Would like to know the best way to upgrade my NAS Setup

[Enquiries]

Basically I have a DS920+ I'm using as a dedicated Plex server.

I'm currently running 4x 16 TB Iron Wolf Pro's in Raid 10 Configuration which effectively gives me about 29 TB's of usable storage.

The problem is I'm down to my last 3 TB and need to start planning next steps.

Here's where I need your advice, which of the following do I do and how?

Option 1) Upgrade all the HDD's to 20 TB Seagate Exos or Ironwolf PRO (I'm not sure which one is better). If I went with this option I would love some advice on how to go about doing this.

Option 2) Purchase the DX517 and just use the expansion and add to my config. Honestly have no idea how this works.

Option 3) Something else entirely I haven't thought of.

I'd love to know how to proceed - please and thank you in advance!

[ed]

Upgrading your NAS setup for continued and expanded use with Plex involves careful consideration of your current storage configuration and future needs. Let's explore the options you've mentioned and provide guidance on how to proceed.

Option 1: Upgrade All HDDs to 20 TB Seagate Exos or IronWolf Pro
Steps to Upgrade HDDs:

Choose Between Seagate Exos and IronWolf Pro:

Seagate IronWolf Pro: Designed specifically for NAS, with vibration and heat management features. It has a slightly lower workload rating but is optimized for RAID environments and offers data recovery services.
Seagate Exos: Enterprise-grade drives with higher workload ratings and reliability. They are excellent for heavy usage but might be overkill for a typical NAS environment.
Plan the Upgrade:

Backup Data: Ensure all data is backed up before starting the upgrade process.
Replace Drives One by One:
Power down the NAS.
Replace one of the 16TB drives with a new 20TB drive.
Power up the NAS and let it rebuild the RAID array.
Repeat this process for each drive.
Expand the Volume:

After replacing all drives and the RAID array is rebuilt, expand the RAID volume to utilize the additional space.
Pros:

Higher total capacity without needing additional hardware.
Maintains RAID 10 configuration benefits.
Cons:

Time-consuming due to RAID rebuild times.
Higher upfront cost for new drives.
Option 2: Purchase the DX517 Expansion Unit
Steps to Use the DX517 Expansion:

Set Up the DX517:

Connect the DX517 to your DS920+ using the provided eSATA cable.
Ensure the NAS recognizes the expansion unit.
Add Drives to the DX517:

Populate the DX517 with new drives. You can start with a few and add more as needed.
Expand Storage Pool:

Use DSM (DiskStation Manager) to expand your existing storage pool to include the new drives in the DX517.
Pros:

Easier to expand without replacing existing drives.
Additional flexibility for future upgrades.
Cons:

Slightly slower performance due to eSATA connection compared to internal SATA.
Added cost of the expansion unit.
Option 3: Consider a Hybrid Approach or Different Configuration
Hybrid Approach:

Combine upgrading some of the existing drives with adding the DX517 for maximum flexibility and capacity.
Change RAID Configuration:

Consider RAID 5 or RAID 6 if you want to maximize storage space while still maintaining redundancy. RAID 5 gives you more usable space but less redundancy compared to RAID 6.
Recommendation
For Maximum Storage and Future-Proofing:

Upgrade to 20TB Drives: This option provides the highest capacity and performance within your existing NAS.
Preferred Drives: Seagate IronWolf Pro for NAS-optimized performance.
Upgrade Process: Replace drives one at a time, rebuild RAID, and expand volume.
For Flexibility and Incremental Growth:

Add DX517 Expansion Unit: Provides immediate storage expansion and flexibility to add more drives as needed.
Setup: Easy addition to your existing NAS without downtime.
Configuration: Use DSM to manage and expand storage pools.
How to Proceed
Backup Data: Ensure all critical data is backed up before making any changes.
Evaluate Current Needs and Budget: Consider the immediate storage needs versus the budget for new drives or expansion units.
Choose the Preferred Option:
If opting for the 20TB drive upgrade, start with the drive replacement process.
If opting for the DX517, purchase the unit and follow the setup steps.
By following these steps, you can effectively upgrade your NAS setup to meet your growing storage needs while ensuring reliable performance for your Plex server and other uses.