DS225+ or DS725+

[mnhoj]

Hello all.
Newb of newbs here.
I ordered a DS225+ and two Toshiba N300plus drives for photos storage and easy access. I'd also like to set up a media library and have been reading about an issue with hardware transcoding. If I return the 225+ and purchase a 725+ I'll get the transcoding, a faster processor, an extra 2GB of RAM and the ability to add the expansion unit for an additional $150.

What do you guys/gals think?

Thanks,
John

This post includes affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, SynoForum.com may earn a commission if you make a purchase — at no extra cost to you.
It helps support our community! Learn more...

 

[Rusty]

Welcome!

If I return the 225+ and purchase a 725+ I'll get the transcoding

Not sure what you mean by "transcoding" exactly, but if you are referring to the likes of Jellyfin/Plex and other platforms that support it, you will not get it with and AMD-powered NAS such as 725+.

The 225 or 425+ models do support an Intel based cpu that had previously official support for transcoding, but Synology terminated that with the kernel 5.10.x+ on those devices. However, there is a way to resolve it for those models:

Unlocking PLEX HW transcoding on X25 Synology models

Bring #Plex hardware transcoding back to #Synology #X25 models with some custom modules, courtesy of the RRorg team.

www.blackvoid.club

 

[fredbert]

Or BeeStation Plus, which appears to be Synology’s preferred Plex platform now. Same Intel CPU as the 225+ and 425+ but with transcoding enabled without a hack. It doesn’t appeal to me, but then I’m probably not the target market.

From memory of other threads, don’t have one myself.

 

[mnhoj]

Welcome!


Not sure what you mean by "transcoding" exactly, but if you are referring to the likes of Jellyfin/Plex and other platforms that support it, you will not get it with and AMD-powered NAS such as 725+.

The 225 or 425+ models do support an Intel based cpu that had previously official support for transcoding, but Synology terminated that with the kernel 5.10.x+ on those devices. However, there is a way to resolve it for those models:

Unlocking PLEX HW transcoding on X25 Synology models

Bring #Plex hardware transcoding back to #Synology #X25 models with some custom modules, courtesy of the RRorg team.

www.blackvoid.club

Thank you, Rusty.
Yes, I meant for Jellyfin/Plex.

My main priority is running a photo/video catalog with access and exploring some of the utilities. A media system is very interesting but not the priority.

Will the hardware difference in the 725+ (processor, RAM, and NVMe slots in cache mode(?)) help with the Photos app?
How will Plex/Jellyfin run on the 725+?

 

[Rusty]

Will the hardware difference in the 725+ (processor, RAM, and NVMe slots in cache mode(?)) help with the Photos app?

It will. Do keep in mind that if you are looking to utilize the cache slots for storage volume (and not just cache), you will still need to use only compatible (Synology-only) nvme drives.

How will Plex/Jellyfin run on the 725+?

It will play just fine, as long as you do not need transcoding of any kind. Here are some examples running with DS925 (effectively a 4-bay 725): Synology DS925+ review

 

[mnhoj]

Thank you, Rusty.
I appreciate it.