Recommended NAS for Transcoding via Plex and DLNA
With the rise in popularity of Network Attached Storage (NAS) it is becoming all too common to consider a Synology NAS, QNAP NAS or WD My Cloud server as the perfect storage of all of your multimedia. From the compact nature of it’s design to the sheer unparalleled accessibility that you get from it, creating a DLNA server or Plex Media Server as your go-to media collection is both easy and hundreds of times less expensive than having your movies, boxsets, albums, photos and music spread across multiple locations through your home – with the added benefit that you can access that media absolutely anywhere with an internet connection. However as media files are getting bigger and bigger, and most media playback devices we buy are generally owned for 2-3 years at least – it is all too often that the development and evolution of the software overtake the hardware. The result is that files need to be adapted and changed in order to be better suited for playback on the output device. In real-time that means that your 2017 4K copy of ‘Spiderman Homecoming’ may well not play very well on your 2014 Smart TV or 2013 Android Smartphone. The way around this is known as ‘Transcoding’ and it is a vital consideration when buying the best NAS for your media. But what exactly is transcoding and why is it so important?
What is transcoding on a NAS and why should I care?
Transcoding is the ability to change a file (video, music or photo) into a size, file format, resolution or name to a format more acceptable to the client machine (the thing you are viewing it on). In almost all cases, the transcoding of any file is performed by the NAS, on the fly, whilst you are viewing the file and different NAS devices can transcoding to a lesser or greater degree, as well as the more powerful NAS devices transcoding more than one file at one (for users or homes that will have multiple users access the media server at once). Transcoding is also dictated by two key factors on all NAS. First by the CPU inside the NAS and second by the software you are using to watch the multimedia in the first place. For transcoding to be enabled on your NAS, you need to check that your NAS CPU features a ‘transcoding Engine’.
If you are using the official Synology or QNAP applications to arrange your DLNA media server and are accessing that from your smart TV, Smartphone, Tablet or other DLNA enabled device – this is known as NATIVE playback. If you are using PLEX or another 3rd party application to access the contents of the NAS media to playback on the devices, then this is 3RD PARTY TRANSCODING.
What is the difference between Native Transcoding and Plex Transcoding on a NAS?
Don’t be fooled by the boasts of the Synology, QNAP or WD NAS with regard to transcoding HD and 4K – It will certainly do this natively, but transcoding in Plex is a very different matter! The difference is that Native transcoding has direct access to the transcoding engine on the CPU and can immediately be activated when required. However Plex (like other 3rd party software for multimedia playback on a NAS) requires internal permissions and individual paths to made to the NAS to allow it to use the engine when needed and as there is only 1 Plex Media Server application on QNAP and Synology respectively, but hundreds of different NAS models with their own hardware configurations, it is all too often that PLex cannot use this transcoding engine. Instead, Plex needs to use the CPU to transcode the file with raw power and delivers wave after wave of instruction to the CPU to perform this. This result is that a CPU will need to work 3-4x as hard to transcode in Plex than using a native playback with Synology or QNAP Video Station.
How do I choose the Right NAS for Transcoding in Plex?
Below I have listed every single currently available Synology and QNAP NAS, as well as WD My Cloud that arrives with a Transcoding Engine on board. I have also included a transcoding score to help those looking for the perfect NAS for a Plex Media Server or a DLNA Media Server. The scores are as follows:
|
Can Transcode 1080p HD and above in Plex Easily and Upto 4K via Proprietary App |
|
Can Transcode 1080p HD in Plex, upto 4K via Proprietary App |
|
Can Transcode 1080p HD in Plex but may struggle with High Bit rate Media, upto 4K via Proprietary App |
|
Cannot Reliable transcode in Plex but can transcode HD and some 4K via Proprietary App |
|
Cannot Transcode in Plex and though can transcode some media via Proprietary App, will struggle if pushed |
Finally, at the bottom of the page, I have included a breakdown of the abilities of each CPU. So if you are in any doubt about the transcoding and playback abilities of the CPU (as well as the clock speed and efficiency of the processor in the NAS) then just head to the bottom to learn more.
Brand | Model | CPU | Price | Video Engine | Native | Plex |
DS118
|
Realtek RTD1296 64-bit Quad Core 1.4 GHz | £144 | ✓ | NO | ||
DS218play
|
Realtek RTD1296 64-bit Quad Core 1.4 GHz | £194 | ✓ | NO | ||
TS-251A-2G
|
14nm Intel® Celeron® N3060 dual-core 1.6GHz processor, up to 2.48GHz | £251 | 320-600MHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
TS-251+-2G
|
Intel Celeron J1900 2.0GHz Quad Core (up to 2.42GHz) | £251 | 688-854MHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
DS218+
|
Intel® Celeron® J3355 dual-core 2.0 GHz | £275 | 250-700MHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
HS-251+
|
Intel Celeron J1900 2.0GHz Quad Core (up to 2.42GHz) | £277 | 688-854MHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
WDBMUT0040JWT-EESN
|
Realtek RTD1296PB-CG 1.4Ghz A53 Quad Core | £288 | ✓ | NO | ||
TS-253A-4G
|
Intel Celeron Braswell N3150 1.6 GHz Quad Core (up to 2.08GHz) | £291 | 320-640MHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
TS-251A-4G
|
14nm Intel® Celeron® N3060 dual-core 1.6GHz processor, up to 2.48GHz | £292 | 320-600MHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
TBS-453A-4G
|
14nm Intel® Celeron® N3150 quad-core 1.6GHz, burst up to 2.08GHz | £327 | 320-640MHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
DS416play
|
14nm Intel® Celeron® N3060 dual-core 1.6GHz processor, up to 2.48GHz | £330 | 320-600MHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
DS418
|
Realtek RTD1296 quad-core 1.4GHz | £341 | ✓ | NO | ||
DS218+ (6GB)
|
Intel® Celeron® J3355 dual-core 2.0 GHz | £346 | 250-700MHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
TS-451A-2G
|
14nm Intel® Celeron® N3060 dual-core 1.6GHz processor, up to 2.48GHz | £352 | 320-600MHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
TS-253A-8G
|
Intel Celeron Braswell N3150 1.6 GHz Quad Core (up to 2.08GHz) | £358 | 320-640MHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
TS-451+-2G
|
Intel Celeron J1900 2.0GHz Quad Core (up to 2.42GHz) | £361 | 688-854MHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
WDBMUT0080JWT-EESN
|
Realtek RTD1296PB-CG 1.4Ghz A53 Quad Core | £367 | ✓ | NO | ||
DS718+
|
Intel Celeron J3455 quad-core 1.5GHz, burst up to 2.3GHz | £369 | 250-750MHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
WDBBCL0000NBK-EESN
|
Intel Pentium N3710 1.6 GHz (Burst speed up to 2.56 GHz) | £378 | 400-700MHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
TS-453A-4G
|
Intel Celeron Braswell N3150 1.6 GHz Quad Core (up to 2.08GHz) | £387 | 320-640MHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
TS-451A-4G
|
14nm Intel® Celeron® N3060 dual-core 1.6GHz processor, up to 2.48GHz | £393 | 320-600MHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
DS418play
|
Intel Celeron J3355 dual-core 2GHz, burst up to 2.5GHz | £402 | 250-700MHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
TS-251+-8G
|
Intel Celeron J1900 2.0GHz Quad Core (up to 2.42GHz) | £404 | 688-854MHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
TS-453Bmini-4G
|
Intel Celeron J3455 Quad Core 1.5 GHz (up to 2.3 GHz) | £408 | 250-750MHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
TBS-453A-8G
|
14nm Intel® Celeron® N3150 quad-core 1.6GHz, burst up to 2.08GHz | £410 | 320-640MHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
DS916+ (2GB)
|
Intel Pentium N3710 Quad Core 1.6 Ghz to 2.56 GHz | £428 | 400-700MHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
TS-253B-4G
|
Intel Celeron J3455 Quad Core 1.5 GHz (up to 2.3 GHz) | £429 | 250-750MHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
DS718+ (6GB)
|
Intel Celeron J3455 quad-core 1.5GHz, burst up to 2.3GHz | £437 | 250-750MHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
DS918+
|
Intel Celeron J3455 Quad Core 1.5 GHz (up to 2.3 GHz) | £458 | 250-750MHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
TS-453A-8G
|
Intel Celeron Braswell N3150 1.6 GHz Quad Core (up to 2.08GHz) | £459 | 320-640MHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
WDBNFA0000NBK-EESN
|
Intel Pentium N3710 1.6 GHz (Burst speed up to 2.56 GHz) | £467 | 400-700MHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
WDBMUT0120JWT-EESN
|
Realtek RTD1296PB-CG 1.4Ghz A53 Quad Core | £487 | ✓ | NO | ||
TS-253B-8G
|
Intel Celeron J3455 Quad Core 1.5 GHz (up to 2.3 GHz) | £500 | 250-750MHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
TS-453Bmini-8G
|
Intel Celeron J3455 Quad Core 1.5 GHz (up to 2.3 GHz) | £509 | 250-750MHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
TS-451+-8G
|
Intel Celeron J1900 2.0GHz Quad Core (up to 2.42GHz) | £514 | 688-854MHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
DS918+ (8GB)
|
Intel Celeron J3455 Quad Core 1.5 GHz (up to 2.3 GHz) | £529 | 250-750MHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
TS-453B-4G
|
Intel Celeron J3455 Quad Core 1.5 GHz (up to 2.3 GHz) | £529 | 250-750MHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
WDBBCL0040JBK-EESN
|
Intel Pentium N3710 1.6 GHz (Burst speed up to 2.56 GHz) | £541 | 400-700MHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
TS-653A-4G
|
Intel Celeron Braswell N3150 1.6 GHz Quad Core (up to 2.08GHz) | £596 | 320-640MHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
TS-453B-8G
|
Intel Celeron J3455 Quad Core 1.5 GHz (up to 2.3 GHz) | £601 | 250-750MHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
WDBMUT0160JWT-EESN
|
Realtek RTD1296PB-CG 1.4Ghz A53 Quad Core | £621 | ✓ | NO | ||
TS-653B-4G
|
Intel Celeron J3455 Quad Core 1.5 GHz (up to 2.3 GHz) | £629 | 250-750MHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
WDBBCL0080JBK-EESN
|
Intel Pentium N3710 1.6 GHz (Burst speed up to 2.56 GHz) | £642 | 400-700MHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
TS-653A-8G
|
Intel Celeron Braswell N3150 1.6 GHz Quad Core (up to 2.08GHz) | £667 | 320-640MHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
WDBNFA0080KBK-EESN
|
Intel Pentium N3710 1.6 GHz (Burst speed up to 2.56 GHz) | £688 | 400-700MHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
TS-853A-4G
|
Intel Celeron Braswell N3150 1.6 GHz Quad Core (up to 2.08GHz) | £693 | 320-640MHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
TS-653B-8G
|
Intel Celeron J3455 Quad Core 1.5 GHz (up to 2.3 GHz) | £699 | 250-750MHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
TS-453BU-4G
|
Intel® Celeron® J3455 4-core 1.5GHz (burst up to 2.3GHz) | £705 | 250-750MHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
WDBBCL0120JBK-EESN
|
Intel Pentium N3710 1.6 GHz (Burst speed up to 2.56 GHz) | £734 | 400-700MHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
TS-453BU-8G
|
Intel® Celeron® J3455 4-core 1.5GHz (burst up to 2.3GHz) | £806 | 250-750MHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
TS-853A-8G
|
Intel Celeron Braswell N3150 1.6 GHz Quad Core (up to 2.08GHz) | £808 | 320-640MHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
WDBBCL0160JBK-EESN
|
Intel Pentium N3710 1.6 GHz (Burst speed up to 2.56 GHz) | £825 | 400-700MHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
TVS-471-i3-4G
|
Dual-core Intel® Core i3-4150 3.5 GHz | £850 | 350-1.15GHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
TS-453BU-RP-4G
|
Intel® Celeron® J3455 4-core 1.5GHz (burst up to 2.3GHz) | £907 | 250-750MHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
WDBNFA0160KBK-EESN
|
Intel Pentium N3710 1.6 GHz (Burst speed up to 2.56 GHz) | £918 | 400-700MHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
TS-453BT3-8G
|
Intel Celeron J3455 Quad Core 1.5 GHz (up to 2.3 GHz) | £936 | 250-750MHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
TVS-671-i3-4G
|
Dual-core Intel® Core i3-4150 3.5 GHz | £949 | 350-1.15GHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
WDBBCL0200JBK-EESN
|
Intel Pentium N3710 1.6 GHz (Burst speed up to 2.56 GHz) | £974 | 400-700MHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
TVS-682-i3-8G
|
Dual-core Intel® Core™ i3-6100 3.7 GHz | £1045 | 350-1.05GHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
TS-453BU-RP-8G
|
Intel® Celeron® J3455 4-core 1.5GHz (burst up to 2.3GHz) | £1064 | 250-750MHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
TS-853BU-4G
|
Intel® Celeron® J3455 4-core 1.5GHz (burst up to 2.3GHz) | £1131 | 250-750MHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
TVS-871-i3-4G
|
Dual-core Intel® Core i3-4150 3.5 GHz | £1147 | 350-1.15GHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
WDBNFA0240KBK-EESN
|
Intel Pentium N3710 1.6 GHz (Burst speed up to 2.56 GHz) | £1192 | 400-700MHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
TS-853BU-8G
|
Intel® Celeron® J3455 4-core 1.5GHz (burst up to 2.3GHz) | £1194 | 250-750MHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
TS-1253U
|
Quad-core Intel® Celeron® J1900 2.0GHz (up to 2.41GHz) | £1238 | 688-854MHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
TVS-882-i3-8G
|
Quad-core Intel® Core™ i3-6100 3.7 GHz | £1245 | 350-1.05GHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
TVS-671-i5-8G
|
Quad-core Intel Core i5-4590S 3.0 GHz (Turbo boost to 3.7 GHz) | £1276 | 350-1.15GHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
TS-853BU-RP-4G
|
Intel® Celeron® J3455 4-core 1.5GHz (burst up to 2.3GHz) | £1310 | 250-750MHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
TS-1253U-RP
|
Quad-core Intel® Celeron® J1900 2.0GHz (up to 2.41GHz) | £1377 | 688-854MHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
TS-1253BU-4G
|
Intel® Celeron® J3455 4-core 1.5GHz (burst up to 2.3GHz) | £1384 | 250-750MHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
TVS-1282-i3-8G
|
Quad-core Intel® Core™ i3-6100 3.7 GHz | £1392 | 350-1.05GHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
TS-853BU-RP-8G
|
Intel® Celeron® J3455 4-core 1.5GHz (burst up to 2.3GHz) | £1400 | 250-750MHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
TS-1253BU-8G
|
Intel® Celeron® J3455 4-core 1.5GHz (burst up to 2.3GHz) | £1400 | 250-750MHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
WDBNFA0320KBK-EESN
|
Intel Pentium N3710 1.6 GHz (Burst speed up to 2.56 GHz) | £1421 | 400-700MHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
TVS-871-i5-8G
|
Quad-core Intel Core i5-4590S 3.0 GHz (Turbo boost to 3.7 GHz) | £1478 | 350-1.15GHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
TVS-871U-RP-i3-4G
|
Dual-core Intel® Core i3-4150 3.5 GHz | £1486 | 350-1.15GHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
TS-1253BU-RP-4G
|
Intel® Celeron® J3455 4-core 1.5GHz (burst up to 2.3GHz) | £1512 | 250-750MHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
TVS-882-i5-16G
|
Quad-core Intel® Core™ i5-6500 3.6 GHz | £1548 | 350-1.05GHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
TVS-682T-i3-8G
|
Dual-core Intel® Core™ i3-6100 3.7 GHz | £1550 | 350-1.05GHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
TS-1253BU-RP-8G
|
Intel® Celeron® J3455 4-core 1.5GHz (burst up to 2.3GHz) | £1645 | 250-750MHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
TVS-882ST2-i5-8G
|
Intel Core i5-6442EQ 1.9GHz Quad-core | £1660 | 350-1.0GHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
TVS-1271U-RP-i3-8G
|
Dual-core Intel® Core i3-4150 3.5 GHz | £1675 | 350-1.15GHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
TVS-1282-i5-16G
|
Quad-core Intel® Core™ i5-6500 3.6 GHz | £1695 | 350-1.05GHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
TVS-871U-RP-i5-8G
|
Quad-core Intel® Core™ i5-4590S 3.0 GHz | £1738 | 350-1.15GHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
TVS-871-i7-16G
|
Quad-core Intel Core i7-4790S 3.2 GHz (Turbo boost to 4 GHz) | £1787 | 350-1.2GHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
TVS-882-i5-16G-450W
|
Quad-core Intel® Core™ i5-6500 3.6 GHz | £1800 | 350-1.05GHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
TS-EC880U-E3-4GE-R2
|
Intel® Xeon® E3-1246 v3 Quad-core | £1887 | 350-1.2GHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
TVS-882BR-i5-16G
|
Intel® Core™ i5-7500 Quad-core 3.4 GHz (Max. 3.8 GHz) | £1901 | 350-1.1GHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
TVS-882T-i5-16G
|
Quad-core Intel® Core™ i5-6500 3.6 GHz | £1926 | 350-1.05GHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
TVS-882ST3-i5-8G
|
Intel Core i5-6442EQ 1.9GHz Quad-core | £1942 | 350-1.0GHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
WDBNFA0400KBK-EESN
|
Intel Pentium N3710 1.6 GHz (Burst speed up to 2.56 GHz) | £1947 | 400-700MHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
TVS-1271U-RP-i5-16G
|
Quad-core Intel® Core i5-4590S 3.0 GHz | £1966 | 350-1.15GHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
TVS-1282-i5-16G-450W
|
Quad-core Intel® Core™ i5-6500 3.6 GHz | £1985 | 350-1.05GHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
TVS-1282-i7-32G
|
Quad-core Intel® Core™ i7-6700 3.4 GHz | £2098 | 350-1.15GHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
TVS-882BRT3-i5-16G
|
Intel® Core™ i5-7500 Quad-core 3.4 GHz (Max. 3.8 GHz) | £2107 | 350-1.1GHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
TVS-882ST3-i7-8G
|
Intel Core i7-6700HQ Quad Core 2.6 GHz | £2159 | 350-1.05GHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
TVS-1282T-i5-16G
|
Quad-core Intel® Core™ i5-6500 3.6 GHz | £2228 | 350-1.05GHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
TVS-882BR-ODD-i5-16G
|
Intel® Core™ i5-7500 Quad-core 3.4 GHz (Max. 3.8 GHz) | £2258 | 350-1.1GHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
TS-EC1280U-E3-4GE-R2
|
Intel® Xeon® E3-1246 v3 Quad-core | £2289 | 350-1.2GHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
TVS-882ST3-i7-16G
|
Intel Core i7-6700HQ Quad Core 2.6 GHz | £2292 | 350-1.05GHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
TVS-1282-i7-32G-450W
|
Quad-core Intel® Core™ i7-6700 3.4 GHz | £2350 | 350-1.15GHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
TVS-1271U-RP-i7-32G
|
Quad-core Intel® Core i7-4790S 3.2 GHz | £2431 | 350-1.2GHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
TVS-882BRT3-ODD-i5-16G
|
Intel® Core™ i5-7500 Quad-core 3.4 GHz (Max. 3.8 GHz) | £2450 | 350-1.1GHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
TS-EC1680U-i3-8G-R2
|
Dual-core Intel® Core i3-4150 3.5 GHz | £2487 | 350-1.15GHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
TVS-882BR-i7-32G
|
Intel® Core™ i7-7700 Quad-core 3.6 GHz (Max. 4.2 GHz) | £2526 | 350-1.15GHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
TVS-1282T3-i5-16G
|
Intel® Core™ i5-7500 3.4 GHz quad-core | £2563 | 350-1.1GHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
TVS-1282T-i7-32G
|
Quad-core Intel® Core™ i7-6700 3.4 GHz | £2637 | 350-1.15GHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
TS-EC1680U-E3-4GE-R2
|
Intel® Xeon® E3-1246 v3 Quad-core | £2688 | 350-1.2GHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
TVS-1282-i7-64G-450W
|
Quad-core Intel® Core™ i7-6700 3.4 GHz | £2705 | 350-1.15GHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
TVS-882BRT3-i7-32G
|
Intel® Core™ i7-7700 Quad-core 3.6 GHz (Max. 4.2 GHz) | £2717 | 350-1.15GHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
TVS-1282-i7-64G
|
Quad-core Intel® Core™ i7-6700 3.4 GHz | £2748 | 350-1.15GHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
TVS-882BR-ODD-i7-32G
|
Intel® Core™ i7-7700 Quad-core 3.6 GHz (Max. 4.2 GHz) | £2795 | 350-1.15GHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
TVS-882BRT3-ODD-i7-32G
|
Intel® Core™ i7-7700 Quad-core 3.6 GHz (Max. 4.2 GHz) | £2878 | 350-1.15GHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
TVS-1282T-i7-64G
|
Quad-core Intel® Core™ i7-6700 3.4 GHz | £3002 | 350-1.15GHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
TVS-1282T3-i7-32G
|
Intel® Core™ i7-7700 Quad-core 3.6 GHz (Max. 4.2 GHz) | £3032 | 350-1.15GHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
TVS-1282T3-i7-64G
|
Intel® Core™ i7-7700 Quad-core 3.6 GHz (Max. 4.2 GHz) | £3196 | 350-1.15GHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
TS-EC2480U-i3-4GE-R2
|
Dual-core Intel® Core i3-4150 3.5 GHz | £3287 | 350-1.15GHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
TS-EC2480U-E3-4GE-R2
|
Intel® Xeon® E3-1246 v3 Quad-core | £3489 | 350-1.2GHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
TVS-EC1680U-SAS-RP-16G
|
Intel® Xeon® E3-1246 v3 3.5 GHz Quad-core | £3804 | 350-1.2GHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
TVS-EC1280U-SAS-RP-8GE-R2
|
Intel® Xeon® E3-1246 v3 3.5 GHz Quad-core | £4103 | 350-1.2GHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
TVS-EC1280U-SAS-RP-16G-R2
|
Intel® Xeon® E3-1246 v3 3.5 GHz Quad-core | £4103 | 350-1.2GHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
TVS-EC1580MU-SAS-RP-8GE-R2
|
Intel® Xeon® E3-1246 v3 3.5 GHz Quad-core | £4187 | 350-1.2GHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
TVS-1582TU-i5-16G
|
Intel® Core™ i5-7500 Quad-core 3.4 GHz (Max. 3.8 GHz) | £4212 | 350-1.1GHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
TVS-EC1580MU-SAS-RP-16G-R2
|
Intel® Xeon® E3-1246 v3 3.5 GHz Quad-core | £4290 | 350-1.2GHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
TVS-EC1680U-SAS-RP-8GE-R2
|
Intel® Xeon® E3-1246 v3 3.5 GHz Quad-core | £4503 | 350-1.2GHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
TVS-EC1680U-SAS-RP-16G-R2
|
Intel® Xeon® E3-1246 v3 3.5 GHz Quad-core | £4503 | 350-1.2GHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
TVS-1582TU-i7-32G
|
Intel® Core™ i7-7700 Quad-core 3.6 GHz (Max. 4.2 GHz) | £4840 | 350-1.15GHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
TVS-EC2480U-SAS-RP-8GE-R2
|
Intel® Xeon® E3-1246 v3 3.5 GHz Quad-core | £5706 | 350-1.2GHz | ✓ | ✓ | |
TVS-EC2480U-SAS-RP-16G-R2
|
Intel® Xeon® E3-1246 v3 3.5 GHz Quad-core | £5706 | 350-1.2GHz | ✓ | ✓ |
Which CPU should you consider in a Custom Made Plex Media Server?
Thinking of building your very own Plex Media Server from scratch? It may seem cheaper than buying a NAS server from the likes of WD, Synology and QNAP. Just remember that you will need more technical knowledge and to invest in a PSU and Case that can be left on for days or weeks at a time. Another key factor of course is choose the right CPU for your custom NAS or FreeNAS build. We have discussed many, many NAS CPU about that are used by the popular brands, so if you want to ensure you use the best possible processor for your home made Plex Media Server, have a look at the list below of each processor, where to buy and how much you will spend. Remember to follow the star/score system to ensure you buy the best CPU for your customer FreeNAS build transcoding needs.
Intel® Core™ i7-7700 Processor
Graphics Specifications
- Processor Graphics ‡Intel® HD Graphics 630
- Graphics Base Frequency350 MHz
- Graphics Max Dynamic Frequency1.15 GHz
- Graphics Video Max Memory64 GB
- 4K SupportYes, at 60Hz
- Max Resolution (HDMI 1.4)‡4096×2304@24Hz
- Max Resolution (DP)‡4096×2304@60Hz
- Max Resolution (eDP – Integrated Flat Panel)‡4096×2304@60Hz
- DirectX* Support12
- OpenGL* Support4.4
- Intel® Quick Sync VideoYes
- Intel® InTru™ 3D TechnologyYes
- Intel® Clear Video HD TechnologyYes
- Intel® Clear Video TechnologyYes
- # of Displays Supported ‡3
- Device ID0x5912
£260 | $299 | €280 |
Intel® Core™ i7-6700HQ Processor
Graphics Specifications
- Processor Graphics ‡Intel® HD Graphics 530
- Graphics Base Frequency350 MHz
- Graphics Max Dynamic Frequency1.05 GHz
- Graphics Video Max Memory64 GB
- Graphics OutputeDP/DP/HDMI/DVI
- 4K SupportYes, at 60Hz
- Max Resolution (HDMI 1.4)‡4096×2304@24Hz
- Max Resolution (DP)‡4096×2304@60Hz
- Max Resolution (eDP – Integrated Flat Panel)‡4096×2304@60Hz
- Max Resolution (VGA)‡N/A
- DirectX* Support12
- OpenGL* Support4.4
- Intel® Quick Sync VideoYes
- Intel® InTru™ 3D TechnologyYes
- Intel® Clear Video HD TechnologyYes
- Intel® Clear Video TechnologyYes
- # of Displays Supported ‡3
- Device ID0x191B
£280 | $320 | €299 |
Intel® Core™ i3-4150 Processor
Graphics Specifications
- Processor Graphics ‡Intel® HD Graphics 4400
- Graphics Base Frequency350 MHz
- Graphics Max Dynamic Frequency1.15 GHz
- Graphics Video Max Memory2 GB
- Graphics OutputeDP/DP/HDMI/DVI/VGA
- Max Resolution (HDMI 1.4)‡4096×2304@24Hz
- Max Resolution (DP)‡3840×2160@60Hz
- Max Resolution (eDP – Integrated Flat Panel)‡3840×2160@60Hz
- Max Resolution (VGA)‡1920×1200@60Hz
- DirectX* Support11.1/12
- OpenGL* Support4.3
- Intel® Quick Sync VideoYes
- Intel® InTru™ 3D TechnologyYes
- Intel® Clear Video HD TechnologyYes
- # of Displays Supported ‡3
- Device ID0x41E
£99 | $130 | €120 |
Intel® Core™ i7-6700 Processor
Graphics Specifications
- Processor Graphics ‡Intel® HD Graphics 530
- Graphics Base Frequency350 MHz
- Graphics Max Dynamic Frequency1.15 GHz
- Graphics Video Max Memory64 GB
- Graphics OutputeDP/DP/HDMI/DVI
- 4K SupportYes, at 60Hz
- Max Resolution (HDMI 1.4)‡4096×2304@24Hz
- Max Resolution (DP)‡4096×2304@60Hz
- Max Resolution (eDP – Integrated Flat Panel)‡4096×2304@60Hz
- Max Resolution (VGA)‡N/A
- DirectX* Support12
- OpenGL* Support4.4
- Intel® Quick Sync VideoYes
- Intel® InTru™ 3D TechnologyYes
- Intel® Clear Video HD TechnologyYes
- Intel® Clear Video TechnologyYes
- # of Displays Supported ‡3
- Device ID0x1912
£280 | $320 | €299 |
Intel® Core™ i5-7500 Processor
Graphics Specifications
- Processor Graphics ‡Intel® HD Graphics 630
- Graphics Base Frequency350 MHz
- Graphics Max Dynamic Frequency1.10 GHz
- Graphics Video Max Memory64 GB
- 4K SupportYes, at 60Hz
- Max Resolution (HDMI 1.4)‡4096×2304@24Hz
- Max Resolution (DP)‡4096×2304@60Hz
- Max Resolution (eDP – Integrated Flat Panel)‡4096×2304@60Hz
- DirectX* Support12
- OpenGL* Support4.4
- Intel® Quick Sync VideoYes
- Intel® InTru™ 3D TechnologyYes
- Intel® Clear Video HD TechnologyYes
- Intel® Clear Video TechnologyYes
- # of Displays Supported ‡3
- Device ID0x5912
£130 | $160 | €150 |
Intel® Xeon® Processor E3-1246 v3
Graphics Specifications
- Graphics Base Frequency350 MHz
- Graphics Max Dynamic Frequency1.20 GHz
- Graphics Video Max Memory1.7 GB
- Graphics OutputeDP/DP/HDMI/VGA
- Execution Units20
- Max Resolution (HDMI 1.4)‡3840×2160@60Hz
- Max Resolution (DP)‡3840×2160@60Hz
- Max Resolution (VGA)‡2880×1800@60Hz
- DirectX* Support11.2
- OpenGL* Support4.3
- Intel® Quick Sync VideoYes
- Intel® InTru™ 3D TechnologyYes
- Intel® Flexible Display Interface (Intel® FDI)Yes
- Intel® Clear Video HD TechnologyYes
- # of Displays Supported ‡3
£420 | $499 | €420 |
Intel® Core™ i7-4790S Processor
Graphics Specifications
- Processor Graphics ‡Intel® HD Graphics 4600
- Graphics Base Frequency350 MHz
- Graphics Max Dynamic Frequency1.20 GHz
- Graphics Video Max Memory2 GB
- Graphics OutputeDP/DP/HDMI/DVI/VGA
- Max Resolution (HDMI 1.4)‡4096×2304@24Hz
- Max Resolution (DP)‡3840×2160@60Hz
- Max Resolution (eDP – Integrated Flat Panel)‡3840×2160@60Hz
- Max Resolution (VGA)‡1920×1200@60Hz
- DirectX* Support11.2/12
- OpenGL* Support4.3
- Intel® Quick Sync VideoYes
- Intel® InTru™ 3D TechnologyYes
- Intel® Flexible Display Interface (Intel® FDI)Yes
- Intel® Clear Video HD TechnologyYes
- # of Displays Supported ‡3
- Device ID0x412
£350 | $389 | €360 |
Intel® Core™ i5-6442EQ Processor
Graphics Specifications
- Processor Graphics ‡Intel® HD Graphics 530
- Graphics Base Frequency350 MHz
- Graphics Max Dynamic Frequency1.00 GHz
- Graphics Video Max Memory64 GB
- Graphics OutputeDP/DP/HDMI/DVI
- 4K SupportYes, at 60Hz
- Max Resolution (HDMI 1.4)‡4096×2304@24Hz
- Max Resolution (DP)‡4096×2304@60Hz
- Max Resolution (eDP – Integrated Flat Panel)‡4096×2304@60Hz
- Max Resolution (VGA)‡N/A
- DirectX* Support12
- OpenGL* Support4.4
- Intel® Quick Sync VideoYes
- Intel® InTru™ 3D TechnologyYes
- Intel® Clear Video HD TechnologyYes
- Intel® Clear Video TechnologyYes
- # of Displays Supported ‡3
- Device ID0x191B
£160 | $199 | €180 |
Intel® Core™ i5-6500 Processor
Graphics Specifications
- Processor Graphics ‡Intel® HD Graphics 530
- Graphics Base Frequency350 MHz
- Graphics Max Dynamic Frequency1.05 GHz
- Graphics Video Max Memory64 GB
- Graphics OutputeDP/DP/HDMI/DVI
- 4K SupportYes, at 60Hz
- Max Resolution (HDMI 1.4)‡4096×2304@24Hz
- Max Resolution (DP)‡4096×2304@60Hz
- Max Resolution (eDP – Integrated Flat Panel)‡4096×2304@60Hz
- Max Resolution (VGA)‡N/A
- DirectX* Support12
- OpenGL* Support4.4
- Intel® Quick Sync VideoYes
- Intel® InTru™ 3D TechnologyYes
- Intel® Clear Video HD TechnologyYes
- Intel® Clear Video TechnologyYes
- # of Displays Supported ‡3
- Device ID0x1912
£160 | $199 | €180 |
Intel® Core™ i5-4590S Processor
Graphics Specifications
- Processor Graphics ‡Intel® HD Graphics 4600
- Graphics Base Frequency350 MHz
- Graphics Max Dynamic Frequency1.15 GHz
- Graphics Video Max Memory2 GB
- Graphics OutputeDP/DP/HDMI/VGA
- Max Resolution (HDMI 1.4)‡4096×2304@24Hz
- Max Resolution (DP)‡3840×2160@60Hz
- Max Resolution (eDP – Integrated Flat Panel)‡3840×2160@60Hz
- Max Resolution (VGA)‡1920×1200@60Hz
- DirectX* Support11.2/12
- OpenGL* Support4.3
- Intel® Quick Sync VideoYes
- Intel® InTru™ 3D TechnologyYes
- Intel® Flexible Display Interface (Intel® FDI)Yes
- Intel® Clear Video HD TechnologyYes
- # of Displays Supported ‡3
- Device ID0x412
£260 | $299 | €280 |
Intel® Core™ i3-6100 Processor
Graphics Specifications
- Processor Graphics ‡Intel® HD Graphics 530
- Graphics Base Frequency350 MHz
- Graphics Max Dynamic Frequency1.05 GHz
- Graphics Video Max Memory64 GB
- Graphics OutputeDP/DP/HDMI/DVI
- 4K SupportYes, at 60Hz
- Max Resolution (HDMI 1.4)‡4096×2304@24Hz
- Max Resolution (DP)‡4096×2304@60Hz
- Max Resolution (eDP – Integrated Flat Panel)‡4096×2304@60Hz
- Max Resolution (VGA)‡N/A
- DirectX* Support12
- OpenGL* Support4.4
- Intel® Quick Sync VideoYes
- Intel® InTru™ 3D TechnologyYes
- Intel® Clear Video HD TechnologyYes
- Intel® Clear Video TechnologyYes
- # of Displays Supported ‡3
- Device ID0x1912
£99 | $120 | €99 |
Intel® Pentium® Processor G4400
Graphics Specifications
- Processor Graphics ‡Intel® HD Graphics 510
- Graphics Base Frequency350 MHz
- Graphics Max Dynamic Frequency1.00 GHz
- Graphics Video Max Memory64 GB
- Graphics OutputeDP/DP/HDMI/DVI
- 4K SupportYes, at 60Hz
- Max Resolution (HDMI 1.4)‡4096×2304@24Hz
- Max Resolution (DP)‡4096×2304@60Hz
- Max Resolution (eDP – Integrated Flat Panel)‡4096×2304@60Hz
- Max Resolution (VGA)‡N/A
- DirectX* Support12
- OpenGL* Support4.4
- Intel® Quick Sync VideoYes
- Intel® InTru™ 3D TechnologyYes
- Intel® Clear Video HD TechnologyYes
- Intel® Clear Video TechnologyYes
- # of Displays Supported ‡3
- Device ID0x1902
£39 | $50 | €40 |
Intel® Pentium® Processor N3710
Graphics Specifications
- Graphics Base Frequency400 MHz
- Graphics Burst Frequency700 MHz
- Graphics Video Max Memory8 GB
- Graphics OutputeDP/DP/HDMI
- Execution Units16
- DirectX* SupportYes
- OpenGL* SupportYes
- Intel® Quick Sync VideoYes
- Intel® InTru™ 3D TechnologyNo
- Intel® Clear Video HD TechnologyYes
- Intel® Clear Video TechnologyYes
- # of Displays Supported ‡3
£39 | $50 | €40 |
Intel® Celeron® Processor J3455
Graphics Specifications
- Processor Graphics ‡Intel® HD Graphics 500
- Graphics Base Frequency250 MHz
- Graphics Burst Frequency750 MHz
- Graphics Video Max Memory8 GB
- Graphics OutputeDP/DP/HDMI/MIPI-DSI
- Execution Units12
- DirectX* SupportYes
- OpenGL* SupportYes
- Intel® Quick Sync VideoYes
- Intel® InTru™ 3D TechnologyNo
- Intel® Clear Video HD TechnologyYes
- Intel® Clear Video TechnologyYes
- # of Displays Supported ‡3
£99 | $119 | €99 |
Intel® Celeron® Processor N3150
Graphics Specifications
- Processor Graphics ‡Intel® HD Graphics for Intel® Celeron® Processor N3000 Series
- Graphics Base Frequency320 MHz
- Graphics Burst Frequency640 MHz
- Graphics Video Max Memory8 GB
- Graphics OutputeDP/DP/HDMI
- Execution Units12
- DirectX* SupportYes
- OpenGL* SupportYes
- Intel® Quick Sync VideoYes
- Intel® InTru™ 3D TechnologyNo
- Intel® Clear Video HD TechnologyYes
- Intel® Clear Video TechnologyYes
- # of Displays Supported ‡3
£100 | $130 | €110 |
Intel® Celeron® Processor N3060
Graphics Specifications
- Graphics Base Frequency320 MHz
- Graphics Burst Frequency600 MHz
- Graphics Video Max Memory8 GB
- Graphics OutputeDP/DP/HDMI
- Execution Units12
- DirectX* SupportYes
- OpenGL* SupportYes
- Intel® Quick Sync VideoYes
- Intel® InTru™ 3D TechnologyNo
- Intel® Clear Video HD TechnologyYes
- Intel® Clear Video TechnologyYes
- # of Displays Supported ‡3
£180 | $220 | €180 |
Intel® Celeron® Processor J1900
Graphics Specifications
- Processor Graphics ‡Intel® HD Graphics for Intel Atom® Processor Z3700 Series
- Graphics Base Frequency688 MHz
- Graphics Max Dynamic Frequency854 MHz
- Intel® Quick Sync VideoYes
- Intel® InTru™ 3D TechnologyNo
- Intel® Flexible Display Interface (Intel® FDI)No
- # of Displays Supported ‡2
£130 | $130 | €130 |
Intel® Celeron® Processor J3355
Graphics Specifications
- Processor Graphics ‡Intel® HD Graphics 500
- Graphics Base Frequency250 MHz
- Graphics Burst Frequency