Most of us have massive collections of media content, including music, photos and videos. We often come across the need to centralize all these files into a single location. Then we will be able to make sure that no file duplication takes place. On the other hand, we find it as an easy task to access the files whenever we want as well.

To get this job done, you can think about using a NAS Device without keeping any doubts in mind. A NAS Device, which can also be considered as a Network Attached Storage server, is usable as a data storage solution. Many leading brands out there in the world, such as Western Digital, Drobo, QNAP and Synology have manufactured their own NAS Devices.

If you want to centralize your media content on a NAS Device, you will need to think about seeking the assistance of an application named Plex. In fact, Plex is a media application, which has the ability to provide a tremendous assistance to you with managing your data files that are stored within a NAS Device.

Even though this sounds like a convenient solution, you will have to face a series of challenges when you are developing your Plex media server. But if you can follow the correct steps, you will end up creating a future proof and a powerful Plex media server.

How to select the right NAS for a Plex Server?

When you do a research on the internet, you will be able to come across many different types of NAS available. However, all of them are not in a position to help you with getting the most for your Plex Media Server. Due to this reason, you will need to look for the right NAS for a Plex Server. Below mentioned are some useful tips that you must keep in mind when you are selecting the right NAS for a Plex server. Before you purchase a NAS device after visiting Prized Reviews website, you will need to keep these tips in your mind to overcome frustration.

  1. Plex Media Server Application that runs on NAS

As the first thing, you need to take a look at the Plex Media Server Application that is running on NAS. You should have the ability to set up a Plex Media Server on NAS with minimum hassle. To do this, you need to make sure that the application is available within the NAS software app store. As of now, few brands offer the Plex App. Those brands include Asustor, Drobo, Western Digital, Thecus, QNAP and Synology. To avoid hassle and frustration, you are encouraged to select an option out of these brands and then proceed. Then you will be able to keep peace of mind in the long run as well.

  1. Minimum memory and CPU specs needed

Secondly, you will need to pay attention towards the minimum memory and CPU specs needed. You don’t need to go ahead and use a powerful NAS in order to host your Plex Media Server. But if you can have a powerful server, you will be able to get more work done. On the other hand, you must also keep in mind that there is no possibility for you to enable a Plex Media Server on a NAS device that doesn’t cater the minimum system specifications. Due to this reason, you must understand what the minimum hardware specifications for a Plex Media Server are.

The minimum hardware specifications for a Plex Media Server include at least 1GB of DDR3 RAM and a Dual Core CPU, with a processor speed of at least 1.3GHz. As long as you have a NAS Device that caters these minimum requirements, you will be able to go ahead and install the Plex Media Server application without any hassle. However, the optimum recommended requirements include having at least 2GB of DDR3 memory and a dual core or a quad core CPU with x86 architecture.

  1. DLNA Certified NAS Device

You can still find NAS devices, which have not received the DLNA certification. Hence, you need to be concerned about it when you are purchasing a NAS device for a Plex server. Then you will be able to make sure that the device is communicating with the other connected devices according to industry standards. Then you will be able to let the smart television at your home to see the photos that you have stored on the laptop. On the other hand, you will be able to allow the mobile phone to send media content into the Chromecast, so that NAS device can share it within the internal network.

  1. Transcoding media within the Plex Server

As the next thing, you need to see how the NAS device transcodes media within the Plex server. When you are watching media content on the tablet, smartphone or iPad, you will only have to go through a straightforward process upon sign up. However, there are few important factors that you must consider when you playback media content.

For example, if the media files are too large, you will come across constant buffering while you play. On the other hand, playing some of the media formats, such as .MOV and .MKV can be problematic. There is a possibility for the video file resolution to be incompatible with the device as well.

Plex Media Server installed on the client device can provide solutions to all these issues. This is done with transcoding. When transcoding, NAS would change the size, resolution, type and format of the media file to a playable one on the client device. Hence, you will not come across any performance issues. However, you must also keep in mind that the hardware specifications of the NAS device can create a tremendous impact on the encoding capabilities offered.