DS225+

The Synology DS223 can be used for media playback, but its CPU isn't as powerful as the next model up. I would personally step up to the DS224+, DS225+ or DS425+ since they both have CPU's with transcoding abilities which can allow for smoother playback on more devices, regardless of the video file

Synology ds225+ with 2x 12 tb hdds. It was a steal at $700 with the enclosure itself already around $580 at other shops. Unfortunately the ds255+ still comes with an older procesor and no m2 slots. but a Plex Media Server, it will do its job.

Consumers lashing back. They did two things anti consumer. 1.) Forced the use of their approved hard drives (now reversed) 2.) removed the drivers for the integrated graphics in the DS225+ and DS425+ so there is no hardware transcode which it sounds like you’ll need. I’m in the same boat as you; res

Two things. First, they restricted HDD to "Synology approved" drives (mainly their own brand, more expensive) for the DS225+ which was their newest 2-bay NAS. Due to backlash, they came back on this decision. Then there was the transcoding issue, they disabled it on their newest NAS because you need

I would NOT recommend running Trusnas on an old laptop with USB DAS drives. ZFS is very demanding on drive connections and USB can be too unpredictable. Synology was just an example. Based on what I hear, it's got the best software and support but is the worst hardware value. However, if I was going

Just a heads I'd stay away from Synology, they are currently deep into their enshittification Era. 1st they are forcing people to buy they're branded drives and 2nd Nas Campares just posted this video:Synology Kills Graphics Drivers and HEVC & H.264 HW Transcoding on the J4125 NAS (DS225+ & DS425+)