Synology DS224+ 2-Bay Diskstation NAS (Intel Celeron J4125 4-Core 2.0 GHz 2GB DDR4 RAM 2xRJ-45 1GbE LAN-Port) 8TB Bundle with 2X 4TB Seagate IronWolf
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AI Verdict
This 2-bay NAS with an Intel Celeron J4125 and 2GB RAM is for home users needing file backup and light media streaming, but expect a RAM upgrade.
The DS224+ with its Intel Celeron J4125 and 2GB RAM is suitable for basic file storage and light media serving. Its two drive bays and 1GbE LAN ports meet the needs of small home networks for backups and file sharing. However, the limited stock RAM and older CPU mean it struggles with more intensive tasks or future growth without upgrades.
If you anticipate needing more than two drives, consider a model with four or more drive bays for greater storage flexibility and RAID options.
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Pros
- Expandable DDR4 RAM beyond the stock 2GB, with users reporting upgrades to 16GB or 18GB.
- Includes two RJ-45 1GbE LAN ports for network redundancy or link aggregation.
- Features a dedicated USB 3.2 Gen 1 port with a copy button for quick external drive backups.
- Synology's DiskStation Manager (DSM) provides a user-friendly interface for file management and app deployment.
- Supports BTRFS file system, enabling data snapshots for enhanced data protection.
- Intel Celeron J4125 4-core processor handles 1080p and 4K media streaming for some users.
Cons
- Comes with only 2GB of DDR4 RAM, which limits performance for multiple applications without an upgrade.
- The Intel Celeron J4125 processor, released in 2019, is not a current-generation CPU, impacting future-proofing.
- Lacks M.2 NVMe bays for SSD caching, which is present in some comparable models.
- Limited to two drive bays, restricting storage scalability and RAID options compared to 4-bay models.
- No built-in HDMI output, meaning direct connection to a display is not possible.
Dimension Scores
The 1GbE LAN ports provide standard network speeds, but the J4125 CPU and lack of NVMe caching prevent higher-tier performance.
Synology's DSM and BTRFS with snapshots offer robust data protection and a straightforward recovery process for drive failures.
The 8TB bundled capacity is a starting point, but the two-bay design limits future expansion without replacing drives, leading to "2 bay regret" for some users.
Supports both 3.5" and 2.5" SATA drives, and is compatible with desktop and laptop systems for file access [cite: Product Description, Key Specifications].
Best For
- Home users needing centralized file and photo backups.
- Small organizations requiring secure data management for up to 2048 user accounts [cite: Product Description].
- Streaming 1080p or 4K media to a few devices, especially after a RAM upgrade.
- Users who want to run light applications or containers on a NAS.
Not Recommended For
- Users requiring extensive video transcoding for multiple simultaneous streams.
- Environments needing high-performance virtual machines or heavy server loads.
- Users prioritizing maximum storage scalability beyond two drives without replacing existing ones.
Watch Out For
- The stock 2GB DDR4 RAM is often insufficient for running multiple applications, with users recommending an immediate upgrade to 6GB or more.
- The Intel Celeron J4125 CPU is considered "showing its age" by some users, potentially limiting performance for future demanding tasks.
- Users frequently express "2 bay regret," wishing they had purchased a 4-bay model for better storage flexibility and future expansion with SHR.
- The absence of M.2 NVMe slots means no option for SSD cache, which can speed up frequently accessed data.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B0CF66JB31 |
| Size | 8TB |
| Brand | Synology |
| Color | Seagate IronWolf |
| Hard Drive | 8 TB Mechanical Hard Disk |
| Item Weight | 6.78 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Synology |
| Mounting Type | Tabletop |
| Item model number | DS224+8tVN |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop, Laptop |
| 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 |
| Number of USB 3.0 Ports | 2 |
| Hard Drive Rotational Speed | 5400 RPM |
What Buyers Say
Many users quickly discover the stock 2GB DDR4 RAM is a bottleneck, with recommendations to upgrade to 6GB or even 18GB almost immediately. The Intel Celeron J4125 processor, while capable for basic tasks and some media streaming, is frequently noted as an older component that might not keep up with future demands. A recurring sentiment is "2 bay regret," where users wish they had opted for a 4-bay model for better storage scalability and RAID flexibility. Despite these hardware limitations, the Synology DiskStation Manager (DSM) is consistently praised for its user-friendly interface and robust features for backups and file management.
“Man, I wish I just got the 4-bay from the start, this 2-bay is already full and now I gotta buy bigger drives instead of just adding more. And seriously, upgrade the RAM right away, 2GB is a joke if you want to do anything beyond basic file storage.”
Common Praise
- The DiskStation Manager (DSM) operating system offers a user-friendly interface for managing files and applications.
- Effective for backing up large collections of photos and files from multiple devices.
- The ability to upgrade the DDR4 RAM significantly improves performance for running more applications.
- Includes a dedicated USB 3.2 Gen 1 port with a one-touch copy button for external drive backups.
- Supports BTRFS, allowing for data snapshots to protect against accidental deletions or corruption.
- Capable of streaming 1080p and 4K media to devices, especially with upgraded RAM.
Common Complaints
- The included 2GB DDR4 RAM is often insufficient for running multiple services or virtual machines.
- The Intel Celeron J4125 processor is considered outdated, potentially limiting long-term performance and future-proofing.
- Users frequently express regret over the two-bay limitation, desiring more bays for storage expansion and RAID options.
- Lacks M.2 NVMe slots, preventing the use of SSD caching for faster data access.
- No HDMI output, restricting direct connection to a display for media playback.
- Some users find the price high given the older CPU and limited stock RAM.
Ownership Tips
- Upgrading the RAM is almost a mandatory first step for many users to get acceptable performance beyond basic file serving.
- The two-bay design quickly becomes a limitation for users whose storage needs grow, leading to the need to replace drives rather than expand.
- DSM's user interface, while powerful, can have a learning curve for new users, but offers extensive app capabilities.
- The J4125 CPU handles 1080p and 4K media streaming surprisingly well for single streams, but struggles with multiple transcodes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I upgrade the RAM in the Synology DS224+?
Yes, the RAM is upgradeable. Users have successfully upgraded the stock 2GB DDR4 RAM to 6GB, 16GB, or even 18GB for improved performance.
Is the Intel Celeron J4125 processor powerful enough for Plex streaming?
For 1080p and some 4K media streaming, the J4125 can handle it, especially with a RAM upgrade. However, for multiple simultaneous transcoded 4K streams, it may struggle.
Does the DS224+ support SSD caching?
No, the DS224+ does not have M.2 NVMe slots, so it does not support SSD caching.
How many drives can I install in the DS224+?
The DS224+ has two drive bays, allowing for two 3.5" SATA hard drives or 2.5" SATA hard drives/SSDs [cite: Product Description].
Can I access my files remotely with the DS224+?
Yes, Synology's DiskStation Manager (DSM) provides tools for seamless file access and synchronization, including remote access capabilities [cite: Feature Highlights, 9].
Is the DS224+ suitable for virtual machines?
While DSM can run VMs and containers, the DS224+'s Celeron J4125 processor and limited stock 2GB RAM mean it's only suitable for light VM use, and a RAM upgrade is essential.
Buying Guide
When looking at a NAS like this, you're buying a personal cloud and server for your home or small office. Think about how much data you have now, and how much you expect to have in a few years, because expanding storage on a 2-bay unit means replacing drives, not just adding more. Also, consider what you'll actually run on it – just backups, or media streaming, maybe even some smart home stuff? That dictates how much processing power and RAM you really need.
Drive Bays (2-bay)
Intel Celeron J4125 4-core 2.0 GHz CPU
2GB DDR4 RAM
2x RJ-45 1GbE LAN-Port
Alternatives
If you need more future-proof storage, look for models with four or more drive bays and M.2 NVMe slots for SSD caching. For more demanding applications, prioritize models with newer generation, more powerful processors and higher base RAM.
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