Synology 4-Bay RackStation RS822+ (Diskless)
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AI Verdict
A 4-bay rackmount NAS with 2,103 MB/s read throughput and 1GbE ports, expandable to 8 drives, for small to medium businesses needing data backup and sharing.
This RackStation is a strong fit for small to medium businesses already invested in rack infrastructure, offering high sequential read/write speeds and significant storage scalability up to 8 drives. Its 1U form factor and DSM operating system are tailored for efficient data management in such environments.
If you need higher performance for virtualization or heavy multi-user access, prioritize models with more base RAM and a more powerful CPU, or budget for immediate RAM and 10GbE upgrades.
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Pros
- Achieves over 2,103 MB/s sequential read throughput
- Achieves over 1,074 MB/s sequential write throughput
- Four 1GbE ports support network failover and load balancing
- Scalable to 8 drives with one Synology RX418 Expansion Unit
- Optional 10/25GbE expansions available via a PCIe Gen 3.0 x8/x4 slot
- Boosts random IOPS performance with optional SSD cache
Cons
- Comes with only 2GB of DDR4 ECC RAM, often requiring an upgrade for demanding tasks like VMs or multiple Docker containers
- Diskless unit, requiring separate purchase and installation of hard drives
- Base unit includes only 1GbE ports, requiring additional purchase for 10/25GbE speeds
- The AMD Ryzen V1500B CPU may struggle under heavy loads or with multiple concurrent users
- The 1U rackmount form factor is not ideal for non-rack environments due to its size and potential for more noise than desktop units
Dimension Scores
Achieves over 2,103 MB/s sequential read and 1,074 MB/s sequential write throughput, though these speeds often require optional 10/25GbE upgrades to avoid 1GbE bottlenecks.
Synology's DSM operating system is widely recognized for its stability, data protection features, and ease of use.
Offers 4 drive bays, expandable to 8 with an RX418 expansion unit, providing significant storage growth potential for a 1U device.
Runs Synology DiskStation Manager (DSM) which supports a wide range of data backup, sharing, and synchronization protocols, but some users report potential third-party drive compatibility issues on similar models.
Best For
- Branch offices needing centralized data backup and synchronization
- Small to medium-sized businesses requiring stable data transfers up to 2,103 MB/s read
- Users planning future storage expansion up to 8 drives
- Environments with existing rack infrastructure
Not Recommended For
- Home users without a dedicated rack or those in noise-sensitive environments
- Users needing 10GbE or 25GbE out-of-the-box without additional cost
- Anyone looking for a plug-and-play solution with included storage
Watch Out For
- The initial 2GB RAM is often insufficient for running virtual machines or multiple Docker containers, necessitating an immediate upgrade.
- The base unit's 1GbE ports can bottleneck the advertised 2,103 MB/s read throughput, requiring an additional 10/25GbE network card purchase.
- Some users report the AMD Ryzen V1500B CPU struggles under heavy loads or with multiple users accessing data simultaneously.
- The 1U rackmount chassis is 19 inches deep, requiring a full-depth cabinet for proper installation.
- Some users experienced compatibility issues with third-party drives on similar Synology models, suggesting potential vendor lock-in.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B0B4DGP86W |
| Size | RS822+ |
| Brand | Synology |
| Color | Multicolor |
| Material | Metal, Plastic |
| Item Weight | 18.66 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Synology |
| Item model number | RS822+ |
| Product Dimensions | 19.3 x 17.2 x 10 inches |
What Buyers Say
Many users find the initial 2GB of RAM to be a significant limitation, especially when attempting to run virtual machines or multiple Docker containers, often leading to immediate upgrade plans. While the base unit comes with 1GbE ports, the advertised high throughput speeds are typically only achievable with an optional 10/25GbE expansion card, which adds to the overall cost. The rackmount form factor is appreciated for space-saving in server environments, but some users note the unit's depth requires a full-size rack.
“Seriously, 2GB RAM? I had to buy more RAM the minute I unboxed this thing because I actually want to run more than just file shares. It's fast once you upgrade, but come on, Synology!”
Common Praise
- Easy setup and intuitive configuration with Synology's DSM
- Better processor performance compared to older Synology models
- Ability to mix and match drives
- Provides a significant upgrade over consumer-grade NAS devices
- Runs cool and quiet for a rackmount unit
Common Complaints
- Base 2GB RAM is insufficient for advanced use cases like VMs or multiple Docker containers
- Requires additional purchase for 10/25GbE network speeds to fully utilize throughput
- AMD Ryzen V1500B CPU can struggle under heavy loads or with many concurrent users
- The 19-inch depth of the chassis requires a full-depth rack
- Concerns about potential vendor lock-in or compatibility issues with non-Synology hard drives
Ownership Tips
- Upgrading the RAM is straightforward and often necessary for optimal performance beyond basic file storage.
- The unit's 1U size is compact for a rack, but its depth means it won't fit in shallow wall-mount racks.
- The DSM operating system, while powerful, can have a learning curve for new users trying to optimize advanced features.
- Adding a 10GbE card significantly boosts real-world transfer speeds, making the initial 1GbE ports feel like a bottleneck.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the RS822+ come with hard drives?
No, it's a diskless unit, so you'll need to purchase and install your own hard drives separately.
Can I upgrade the network speed beyond 1GbE?
Yes, it has a PCIe Gen 3.0 x8/x4 slot that supports optional 10/25GbE network expansion cards.
Is the 2GB of RAM enough?
For basic file serving and backup, 2GB might suffice, but for running virtual machines or multiple Docker containers, users often find it necessary to upgrade the RAM.
How many drives can I install?
The unit has 4 drive bays, and you can expand it to 8 drives by adding one Synology RX418 Expansion Unit.
What operating system does it use?
It runs Synology's powerful DiskStation Manager (DSM) operating system, known for its user-friendly interface and data management features.
Buying Guide
When looking at a rackmount NAS like this, you're buying into an ecosystem designed for more serious data management than a typical home desktop unit. You'll need to factor in the cost of hard drives, and likely RAM and network upgrades, on top of the base price. Don't expect it to be whisper-quiet like a desktop NAS, though this model is reported to be relatively quiet for its category.
Read/Write Throughput
Expansion Unit Support
1GbE vs. 10/25GbE
Alternatives
If this model doesn't fit, look for NAS units with higher base RAM, more powerful CPUs for virtualization, or integrated 10GbE ports if high-speed networking is a priority out-of-the-box.
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