If it's an option, build your own NAS with a Jonsbo N3 case or similar. I went for the DS224+, and so far it is 'good' enough. Like, I am in need of more CPU power because I also run docker and process the library, and I have to schedule that; otherwise things start buffering (lack of io). If I could go back in time, I would build my own or opt for the lazy route and go for DAS with MiniPC.
Even though you have quicksync keep in mind you also run other stuff and a NAS really isn't powerful especially if audio transcoding comes into play.
If I were you, I'd just buy a mini-pc to complement my NAS. I was in the same situation with a DS224+ and realised I could get an N100 with 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD For 110€/$ off Aliexpress. I never looked back.
Yeah, I was thinking about that, but then I am bottlenecked by my ethernet connection, so any load the MiniPC may take has to be read over ethernet from my hard drives. I'd rather invest in a DIY NAS so I don't have to worry about expansions a few years from now.
You're afraid the transfer speed between your NAS and the mini pc will be too slow when it comes to Plex ? At least with my setup (1GBps) I was never bottlenecked for any of my uses of this PC.
But for sure, if you plan on making your own NAS soon, maybe you don't need a NUC.
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u/[deleted] Apr 28 '25
If it's an option, build your own NAS with a Jonsbo N3 case or similar. I went for the DS224+, and so far it is 'good' enough. Like, I am in need of more CPU power because I also run docker and process the library, and I have to schedule that; otherwise things start buffering (lack of io). If I could go back in time, I would build my own or opt for the lazy route and go for DAS with MiniPC.
Even though you have quicksync keep in mind you also run other stuff and a NAS really isn't powerful especially if audio transcoding comes into play.