Synology DS223 Diskstation NAS (Realtek RTD1619B Quad-Core 2GB Ram 1xRJ-45 1GbE LAN-Port) 2-Bay with 2X 4TB WD Red Plus (Total 8TB)
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AI Verdict
This 2-bay Synology NAS with a Realtek RTD1619B CPU and 2GB RAM is for home users needing basic file storage and personal cloud access.
This NAS is a situational fit because its Realtek RTD1619B CPU and 2GB non-upgradeable RAM are sufficient for basic file serving and personal cloud functions, but fall short for demanding tasks like 4K transcoding or extensive Docker use. The included 8TB capacity with WD Red Plus drives is a solid starting point for home users.
If you need better media server performance or more advanced applications, look for a NAS with an Intel x86 CPU and at least 4GB of user-upgradeable RAM.
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Pros
- Includes 2x 4TB WD Red Plus drives for an 8TB total capacity, ready out of the box.
- Synology's DiskStation Manager (DSM) provides an intuitive interface for file management and data protection.
- The Realtek RTD1619B 4-core 1.7 GHz CPU handles basic Docker containers like Radarr, Sonarr, and Sabnzbd with 55-60% RAM remaining.
- Features 3x USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports for connecting external storage or UPS devices.
- Operates quietly, with the sound of the hard drives often being louder than the internal fan.
- Supports Synology Hybrid RAID (SHR), which simplifies future drive upgrades if you move to a larger NAS.
Cons
- The single 1GbE LAN port limits maximum transfer speeds to around 111-113 MB/s, slower than devices with 2.5GbE or higher.
- The 2GB DDR4 non-ECC RAM is not user-upgradeable, which can restrict performance for more demanding applications.
- The Realtek CPU struggles with multiple concurrent 4K video transcodes, making it unsuitable for a heavy-duty Plex server.
- Lacks NVMe slots for SSD caching, which could improve performance for frequently accessed data.
- The 2-bay design limits total capacity expansion without replacing existing drives, unlike 4-bay models.
Dimension Scores
The single 1GbE LAN port limits speeds to approximately 111-113 MB/s, which is average for a 1GbE connection but below modern expectations for large file transfers.
Synology's DSM is known for its stability and data protection tools, and the inclusion of WD Red Plus drives adds to the system's overall reliability.
The 8TB total capacity from two 4TB drives is a good starting point for home users, but the 2-bay limit means expansion requires replacing drives, not just adding them.
Synology's DSM offers broad client compatibility, allowing access from PC, Mac, Linux, Chromebook, Android, and iOS devices.
Best For
- Centralizing family photos, videos, and documents for easy access across devices.
- Setting up a personal cloud for file syncing and sharing with friends or family.
- Automated backups for multiple home computers (Windows, Mac, Linux).
- Running a few light Docker containers for home automation or media management (e.g., Radarr, Sonarr, Sabnzbd).
Not Recommended For
- Users requiring high-performance 4K video transcoding for multiple simultaneous streams.
- Small businesses needing multi-gigabit network speeds for large file transfers or heavy database operations.
- Enthusiasts who want to run multiple virtual machines or complex server applications.
Watch Out For
- The 1GbE LAN port caps transfer speeds at approximately 111-113 MB/s, which feels slow when moving large files like 2GB videos.
- Plex users report video stuttering with resolutions above sub-HD due to the CPU's limited transcoding power.
- Running multiple Docker containers can slow down unrar performance, requiring workarounds like pausing downloads during post-processing to maintain speed.
- The 2GB RAM is fixed and not upgradeable, which can become a bottleneck if you try to run too many services concurrently.
- USB peripheral support in DSM 7 is limited, primarily functioning for UPS and external storage, not a wide range of devices.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B0BW9CWC4C |
| Size | 8TB |
| Brand | Synology |
| Color | WD Red Plus |
| Hard Drive | 8 TB Mechanical Hard Disk |
| Item Weight | 7.17 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Synology |
| Flash Memory Size | 8 TB |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop |
| Product Dimensions | 9.17 x 4.25 x 6.5 inches |
| Hard Drive Interface | Serial ATA-600 |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 9.17 x 4.25 x 6.5 inches |
| Hard Drive Rotational Speed | 5400 RPM |
What Buyers Say
Users often find the DS223 surprisingly capable for basic tasks like file storage and running a few Docker containers, despite its entry-level hardware. However, the biggest recurring complaint is its inability to handle demanding media server tasks, specifically 4K transcoding, which leads to frustrating stuttering. The 1GbE port is also a frequent point of contention for those moving large amounts of data. Many appreciate the quiet operation and the intuitive nature of Synology's DSM software.
“Man, I bought this thinking it would be my Plex server, but anything over 1080p just chokes and stutters, seriously frustrating when you just want to watch a movie without it freezing every five minutes!”
Common Praise
- Synology's DSM operating system is easy to set up and manage for storage and network settings.
- Runs quietly, with the fan noise often being less noticeable than the hard drive activity.
- Handles basic Docker containers like Radarr, Sonarr, and Sabnzbd with reasonable RAM usage.
- The inclusion of 2x 4TB WD Red Plus drives makes it a convenient, ready-to-use solution.
- Provides centralized access to files from various devices (PC, Mac, mobile).
Common Complaints
- The Realtek CPU is too weak for 4K Plex transcoding, causing videos to stutter unless direct playing.
- The single 1GbE LAN port limits file transfer speeds to around 110 MB/s, which is slow for large backups.
- The 2GB RAM is not upgradeable and can be a bottleneck for running multiple demanding applications.
- No NVMe slots for SSD caching, which means no performance boost for frequently accessed files.
- Some users find the unrar performance for Docker containers can slow down significantly without specific workarounds.
Ownership Tips
- Even with light Docker use, monitoring RAM usage is a good idea as it can creep up faster than expected.
- The 'copy' button on the front for USB drives is super handy for quick backups from external devices.
- The unit stays surprisingly cool, even during extended file transfers, which is a plus for drive longevity.
- You'll quickly learn the limitations of the 1GbE port if you're moving large media libraries around.
- DSM updates are frequent and generally improve functionality, but always check for compatibility with your specific setup before updating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I upgrade the RAM in the Synology DS223?
No, the 2GB DDR4 non-ECC RAM in the DS223 is soldered onto the motherboard and cannot be upgraded by the user.
Is the Synology DS223 suitable for Plex Media Server?
The DS223 can run Plex, but its Realtek CPU is not powerful enough for efficient 4K video transcoding, leading to stuttering for resolutions above sub-HD. It's best for direct play only.
What RAID configurations does the DS223 support?
The DS223 supports RAID 0, RAID 1, and Synology Hybrid RAID (SHR). SHR is recommended for its flexibility in mixing drive sizes and easier future expansion.
Does this Synology DS223 come with hard drives?
Yes, this specific bundle includes two 4TB WD Red Plus SATA drives, providing a total of 8TB of storage capacity.
What are the typical read/write speeds of the DS223?
Due to its single 1GbE LAN port, the DS223 typically achieves maximum read speeds of around 113 MB/s and write speeds of 111 MB/s.
Can I run Docker containers on the DS223?
Yes, the DS223 natively supports Docker (Container Manager) and can run light containers like Radarr, Sonarr, and Sabnzbd, though heavy operations might require adjustments.
Buying Guide
When looking at a NAS like this, you're essentially buying a mini-server for your home or small office. It's not just external storage; it's a private cloud that lets you access your files from anywhere, back up your devices automatically, and even run small apps. The key is understanding that 'entry-level' means it's built for core functions, not for heavy-duty processing or super-fast networking.
CPU Model (Realtek RTD1619B)
This is the 'brain' of your NAS. A Realtek CPU is energy-efficient and perfectly fine for basic file serving, but it won't handle complex tasks like real-time video transcoding (converting video formats on the fly for different devices) as well as an Intel x86 chip would. Think of it like the difference between a basic web browser and a video editing workstation.
System Memory (2 GB DDR4 non-ECC)
RAM is like the NAS's short-term memory. 2GB is enough for the operating system and a few basic services. If you try to run too many apps or demanding processes simultaneously, the NAS will slow down significantly, just like your computer would if it ran out of RAM. Non-ECC means it doesn't have error correction, which is fine for home use but less robust than ECC RAM found in professional servers.
1x RJ-45 1GbE LAN-Port
This is how your NAS connects to your network. 1 Gigabit Ethernet (1GbE) means a theoretical maximum speed of 125 MB/s. In reality, you'll see around 100-115 MB/s. This is fast enough for streaming 4K video to one device or backing up individual computers, but if you're moving terabytes of data or have multiple users accessing it heavily, it can feel slow. Faster NAS units have 2.5GbE, 5GbE, or even 10GbE ports.
2-Bay with 2X 4TB WD Red Plus (Total 8TB)
The 'bays' are slots for hard drives. Two bays mean you can run RAID 1 (mirroring for data protection) or RAID 0 (striping for speed, no protection), or Synology Hybrid RAID (SHR) for flexibility. 8TB total capacity is a good starting point for a home, but remember that in RAID 1 or SHR with two drives, your usable space will be 4TB (one drive mirrors the other). The WD Red Plus drives are designed for 24/7 NAS operation, making them more reliable than standard desktop drives.
Alternatives
If this NAS doesn't fit, look for models with an Intel Celeron or AMD Ryzen CPU for better transcoding and app performance, and at least 4GB of user-upgradeable RAM for future flexibility.
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