How Well Does the Synology DS923+ NAS Perform as a Plex Media Server?
Is the Synology DS923+ worth it as a Plex Media server NAS? Is that AMD Embedded Ryzen processor going to be a deal breaker? A Plex Media Server NAS is a network-attached storage (NAS) device that has the software for the Plex Media Server application installed. The device acts as a central repository for all multimedia files, and the Plex application streams the content to connected client devices such as smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs. The attraction of having control over all your movies, TV shows, music, and personal videos, in the sleek and organized way popularized by streaming giants like Netflix, Disney+, and Prime Video, cannot be denied. With the rise of streaming platforms, however, comes the growing cost of monthly subscriptions and the uncertain ownership of the content. Even if you purchase digital movies or TV shows from online stores like Amazon Video, you still face the challenge of finding storage space and the risk of losing access if the platform loses its license. Having a Plex media server that offers a premium and accessible user interface, without the need for subscriptions, is a key reason why many home and prosumer users choose to invest in one. However, it’s important to note that not all NAS drives are created equal in terms of compatibility and performance with Plex. In this article, I will share my experience using the DS923+ NAS as a Plex media server, to help you make an informed decision on whether it’s worth storing your 4K multimedia content on it in 2023.
Note – If you are unfamiliar with the Synology DS923+ NAS, but you want to learn more about it, what else it can do and whether it is good for more than just Plex, you can watch my video review below:
What is the Hardware of the Synology DS923+ NAS Drive?
The Synology DS923+ NAS drive is structurally similar to most personal computers and laptops, as it features a CPU, memory, and storage. However, it boasts components that are designed to be more energy-efficient and provide optimal performance for 24/7 usage, with a greater emphasis on storage-related applications. On the other hand, the hardware in a PC or laptop is geared towards running general applications, with storage services being relatively basic. The DS923+ NAS is equipped with a popular mid-range server CPU, DDR4 memory, and can accommodate both Hard Drives and SSDs using SATA connections. Although the specifications of Synology NAS drives are not directly linked to Plex, it is important to understand the hardware specifications relevant to Plex when considering the DS923+ NAS. Below, I have compiled a list of the hardware specifications of the DS923+ that play a significant role in its compatibility and performance with Plex:
- CPU: AMD Embedded Ryzen 2 Core / 4 Thread 2.6-3.1Ghz
- Embedded Graphics: No
- Memory (Quantity & Maximum): 4-32GB DDR4 ECC
- Number of Storage Bays: Four
- M.2 NVMe Caching Bays: x2
- Network Connectivity: 2x 1GbE (10GbE Expansion Bay Option)
Next, let’s quickly touch on how we measure how good/bad the Synology DS923+ NAS is for Plex Media Server.
Understanding the Plex Media Server Tests of the Synology DS923+ NAS
Important Terms to Understand in Plex/NAS/Multimedia that will make the DS923+ NAS Plex Tests Easier to Understand.
- SD, 160p, 240p, 480p, 720p, 1080p, 4K : The resolution refers to the level of detail at which media is displayed, ranging from SD to 160p, 240p, 480p, 720p, 1080p, and 4K. The higher the resolution, the more pixels are present, which is determined by the quality of the original recording. Displaying high-resolution media, such as 1080p and 4K, puts a heavier load on the NAS hardware. NAS devices with limited graphics capabilities or no graphics at all may struggle to play 4K media seamlessly or not play it at all. It’s important to keep in mind that just because a NAS brand, such as Synology, claims that their latest NAS is capable of natively playing 1080p or 4K media (natively meaning through their own software, client tools, and/or DLNA), this does not guarantee that the DS923+ NAS will perform the same way with Plex. As Plex is a third-party tool, it may have different requirements and limitations.
- Transcoding, Encoding, Decoding: Transcoding, encoding, and decoding are various terms used when a media file needs to be transformed to be better suited for a specific device, internet connection, or hardware. When accessing media locally, transcoding may not be necessary, unless your files are mainly H.265/HEVC based. However, when accessing media from remote locations with limited bandwidth, weaker internet connection, or smaller devices, you may want to access the media in lower quality. This is where transcoding, or real-time encoding, comes in handy. Keep in mind that transcoding is one of the most demanding tasks for a NAS. To utilize the full resources of the NAS CPU, including its embedded graphics, you may need to enable the “Make My CPU Hurt” option in the encoder menu of the Plex NAS settings menu, which may require a Plex Pass subscription depending on the NAS.
- H.264, HEVC, H.265: The compression techniques H.264, HEVC, and H.265 are used to make large media presentations suitable for viewing on home devices. While H.264 is widely supported by all devices, not all have permission or a license to play H.265/HEVC, as the licensing and patents for H.265/HEVC are complex, expensive, and spread across multiple providers. This can lead to the need for automatic conversion/transcoding of H.265/HEVC media into H.264, which consumes more system resources. The Synology NAS drive, like the rest of the Synology NAS range, does not come with HEVC support by default.
- Bitrate:Bitrate refers to the quantity of data that is processed per unit of time, typically expressed in megabits per second (Mbps) for video and kilobits per second (kbps) for audio. The higher the bitrate, the better the quality and resolution of the media tends to be.
For more information on the most important terms to understand when discussing/researching a NAS as a Plex Media Server can be found in my video below:
If you have any further questions, you can use the free advice section at the bottom of the page and ask Eddie and me directly.
How was the Synology DS923+ NAS Tested in Plex?
The setup for testing the DS923+ NAS for Plex was as follows:
- The Synology DS923+ NAS was accessed over a 1GbE network, however in order to test how the NAS would cope with transcoding/encoding, I would force the Plex Player client to transcode the file manually
- The DS923+ NAS was used in the default CPU+Memory state that the base model arrives in (no upgraded memory or upgraded caching media)
- Tests were performed one after the other with a short break between each test, so you might see the tail end of the previous test on a CPU graph, but I have pointed at the are of the % utilization that is important as per each test.
CLEAR PASS indicates successful file playback with enough resources for the NAS to handle other tasks, while PLAYED BUT HIGH CPU % signifies that the file played, but consumed significant system resources. FAIL AND-OR DID NOT PLAY means the file did not play or playback was choppy. To view the full video of the Plex tests performed on the Synology DS923+ NAS, watch the video below (warning: long). Or, you can scroll down to see individual test results and which ones succeeded and which ones failed.
What % System Resources did the Synology DS923+ NAS Use in Plex when Idle?
The Plex Media Server app requires a portion of system resources even when not playing multimedia, to ensure quick playback from the Synology NAS when requested remotely. While 2 cores and 2GB of memory are ideal for best performance, some NAS also reserve resources for system use. Knowing the amount of system resources consumed by the Synology DS923+ NAS when Plex is idle can provide insight into available power for playback. Here’s a screenshot of the DS923+ when Plex is running but no media is being accessed.
Plex Test 1 – Synology DS923+ NAS Plex Test – IMAX 4K UHD H.264 8bit 40Mbps MKV
Here is how the Synology DS923+ NAS Plex Test – IMAX 4K UHD H.264 8bit 40Mbps MKV File Performed:
RESULT: CLEAR PASS
Extra Notes: None
Plex Test 2 – Synology DS923+ NAS Plex Test – UHD 4K 10bit 16mbps HEVC H.265 MKV
Here is how the Synology DS923+ NAS Plex Test – UHD 4K 10bit 16mbps HEVC H.265 MKV File Performed:
RESULT: FAIL AND-OR DID NOT PLAY
Extra Notes: None
Plex Test 3 – Synology DS923+ NAS Plex Test – IMAX 4K H.264 24FPS 40Mbs MKV
Here is how the Synology DS923+ NAS Plex Test – IMAX 4K H.264 24FPS 40Mbs MKV File Performed:
RESULT: CLEAR PASS
Extra Notes: None
Plex Test 4 – Synology DS923+ NAS Plex Test – H.264 8bit 16Mbps MP4
Here is how the Synology DS923+ NAS Plex Test – H.264 8bit 16Mbps MP4 File Performed:
RESULT: CLEAR PASS
Extra Notes: None
Plex Test 5 – Synology DS923+ NAS Plex Test – 4K UHD H.265 HEVC 8bit 60Mbps MKV
Here is how the Synology DS923+ NAS Plex Test – 4K UHD H.265 HEVC 8bit 60Mbps MKV File Performed:
RESULT: FAIL AND-OR DID NOT PLAY
Extra Notes: None
Plex Test 6 – Synology DS923+ NAS Plex Test – 4K UHD H.265 HEVC 8bit 29Mbps MKV
Here is how the Synology DS923+ NAS Plex Test – 4K UHD H.265 HEVC 8bit 29Mbps MKV File Performed:
RESULT: FAIL AND-OR DID NOT PLAY
Extra Notes: None
Plex Test 7 – Synology DS923+ NAS Plex Test – 4K UHD 5.265 HEVC 8bit 29Mbps MKV
Here is how the Synology DS923+ NAS Plex Test – 4K UHD 5.265 HEVC 8bit 29Mbps MKV File Performed:
RESULT: FAIL AND-OR DID NOT PLAY
Extra Notes: None
Plex Test 8 – Synology DS923+ NAS Plex Test – 4K H.264 12Mbps 24FPS MP4 Test
Here is how the Synology DS923+ NAS Plex Test – 4K H.264 12Mbps 24FPS MP4 Test File Performed:
RESULT: CLEAR PASS
Extra Notes: None
Plex Test 9 – Synology DS923+ NAS Plex Test – 100mbs 1080p h.264 Test
Here is how the Synology DS923+ NAS Plex Test – 100mbs 1080p h.264 Test File Performed:
RESULT: CLEAR PASS
Extra Notes: None
Plex Test 10 – Synology DS923+ NAS Plex Test – 4K H.264 8bit 32Mbs MKV
Here is how the Synology DS923+ NAS Plex Test – 4K H.264 8bit 32Mbs MKV File Performed:
RESULT: CLEAR PASS
Extra Notes: None
Is the Synology DS923+ NAS Any Good outside of Plex and Where Can I buy It?
If you are interested in learning more about the Synology DS923+ NAS Drive, I am pleased to confirm that the review here on NASCompares is already live and you can find out more about this device below.
Quick Verdict of the Synology DS923+ NAS – What We Said in the DS923+ Review in Nov 2022:
Synology has clearly made something of a gamble in the release of the Synology DS923+ NAS. There is no avoiding that making the switch from the Intel Celeron that has historically been the build choice of this product family and opting for the AMD Emb.Ryzen has ruffled some feathers! On the face of it, the R1600 here has a heck of alot of going for it over the previous generation! Higher clock speed, greater PCIe Gen 3 Support throughout, that 4-32GB of DDR4 memory in such a compact system and just generally giving you a lot more horsepower to play with, as well as better bandwidth potential inside and out! But at what cost? The 1GbE standard connectivity in the base model leaves alot to be desired, the proprietary 10Gb upgrade (though incredibly handy) limits the upgradability a tad and the lack of an integrated graphics processor is likely going to result in many long-term Synology advocates to skip this generation. Synology Diskstation Manager (DSM 7.1 at the time of writing) still continues to impress and although the brand still continues to heavily push their 1st party priorities, they have left a little more wriggle room in DSM 7.1 than DSM 7 before it in terms of media compatibility. In terms of design, I cannot fault Synology on this as the DS923+ chassis still arrives as one of the best-looking and still exceptionally well-structured devices at this physical scale and storage level. As always, a Synology NAS is more about the software than the hardware (and the DS923+ delivers in spades on the software side!) and with DSM 7.2 around the corner improving things. Just always keep in mind that the Synology DS923+ NAS is a system that arrives with the slight emphasis on having to do many things ‘their way’. If you are less technically versed, then you will definitely appreciate this level of user-friendly design and assistance, but more technically minded admins’ main strain a pinch! In short, the DS923+ IS a good NAS drive, but its focus has certainly ebbed more towards the business user this generation than the home.
Read the Rest of the Review HERE. Alternatively, you can find out the Pros and Cons below, as a few retailers that sell the Synology DS923+ NAS. Thanks for reading and if you need any further help choosing the right NAS for your Plex Media Server, use the free advice section linked below. Have a great week.
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