Network Attached Storage (NAS) devices have become essential for both personal and professional use, offering secure data storage, efficient file sharing, and multimedia management. Among the numerous options available, Synology has consistently stood out as a top choice, and their latest release, the Synology DS923+, continues this tradition. This review will delve into the features, performance, and overall value of the Synology DS923+, helping you determine if it’s the right NAS solution for your needs.

Design and Build Quality

The Synology DS923+ follows the classic design language of Synology’s NAS devices. It sports a sleek, matte-black finish with a sturdy metal frame, giving it a professional look. The device houses four drive bays, each capable of accommodating 3.5″ or 2.5″ SATA hard drives or SSDs, providing flexibility in terms of storage configuration.

The front panel features LED indicators for power, status, and drive activity, along with a USB 3.2 Gen 1 port for quick access to external storage. The drive bays are hot-swappable, meaning you can replace or upgrade drives without powering down the device, which is a great feature for minimizing downtime. The rear panel includes two 1GbE RJ-45 ports, a USB 3.2 Gen 1 port, and an eSATA port, ensuring ample connectivity options.

Hardware and Performance

Under the hood, the DS923+ is powered by an AMD Ryzen R1600 dual-core processor, clocked at 2.6GHz (with a boost up to 3.1GHz). This is a significant upgrade from its predecessor, offering enhanced processing power that makes multitasking and running resource-intensive applications smoother.

The unit comes with 4GB of DDR4 ECC RAM, expandable up to 32GB, which ensures data integrity and system reliability. For those who require even faster data access, the DS923+ supports NVMe SSD caching, allowing users to boost the performance of frequently accessed data.

When it comes to storage, the DS923+ offers impressive scalability. With support for up to 64TB in the base configuration (using four 16TB drives), this NAS can be expanded further using Synology’s DX517 expansion unit, making it a robust solution for growing storage needs.

Software: DiskStation Manager (DSM)

One of Synology’s strongest selling points is its DiskStation Manager (DSM) software, which powers the DS923+. DSM 7.1, the latest version at the time of writing, is a user-friendly and feature-rich operating system that makes managing the NAS a breeze, even for beginners.

Key features of DSM include:

• File Management: File Station, Synology’s built-in file manager, allows for easy access and organization of files across multiple devices. You can also enable QuickConnect for remote access, ensuring you can reach your files from anywhere in the world.
• Data Protection: The DS923+ supports a wide range of backup solutions, including Synology Drive, Hyper Backup, and Active Backup for Business, ensuring your data is always safe. It also supports Btrfs, a modern file system that offers advanced data integrity and snapshot capabilities.
• Multimedia Streaming: For home users, the DS923+ can serve as a comprehensive media hub. With apps like Video Station, Audio Station, and Photo Station, you can stream your content across various devices with ease.
• Virtualization: The DS923+ is capable of running virtual machines through Synology’s Virtual Machine Manager, making it a great option for developers or businesses needing to test software in isolated environments.
• Surveillance Station: This application allows the DS923+ to function as a surveillance system, supporting up to 40 IP cameras, making it an excellent choice for small businesses or home security.

Performance

In terms of performance, the DS923+ delivers strong results. Thanks to its Ryzen processor and expandable RAM, it handles multiple tasks simultaneously without breaking a sweat. Whether you’re streaming 4K video, running virtual machines, or managing large backups, the DS923+ performs admirably.

The NAS offers read and write speeds that are more than adequate for most users. In a RAID 5 configuration with four 8TB drives, the DS923+ achieves sequential read speeds of over 600MB/s and write speeds of around 400MB/s, which is more than sufficient for typical SMB and home environments.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Powerful AMD Ryzen processor for smooth multitasking
• Scalable storage up to 64TB (expandable further with DX517)
• NVMe SSD caching support for enhanced performance
• Comprehensive and user-friendly DSM software
• Strong data protection and backup options
• Supports multimedia streaming and virtualization
• Excellent build quality and design

Cons:

• Lacks 2.5GbE or 10GbE ports out of the box; requires an optional upgrade card
• Higher price point compared to entry-level NAS devices
• Advanced features may be overkill for basic home use

Conclusion

The Synology DS923+ is an outstanding NAS solution for power users, small businesses, and tech enthusiasts who need robust performance, scalability, and advanced features. Its powerful hardware, combined with the versatile DSM software, makes it a worthy investment for those looking to future-proof their storage needs.

While it may be overkill for casual users who only need basic file storage, for those who require a NAS capable of handling demanding tasks, the DS923+ is hard to beat. Its expandability, performance, and wide range of applications make it a versatile tool that can grow with your needs.

Whether you’re a small business looking for reliable data management, a home user wanting to create a centralized media hub, or a developer needing a powerful virtualization platform, the Synology DS923+ is a top contender in the NAS market.