Synology DS923+ 4-Bay NAS Enclosure review for efficient data storage and management

Description

A Reliable NAS Solution for Home and Business Use

The Synology DiskStation DS923+ 4-Bay NAS Enclosure, equipped with the AMD Ryzen R1600 dual-core processor, truly lives up to its reputation as a flexible storage platform. Whether organizing personal media or managing business files, this NAS delivers a seamless experience. I’ve dabbled with different setups, tested its limits, and pushed its capabilities, and I must say, it has a lot to offer for tech enthusiasts and professionals alike.

Design and Build Quality

I was immediately struck by its compact and sturdy design. The enclosure, measuring 8.78 x 7.83 x 6.54 inches, fits easily into small spaces, making it perfect for home or office use. The quad-bay configuration, paired with 2x M.2 NVMe slots, ensures flexibility for both storage expansion and SSD caching. The device doesn’t just feel robust; it exudes a level of reliability that’s critical for a data management solution.

The cooling system, complete with two fans, keeps the unit running efficiently even under heavy workloads. I did notice the fans being slightly audible during intensive tasks, but they’re far from being disruptive. With a Kensington Security Slot, the design prioritizes both functionality and security.

Performance That Packs a Punch

Thanks to the AMD Ryzen R1600 processor, which boasts a dual-core clock speed up to 3.1 GHz, this NAS handles multitasking with ease. I tested it with RAID 5 configurations and even ran some light virtualization tasks, and it performed impressively without noticeable lag. The 32GB DDR4 RAM is a standout feature, ensuring smooth operations even with multiple users accessing it simultaneously.

The Synology DiskStation Manager (DSM) operating system is another strong point. Its intuitive interface makes navigation a breeze, and tools like Active Backup for Business and Hyper Backup are incredibly useful for safeguarding critical data. For someone like me, who sometimes fumbles with complex setups, DSM simplifies the entire process.

Connectivity Options and Usability

The NAS offers a decent selection of ports, including 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 2x RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet, and an eSATA port. I particularly appreciated the dual Ethernet ports, which support link aggregation. This feature boosts transfer speeds significantly, especially when dealing with large media files.

During testing, I connected both a 128GB portable SSD and an external hard drive to the USB ports. The transfer rates were steady, and the file system compatibility—ranging from BTRFS to NTFS and exFAT—ensured no hiccups when working across platforms like Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Key Benefits

• High-capacity storage expansion with up to four 3.5″ SATA drives and dual M.2 NVMe slots.
• Powerful processing performance, supporting multitasking and virtualization.
• User-friendly DSM interface, ideal for both beginners and experienced users.
• Flexible RAID options, including RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, and 10, catering to diverse storage needs.
• Robust connectivity with multiple ports and link aggregation support for improved speeds.

Areas for Improvement

• No HDD/SSD included, which means an additional investment upfront to get the unit operational.
• The fan noise becomes noticeable during prolonged heavy use, though it’s not a dealbreaker.
• While the DSM interface is excellent, it could benefit from deeper integration with third-party apps.

Product Comparisons

When compared to QNAP TS-453D, the Synology DS923+ stands out for its DSM operating system, which feels more polished and user-friendly. However, QNAP’s offering includes dual 2.5GbE Ethernet ports, which outpace the DS923+’s Gigabit Ethernet speed. If high-speed data transfer is a priority, QNAP might be the better choice.

Alternatively, against the Asustor Lockerstor 4—which also supports four bays—the Synology model wins on software ecosystem and expandability. However, Asustor includes more USB ports, which may appeal to users prioritizing external connectivity.

Price Performance

The value proposition of this NAS device lies in its upgraded 32GB RAM, which ensures seamless performance for demanding tasks. While it’s not the most budget-friendly option on the market, the combination of hardware and software justifies the investment for small businesses and tech-savvy home users. Compared to competitors, the price-performance ratio is solid, especially for those looking for long-term reliability.

In all honesty, I found myself growing attached to this network-attached storage solution as I explored its features further. From data backups to media streaming, it handled everything I threw at it. While there are minor quirks, the positives far outweigh the negatives, making it a worthy contender in the NAS market.

Additional information