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I am replacing a Syn DS214+, bought new. I keep them long, so want to go very high end. Want 4+ bays, SSD caching, maybe also SSD storage pools, ability to run and transcode via Plex, quite a bit more.
Considering QNap TVS-h464 at a minimum for the display, bays and CPU, but leaning TVS-h674-i5-32G-US to get the i5 CPU. But that will push $3K nicely configured.
Is that rational, and is there a better way to get 4+ bays, SSD cache, 2.5Gb ethernet and transcoding with a decent software ecosystem?
Thanks.
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Thanks for reaching out — and wow, that DS214+ sure had a good run! Sounds like you're ready for something seriously powerful, and with your use case (Plex with transcoding, Git, VPN, SSD caching), you're definitely looking in the right territory.
The TVS-h674-i5-32G is an excellent machine. It’s a powerhouse for home use and even light professional workloads, and it’ll handle Plex transcoding, SSD caching, and your storage needs with ease — plus, it has room to grow. The price tag is steep once you kit it out, but if you’re planning to keep it for years like your last one, it’s a totally rational choice.
That said, there are ways to get close to that performance for a bit less:
The TVS-h674 with an i3 and 16GB RAM still gives you plenty of power for what you’ve described and can shave off a decent amount. You can always upgrade the RAM later.
The Asustor Lockerstor 6 Gen2 (AS6706T) has 2.5GbE, M.2 slots for SSD cache, Intel Celeron (not ideal for 4K Plex transcoding though), and a very solid software ecosystem.
If you're open to a DIY route, building a TrueNAS SCALE or Unraid box gives you more flexibility and power per dollar — but of course, that’s a more hands-on experience.
Bottom line: if you want something that “just works” and stays fast and reliable for the next 8–10 years, the TVS-h674-i5 is a solid investment. It’s not overkill — especially if you’ll actually use what it offers.
