NAS devices connect to your network via Ethernet or Wi-Fi, creating a local area network (LAN). They use file-sharing protocols like NFS and SMB/CIFS to allow multiple users to access stored data simultaneously. See more: How Does NAS Work?

No. UGREEN NASync systems are sold as diskless NAS devices. HDDs and SSDs are not included and must be purchased separately.

The maximum storage figure shown for each NAS describes the capacity supported by its SATA and, where applicable, M.2 drive slots. It does not describe storage included in the box.

Yes. UGREEN NASync supports compatible third-party drives from manufacturers including Western Digital, Seagate, and Toshiba. However, compatibility depends on the exact NAS model and drive model number.

UGREEN recommends NAS-rated CMR drives for always-on storage and RAID workloads. Before purchasing a drive, verify its model number in the UGREEN NAS Compatibility List.

For a home Plex server, choose your NAS based on how you watch videos:

• For Direct Play and everyday home streaming: The UGREEN NASync DXP2800 GT features an AMD Ryzen Embedded R2514 processor, 8GB DDR4 RAM, two drive bays, and 10GbE networking. It is suitable for storing and streaming movies when your playback devices support the original video formats.
• For larger media libraries and multiple devices: The UGREEN NASync DXP4800 GT offers four drive bays, up to 144TB of raw storage, and dual 10GbE ports, providing more storage flexibility for a growing Plex library.
• For Plex hardware-accelerated transcoding: The UGREEN NASync DXP4800 Plus features an Intel Pentium Gold 8505 processor with Intel Quick Sync, making it a better choice when playback devices require video transcoding. Plex hardware acceleration requires Plex Pass and compatible configuration.

To get started: Install Docker through the UGOS App Center, deploy Plex, and map your media folders to the container. Follow our step-by-step Plex NAS setup guide for detailed instructions.

Top apps include Plex for streaming, Docker for virtualization, and Syncthing for backups. PhotoPrism and NextCloud add photo/organization tools.

Most home NAS units use 15-30W under load, varying by drive count and CPU efficiency. Use ENERGY STAR-rated models or SSDs to cut costs. Calculate your NAS energy use here.

No. RAID can keep a storage pool available after certain drive failures, but it does not protect against accidental deletion, ransomware, file corruption, theft, fire, or failure of the complete NAS.

Important data should follow the 3-2-1 principle: maintain three copies, use two different storage media, and keep one copy off-site.

UGREEN NAS does support mixing drives of different capacities. However, we strongly recommend against using drives of varying sizes within the same RAID array.

Standard RAID configurations generally calculate usable capacity using the smallest drive in the array. For example, combining an 8TB drive and a 16TB drive in RAID 1 normally provides approximately 8TB of usable capacity, leaving the additional capacity on the larger drive unused.

No.

• The DH2300 does not officially support Docker or virtual machines.
• The DH4300 Plus supports Docker but not virtual machines.
• DXP Series models support Docker and Virtual Machine Manager.

Yes. The UGREEN NAS mobile application supports automatic photo and video backup from iOS and Android devices. UGOS also provides file synchronization and backup tools, while Mac users can configure the NAS as a Time Machine destination. For the setup steps, see our step-by-step Time Machine setup guide. Windows computers can access shared storage through SMB and the UGREEN NAS client.

No. UGREENlink is designed to provide remote browser and application access without requiring a public IP address or manual router port forwarding.

DDNS is different: it normally requires a publicly reachable connection and router configuration. Tailscale is another alternative, but it requires Docker support and additional setup.

Minimize NAS noise by placing it on vibration-dampening pads, using low-RPM HDDs (e.g., WD Red Pro), and ensuring proper ventilation. Silent fan modes and SSD upgrades also help. See our step-by-step quieting guide.