Is Synology DiskStation DS918+ a good NAS for Plex 4K playback?

Best answer: Synology DS918+ tin can stream 4K media to compatible devices; just don't go and try to do some serious transcoding to multiple devices.

Amazon: Synology DS918+ ($540)

Capable of decoding 4K media

There'south a deviation between decoding and transcoding when information technology comes to media playback over the network. The one-time is the simple process of the NAS sending a media file to a recipient device for display. As long every bit both devices support the same file type, there's no intense procedure for the CPU to handle. If the compatibility bank check fails, the CPU needs to transcode the file into a format the receiving device tin handle — that's a lot to enquire of a media server.

If you accept a 4K Television set or device on the same network as the DS918+ and everything supports the same 4K file format (.mkv in this example) you're good to become and shouldn't hitting any walls. The NAS will stream the media file to the Television receiver or device and it'll play. If the Television set or device doesn't support the file format, you'll need to transcode it.

4K transcoding is a no-go

The Synology DS918+ comes with an Intel Celeron J3455 processor. It's no slouch, packing 4 cores (no hyperthreading) and can boost up to 2.3Ghz, but it'due south but not capable of handling the transcoding of 4K files. The affair is, you won't detect many NAS options available that tin do 4K transcoding unless you lot accept seriously deep pockets or the know-how to build your own NAS PC.

It's not a lost battle, however. The D918+ tin transcode up to 1080p for those devices that cannot read the formats you happen to accept stored on the NAS. Just brand certain your output devices tin handle the same file formats you plan on streaming and the DS918+ will be a perfect Plex server.

Transcoding requires Plex Pass

One gene to go on in mind when it comes to hardware transcoding (using the processor for the intense task) is yous demand Plex Laissez passer to exercise it with the Plex Media Server. If you lot're rocking a free account, you'll demand to rely on software transcoding. You may meet some buffering or other related issues if relying on this method.

Paying out for Plex Pass will ensure you're taking advantage of the hardware you lot have bachelor. You accept the selection of three plans: $five per month, $xl annually, or $150 for lifetime access. The one-off payment of $150 would salvage y'all a lot of money in the long run, especially if you have everything gear up up for years of use.

Our option

Synology DS918+

four-bay NAS giant.

The Synology DS918+ wasn't designed with intense 4K transcoding in mind. While it tin stream 4K content and handle 1080p transcoding, it'south the four drive bays where this NAS actually takes off, allowing you to install a number of high capacity hard drives.

Our pick

Plex Pass

Stream everything.

Plex is an excellent platform for managing, storing and streaming all your multimedia, including 4K movies. The Plex Pass adds a whole number of benefits that are handy for a NAS owner.

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