Running virtual machines (VMs) or Docker containers requires a more powerful CPU and at least 8GB of RAM . 2. Determine Drive Bays and RAID Configuration
The number of physical slots (bays) determines your maximum storage and data redundancy options. Network Attached Storage Buying Guide - PC Connection
For basic document storage and photo backups, a budget-friendly 2-bay unit is often sufficient.
Video editors and photographers should prioritize high-speed connectivity, such as 10GbE ports , to handle large file transfers efficiently.
If you plan to stream 4K video, you need a NAS with an x86 processor (like Intel or AMD) that supports hardware transcoding.