Synology DiskStation DS120j

No, the DS120j has a very weak processor and lacks hardware transcoding capabilities entirely. While it can store your media files for a basic Plex server, it will struggle to stream high-definition video, let alone 4K. It is designed strictly as a low-power backup unit rather than a media center.

While the bay physically accepts standard SATA drives, the DS120j operates on an older USB 2.0 internal connection protocol, severely bottlenecking the speeds of any SSD. Putting an SSD in this unit is a waste of money, as it will only run at mechanical hard drive speeds. It is much more cost-effective to use a standard high-capacity HDD.

The DS120j is designed specifically for the absolute minimalist setup, consuming minimal electricity to ensure 24/7 operation won't impact your home's energy bill. Under heavy access, it draws only around 13 watts, but when idle or spinning down, it draws less than 5 watts. This makes it incredibly cheap to run over the course of a year.

Yes, using the Synology Cloud Sync application available in the DSM operating system, you can easily back up cloud storage accounts like Google Drive or Dropbox. The NAS acts as a local backup for your cloud files, ensuring your data is safe even if your cloud account is compromised. This is one of the most popular uses for entry-level single-bay NAS units.