Yes, you can run a Plex server on your Synology NAS!
Here's how you can set it up:
1. Open the Synology Package Center on your NAS.
2. Search for "Plex Media Server" in the available packages and click on the "Install" button.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.
4. Once installed, open the Plex Media Server application.
5. You will be prompted to sign in with your Plex account or create a new one. If you don't have an account, you can easily create one for free.
6. After signing in, you will see the Plex web interface where you can start adding your media libraries.
7. Click on the "Add Library" button and select the type of media library you want to add, such as movies, TV shows, music, or photos.
8. Specify the folder on your NAS where your media files are stored. Plex will automatically scan and organize your media based on its metadata.
9. You can customize various settings within the Plex server, such as remote access, transcoding options, and user access.
10. Once your media libraries are added, you can access them through various Plex client apps on your devices, such as smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, or streaming devices.
Please note:
- The performance of your Plex server may depend on the specifications of your Synology NAS. It is recommended to have a NAS with at least a quad-core processor, 2GB of RAM, and a wired Ethernet connection.
- The number of concurrent streams your NAS can handle will depend on its capability and the transcoding settings of your Plex server. Some Synology models can handle multiple streams, while others may be limited to one or two streams at a time.
- Transcoding may be necessary if your client device doesn't support the format or resolution of your media files. This process requires CPU power, so make sure to adjust the transcoding settings to optimize performance.
- The Plex Media Server package is regularly updated by Synology, so it's recommended to keep it up to date for the latest features and bug fixes.
Comparison of selected Synology NAS models for Plex:
| NAS Model | Processor | RAM | Max Concurrent Transcodes |
|---|---|---|---|
| DS220+ | Intel Celeron J4025 2-core 2.0 GHz | 2GB DDR4 | 2 |
| DS920+ | Intel Celeron J4125 4-core 2.0 GHz | 4GB DDR4 | 4 |
| DS1621+ | AMD Ryzen V1500B 4-core 2.2 GHz | 4GB DDR4 | 8 |
With the proper setup and a capable Synology NAS, you can enjoy streaming your media files seamlessly through your Plex server.
