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A NAS (Network Attached Storage) is a home media server for backups, photo/video archives, and Plex streaming. Here's how to pick the right enclosure.
NAS enclosure sizes: 2-bay vs 4-bay vs 8-bay
**2-bay**: $300–400. Holds 2 drives (4–8TB capacity). Home backups, small photo library. Noisy, limited expansion.
**4-bay**: $450–700. Holds 4 drives (16–32TB). Plex server, large archive. Quieter, better for 24/7.
**8-bay**: $1000+. Enterprise backups. Overkill for home.
**Synology (DSM OS)**: More intuitive, better apps, HomeKit support, easier setup. Most popular for home users.
**QNAP (QTS OS)**: More powerful, better for geeks, more plugins, cheaper hardware. Steeper learning curve.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much storage do I need in a NAS?
Photos: 100GB/year, 1TB lasts 10 years. Videos: 500GB/year (4K). Documents: 50GB/year. Add 50% buffer. 4-bay NAS (16TB RAID 1) = safe for 5–10 years.
Can I run Plex on a NAS?
Yes. Synology DS423 transcodes 1080p fine, struggles with 4K. QNAP TS-253E with GPU transcodes better. Plex = streaming movies/shows to TV.
NAS vs external hard drive for backup?
NAS: 24/7 on, RAID protection, Plex-capable, $500+. External HDD: portable, cheaper ($100–200), no redundancy. Both valid — NAS for serious backup, HDD for occasional.
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