How much CPU do I need?

[Pocdck]

Have decided to buy a Qnap NAS but am unsure how much CPU I need.

My NAS will be the data repository of my AV system. I would stream my media to a Kodi box; most of my media is HD 720 video, FLAC audio, usually 16bit, somtimes 24bit; in other words, not 4K, 3D etc. I only really need to stream to one device at a time.

In my view I don't need much CPU so was considering the TS-x31 range. Was thinking TS-231 with two 8TB drives. On the other hand, I don't want to push the thing to the edge. Is that enough? Is TS-251 the next step up? Is there a great difference? Will I notice given my meagre needs?

I don't plan to set up RAID of any kind. I will archive my media somewhere else, so if a drive fails I'll just restore it. No point to RAID I think. Nevertheless, I am also considering a 4 bay system in case my collection grow beyond 16TB. Any thoughts here?

Thanks. Apologies if these questions have obvious answers. Not very familiar NAS.

[storageman]

Do you need 4 bays when we now have 12TB disks?
TS-253A recommend.

[Pocdck]

Thanks for replying. Maybe you're right. I didn't consider 12TB disks. Are they as reliable as smaller disks? Are they as economical per TB?

The TS-253A is twice the price of the TS-231. Given my modest usage plans, is it really worth it? What problems would I encounter if I got the TS-231?

[storageman]

Time is money, waiting for searches and backups to finish...
Wishing forever you'd bought the TS-253A...
Can't run VM(s) easily.
No remote
x53A are Qnap's best selling range.
Check the compare
https://www.qnap.com/en/product/contras ... t_overview

Your decision, just my recommendation, you get what you pay for...

[dolbyman]

for simple dlna serving ..you need very low cpu power

I do multiple 4k streams from my old 419p+ ... so a x31 should be more than fine for the job

if you need no local playback or vm/containers..go for it

[Pocdck]

OK. Thanks. I don't think I need VMs...as I said my main use will just be media serving. No local playback, just a networked storage device that my Kodi box or Phone or laptop can stream music from.

Just out of curiosity what are the principal uses of a VM?

What about the TS-251...are searches really going to tax the CPU?

@dolbyman Thanks. That's good to know. I may buy a TS-251 just in case. It's only an extra 50 or so.

[Trexx]

Things to think about:

ARM (TS-231) - some docker support (not all apps have arm versions and they are ARM "family specific"), no VM's
x86 (TS-251, 251+, 253) - much better CPU capabilities (plex/video transcoding, qsirch, etc.), ability to run pretty much all docker containers, as well as KODI locally, Linux Station, etc.

You generally can upgrade storage (more/bigger drives) & memory on a NAS, but CPU in most cases you are stuck with until your next NAS upgrade.

[dolbyman]

one thing also speaking for a x86/x64 unit (as the TS-x51) you can easily expand capacity beyond 16TB, ARM units, (even the latest X31X) have issues with that

[Pocdck]

I've decided to get a four bay enclosure. Am considering the TS-451+ 2G with 8TB drives. Do I need more memory or will this be sufficient for my planned uses?

[storageman]

Yes 451+ ok, you can use CT51264BF160B to add RAM (helps caching).

[Pocdck]

One quick off topic question. What piece of equipment do I need to connect the NAS to my network if it's not in the same room as my router?

[storageman]

Why can't it go in router room?

Otherwise three choices:
Wifi dongle - not recommended - poor performance
Powerline adapter/access point - not recommended - performance/can drop off network
Run cable back to router room - recommended

[Pocdck]

Router is shared and I don't want my NAS in a shared space. Running a cable would be inconvenient. Can I buy a second router and connect it wireless to the first and then plug the NAS into that?

[storageman]

Sure but performance may not be great. Are you a student by any chance?

[Pocdck]

But won't the NAS just serve my Kodi box etc. What performance do you mean? Apologies, I am not experienced with this.