I am a Plex Pass lifetime member and have been using a single external USB drive for my media attached to my desktop PC. I have never owned or configured a NAS before but I would really like to get an enclosure to use exclusively as a Plex media server. I would prefer that it have both ethernet and USB 3.x ports so I can connect either way. What would be the best NAS enclosure under $1K (preferably around $500-$700) for someone who has computer skills enough to be dangerous, but not deadly with editing code and such complex configurations? Something that is reliable, easy to setup, and less troublesome. Thanks!
What are the best two bay and four bay NAS driveless enclosures for Plex (2022-2023 upcoming models)
Hello Wildwest
Your decision to get a standalone NAS device is a good one in my view.
Be sure that when you get the NAS that you implement some type of RAID configuration – I use RAID 1 which is mirror image disks. You can research and make your choice.
Most NAS systems are build on a LINUX distribution base. When you get a NAS you will need to learn lots of different stuff – the paradigm and GUI are not the same as a PC. Not difficult but expect a 30 to 50 hour learning curve as you experiment and try different things.
An important characteristic is that PLEX will run directly on the AS system and deliver substantially improved performance over a typical PC. And everyone in your family will start to use the NAS for file storage.
I have several NETGEAR NAS systems, but the rumor is that NETGEAR is going to discontinue their product line. The NETGEAR hardware is solid but their support mechanism is truly awful. I put up with it because of my prior nine years of ownership.
I just purchased a Synology 923+ system. Substantially better hardware in my view plus a GREAT support system. The 923 uses ECC memory which, in my view, is an important feature, especially for a NAS with media that does not get accessed much. ECC will help prevent and allow recovery of bit-rot issues.
The Synology software is awesome beyond belief – makes me wonder why I stuck with NETGEAR so long.
The box, without disks, is $600 and you can add some attachments over time to make it faster and more capable. My current set of attachments cost about $300.
Then you need to add disks – at least two for a RAID system. Amazon sells them – I would recommend starting with a couple of 6 TB disks that are designed for a NAS. Those should cost about $200 each.
If you choose you can PM me with additional questions.
This topic was automatically closed 90 days after the last reply. New replies are no longer allowed.
