What is a NAS?
A NAS, or Network Attached Storage , is basically a box full of hard drives that connects to your home or office network. It allows you to store, share, and back up your data in one place. Furthermore, it can be accessed from anywhere in the world, as long as you have an internet connection.
The NAS goes beyond just being a storage device. Thanks to the power of modern processors and increased memory capacity, these devices can now act as miniature servers, running a variety of applications and services. This includes the popular Plex software, which allows you to organize and stream your media.
Why use a NAS for Plex?
Plex is a powerful media server software that organizes your collection of movies, TV shows, music, and photos, and allows you to access them from any device with an Internet connection. However, to have the best performance, you need a place to store all that content.
- Centralized storage: Instead of having your files scattered across multiple hard drives, a NAS allows you to store everything in one centralized location.
- Access anywhere: Being connected to the network, you can access your multimedia content at any time and from anywhere.
- Energy savings: Instead of having to leave an entire computer on to host your Plex server, a NAS consumes much less power.
The best NAS models for Plex
Choosing the best NAS for Plex can be challenging, especially with the large number of options available. Here are some of the most recommended models:
- Synology DiskStation DS220+: With its powerful dual-core processor and 2GB of RAM (up to 8GB), this model is perfect for those who want to host a Plex server at home.
- QNAP TS-451+: This model has capacity for up to four hard drives, and comes with a powerful Intel processor and up to 8 GB of RAM.
- Asustor AS5304T: This NAS is ideal for gaming enthusiasts, including 2.5GbE Ethernet ports and HDMI output, as well as support for legacy console emulators.
How to choose the right NAS for Plex
Here are some factors you should consider when choosing which NAS to buy for Plex:
- Capacity You need a drive with enough space to store your entire collection of movies, TV shows, and music.
- Performance: Plex can be quite demanding in terms of resources, so look for a NAS with a powerful processor and enough RAM.
- software support: Make sure the NAS you choose is compatible with Plex software.
Setting up Plex on your NAS
Once you've chosen and purchased your NAS, the next step is to install and configure Plex. Although the process may vary slightly depending on the NAS model and operating system, the general steps are the same:
- Download and install Plex Media Server on your NAS.
- Log in to Plex using the web interface and create a new media library.
- Add your media to your Plex library and wait for it to be indexed and organized.
We hope this guide has been helpful in deciding which is the best NAS for your Plex server, how much capacity you need, and how to configure it. Remember, choosing the right NAS for Plex can make a big difference in the quality of your viewing experience.