Is Synology DS218+ a good NAS for Plex 4K playback?

Best reply: Synology DS218+ tin can stream 4K media to uniform devices, so long every bit yous don't need to transcode.

Amazon: Synology DS218+ ($250)

Perfect for 4K streaming

It'southward important to get the differences between decoding and transcoding out the way first. The onetime is the decoding of media for playback. The latter is far more intensive since it requires the host device (in this case the Synology DS218+) to non only decode the media file, just too catechumen it to another format and then stream it if the destination doesn't support the original file format.

So say you have a 4K TV and the DS218+ hooked up on the same network. Both support the same 4K file format (.mkv in this example), yous're proficient to go. The DS218+ will stream the 4K content to the Tv and you'll be able to bask your favorite movies stored on the NAS. If your Television set doesn't support the same file format (say it's an older Television model), you're going to have to downgrade it to 1080p.

Not powerful plenty to transcode in 4K

The Intel Celeron J3355 2.0Ghz processor found within the DS218+ simply isn't capable of treatment 4K transcoding. Not many NAS models from the majority of major vendors include processors with the correct features to facilitate 4K transcoding — it's just something we're going to take to put up with.

The DS218+ can transcode up to 1080p, so non all is lost. Just brand sure your output devices can handle the same file formats you program on streaming and the DS218+ will be a perfect Plex server.

Only with Plex Pass

I matter to note is the fact hardware transcoding support is only included with the Plex Pass. If you're rocking a free account, y'all'll need to rely on software transcoding, which makes things even more than restricted. You may encounter some buffering or other related bug if relying on this method.

Paying out for Plex Pass volition ensure you're taking advantage of the hardware you have available. Pricing isn't too expensive either. Y'all have the pick of three plans: $5 per calendar month, $40 annually, or $150 for lifetime admission. One-off payment of $150 would save you a lot in the long run, especially if you lot take everything set as yous similar.

Our option

Synology DS218+

Powerful plenty for most NAS tasks.

Like most other NAS units available for purchase, the DS218+ from Synology wasn't designed to handle the transcoding of media in 4K. You lot can stream 4K content to other devices that support the file format without much consequence, however.

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