Hi guys,
I'm looking to buy a 4-bay NAS mainly for the following use cases:
- Plex/Jellyfin media server for 4K documentaries/movies (mostly local streaming, but maybe occasional remote access)
- Storing personal files, especially large video and photo collections
- Running Docker apps (Photoprism, Navidrome, maybe more self-hosted tools in the future)
- Downloading torrents and serving as a general-purpose home server
I’ve narrowed it down to the Synology DS423+ and DS923+, and I’m really struggling to decide. Here’s the dilemma:
- DS923+
- Great for Docker (AVX support, Ryzen CPU)
- Expandable RAM
- No iGPU, so no Plex hardware transcoding
- Might struggle with 4K playback on non-compatible clients without transcoding
- DS423+
- Intel CPU with iGPU for Plex HW transcoding
- Enough for light Docker usage
- Limited to 2GB RAM out of the box, only one upgrade slot
- No AVX
I’m leaning toward the DS923+ for the better Docker performance and long-term flexibility, but I’m worried I’ll regret missing out on HW transcoding, especially for remote streaming or sharing my Plex library with others who may not have compatible clients.
Also:
- Is 2GB on the DS423+ really that limiting for Docker apps?
- If I stick to local streaming, do I really need HW transcoding?
- Are there other alternatives I might be missing?
- Any HDD recommendations? I heard about the WD SMR scandal and am leaning toward Seagate IronWolf or Toshiba N300.
Thanks a lot for any input