What works best with Plex?

General Discussions
1

Hi guys,

I’m wanting to centralise my content and playback on my TV, which is the ideal setup for me. So, I’ve narrowed down to 2 possible, WD EX4100 or QNAP TS-451+. Which one runs Plex better? Or since I plan to put a PC there to watch YouTube, buy extra HDDs and run Plex off there?

Also any one has recommendation for the HDDs to put in them? No idea whats good and yet affordable.

I should also say I the reason why I want to use a PC to watch Youtube is because it gives the best experience. Smart TVs and my current media streamer (WD LIVE) doesn’t give me a consistent experience and frequently crashes.

2

Can’t help you with your NAS choice but for HDD go with WD Red (for deep pockets WD Red Pro)

3

Not a fan of running PMS on an off-the-shelf NAS appliance… those things are way too under-powered (your cell phone is more powerful) and you have to go through all sorts of hoops to try and avoid transcoding, defeating a fundamental feature of the Plex ecosystem and a losing battle if you don’t control every client and if some are remote. I advise either having PMS running on a separate computer aside from the NAS, or build your own NAS powerful enough to run PMS.

Either way, WD Reds are the choice. The Red Pros are overkill and will draw more power and generate more heat and noise than necessary.

4

@sremick said:
Not a fan of running PMS on an off-the-shelf NAS appliance… those things are way too under-powered (your cell phone is more powerful) and you have to go through all sorts of hoops to try and avoid transcoding, defeating a fundamental feature of the Plex ecosystem and a losing battle if you don’t control every client and if some are remote. I advise either having PMS running on a separate computer aside from the NAS, or build your own NAS powerful enough to run PMS.

Either way, WD Reds are the choice. The Red Pros are overkill and will draw more power and generate more heat and noise than necessary.

Well, I already have a PC there but I was trying weigh in other options as well. Looks like PC is a way to go :smiley: Thanks!

@Bartlomiej Baraniec said:
Can’t help you with your NAS choice but for HDD go with WD Red (for deep pockets WD Red Pro)

Thanks man.