Is DS720+ Good for Plex Media Server Use?
The Synology DS720+ is one of the most popular NAS devices for home media setups. But when it comes to running a Plex Media Server, many users wonder whether it can handle modern streaming demands.
The short answer, yes, but with some limitations depending on how you use it.
Why DS720+ Is Popular for Plex
The DS720+ strikes a balance between performance and affordability, making it a strong choice for media enthusiasts.
Key Advantages
- Intel CPU with hardware acceleration support
- Expandable RAM for better multitasking
- NVMe caching for improved performance
- Reliable Synology DSM ecosystem
These features make it capable of handling most Plex workloads for home and small office use.
Plex Performance on DS720+
Direct Play Performance
The DS720+ performs very well when streaming content without transcoding.
- Smooth playback of 1080p content
- Handles multiple direct streams easily
- Minimal CPU usage
If your devices support the original file format, performance is excellent.
Transcoding Capabilities
Transcoding is where performance becomes more limited.
- Supports hardware transcoding (with Plex Pass)
- Can handle 1–2 simultaneous 1080p transcodes
- Struggles with multiple high-bitrate or 4K transcodes
For users who rely heavily on transcoding, this is an important limitation.
4K Streaming Considerations
Direct Play 4K
- Works well if the client supports the format
- Minimal strain on the NAS
4K Transcoding
- Not recommended on DS720+
- High CPU usage
- Possible buffering and playback issues
For heavy 4K transcoding, a more powerful NAS or dedicated server is better.
Storage and Media Management
The DS720+ offers flexible storage options for Plex libraries:
- RAID 1 for data protection
- Expansion unit support
- SSD caching for faster indexing
While it only has two drive bays, it is sufficient for small to medium media libraries.
Network Performance
Network setup plays a major role in Plex performance.
Recommendations
- Use Gigabit Ethernet or higher
- Avoid Wi-Fi for large media files
- Ensure stable bandwidth for remote streaming
Even a capable NAS can struggle on a weak network.
Real-World Use Cases
Ideal Scenarios
- Home media server
- Streaming to TVs, phones, and tablets
- Small household with a few users
- Mostly direct play streaming
Not Ideal For
- Large multi-user environments
- Heavy transcoding workloads
- Multiple simultaneous 4K streams
Performance Optimization Tips
To get the best results from DS720+ with Plex:
- Enable hardware transcoding (Plex Pass required)
- Optimize media formats for direct play
- Upgrade RAM for better multitasking
- Use wired network connections
- Limit background tasks during streaming
These adjustments can significantly improve performance.
Direct Play Is the Key to Performance
The DS720+ performs best when transcoding is minimized. By using compatible file formats and client devices, users can rely on direct play, which reduces CPU usage and ensures smooth streaming. Optimizing your media library for direct playback is often more effective than upgrading hardware.
How Epis Technology Optimizes Plex NAS Setups
Epis Technology helps users build and optimize Plex media server environments on Synology NAS systems. By tuning storage, network, and application settings, Epis Technology ensures smooth streaming and efficient performance.
The company provides services including large storage solutions, Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace backups, fully managed PC backups, and Synology consulting and support. Epis Technology also assists with media optimization, remote access configuration, and system scaling.
About Epis Technology
Epis Technology provides enterprise IT infrastructure, Synology consulting, and data protection solutions for organizations of all sizes. The company specializes in NAS deployments, storage optimization, and media server setups. Through expert design, implementation, and ongoing support, Epis Technology helps users achieve reliable, high-performance streaming environments.