I'm trying to offload my Plex Media Server from my computer and I'm trying to figure out if the DS1821+ will meet my specifications.
I'd like to be able to run 4, 1080p to 720p/480p transcodes simultaneously. From Plex's what cpu do I need guide, the DS1821+'s V1500B CPU is only powerful enough to do 2 1080p transcodes, but some articles and reddit comments claimed it could run up to 8. I don't know what to believe. Can someone who actually has this device confirm or deny this please? I'm not talking about local streams, just transcoding. Historically, I haven't used hardware acceleration because it takes longer for a stream to start, but I'm not apposed to using it.
On top of that, the 4gb of memory in the stock device is a bit low, and from what I can tell, upgrading the memory will cost a pretty penny since it's not a standard size ram stick AND it only accepts certain speeds. I certainly don't expect to need 32gb, but 4gb seems a little low. Again, can someone who has actually used this device comment on that?
Hey, if you are planning on doing any transcodes avoid using the 1821 for that task, it has no hardware capabilities and will saturate the cpu leaving no resources for other services on the box. It is more than capable of running a ton of Docker Containers to obtain said media. So you could combine its abilities with a SFF computer with a modern Intel cpu with Quicksync for Plex. Budget willing..