Synology 2-Bay NAS DS223 (Diskless)
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AI Verdict
A 2-bay, 2GB RAM ARM-based NAS for basic file storage, backup, and Synology's core DSM apps, not 4K media transcoding.
This 2-bay NAS with its Realtek RTD1619B ARM processor and 2GB non-expandable RAM is a strong choice for basic file storage, backup, and Synology's core applications like Photos and Drive. It struggles with demanding tasks such as 4K media transcoding or heavy Docker workloads, making it a situational fit depending on the user's specific performance expectations.
If you need 4K media transcoding or more robust Docker performance, look for a NAS with an Intel x86 processor (like the DS224+ or DS720+) and expandable RAM.
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Pros
- Centralized data storage provides 100% data ownership and multi-platform access.
- Features easy file and media sharing and syncing capabilities.
- Offers simple data protection and backup to various destinations.
- Includes intelligent surveillance tools for home monitoring.
- Runs Synology DiskStation Manager (DSM) with snapshot support for data recovery.
- Low power consumption due to its ARM processor, suitable for continuous operation.
Cons
- The Realtek RTD1619B ARM processor struggles with 4K media transcoding, leading to stuttering playback.
- 2GB of non-expandable RAM limits multitasking and Docker container performance under heavy load.
- Equipped with only one 1GbE Ethernet port, which can be a bottleneck for faster network transfers.
- The unit is 'diskless,' requiring separate purchase and installation of hard drives.
- USB compatibility is limited with DSM7, primarily supporting external storage and UPS devices.
Dimension Scores
It has a 1GbE port, which caps speeds at around 100-110 MB/s, typical for entry-level NAS, but not faster.
Synology's DSM software and hardware are generally considered stable, and it supports Synology Hybrid RAID (SHR) for data redundancy.
As a 2-bay unit, it offers sufficient capacity for home users and small businesses, supporting large drives (e.g., 18TB confirmed by users), but is limited to two drives.
It supports a wide range of SATA HDDs and SSDs, but its ARM processor limits software compatibility for some advanced applications like certain Plex transcoding or specific Docker images, and USB device support is reduced in DSM7.
Best For
- Home users centralizing photos, videos, and documents from multiple devices.
- Small offices needing a private cloud for file access and collaborative sharing.
- Setting up basic home surveillance with flexible monitoring tools.
- Automated backups of personal computers and mobile devices.
Not Recommended For
- Users requiring 4K video transcoding for Plex or other media servers.
- Power users running multiple demanding Docker containers or virtual machines.
- Environments needing multi-gigabit network speeds for frequent large file transfers.
Watch Out For
- 4K video playback through Plex often stutters unless direct playing, due to the CPU's limited transcoding capability.
- Docker container performance, especially for tasks like unrar, slows down significantly when multiple processes are active, with CPU usage staying between 40-60%.
- The 2GB RAM is soldered and cannot be upgraded, which can become a bottleneck for running many applications simultaneously.
- Despite having three USB 3 ports, DSM7 has reduced USB compatibility, mainly supporting external storage and UPS devices.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B0BRNBVTJK |
| Size | DS223 |
| Brand | Synology |
| Color | Black |
| Series | DS223 |
| Material | Metal |
| Department | Computers & Accessories |
| Item Weight | 2.82 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Synology |
| Item model number | DS223 |
| Product Dimensions | 6.5 x 4.25 x 9.17 inches |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 6.5 x 4.25 x 9.17 inches |
What Buyers Say
Many users found the DS223 to be a capable entry-level NAS for basic file storage and Synology's core applications, but several were disappointed by its performance for media server tasks like 4K Plex transcoding. The ARM processor and non-expandable 2GB RAM are frequently cited as bottlenecks, especially when attempting to run multiple Docker containers or handle demanding media streams. Some users noted that while it runs Docker, performance can degrade significantly under load, particularly for tasks like unrar.
“Man, I thought this thing would handle my 4K movies on Plex, but it just chokes and stutters. Should've sprung for the Plus model or something with an Intel chip, this ARM just ain't cutting it for media.”
Common Praise
- Synology's DiskStation Manager (DSM) software is intuitive and feature-rich.
- Low power consumption makes it suitable for always-on operation.
- Compact size and low operating noise.
- Supports Synology Hybrid RAID (SHR) and snapshots for data protection.
- Includes three USB 3 ports for external storage.
Common Complaints
- Struggles with 4K video transcoding for Plex, leading to stuttering playback.
- Limited 2GB non-expandable RAM bottlenecks performance for advanced applications and multiple Docker containers.
- The Realtek ARM CPU is not powerful enough for demanding media server use cases.
- Only one 1GbE network port, which can be a bottleneck for faster transfers.
- USB compatibility is reduced with DSM7, limiting use cases for the three USB ports.
Ownership Tips
- The unit runs quietly, with hard drive noise being more noticeable than the device itself.
- Setting up basic file sharing and Synology Photos is straightforward.
- Performance for Docker containers like Radarr, Sonarr, and Sabnzbd is acceptable for light use, but unrar operations can be slow.
- The external power supply is a 60W brick.
- Despite Synology's compatibility list, some users successfully use 20TB+ drives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Synology DS223 come with hard drives?
No, the Synology DS223 is a "diskless" unit, meaning you need to purchase and install hard drives separately.
Can the DS223 transcode 4K video for Plex?
While it can store 4K video, the Realtek ARM processor in the DS223 is generally not powerful enough for smooth 4K video transcoding, often leading to stuttering playback.
Is the RAM expandable on the DS223?
No, the 2GB DDR4 RAM in the DS223 is soldered to the board and cannot be upgraded.
What kind of network speed does it support?
The DS223 features a single 1 Gigabit Ethernet (1GbE) port. It does not support 2.5GbE or faster connections.
Is it suitable for running Docker containers?
The DS223 is the first ARM-based Synology NAS to natively support Docker, and it can run a few containers. However, performance can slow down significantly under heavy loads or with multiple demanding containers.
Buying Guide
When buying a NAS like this, you're essentially getting your own personal cloud server. It lets you store all your files in one place, access them from anywhere, and keep them safe with backups. Unlike cloud services, you own the hardware and your data, but you're also responsible for setting it up and maintaining it. Think about what you'll primarily use it for – simple file storage, backing up photos, or more advanced tasks like streaming movies or running apps.
2-Bay
This means the NAS can hold two hard drives. You can use them for more storage or set them up in a RAID configuration (like RAID 1) to mirror your data, so if one drive fails, your data is still safe on the other.
Diskless
This indicates that the NAS unit does not come with any hard drives. You'll need to purchase compatible SATA hard drives (HDDs) or solid-state drives (SSDs) separately to get it working.
DSM (DiskStation Manager)
This is Synology's operating system for their NAS devices. It's a web-based interface that makes managing your files, setting up backups, and installing apps relatively easy, similar to how you use an operating system on your computer.
Centralized Data Storage
This is the main purpose. Instead of files scattered across multiple devices, everything lives on the NAS, accessible by all your connected devices (phones, computers, smart TVs) over your home network or even remotely over the internet.
Alternatives
If this model doesn't offer enough performance for media streaming or running multiple applications, look for NAS units with more powerful Intel x86 processors and at least 4GB of expandable RAM.
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