03-07-2025, 09:05 AM
Sounds like you have a solid plan for your first NAS! A 4-bay NAS starting with 2 drives in RAID 1 is a great approach—it gives you redundancy now while keeping room to expand later. Keeping external drives for offsite backups at the in-laws is also a smart move for extra protection.
For backup, Plex, and a small Minecraft server, you’ll want something with decent CPU power, but you don’t need to go overboard if budget is a concern.
NAS Recommendations
Synology DS923+ (£560-600) – Solid but No Hardware Transcoding
You’re right that the DS923+ is pricey for its hardware. While it’s great for backups and future expansion, it doesn’t have integrated graphics, meaning Plex will struggle with transcoding. If all your Plex devices support direct play (e.g., a Fire Stick, Apple TV, or smart TV that can natively play your files), it’s a great choice. Otherwise, it’s not the best for Plex.
QNAP TS-264 (£500-550) – Better for Plex but Some Security Concerns
This has Intel UHD Graphics, which makes hardware-accelerated Plex transcoding possible. If you ever need to stream to devices that don’t support direct play, this would perform better than the DS923+. Security concerns with QNAP are mostly about keeping firmware updated and not exposing the NAS directly to the internet (use a VPN for remote access instead). If you’re comfortable keeping it maintained, it’s a better Plex option than the DS923+.
Alternative: Asustor Lockerstor 4 Gen2 (AS6704T) (£480-520) – Balanced Option
This sits between Synology and QNAP in terms of price and features. It has an Intel Celeron CPU with iGPU for Plex transcoding, 2.5GbE networking, and a decent OS. Not as polished as Synology but less of a security headache than QNAP.
Which One Should You Pick?
If backup + occasional Plex (but only direct play) is your main need → Synology DS923+.
If you want good Plex transcoding and a bit more CPU power for Minecraft → QNAP TS-264.
If you want a balance of Plex, security, and price → Asustor AS6704T.
For drives, you could start with 2x6TB IronWolf or WD Red Plus in RAID 1, then expand as needed.
For backup, Plex, and a small Minecraft server, you’ll want something with decent CPU power, but you don’t need to go overboard if budget is a concern.
NAS Recommendations
Synology DS923+ (£560-600) – Solid but No Hardware Transcoding
You’re right that the DS923+ is pricey for its hardware. While it’s great for backups and future expansion, it doesn’t have integrated graphics, meaning Plex will struggle with transcoding. If all your Plex devices support direct play (e.g., a Fire Stick, Apple TV, or smart TV that can natively play your files), it’s a great choice. Otherwise, it’s not the best for Plex.
QNAP TS-264 (£500-550) – Better for Plex but Some Security Concerns
This has Intel UHD Graphics, which makes hardware-accelerated Plex transcoding possible. If you ever need to stream to devices that don’t support direct play, this would perform better than the DS923+. Security concerns with QNAP are mostly about keeping firmware updated and not exposing the NAS directly to the internet (use a VPN for remote access instead). If you’re comfortable keeping it maintained, it’s a better Plex option than the DS923+.
Alternative: Asustor Lockerstor 4 Gen2 (AS6704T) (£480-520) – Balanced Option
This sits between Synology and QNAP in terms of price and features. It has an Intel Celeron CPU with iGPU for Plex transcoding, 2.5GbE networking, and a decent OS. Not as polished as Synology but less of a security headache than QNAP.
Which One Should You Pick?
If backup + occasional Plex (but only direct play) is your main need → Synology DS923+.
If you want good Plex transcoding and a bit more CPU power for Minecraft → QNAP TS-264.
If you want a balance of Plex, security, and price → Asustor AS6704T.
For drives, you could start with 2x6TB IronWolf or WD Red Plus in RAID 1, then expand as needed.