the spinning wheel. More of an unexpected annoyance than a problem. Also related: my wife often wants me to record 2 TV shows simultaneously (we have the hdhomerun-connect) transcoding is occasionally a problem. My question is this: The 218+ came with only 2 gig of RAM. Would I improve transcoding performance by adding more RAM, up to the max of the 8 gig supported? Right now, I only use the 218+ for Plex, so that is my only concern.
Thanks. I am not needing a miracle, but any improvement over the 2 gig that came with the box will be helpful. I appreciate the response.
Wayne
Wayne Perry
waynep4200@gmail.com
One thing having 8GB of RAM will help you with is the hardware transcoding aspect of things. It is capable but trying to do it in 2GB of RAM is really tight.
Thank you, ChuckPA. That makes sense. Seems like I need to order some RAM tomorrow.
Wayne
The reason we state 2x 4GB is to keep the memory balanced in the slots for maximum memory performance AND because the CPU can only address 8GB.
This will be my last post on this subject. First, I want to thank the two members who responded. You were very helpful.
Second, I want to pass along some lessons learned from this experience so that others reading this in the future can benefit. First, the DS218+ with the standard 2 gig of RAM is okay as a Plex server. It transcodes 1080p videos with no problem. The only problems I had with the standard 2 gig of RAM was when I was using Plex to record 2 OTA TV programs at the same time, and when I was fast-forwarding through commercials when watching one of the recordings; the server would just whirl for up to 10 seconds (usually much less) before resuming. So, right out of the box, the DS218+ works for Plex. However, based on the advice in this forum I decided to upgrade memory. That worked. More in a moment. But one big lesson learned - the DS218+ has only 1 memory expansion slot. The standard 2 gig of RAM is soldered into the board and can’t be changed. I installed one of the 2 4-gig memory modules I ordered (now a total of 6 gig) and that has made a huge difference. Now when I fast forward through commercials I seldom have to wait even 2 seconds before the video resumes. That’s at least as good as the cable DVR I formerly had. It is recording 2 OTA programs simultaneously without a hiccup. So, overall, I am quite satisfied with the improved DS218+ with 6 gig of RAM as my Plex server. It is doing all I have asked of it and doing it well. I doubt very seriously it could handle 4k, but that’s not a concern for me. At 1080p or less, it’s fine.
Wayne Perry
waynep4200@gmail.com
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