A NAS is the ideal platform for Plex, providing always-on availability and quiet operation. This guide walks you through setting up Plex on Synology, QNAP, and Asustor NAS devices, including hardware transcoding configuration.
NAS Hardware Requirements for Plex
For direct play (no transcoding), almost any modern NAS works. For 4K transcoding, you need an Intel Celeron J4125 or better (found in Synology DS920+/DS1522+, QNAP TS-464). For multiple simultaneous streams, an AMD Ryzen V1500B (Synology DS1621+, QNAP TS-473A) or Intel Core-based NAS handles the load comfortably. RAM affects Plex metadata performance — 8GB minimum recommended for large libraries.
Installation on Synology
Open DSM Package Center, search for “Plex Media Server”, and click Install. After installation, open Plex from the DSM applications menu or navigate to your-nas-ip:32400/web. Sign in with your Plex account, name your server, and add your media library folders. Synology supports Intel Quick Sync hardware transcoding on compatible models.
Installation on QNAP
Open QTS App Center, search for Plex, and install. Alternatively, download the .qpkg package from plex.tv. QNAP supports hardware transcoding via Intel QSV on compatible models. Configure shared folders with proper permissions for the Plex user.
Optimising Performance
Hardware transcoding: Enable in Plex Settings > Transcoder > “Use hardware acceleration when available” (requires Plex Pass). SSD cache: Install an NVMe SSD cache for faster metadata browsing. RAM upgrade: More RAM means faster library scanning and better thumbnail caching — upgrade to at least 8GB if possible.
Network Setup
Connect your NAS via Ethernet (not Wi-Fi) for reliable streaming. For 4K streaming, Gigabit Ethernet is the minimum — 2.5GbE or 10GbE is ideal for multiple simultaneous 4K streams. Enable remote access in Plex settings to stream outside your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run Plex on any NAS?
Most x86-based NAS devices from Synology, QNAP, and Asustor support Plex. ARM-based budget NAS models have limited support and cannot transcode.
How much RAM does Plex need on a NAS?
Plex itself uses 1-2GB, but 8GB total NAS RAM is recommended for smooth performance with large libraries.
Do I need Plex Pass for NAS?
Plex Pass is required to unlock hardware transcoding on NAS. Without it, CPU-only transcoding is significantly slower.
