Synology DS923+ 4-Bay Diskstation NAS (AMD Ryzen™ 4 Threads R1600 Dual-Core 4GB Ram 2xRJ-45 1GbE LAN-Port)
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AI Verdict
This is a 4-bay NAS with an AMD Ryzen R1600 CPU and 4GB RAM, expandable to 32GB, best for data consolidation and app hosting, but not media transcoding.
This 4-bay NAS with its AMD Ryzen R1600 CPU and 4GB expandable RAM is a strong fit for users needing robust data storage, flexible RAID options, and the ability to run server-like applications. Its expandability for 10GbE and NVMe caching addresses potential bottlenecks for demanding users.
If you need faster networking out of the box, look for NAS models with integrated 2.5GbE or 10GbE ports.
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Pros
- The AMD Ryzen R1600 CPU delivers better multi-threaded performance for Docker containers and virtual machines compared to previous Celeron chips.
- RAM is expandable from 4GB DDR4 up to 32GB via two SODIMM slots, allowing for future workload increases.
- Includes two M.2 NVMe slots for SSD caching, which can also be configured for a storage pool with user scripts.
- Supports a maximum raw capacity of 72TB with four 18TB drives, expandable further with a DX517 expansion unit.
- The DiskStation Manager (DSM) operating system is user-friendly, with an extensive app catalog for various functions like cloud sync and surveillance.
- Offers flexible drive configurations, supporting Synology Hybrid RAID (SHR), Basic, JBOD, RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, and 10.
Cons
- Comes with only two 1GbE RJ-45 LAN ports as standard, which can be a bottleneck for high-speed data transfers without the optional 10GbE upgrade card.
- The AMD Ryzen R1600 CPU lacks an integrated GPU, making it unsuitable for real-time video transcoding in media server applications like Plex.
- The two M.2 NVMe slots are officially designated for caching, requiring a user-applied script to utilize them as a dedicated storage pool.
- The optional 10GbE network upgrade module and expansion unit add significant cost to the premium base price.
- Does not include HDMI output or Wi-Fi connectivity.
Dimension Scores
The dual 1GbE LAN ports limit theoretical maximum speeds to around 250 MB/s with link aggregation, which is average for a 4-bay NAS at this price point without the optional 10GbE card.
Synology's DSM operating system and hardware are engineered for data protection, and the brand has a strong reputation for long-term stability and software updates.
With support for up to 72TB raw internal capacity and expandability via a DX517 unit, it offers substantial room for growth for most home and small business users.
It supports both 3.5-inch and 2.5-inch SATA HDDs/SSDs, Btrfs and ext4 file systems, and a wide range of RAID configurations, offering broad compatibility with various drive types and data protection strategies.
Best For
- Consolidating up to 72TB of documents, photos, and files from multiple devices.
- Running multiple Docker containers or lightweight virtual machines due to the x86-64 AMD Ryzen CPU.
- Home users or small businesses needing a centralized backup solution for Mac and Windows devices.
- Hosting a surveillance station with multiple IP cameras.
Not Recommended For
- Users requiring real-time 4K video transcoding for media streaming to various devices.
- Budget-conscious buyers who need 10GbE networking without additional hardware costs.
- Anyone expecting built-in Wi-Fi or HDMI output for direct display connection.
Watch Out For
- The standard networking is limited to 1GbE, meaning large file transfers will cap out around 125 MB/s unless you purchase the separate 10GbE upgrade card.
- The AMD Ryzen R1600 CPU does not have an integrated GPU, so if you plan on using Plex or similar for transcoding, expect poor performance or no transcoding at all.
- While it has NVMe slots, Synology officially supports them only for caching, so using them for a storage volume requires a community script, which might not be officially supported.
- The maximum raw capacity is 72TB using four 18TB drives, but reaching this capacity requires purchasing expensive high-density drives, which are not included.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B0BKPXZDCY |
| Size | 0TB |
| Brand | Synology |
| Color | Enclosure |
| Language | English |
| Material | Metal |
| Hard Drive | Mechanical Hard Disk |
| Item Weight | 8.05 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Synology |
| Item model number | DS923+ |
| Compatible Devices | Server |
| Product Dimensions | 8.78 x 7.83 x 6.54 inches |
| Hard Drive Interface | Serial ATA-600 |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 8.78 x 7.83 x 6.54 inches |
| Hard Drive Rotational Speed | 0.01 RPM |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
What Buyers Say
The biggest head-scratcher with the DS923+ is Synology's choice to stick with 1GbE LAN and an AMD Ryzen CPU without an integrated GPU. Users frequently mention the need to buy the separate 10GbE card to get decent transfer speeds, and anyone hoping to run Plex with transcoding is going to be disappointed. However, the AMD chip does make it a beast for running Docker containers and VMs, and the DSM software is still a standout for ease of use and features. It's a solid piece of hardware, but you're definitely paying a premium for the Synology ecosystem, and then more for essential upgrades.
“Look, I bought this thing because everyone raves about Synology, and yeah, DSM is slick. But seriously, 1GbE in 2024? And no GPU for Plex? I had to shell out another hundred bucks for the 10GbE card, and now my 4K movies still stutter if I try to transcode. It's fast for file storage, but don't expect miracles for media unless you're direct playing everything.”
Common Praise
- The AMD Ryzen R1600 processor provides plenty of processing power for running multiple services simultaneously.
- The DiskStation Manager (DSM) interface makes managing storage and backups simple, even for non-tech-savvy users.
- Setup is surprisingly easy, with the companion app helping to make the process quick.
- The ability to expand RAM up to 32GB and add a 10GbE card offers significant future-proofing.
- The build quality is sturdy, with metal drive trays that slide in smoothly.
- The fan operates quietly, even in 'Cool Mode'.
Common Complaints
- The inclusion of only 1GbE networking as standard is a frequent point of frustration, requiring an additional purchase for 10GbE.
- The lack of an integrated GPU in the AMD Ryzen R1600 CPU severely limits its ability to transcode video for media streaming.
- The cost of the optional 10GbE upgrade module adds significantly to the overall investment.
- Users wish the NVMe slots could be officially used for storage volumes without needing workarounds.
- Some feel Synology 'cheaped out' on the networking and CPU choice compared to competitors or older models.
Ownership Tips
- The 10GbE upgrade card is almost a mandatory purchase for anyone moving large files regularly, effectively increasing the true cost.
- While the NVMe slots are for cache, using a community script to create an NVMe storage pool is a common modification for faster app storage.
- The unit remains relatively quiet even under load, making it suitable for home office environments.
- Synology's software ecosystem, including Surveillance Station and Hyper Backup, is a major draw and works as advertised.
- The AMD CPU is a beast for VMs and Docker, but the lack of an iGPU for media transcoding is a constant reminder of its limitations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use NVMe drives for storage on the DS923+?
Officially, the two M.2 NVMe slots are for SSD caching to accelerate performance. However, some users have successfully used community scripts to configure them as a dedicated storage pool.
Does the DS923+ support video transcoding for media servers like Plex?
No, the AMD Ryzen R1600 CPU in the DS923+ lacks an integrated GPU, which is essential for efficient real-time video transcoding. This means it's not ideal for serving media to clients that require on-the-fly format conversion.
Can I upgrade the network speed beyond 1GbE?
Yes, the DS923+ comes with two 1GbE ports, but it has a network upgrade slot that allows you to install an optional 10GbE RJ-45 Network Upgrade Module for faster transfer speeds.
What is the maximum storage capacity I can achieve with the DS923+?
The DS923+ supports a maximum raw internal capacity of 72TB using four 18TB drives. You can expand this further by connecting a five-bay DX517 expansion unit.
Is the RAM upgradeable?
Yes, the DS923+ comes with 4GB DDR4 RAM, but it has two SODIMM slots and can be expanded up to 32GB.
Buying Guide
When you're looking at a NAS like this, you're buying more than just a box for hard drives. You're investing in a mini-server that can handle backups, host apps, and manage your data. Think about what you'll actually do with it: just store files, or run a Plex server, or maybe even host a small website? Your use case dictates whether the CPU's transcoding ability or the network speed matters most.
CPU (AMD Ryzen R1600)
This is the brain of your NAS. The AMD Ryzen R1600 is good for running multiple tasks and applications simultaneously, like Docker containers or virtual machines, but it won't help with real-time video transcoding because it lacks a built-in graphics processor.
RAM (4GB DDR4, expandable to 32GB)
More RAM means your NAS can handle more concurrent users, run more applications, or manage larger datasets without slowing down. Starting at 4GB is okay, but upgrading to 8GB or 16GB is common for heavier use.
LAN Ports (2x 1GbE, optional 10GbE)
This determines how fast data moves between your computers and the NAS. 1GbE is fine for basic file sharing, but if you're editing video directly from the NAS or moving huge files, 10GbE (which is an extra purchase here) will make a huge difference.
NVMe Slots (2x for cache)
These slots are for super-fast SSDs that act as a 'cache' to speed up frequently accessed data. Think of it like a shortcut for your most-used files, making things feel snappier, though they can also be repurposed for storage with some effort.
Alternatives
If you need integrated 2.5GbE or 10GbE networking and an integrated GPU for media transcoding, look for NAS units with Intel Celeron or Core series CPUs that explicitly list Quick Sync Video support.
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