Synology rolled out the DiskStation DS224+ 4 months in the past, and the NAS has loads going for it. The two-bay NAS makes use of the identical Intel Celeron J4125 that was a mainstay within the likes of the DiskStation DS920+ and DS1520+. With newer fashions just like the DiskStation DS923+ and DS723+ utilizing the Ryzen-powered R1600, it is fascinating to see the DS224+ use the older Intel {hardware}.
That mentioned, there are a couple of inherent benefits to this transfer. The Celeron J4125 has an built-in GPU, and that makes it a fantastic selection if you wish to use {hardware} transcoding in Plex — the Ryzen-powered NAS servers do not have this characteristic. There is a subset of the group that wants Plex transcoding, and the DS224+ caters to these customers. Even for those who do not intend to make use of that individual characteristic, the DS224+ is nearly one of the best starter NAS obtainable as we speak.
One of the best half concerning the DS224+ is that it debuted on the similar $299 worth level as its predecessor, and for Black Friday, it’s getting a 15% low cost — you possibly can now purchase it for simply $254. That could be a implausible deal contemplating the DS224+ launched just some months in the past, and for those who’ve been desirous about getting a NAS however have not finished so but, now’s the time to behave.
The DiskStation DS224+ misses out on M.2 slots or multi-Gigabit Ethernet ports, however you continue to get twin Gigabit ports and two USB 3.0 ports that permits you to join exterior onerous drives. Because of the Intel {hardware}, the DS224+ is a superb selection if you wish to use a NAS as a Plex media server, and also you get an in depth vary of software program options that genuinely make a distinction.
It is no marvel that the DS224+ has been promoting very well following its launch, and actually, I did not assume it will be discounted for Black Friday. So the truth that you will get a brand-new DS224+ for simply $254 makes this among the finest offers this vacation season. And for those who want onerous drives to fit into the DS224+, Seagate’s 4TB IronWolf is right down to $79, and the 8TB mannequin goes for simply $139.
As we’re with reference to Plex, the lifetime Plex Go is right down to $89.