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Seagate 30TB Ironwolf Pro and EXOS Hard Drive Review

30TB Seagate Ironwolf Pro and EXOS HDD Review – When is Enough, Enough?

The arrival of 30TB capacity hard drives from Seagate — in the form of the IronWolf Pro ST30000NT011 and the Exos M ST30000NM004K — marks another incremental step in high-capacity storage for NAS and enterprise environments. Both models utilize helium-sealed conventional magnetic recording (CMR) technology and pack ten platters at 3TB each into the familiar 3.5-inch form factor. This represents the highest available capacity in a single drive to date, offering an alternative to more complex arrays of smaller disks while preserving compatibility with standard SATA 6Gb/s interfaces. These drives maintain a 7200 RPM spindle speed, 512MB cache, and sustained transfer rates approaching 275MB/s, making them suitable for environments that demand both scale and consistent throughput. The IronWolf Pro is targeted at commercial NAS and multi-user SMB deployments, where ease of integration, features like IronWolf Health Management (IHM), and bundled data recovery services are priorities. The Exos M, by contrast, is designed for data centers and hyperscale cloud storage, where maximum density, superior energy efficiency per terabyte, and sustainability play a more critical role. This review examines not only how these two 30TB drives are constructed and perform in practice, but also explores their compatibility with existing NAS hardware and server infrastructures, as well as the trade-offs involved when moving to such large single-drive capacities.

Seagate 30TB Ironwolf Pro and EXOS Hard Drive – Quick Conclusion

The Seagate IronWolf Pro 30TB and Exos M 30TB represent the cutting edge of mechanical storage, delivering unprecedented density in a standard 3.5-inch, SATA-compatible form factor. Both drives achieve their capacity through a helium-sealed, ten-platter CMR design, offering sustained transfer rates of up to 275 MB/s, 24/7 operability, and an MTBF of 2.5 million hours, making them viable for demanding NAS and enterprise environments. The IronWolf Pro is positioned for SMBs and creative professionals, bundling IronWolf Health Management for drive monitoring and three years of Rescue Data Recovery Services for additional peace of mind, while the Exos M caters to hyperscale and data center deployments by emphasizing power efficiency, sustainability, and seamless integration at scale. These drives are not for casual or budget-conscious users, as their high power consumption, increased heat output, and louder acoustics require properly specified NAS or server hardware to operate reliably. Additionally, their massive single-drive capacity raises practical considerations around redundancy, RAID rebuild times, and backup planning, which can offset some of the benefits of ultra-high density. Nonetheless, for users and organizations that can justify the investment and design their infrastructure to accommodate the specific demands of these drives, both models offer compelling solutions to growing storage needs. The IronWolf Pro excels in environments that value monitoring, support, and ease of deployment, while the Exos M is a better fit where operational efficiency and cost-per-terabyte are paramount, ensuring each serves its intended audience effectively.

BUILD - 9/10
HARDWARE - 9/10
PERFORMANCE - 8/10
PRICE - 7/10
VALUE - 8/10


8.2
PROS
👍🏻Unprecedented Capacity — Both drives offer 30TB in a single 3.5-inch drive, reducing the number of disks needed for large arrays and saving space - but doing so in a CMR design (and not SMR) is just incredible
👍🏻Helium-Sealed Design — Uses a proven 10-platter, helium-filled architecture for improved reliability, reduced turbulence, and better areal density.
👍🏻Consistent Performance — Sustained transfer rates up to 275 MB/s and predictable latency ensure stable throughput for NAS and enterprise workloads.
👍🏻Enterprise-Grade Reliability — MTBF of 2.5 million hours, 550 TB/year workload rating, and 24/7 operation make them suited for demanding environments.
👍🏻Feature Sets Tailored to Audience — IronWolf Pro includes IronWolf Health Management and 3-year Rescue Recovery; Exos M adds power optimization and sustainability focus.
👍🏻Broad Compatibility — Fully SATA 6Gb/s compliant and functional across major NAS brands, RAID configurations, and operating systems without special drivers.
👍🏻Secure Data Management — Both support Instant Secure Erase (ISE) with Exos M adding RSA firmware verification for data security compliance.
CONS
👎🏻Higher Power and Heat — Increased power consumption and thermal output require well-cooled, properly provisioned enclosures and PSUs.
👎🏻Audible Noise Levels — Louder idle and seek noise, especially when used in multi-drive NAS arrays, can be disruptive in quiet environments.
👎🏻Expensive Per Unit — High initial cost compared to smaller capacity drives, with diminishing returns in some scenarios if not fully utilized or backed up properly.

 

You can purchase the Seagate Ironwolf 30TB Hard Drive Series via the links below:

* Using these links will result in a small % commission coming to NASCompares and this helps me and Ed here (it really is just us!) to keep making our videos, writing our reviews and providing support in our free support sections for others!


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Seagate 30TB Ironwolf Pro and EXOS Hard Drive – Design and Build

So, first up, below is a side-by-side comparison of the key specifications of the Seagate IronWolf Pro 30TB and Seagate Exos M 30TB drives. Both drives use CMR recording, a helium-sealed 10-platter design, and are built around similar mechanical and electrical platforms, but each is targeted at different use cases: SMB/creative NAS environments versus hyperscale cloud and enterprise data centers. This table highlights their similarities and subtle differences.

Feature Seagate IronWolf Pro 30TB (ST30000NT011) Seagate Exos M 30TB (ST30000NM004K)
Interface SATA 6Gb/s SATA 6Gb/s
Recording Technology CMR CMR
Helium Sealed Yes Yes
Platter Count 10 10
Spindle Speed (RPM) 7200 7200
Cache (MB) 512 512
Max Sustained Transfer Rate (MB/s) 275 275
Workload Rate Limit (TB/year) 550 550
MTBF (hours) 2.5 million 2.5 million
Annualized Failure Rate (AFR) Not Specified 0.35%
Power Idle (W) 6.8 6.9
Power Operating (W) ~8.3 up to 9.5
Idle Acoustics (dBA) 28 Not Specified
Seek Acoustics (dBA) 32 Not Specified
Shock (Operating/Non-operating) 30G / 200G 30G / 200G
Temperature (Operating) 10–60°C 10–60°C
Vibration (Non-operating Grms) 2.27 2.27
RV Sensors Yes Not explicitly specified
Data Security Instant Secure Erase (ISE) Instant Secure Erase (ISE), RSA 3072
Data Recovery Service 3-year Rescue included Not included
Warranty 5 years 5 years
Best-fit Applications NAS, SMB, creative RAID Hyperscale, big data, cloud

Both the Seagate IronWolf Pro 30TB and Exos M 30TB maintain the standard 3.5-inch hard drive form factor, measuring 26.1mm in height, 101.85mm in width, and 147mm in depth, with a typical weight of 695 grams. This adherence to established dimensions ensures seamless integration into existing NAS bays, server racks, and JBOD enclosures, making them drop-in replacements for lower-capacity drives. Internally, both drives are helium-sealed, a technology critical at this density for maintaining stable platter rotation and reducing turbulence caused by the high number of thin platters spinning at 7200 RPM.

Helium also lowers drag and internal air resistance compared to traditional air-filled drives, which helps moderate temperatures and contributes to better reliability over time. The drives incorporate ten platters, each at 3TB, demonstrating how Seagate has pushed areal density to enable 30TB within the same footprint that previously maxed out at 24TB in nine-platter designs.

The IronWolf Pro places significant emphasis on durability and reliability within multi-bay NAS systems, making it well-suited to SMB and creative workflows. It achieves a mean time between failures (MTBF) of 2.5 million hours and carries a 5-year limited warranty, consistent with Seagate’s premium NAS offerings. The workload rate limit (WRL) of 550TB per year matches that of previous IronWolf Pro models but at higher capacity, allowing for heavier data activity in RAID configurations without voiding warranty terms.

To mitigate vibration issues common in dense multi-drive arrays, the IronWolf Pro integrates rotational vibration (RV) sensors that detect and compensate for external vibrations, stabilizing head positioning to maintain consistent throughput. Acoustically, the drive has been measured at approximately 28 dBA at idle and 32 dBA under seek activity, levels low enough to remain acceptable in small server rooms or under-desk NAS units, though still noticeable in very quiet environments.

By contrast, the Exos M 30TB, though physically and mechanically similar, is tuned for the needs of enterprise-scale and hyperscale cloud deployments. Its construction prioritizes energy efficiency per terabyte and long-term durability at scale, with features like PowerChoice™ for adaptive idle modes and PowerBalance™ for optimized performance-to-watt ratios. These firmware-driven features help reduce total operational costs when thousands of drives are deployed. The Exos M also includes RSA 3072 firmware verification for enhanced data security and is assembled with higher use of recycled materials and renewable energy inputs than earlier generations. These factors align it with the sustainability initiatives many data center operators are now targeting, while maintaining interoperability by preserving the same form factor, interface, and airflow characteristics as previous generations.

Both drives feature hardware-level secure data management, supporting Seagate’s Instant Secure Erase (ISE) to allow administrators to cryptographically erase all user data before redeploying or decommissioning a drive. This functionality is especially relevant for enterprise customers concerned with compliance and data security in multi-tenant environments. For SMB customers, the IronWolf Pro adds another layer of protection with Seagate’s Rescue Data Recovery Services bundled for three years, providing access to Seagate’s in-house data recovery team. This service has an advertised 95% success rate and is included at no additional cost, addressing accidental deletions, corruption, and even some mechanical failures — something that the Exos M does not include by default, as enterprises generally rely on their own backup and recovery procedures.

Finally, it is important to note the environmental operating specifications and resilience engineered into these drives. Both models operate safely in ambient temperatures between 10°C and 60°C and can tolerate non-operating storage temperatures down to –40°C and up to 70°C. They are rated to withstand 30Gs of shock during operation and up to 200Gs when non-operational, which is critical during shipping and installation in dense arrays. Vibration tolerances are also robust, with rotational vibration resistance specified up to 12.5 rad/s² between 10Hz and 1500Hz. Both require both +12V and +5V power rails and draw a typical 6.8–6.9W at idle, which increases during read/write activity as noted in Seagate’s specifications. Taken together, these figures indicate that while the drives are robust enough for demanding environments, users should still ensure their NAS or server chassis provides sufficient cooling, airflow, and power delivery to stay within these tolerances.

Comparing the 30TB IronWolf Pro to the 24TB IronWolf Pro and 4TB IronWolf (Non‑Pro) for Perspective

The 30TB IronWolf Pro represents Seagate’s largest capacity in the NAS‑optimized lineup, continuing the incremental increase in platter count, areal density, and helium‑sealed design. The 4TB non‑Pro IronWolf uses a more modest five‑platter, air‑filled design spinning at 5400 RPM, while the 24TB IronWolf Pro was the previous capacity peak, utilizing nine helium‑sealed platters and a 7200 RPM spindle. Despite sharing the same CMR recording and SATA interface, there is a clear progression in performance, power requirements, noise, and workload tolerances across these models. This comparison highlights how structural changes and internal technologies evolve with capacity—and where trade‑offs emerge at the top end of the spectrum.

Feature IronWolf Pro 30TB (ST30000NT011) IronWolf Pro 24TB (ST24000NT002) IronWolf 4TB (ST4000VN006, Non‑Pro)
Interface SATA 6Gb/s SATA 6Gb/s SATA 6Gb/s
Recording Technology CMR CMR CMR
Helium Sealed Yes Yes No
Platter Count 10 9 5
Spindle Speed (RPM) 7200 7200 5400
Cache (MB) 512 512 256
Max Sustained Transfer Rate (MB/s) 275 285 ~202
Workload Rate Limit (TB/year) 550 550 180
MTBF (hours) 2.5 million 2.5 million 1 million
Power Idle (W) ~6.8 ~5.3 ~4.3
Power Operating (W) ~8.3 ~7.1 ~6.8
Idle Acoustics (dBA) 28 ~25 ~20
Seek Acoustics (dBA) 32 ~28 ~24
Shock (Operating/Non‑operating) 30G / 200G 30G / 200G 80G / 300G
Temperature (Operating) 10–60 °C 5–60 °C 0–65 °C
Vibration (Non‑operating Grms) 2.27 2.27 2.27
RV Sensors Yes Yes Yes
Data Recovery Service 3‑year Rescue included 3‑year Rescue included 3‑year Rescue included
Warranty 5 years 5 years 3 years
Target Use‑Case Commercial NAS, heavy RAID Commercial NAS, heavy RAID SOHO, home/SOHO NAS

This side‑by‑side comparison makes it clear that the 30TB model pushes beyond earlier limits, with higher power draw, increased acoustic output, and tighter operating conditions. Once you start thinking about larger Petabyte deployments of course, this all becomes small margins towards the big storage goals. But Simultaneously, the non‑Pro 4TB drives offer much gentler power, acoustic, and workload characteristics—making them more suitable for everyday, personal, or small‑office use. I am just glad to see that Seagate are not in any rush to eliminate the smaller tiers now that they are on the road to 50/100TB drives by the end of the decade and reducing the smaller caps in the way we save ‘sub 1TB’ drive dry up as soon as we hit above 4TB a decade ago!

Seagate 30TB Ironwolf Pro and EXOS Hard Drive – Performance, Noise and NAS Compatibility (WiP)

Performance testing of the Seagate IronWolf Pro 30TB and Exos M 30TB confirms that both drives deliver sustained sequential transfer rates close to their advertised 275 MB/s. In NAS systems tested—including QNAP, Synology, and Asustor platforms—both drives initialized without compatibility errors and achieved typical sequential read speeds of 268–270 MB/s and write speeds of 252–262 MB/s, depending on the platform and RAID configuration. These results align with expectations for a modern 7200 RPM CMR drive with a 512 MB cache and demonstrate that even at 30TB, throughput remains consistent with prior Pro‑series drives. Random IOPS, while limited compared to SSDs, remain within acceptable ranges for NAS workloads, with the Exos M specified at up to 170 IOPS read and 350 IOPS write at 4K QD16. Latency is nominal at approximately 4.16 ms, which is typical for this class of mechanical drive. Importantly, no firmware or block‑size compatibility issues were noted, and both drives default to 512e sector formatting, ensuring out‑of‑the‑box operability with most modern operating systems and file systems.

Acoustic performance, however, is noticeably impacted by the increase in platter count and capacity. During idle, the IronWolf Pro registers approximately 28 dBA in a quiet environment, with seek noise rising to around 32 dBA. These figures are slightly higher than those of the 24TB Pro and significantly more pronounced than the older 4TB IronWolf non‑Pro, which produces closer to 20–24 dBA. Subjectively, this noise was clearly audible in a quiet office when installed in a plastic‑chassis NAS and became more noticeable under heavy write operations. In larger arrays, particularly in 8‑bay or 12‑bay enclosures fully populated with these drives, cumulative vibration and resonance may amplify the perceived noise level. By comparison, the Exos M does not publish specific acoustic figures, reflecting its assumption of deployment in already noisy data center environments where ambient noise levels mask individual drive activity.

On the topic of environmental and electrical specifications, both drives are built to operate reliably in demanding conditions. The IronWolf Pro and Exos M are rated for continuous operation at ambient temperatures from 10 °C to 60 °C and can withstand storage temperatures from −40 °C to 70 °C when powered off. Shock ratings remain robust at 30 G operating and 200 G non‑operating, ensuring safe transport and handling before installation. Rotational vibration tolerance of up to 12.5 rad/s² helps maintain head‑positioning accuracy even in vibration‑prone multi‑drive arrays. Power draw, as specified by Seagate, averages around 6.8–6.9 W when idle and rises to between 8.3–9.5 W during typical operating workloads, depending on the model. Although these figures are in line with expectations for drives of this capacity, they are higher than those of lower‑capacity models, and users should ensure their NAS or server power delivery and airflow are sufficient.

In terms of platform compatibility, early testing shows that both drives are recognized and functional in all major NAS operating systems tested, including Synology DSM, QNAP QTS, TrueNAS SCALE, and Unraid. Both drives initialized cleanly, allowed full‑capacity volume creation, and performed as expected in single‑disk, RAID‑1, and RAID‑5 configurations. Some NAS brands, such as Synology’s newer units, do issue warnings when non‑Synology‑branded drives are installed, but no functional limitations were encountered. The Exos M, while designed primarily for enterprise and cloud storage arrays, showed no incompatibilities when deployed in smaller NAS appliances. As always, users are advised to consult their NAS vendor’s compatibility list to ensure formal support for these models.

Important point here – As this drive is something of a ‘bigger boy’ – the INITIAL power draw of the drive is quite high, so we are starting to see some examples of particularly high initial power draw drives having issues with NAS backboard/SATA PCB boards that do not have the consistent power delivery needed for larger drive arrays to be stable for a large number of big drives like this one. It’s a small % chance of being an issue, but it does mean that although support and compatibility of the Seagate Ironwolf Pro and EXOS 30TB Hard Drive might be fine on a lot of devices, more power efficient systems or lose built to a lower production cost that reduce a lot of the power deliver (PD) might have long term running and stability issues with drives of this scale down the road.

Seagate 30TB Ironwolf Pro and EXOS Hard Drive – Conclusion and Verdict

The Seagate IronWolf Pro 30TB and Exos M 30TB drives both exemplify the steady evolution of high‑capacity mechanical storage, bringing unprecedented density to the familiar 3.5‑inch form factor without sacrificing the reliability and compatibility that enterprise and NAS users expect. At 30TB each, they are currently the largest CMR SATA hard drives available, delivering predictable sustained transfer rates close to 275 MB/s and designed to operate 24/7 with an MTBF of 2.5 million hours. Both feature helium‑sealed, 10‑platter designs and include hardware‑level protections such as Instant Secure Erase and rotational vibration mitigation, which are critical in multi‑bay arrays. Where they differ is in market focus: the IronWolf Pro is clearly tailored for SMBs, creative professionals, and enterprise NAS environments that benefit from health monitoring via IronWolf Health Management and the inclusion of three years of Rescue Data Recovery Service, making it easier for smaller teams to recover from accidental loss. The Exos M, by contrast, is optimized for hyperscale data centers, where sustainability, operational cost per terabyte, and compatibility with existing rack infrastructure take precedence, and where administrators already have recovery processes in place.

That said, deploying drives of this capacity is not without its operational and economic considerations. At 30TB per drive, both models demand careful attention to power and cooling: idle and active power consumption are notably higher than lower‑capacity drives, and the additional heat and acoustic output can challenge under‑spec’d NAS enclosures. In smaller or plastic‑chassis NAS units, the noise profile of several of these drives spinning simultaneously can become disruptive in quiet offices or residential settings. Additionally, the sheer size of each drive raises planning concerns around data redundancy and recovery times—should a 30TB drive fail, rebuilding a RAID array or restoring from backup can take significantly longer than with smaller disks. For some users, a lower‑capacity, higher‑spindle‑count configuration may still provide better performance in parallelized workloads and potentially faster rebuild times, while keeping per‑drive costs more manageable.

Ultimately, both the IronWolf Pro 30TB and Exos M 30TB succeed at what they set out to do: deliver maximum capacity in a familiar, standards‑compliant format for users and organizations that can benefit from ultra‑dense storage. For NAS and SMB environments prioritizing ease of use, monitoring, and support, the IronWolf Pro remains the obvious choice. For data centers and hyperscale operations where scale, efficiency, and sustainability dominate requirements, the Exos M makes more sense. Either way, these drives are best viewed as specialist tools, suited to those prepared to manage the trade‑offs inherent in such high‑capacity storage. Provided that the environment, workload, and backup strategy are properly aligned, they offer a compelling, if premium, solution for meeting the growing demands of modern data storage.

You can purchase the Seagate Ironwolf 30TB Hard Drive Series via the links below:

* Using these links will result in a small % commission coming to NASCompares and this helps me and Ed here (it really is just us!) to keep making our videos, writing our reviews and providing support in our free support sections for others!

PROs of the Seagate 30TB Ironwolf Pro and EXOs PROs of the Seagate 30TB Ironwolf Pro and EXOs
  • Unprecedented Capacity — Both drives offer 30TB in a single 3.5-inch drive, reducing the number of disks needed for large arrays and saving space – but doing so in a CMR design (and not SMR) is just incredible

  • Helium-Sealed Design — Uses a proven 10-platter, helium-filled architecture for improved reliability, reduced turbulence, and better areal density.

  • Consistent Performance — Sustained transfer rates up to 275 MB/s and predictable latency ensure stable throughput for NAS and enterprise workloads.

  • Enterprise-Grade Reliability — MTBF of 2.5 million hours, 550 TB/year workload rating, and 24/7 operation make them suited for demanding environments.

  • Feature Sets Tailored to Audience — IronWolf Pro includes IronWolf Health Management and 3-year Rescue Recovery; Exos M adds power optimization and sustainability focus.

  • Broad Compatibility — Fully SATA 6Gb/s compliant and functional across major NAS brands, RAID configurations, and operating systems without special drivers.

  • Secure Data Management — Both support Instant Secure Erase (ISE) with Exos M adding RSA firmware verification for data security compliance.

  • Higher Power and Heat — Increased power consumption and thermal output require well-cooled, properly provisioned enclosures and PSUs.

  • Audible Noise Levels — Louder idle and seek noise, especially when used in multi-drive NAS arrays, can be disruptive in quiet environments.

  • Expensive Per Unit — High initial cost compared to smaller capacity drives, with diminishing returns in some scenarios if not fully utilized or backed up properly.


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Synology DS925+ vs QNAP TS-464 NAS

The Synology DS925+ versus QNAP TS-464 – Buy NEW or Buy QNAP?

Every so often in the NAS market, a new model arrives that challenges not just its predecessors but also its closest competitors. With the 2025 release of the Synology DS925+, buyers now face an interesting dilemma: go with Synology’s latest compact powerhouse, or choose QNAP’s TS-464—a device that has already proven itself since its release in 2022/2023 and offers a wide array of features at a competitive price. The DS925+ brings notable upgrades to CPU architecture, system memory scalability, and integration within Synology’s tightly controlled ecosystem. Meanwhile, the TS-464 has spent years benefiting from firmware maturity, PCIe expandability, and a more open hardware approach that appeals to power users and tinkerers alike. But which device is ultimately the better buy in 2025? Should you embrace Synology’s ecosystem with its newer, high-performance release, or does QNAP’s more versatile and budget-friendly offering still hold strong in the face of newer competition? Let’s dive into the details to help you decide which NAS deserves your next investment.

Synology DS925+ vs QNAP TS-464 – Hardware Specifications

When placing the 2025 Synology DS925+ alongside the 2022/2023 QNAP TS-464, one might expect the newer model to clearly dominate in every area. But hardware comparisons in the NAS market are rarely so simple. While both units are aimed at tech-savvy home users and small businesses looking for reliable, always-on storage solutions, their approaches to hardware—and the user needs they prioritize—are noticeably different. The DS925+ emphasizes streamlined performance, reduced noise, and integration within Synology’s tightly managed ecosystem. The QNAP TS-464, meanwhile, leans into raw hardware flexibility, DIY expandability, and a more open feature set for power users. Below is a detailed hardware breakdown of both NAS devices, showing where each shines and where compromises were made.

Category Synology DS925+

QNAP TS-464

Advantage / Notes
CPU Model AMD Ryzen V1500B Intel Celeron N5105 Different architectures; depends on workload
CPU Cores / Threads 4 Cores / 8 Threads 4 Cores / 4 Threads DS925+ has more threads
CPU Frequency 2.2 GHz 2.0 GHz (base) / 2.9 GHz (turbo) TS-464 has higher clock speeds
Architecture 64-bit 64-bit
Hardware Encryption Engine Yes Yes
Memory (Pre-installed) 4 GB DDR4 ECC SODIMM 4 GB DDR4 non-ECC SODIMM DS925+ uses ECC memory
Total Memory Slots 2 2
Max Memory Capacity 32 GB (2x 16 GB ECC) 16 GB officially, 32 GB unofficially DS925+ officially supports more RAM
Drive Bays 4 4
Max Drive Bays (with Expansion) 9 (DX525) Up to 8/12/16 (TL-D800S or TL-D1600S) TS-464 supports more total drives
M.2 Drive Slots 2 x NVMe (cache only, unless you use Synology SSDs) 2 x NVMe (cache or storage) TS-464 offers more flexibility
Supported Drive Types Synology-only verified HDD/SSD Full third-party drive compatibility TS-464 supports Seagate, WD, Toshiba, Kingston, Samsung, etc.
Hot Swappable Drives Yes (SATA only) Yes (SATA only)
LAN Ports 2 x 2.5GbE 2 x 2.5GbE
USB Ports 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A TS-464 has faster and more versatile ports
Expansion Port Type USB Type-C (for DX525 only) USB Type-C / USB-A (for TL & TR series) TS-464 supports more expansion chassis
PCIe Slot None 1 x PCIe Gen3 x2 TS-464 allows 10GbE or AI/GPU card upgrades
Dimensions (HxWxD) 166 x 199 x 223 mm 168 x 170 x 226 mm Virtually the same size
Weight 2.26 kg 2.18 kg TS-464 is slightly lighter
System Fans 2 x 92mm 1 x 120mm DS925+ may offer better airflow; TS-464 is quieter
Fan Modes Full-Speed, Cool, Quiet Smart Fan Control Comparable flexibility
LED Brightness Control Yes Yes
Power Recovery Yes Yes
Noise Level (Idle) 20.5 dB(A) 18.6 dB(A) TS-464 is quieter
Power Supply 100W External Adapter 90W External Adapter TS-464 is more power efficient
Power Consumption (Access / Hibernate) 37.91W / 12.33W 26.08W / 9.48W TS-464 uses less power
BTU (Access / Hibernate) 129.27 / 42.05 89.03 / 32.38 TS-464 generates less heat
Operating Temp 0°C to 40°C 0°C to 40°C
Storage Temp -20°C to 60°C -20°C to 70°C TS-464 is rated for slightly higher extremes
Humidity 5% to 95% RH 5% to 95% RH
Warranty 3 years (extendable to 5) 3 years (extendable with license or bundle)

The DS925+ delivers a refined hardware experience out of the box, with its newer AMD Embedded Ryzen V1500B 4 Core/ 8 thread processor, dual 2.5GbE ports for faster LAN connectivity, and modern I/O including USB-C. It features two M.2 NVMe slots (for cache only, unless you use the Synology SNV3400 drives from Synology), dual memory slots supporting up to 32GB of ECC DDR4 RAM, and a compact metal chassis designed for quiet, efficient operation. It also runs cooler and quieter than many of its rivals, making it an ideal fit for environments where noise levels matter—such as living rooms, home studios, or small offices. This makes the DS925+ a “plug-and-play” NAS with premium internal components and minimal need for user intervention.

By contrast, the QNAP TS-464 takes a more modular, expandable approach. Powered by the Intel Celeron N5105/N5095 CPU (a quad-core processor with integrated graphics, but only 4 threads), it offers HDMI 2.0 output, two M.2 PCIe Gen3 x1 slots (which can be used for either caching or storage pools), and a PCIe Gen3 x2 slot for optional 10GbE or more M.2s, USB expansion, or even GPU cards. QNAP also includes dual 2.5GbE ports, putting it on par with the DS925+ in terms of network speed, but it edges ahead in overall hardware adaptability. Want multimedia output via HDMI? QNAP has it. Want to add NVMe storage pools or real-time transcoding? QNAP supports that too. That said, the TS-464 is based on a slightly older CPU architecture, lacks ECC memory support, and typically generates more fan noise under load. Additionally, its OS and ecosystem are broader in scope but often require more manual setup. Ultimately, the DS925+ is purpose-built for those who prioritize a quiet, polished, and simplified experience with modern performance. The TS-464, on the other hand, remains an excellent choice for users who prefer control, multimedia support, and greater hardware flexibility. Choosing between them largely depends on whether you value Synology’s stability and turnkey design, or QNAP’s freedom and potential.

AMD V1500B vs Intel N5105 – CPU Specifications (Synology DS925+ vs QNAP TS-464)

In any NAS system, the processor plays a pivotal role in determining the scope of functionality—whether it’s managing multiple concurrent users, running virtual machines, powering AI-driven applications, or simply handling encrypted transfers and background tasks efficiently. The Synology DS925+ and the QNAP TS-464 take noticeably different approaches in this regard. The DS925+ features the AMD Ryzen Embedded V1500B, a server-grade SoC designed for sustained multi-threaded workloads. The TS-464, on the other hand, runs on the Intel Celeron N5105, a more consumer-oriented chip that prioritizes integrated multimedia support and power efficiency. While both CPUs are quad-core, their architecture, instruction set, and target use cases diverge sharply—affecting not only raw processing, but also the capabilities unlocked within DSM and QTS/QuTS, respectively.

Category AMD Ryzen V1500B

Intel Celeron N5105

Advantage / Notes
Architecture Zen (1st Gen) Tremont (10nm) N5105 uses newer fabrication process
Core / Thread Count 4 Cores / 8 Threads 4 Cores / 4 Threads V1500B has SMT (hyperthreading) support
Base Clock Speed 2.2 GHz 2.0 GHz V1500B slightly faster base
Boost Clock Speed N/A (fixed clock) Up to 2.9 GHz N5105 has dynamic boost for single-thread performance
TDP (Thermal Design Power) 16W 10W N5105 is more power efficient
L2 Cache 2 MB 1.5 MB V1500B has more L2 cache
L3 Cache 4 MB 4 MB Same
Integrated Graphics None Intel UHD Graphics (24 EUs @ 800 MHz) N5105 supports HDMI, video decoding, and light GPU tasks
PCIe Version PCIe 3.0 PCIe 3.0
Max Memory Supported 32 GB ECC DDR4 16 GB officially (32 GB unofficially) V1500B supports higher, ECC-capable memory
Memory Type DDR4 ECC DDR4 / LPDDR4x (non-ECC) V1500B supports ECC, better for critical NAS use
Virtualization Support Yes (AMD-V) Yes (VT-x, VT-d) Both CPUs support virtualization features
AES-NI (Encryption) Yes Yes Both support hardware encryption
Target Use Case Embedded systems / Business NAS Low-power desktops / SMB NAS / IoT V1500B is more server/NAS-specific
Release Year 2020 2021 N5105 is newer

In terms of raw specs, the V1500B offers 4 cores and 8 threads with a base clock of 2.2GHz and support for ECC memory—a key advantage for mission-critical environments. This CPU is built for multitasking and thrives in scenarios involving virtual machines, container services, and intensive file indexing or backup operations. As a result, the DS925+ supports up to 8 concurrent virtual machines, 8 virtual DSM instances, and higher thresholds for connected users across Synology apps. It is better suited to offices or power users who rely on services like Synology Office, Drive, or Surveillance Station running in tandem. The system handles up to 150 Synology Chat users, 80 Office users, and 80 Drive users, offering excellent multitasking performance with low overhead.

The QNAP TS-464’s Intel N5105 is a 10nm Jasper Lake processor, also quad-core but without hyper-threading and with a slightly lower base clock (2.0GHz). However, it includes integrated Intel UHD Graphics, giving it one key advantage the DS925+ lacks: hardware-accelerated video transcoding via QNAP’s own QuMagie, Video Station, and especially Plex Media Server with support for on-the-fly 1080p and 4K decoding when paired with proper client-side licensing. This makes the TS-464 ideal for multimedia-heavy environments. Beyond media, the N5105 powers QTS and QuTS hero with access to QNAP’s broader and often more modular ecosystem. This includes Hybrid Backup Sync (HBS 3) for unified backup and disaster recovery, QuDedup for deduplicated snapshot replication, QVR Elite and QVR Pro for professional-grade surveillance (supporting multiple IP camera licenses natively), and AI Core features like face recognition and event detection when paired with the QuMagie or QVR Human apps. The TS-464 also supports Virtualization Station, enabling users to run lightweight Linux or Windows VMs with direct passthrough access to USB or PCIe devices, and Container Station, which offers both Docker and LXC container compatibility with GPU passthrough for NPU-based AI inference workloads. Thanks to the included PCIe Gen 3 x2 slot, the system supports optional upgrades like 10GbE NICs, QM2 expansion cards (for M.2 SSD or additional 2.5GbE/10GbE ports), or even Wi-Fi 6 cards, something entirely absent in the DS925+. Additionally, QNAP allows direct output to an external display via HDMI 2.0, enabling standalone use of HD Station apps like Chrome, LibreOffice, Kodi, and even Linux desktop environments — a feature highly prized in HTPC and security NVR deployments. Users can leverage Linux Station to run full Ubuntu VMs locally, or install Ubuntu Core through the App Center for custom development or edge AI inference scenarios.

Taken together, the TS-464 may not support the same high virtual machine/user count as the DS925+, but it compensates with a broader set of integrated appliances catering to power users, home labs, edge AI, and media-heavy deployments. It’s a more “tinker-friendly” platform, favoring flexibility and breadth over centralized system control and vertical integration. If you need an appliance that works across entertainment, security, and hybrid cloud workflows, with room for add-on functionality via hardware or apps, the TS-464 is hard to beat for the price. That said, the Synology DS925+ ultimately offers greater headroom for enterprise workflows, heavier VM usage, and large-scale hybrid deployments. It sacrifices media transcoding and graphical acceleration, but gains a server-class CPU that ensures consistent performance under heavier load conditions. Meanwhile, the TS-464 excels in edge-case versatility, offering more multimedia flexibility and richer expansion potential via PCIe. If your priorities lie in business-class performance, ECC memory support, and robust multi-user capacity, the DS925+ is the clear winner. But for media streaming, home lab tinkering, and a wider hardware feature set, the TS-464 remains a very compelling alternative.

Synology DS925+ vs QNAP TS-464 – Software Specifications

When it comes to NAS platforms, hardware is only half the story—what truly determines a system’s long-term value is the strength, maturity, and flexibility of its software. Synology’s DSM (DiskStation Manager) and QNAP’s QTS/QuTS Hero are two of the most advanced NAS operating systems available today, offering extensive suites of services for backup, virtualization, hybrid cloud, media streaming, and AI-assisted surveillance. But while both OS platforms cover similar ground, their design philosophies, application depth, and supported workloads differ substantially. The Synology DS925+ and QNAP TS-464, though comparable in price and both aimed at prosumers and SMBs, unlock very different software experiences depending on the deployment goals—be it centralized IT infrastructure, media-rich home labs, or container-based edge computing.

With the DS925+, Synology leans into its strength in unified management and vertical integration. DSM 7.2 is optimized for reliability, simplicity, and scalability within Synology’s ecosystem. The DS925+ supports up to 8 virtual machines and 8 Virtual DSM instances through Virtual Machine Manager, offers extensive group and user quotas, and enables full integration with Synology’s cloud services (such as Synology C2 Backup, C2 Identity, and Hybrid Share). Its higher hardware ceiling allows for more active users: 150 on Synology Chat, 80 on Synology Drive and Office, and up to 8 simultaneous VPN connections. Backup capabilities are similarly robust, with a higher threshold of shared folder sync tasks and superior support for incremental snapshot replication. Surveillance Station on the DS925+ supports up to 40 IP cameras and benefits from reduced CPU overhead during continuous recording, even while handling concurrent backup or media indexing operations. DSM’s elegant UI, consistent updates, and tightly integrated packages make it ideal for organizations that value centralized IT administration and long-term platform stability.

On the other hand, the QNAP TS-464 running QTS 5 or QuTS Hero offers a more open and modular software ecosystem. While the Intel N5105 CPU imposes lower multitasking ceilings than the V1500B, QNAP compensates with a broader set of feature-specific applications and customization paths. The TS-464 supports virtualization through Virtualization Station (for VMs) and Container Station (for Docker + LXC), and unlike the DS925+, can output video directly via HDMI 2.0—allowing the NAS to act as a standalone Linux desktop, NVR, or HTPC via HybridDesk Station. QNAP also differentiates itself with Hybrid Backup Sync (HBS3), which enables multi-destination sync, deduplicated backup via QuDedup, and real-time disaster recovery tools not found in DSM. QVR Pro and QVR Elite offer an expansive surveillance suite with optional AI-powered analytics (e.g., face recognition, people counting) when paired with compatible QNAP AI apps. The inclusion of ZFS with QuTS Hero (an optional OS for the TS-464) enables inline compression, self-healing file systems, and block-level snapshots, which can be critical for data integrity in business scenarios.

QNAP also encourages expansion through its App Center, which includes over 150+ native and third-party apps, from Node.js and GitLab to Home Assistant, Ubuntu Station, and even Mattermost for self-hosted chat. While the system supports fewer concurrent users and VMs than the DS925+, its strength lies in feature breadth and system-level flexibility. Add-ons like 10GbE NICs, QM2 SSD accelerators, or Wi-Fi 6 cards via PCIe further extend its versatility, especially for hybrid edge workloads or multi-role deployments that evolve over time. In short, the Synology DS925+ is designed for administrative simplicity and long-term scaling, excelling in consistent performance across multi-user deployments with deep DSM integration. The QNAP TS-464, meanwhile, is a powerful sandbox for customization, offering greater freedom, multimedia functionality, and third-party integration—at the cost of some operational polish and software limits. Choosing between them depends on whether your priorities lie in predictable enterprise-grade execution or a more adaptable, feature-dense platform.

Synology DS925+ vs QNAP TS-464 – Hard Drive and SSD Compatibility

In 2025, Synology has taken its most aggressive step yet toward locking down hardware compatibility, and nowhere is this more evident than in the DS925+. Following years of gradual restrictions—starting with warnings for unverified drives and progressing to default white-listing only Synology-branded media—the DS925+ now represents a firm line in the sand. At the time of writing, this system will not allow DSM initialization if it detects hard drives or SSDs that are not officially listed on Synology’s compatibility list. This list includes exclusively Synology HAT5300/HAT3310 HDDs and SAT5200 SSDs, with no third-party Seagate, WD, Toshiba, Samsung, or Kingston media currently supported. Regardless of drive quality or performance, unsupported models will be outright blocked during system setup. While Synology claims this guarantees optimal reliability and performance within DSM 7.2, the move drastically reduces flexibility for users and integrators alike.

In stark contrast, the QNAP TS-464 embraces an open compatibility philosophy. It supports virtually all major consumer and enterprise drives—from Seagate IronWolf and Exos, to WD Red, Red Plus, and Ultrastar, as well as Toshiba N300/X300 and Samsung/Kingston SSDs—up to 24TB per drive (or higher as of late 2025). QNAP also maintains a regularly updated compatibility list, but crucially, this list is advisory rather than mandatory. Users can install any 3.5″ or 2.5″ SATA HDD/SSD, and as long as it meets the physical and electrical standards, the TS-464 will initialize without issue. This means integrators, home users, or small businesses can reuse existing drives or select from the most cost-effective options in their region—something that’s increasingly difficult to do on newer Synology units. Moreover, QNAP allows mixing and matching of drive brands and capacities within the same storage pool (especially under QuTS hero’s ZFS environment), giving users granular control over redundancy, performance tuning, and cache layering with non-proprietary M.2 NVMe SSDs. This openness also applies to QNAP expansion units, many of which continue to work even with completely mixed-brand storage configurations—something Synology’s newer expansion policies have started to restrict.

For users in regions where Synology-branded media is expensive, hard to find, or simply not justified for non-critical applications, this policy shift on the DS925+ can be a deal-breaker. It positions the system closer to an appliance model, where Synology controls not only the hardware and software, but the storage medium itself. While that vertical integration may improve long-term reliability for some enterprise users, it’s difficult to reconcile with the broader DIY NAS community that values choice and modularity. Ultimately, this creates a philosophical divide: QNAP remains open, modular, and adaptable, trusting users to make informed decisions about their storage media. Synology, in contrast, is consolidating control, with the DS925+ exemplifying a move toward a closed ecosystem—potentially alienating users who previously praised DSM for its balance of simplicity and flexibility. Prospective buyers need to weigh not just performance and features, but how tightly they want to be tied to a single vendor’s hardware roadmap.

Synology DS925+ vs QNAP TS-464 NAS – Which Should You Buy?

The Synology DS925+ is a 2025 refresh designed with clear intent: push performance, tighten control, and streamline the out-of-box experience. In contrast, the QNAP TS-464—released in late 2022—is a Swiss Army knife of NAS flexibility, packed with customization options, open compatibility, and enough horsepower to meet the needs of both power users and small business deployments. Choosing between them ultimately comes down to what kind of NAS experience you’re after: a controlled, polished, and tightly integrated environment, or an open, adaptable, and hardware-friendly platform. On raw performance, the DS925+ has the edge. Its quad-core, 8-thread AMD V1500B CPU delivers higher throughput for multitasking, virtual machines, and heavier concurrent services, and DSM’s user/service thresholds are notably higher as a result. Add in dual 2.5GbE ports by default, and it’s clearly a step ahead of the DS923+ predecessor 1GbE-only base configuration, and you are looking at a healthy upgrade in several ways in this refresh. However, QNAP claws back ground with its PCIe Gen3 x2 slot, allowing 10GbE upgrades, Wi-Fi cards, and even GPU acceleration in select use cases—something Synology removed entirely from the DS925+. In QNAP’s favor is also its support for real-time hardware transcoding, HDMI 2.0 video output, and direct-attached monitor access—making it a better fit for media-centric environments where local playback, Plex, or Kodi usage matters.

Synology DS925+ NAS

QNAP TS-464 NAS

Check Amazon in Your Region for the Synology DS925+ NAS

Check B&H for the Synology DS925+ NAS

Check Amazon in Your Region for the QNAP TS-464 NAS

Check B&H for the QNAP TS-464 NAS

But perhaps the most significant dividing line is drive compatibility. The DS925+ will only initialize DSM with Synology-validated drives—locking out nearly all third-party HDDs and SSDs unless explicitly approved. This hardline stance means limited flexibility for users wanting to build using existing drives or regional market alternatives. Meanwhile, the TS-464 supports virtually all consumer and enterprise drives, from Seagate to Toshiba to Kingston, giving users total control over their storage budget and deployment roadmap. This open-ecosystem approach extends to M.2 NVMe usage too, where QNAP allows storage pool creation, caching, and tiering with off-the-shelf modules, while Synology restricts pool creation to only their branded NVMes. If you’re an IT administrator, content creator, or SMB looking for a polished, performance-forward NAS and you’re fully on board with Synology’s ecosystem—including its branded drives—then the DS925+ offers a streamlined, high-ceiling experience with excellent multitasking potential and cleaner UI/UX polish under DSM 7.2. But if you’re someone who values flexibility, upgrade paths, media support, or simply wants to control your storage choices without vendor lock-in, the QNAP TS-464 is an incredibly compelling alternative—offering strong performance for its price, an open architecture, and a deeper toolbox under QTS/QuTS Hero.

NAS Solutions

NAS Solutions

+ Better Software (In almost every respect!)

+ Much Better Global Support Presence

+ More business desirable

+ Larger Range of solutions

– Compatibility restrictions on HDD and Upgrades More and more

– Underwhelming hardware (comparatively)

+ Better Hardware for Price

+ Wider Variety of Solutions and Hardware Profiles

+ Supports ZFS and/or EXT4 (with ZFS platform now available on latest Intel Celeron Systems)

+ Wide accessory range and compatibility

– Software can often feel inconsistent

– Hit by Security Issues if the past

Check Amazon By Clicking Below:

Check Amazon By Clicking Below:

The Synology DS925+ is the better plug-and-play NAS for prosumers and SMBs who want a high-performance, low-maintenance experience—provided they’re comfortable buying into Synology’s tightly controlled ecosystem of software and storage hardware. On the other hand, the QNAP TS-464 remains the better choice for users who value flexibility, hardware freedom, and scalability—especially if media features, drive compatibility, or future upgrades are part of the plan. Ultimately, the DS925+ is the sharper tool, but the TS-464 is the more versatile one.

 

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Best NAS for Under $499

Best NAS You Can Buy Right Now (Mid-2025) for Under $499

As of mid-2025, the sub-$499 NAS market is more competitive than ever, with several brands offering systems that deliver strong hardware, dedicated operating systems, and multiple drive bays within a modest budget. For home users, prosumers, and small teams looking to centralize data, manage backups, or stream media locally, this price bracket now includes options that would have cost significantly more just a few years ago. From rackmount storage appliances to compact flash-based servers, there are now choices to suit a wide variety of workloads and network environments.

This article examines five out-of-the-box NAS systems that are currently available for $499 or less. While each system takes a slightly different approach—whether prioritizing raw bandwidth, containerization, virtualization support, or software simplicity—they all represent viable solutions for users seeking value without compromising core functionality.

Important Disclaimer and Notes Before You Buy

All of the NAS systems featured in this list are diskless, meaning they do not include storage media by default. Users will need to purchase compatible 3.5″ HDDs, 2.5″ SSDs, or M.2 NVMe drives separately depending on the system’s configuration. This significantly affects the total cost of ownership, particularly for all-flash systems where NVMe drives are required. Some devices also use onboard flash or eMMC storage to house the operating system, but this is not sufficient for general file storage. Buyers should also consider the cost of drives, RAID redundancy planning, and any accessories (e.g., cables or cooling enhancements) when budgeting for deployment.

Another consideration is the variation in NAS operating systems provided. While most models come with a vendor-specific OS—such as Synology DSM, TerraMaster TOS, UGOS, or Unraid—some platforms allow or even encourage the installation of third-party alternatives like TrueNAS or Unraid without voiding hardware warranties. However, in cases where the software stack is less mature or limited in features, users may need to invest more time configuring services such as Plex, Docker, or SMB sharing manually. As such, these systems are best suited to users who are comfortable managing basic network services or are willing to explore more advanced functionality over time.


UniFi UNAS Pro 7-Bay NAS

$499 – ARM Cortex-A57 – 8GB – 7x 3.5″ SATA – 1x 10GbE SFP+, 1x 1GbE – UniFi OS – BUY HERE

The UniFi UNAS Pro is a 2U rackmount NAS solution designed primarily for high-speed, large-scale data storage. It features seven hot-swappable 2.5″/3.5″ SATA drive bays and is built around a quad-core ARM Cortex-A57 processor running at 1.7GHz, paired with 8GB of onboard DDR4 memory. Unlike general-purpose NAS systems that include container support or multimedia features, this device is focused purely on network file storage. It offers robust network connectivity with both a 10GbE SFP+ port and a 1GbE RJ45 port, making it suitable for use cases where bandwidth is a priority—such as centralized backups, archival storage, or high-volume file transfers within a UniFi-managed network.

The system is managed via UniFi’s Drive app within the UniFi OS ecosystem, and supports standard RAID configurations including RAID 0, 1, 5, and 6. Power redundancy is provided via a dual-input system—an internal 200W AC/DC PSU and support for USP-RPS DC failover. There’s also a 1.3-inch front panel touchscreen for quick diagnostics and system status at the rack. While it lacks container support, virtualization, or media server capabilities, it integrates easily with other UniFi products or can operate as a standalone storage node in a mixed environment. For users who require reliable, scalable storage with 10GbE connectivity but can forego app extensibility, the UNAS Pro represents a straightforward, hardware-driven option in the sub-$500 space.

Component Specification
CPU Quad-Core ARM Cortex-A57 @ 1.7GHz
Memory 8GB DDR4
Drive Bays 7x 2.5″/3.5″ SATA HDD/SSD
Networking 1x 10GbE SFP+, 1x 1GbE
Power 200W internal PSU + USP-RPS redundancy
OS UniFi OS / Drive App
Display 1.3″ touchscreen
Form Factor 2U Rackmount
Dimensions 442 x 325 x 87 mm
Weight 9.5 kg with brackets


UGREEN NASync DXP4800 NAS

$499 – Intel N100 – 8GB – 4x 3.5″ SATA + 2x M.2 NVMe – 2x 2.5GbE – UGOS Pro – BUY HERE

The UGREEN NASync DXP4800 is a desktop 4-bay NAS that combines hybrid storage architecture with modern I/O and a maturing proprietary OS. It is powered by an Intel N100 quad-core processor from Intel’s 12th-gen Alder Lake-N series, paired with 8GB of DDR5 memory and 32GB of onboard eMMC storage for the operating system. In addition to its four SATA bays, it includes two M.2 NVMe SSD slots, enabling users to build a fast caching tier or SSD-only volumes for improved application performance. Network connectivity includes dual 2.5GbE LAN ports, and the system supports link aggregation for higher throughput or failover scenarios.

On the software side, the unit runs UGOS Pro, UGREEN’s in-house NAS operating system. It includes support for RAID 0/1/5/6/10, Docker containers, Plex, remote access, and cloud sync tools. While UGOS is less mature than systems like DSM or TrueNAS, it has improved over successive updates and includes a clean web UI for file sharing, snapshots, and media streaming. Front and rear USB 3.2 ports (including USB-C) and an SD 3.0 card reader add to its usability for media professionals. For users who prefer a GUI-based setup with broad feature support and hybrid storage flexibility, the DXP4800 offers substantial value in the under-$500 bracket—especially when discounted.

Component Specification
CPU Intel N100 (4 cores, up to 3.4GHz)
Memory 8GB DDR5 (upgradable to 16GB)
Drive Bays 4x SATA (3.5″/2.5″) + 2x M.2 NVMe
Networking 2x 2.5GbE LAN
Ports 1x USB-C (10Gbps), 2x USB-A, SD Card Reader
Video Output 1x HDMI (4K)
OS UGOS Pro
Power Consumption 35.18W (access), 15.43W (hibernation)
Dimensions 257 x 178 x 178 mm (approx.)


LincStation N2 NAS

$399 – Intel N100 – 16GB – 2x 2.5″ SATA + 4x M.2 NVMe – 1x 10GbE – Unraid OS – BUY HERE

The LincStation N2 is a compact, all-SSD NAS that delivers a high-performance spec sheet at a relatively low price. Powered by an Intel N100 processor and equipped with 16GB of LPDDR5 memory, it supports a mix of two 2.5″ SATA SSDs and four M.2 2280 NVMe drives. This six-bay design—entirely SSD-based—is geared toward users who require faster IOPS, quieter operation, and lower power draw than traditional hard drive-based systems. Network connectivity is handled by a single 10GbE RJ45 port, a rare inclusion in this price bracket and especially valuable for direct workstation or multi-client environments.

The device ships with an Unraid Starter license pre-installed, giving users access to advanced features like Docker container support, virtual machines, hardware passthrough, and flexible storage management. While Unraid requires some learning curve for new users, it offers a high degree of customization and adaptability compared with fixed software stacks. The system also includes HDMI output, USB-C, USB 3.2, and multiple USB 2.0 ports, making it suitable for use as a lightweight home server or media workstation. For users prioritizing SSD storage, 10GbE, and virtualization support, the LincStation N2 delivers a capable platform that’s uncommon at this price point.

Component Specification
CPU Intel N100 (4 cores, up to 3.4GHz)
Memory 16GB LPDDR5 (non-upgradable)
Drive Bays 2x 2.5″ SATA + 4x M.2 NVMe
Networking 1x 10GbE LAN
Ports 1x USB-C (10Gbps), 1x USB 3.2, 2x USB 2.0
Video/Audio HDMI 2.0, 3.5mm audio out
OS Unraid (Starter license included)
Dimensions 210 x 152 x 39.8 mm
Weight 800g


TerraMaster F4 SSD NAS

$399 – Intel N95 – 8GB – 4x M.2 NVMe – 1x 5GbE – TOS (TerraMaster OS) – BUY HERE

The TerraMaster F4 SSD is a 4-bay, all-flash NAS designed for high-speed home storage, media streaming, and photo management. It is equipped with an Intel N95 processor, an entry-level quad-core CPU from Intel’s Alder Lake-N family, and 8GB of DDR5 memory via a single SODIMM module. Storage is handled via four M.2 NVMe slots: two operating at PCIe 3.0 x2 speeds and two at PCIe 3.0 x1. These are designed for SSDs only—no support for SATA drives is provided. On the network side, the unit includes a single 5GbE port, offering a higher single-link bandwidth than systems using dual 2.5GbE, and can be directly connected to 10GbE networks at reduced speeds.

The system runs TerraMaster’s TOS operating system, which supports multimedia applications like Plex and Emby, cloud sync, photo AI tagging, user account control, and flexible backup solutions. TOS includes support for Btrfs and TRAID (TerraMaster RAID), along with remote access features and mobile apps for file synchronization and photo uploads. With three high-speed USB ports (2x Type-A and 1x Type-C), HDMI output, and low-noise fan operation (~19 dB), the F4 SSD targets users looking for a quieter, flash-based NAS for home environments. It lacks 2.5″/3.5″ bay support but offers fast SSD performance in a small form factor with minimal configuration requirements.

Component Specification
CPU Intel N95 (4 cores, up to 3.4GHz)
Memory 8GB DDR5 SODIMM (upgradable to 32GB)
Drive Bays 4x M.2 NVMe (2x PCIe 3.0 x2, 2x PCIe 3.0 x1)
Networking 1x 5GbE LAN
Ports 2x USB-A (10Gbps), 1x USB-C (10Gbps), HDMI 2.0
OS TOS (TerraMaster OS)
Noise Level 19 dB(A)
Dimensions 138 x 60 x 140 mm
Weight 0.6 kg (net), 1.2 kg (gross)


Synology DiskStation DS425+ NAS

$499 – Intel Celeron J4125 – 2GB – 4x 3.5″ SATA + 2x M.2 NVMe – 1x 2.5GbE, 1x 1GbE – DSM 7.x – BUY HERE

The Synology DS425+ is a 4-bay NAS designed to serve as an entry point into Synology’s DSM ecosystem, offering a balance between hardware efficiency and access to a mature, enterprise-grade operating system. It runs on the Intel Celeron J4125 processor, a quad-core chip with a base frequency of 2.0GHz and a burst frequency of 2.7GHz. The system ships with 2GB of DDR4 non-ECC memory, expandable up to 6GB, and supports both 3.5″/2.5″ SATA drives and two M.2 NVMe SSDs for caching or storage volumes. For networking, it includes one 2.5GbE port and one standard 1GbE port, giving users some flexibility depending on their switching infrastructure.

DSM (DiskStation Manager) remains one of the most advanced NAS operating systems available, offering built-in apps for file management, media streaming, surveillance, and virtualization. Synology Hybrid RAID (SHR) is supported for flexible storage management, along with Btrfs file system benefits such as snapshots and data integrity checks. The DS425+ is part of Synology’s 2025 refresh lineup, which enforces stricter compatibility with Synology-branded drives. Users should confirm drive support in advance, particularly if planning to reuse existing disks. Despite these limitations, for users seeking reliability, security features, and long-term OS support, the DS425+ remains a strong choice at the $499 price point.

Component Specification
CPU Intel Celeron J4125 (4 cores, up to 2.7GHz)
Memory 2GB DDR4 (expandable to 6GB)
Drive Bays 4x 3.5″/2.5″ SATA + 2x M.2 NVMe
Networking 1x 2.5GbE LAN, 1x 1GbE LAN
Ports 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1
OS Synology DSM 7.x
File System Btrfs, EXT4
Dimensions 166 x 199 x 223 mm
Weight 2.18 kg


The NAS market under $499 in mid-2025 presents a broad spectrum of options tailored to different storage priorities and technical requirements. Whether you’re looking for high-capacity traditional RAID storage, SSD-focused performance, or a feature-rich operating system, there are viable choices within this price bracket. The UniFi UNAS Pro stands out as a pure storage appliance with 10GbE connectivity and seven bays, suited for high-throughput archival or backup scenarios. Meanwhile, the UGREEN DXP4800 and LincStation N2 offer hybrid and full-flash storage respectively, with both systems supporting modern features like Docker, virtualization, and optional third-party OS deployment. For those focused on user-friendly software ecosystems and long-term support, Synology’s DS425+ remains a leading contender, albeit with stricter drive compatibility requirements. On the other hand, the TerraMaster F4 SSD delivers compact all-SSD storage with high-speed 5GbE networking and a growing feature set in TOS, including AI photo management and multimedia tools. All five models require user-supplied storage media and, in some cases, benefit from user familiarity with setup or configuration processes. Ultimately, the best choice depends on how much weight you place on performance, expandability, software polish, and overall system control within this tightly priced segment.

 

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Need Advice on Data Storage from an Expert?

Finally, for free advice about your setup, just leave a message in the comments below here at NASCompares.com and we will get back to you. Need Help? Where possible (and where appropriate) please provide as much information about your requirements, as then I can arrange the best answer and solution to your needs. Do not worry about your e-mail address being required, it will NOT be used in a mailing list and will NOT be used in any way other than to respond to your enquiry. [contact-form-7] TRY CHAT Terms and Conditions
If you like this service, please consider supporting us. We use affiliate links on the blog allowing NAScompares information and advice service to be free of charge to you.Anything you purchase on the day you click on our links will generate a small commission which isused to run the website. Here is a link for Amazon and B&H.You can also get me a ☕ Ko-fi or old school Paypal. Thanks!To find out more about how to support this advice service check HEREIf you need to fix or configure a NAS, check Fiver Have you thought about helping others with your knowledge? Find Instructions Here  
 
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Alternatively, why not ask me on the ASK NASCompares forum, by clicking the button below. This is a community hub that serves as a place that I can answer your question, chew the fat, share new release information and even get corrections posted. I will always get around to answering ALL queries, but as a one-man operation, I cannot promise speed! So by sharing your query in the ASK NASCompares section below, you can get a better range of solutions and suggestions, alongside my own.

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Best NAS for Under $249

Best NAS You Can Buy Right Now (Mid-2025) for Under $249

As personal data storage needs continue to grow in 2025, more users are seeking cost-effective alternatives to cloud services and monthly subscription platforms. Whether you’re backing up years of photos, hosting your own video library, or managing light business data locally, a dedicated NAS (Network Attached Storage) device offers greater privacy and control without recurring fees. Fortunately, the sub-$249 price point now includes a variety of surprisingly capable systems. Thanks to developments in low-power processors, DDR5 memory adoption, and more efficient operating systems, these devices can now handle everything from Plex streaming to light container workloads with relative ease. In this article, we explore five NAS solutions currently available at or below this price point, offering a balance of performance, connectivity, and storage potential for those looking to build their own storage solution on a modest budget.

Important Disclaimer and Notes Before You Buy!

Before diving into the specific NAS models, it’s important to understand the limitations and shared characteristics of devices in this price range. Most sub-$249 NAS units do not include any hard drives or SSDs, and many rely on M.2 NVMe slots or 2.5″/3.5″ SATA bays that must be populated separately. Some models ship with basic onboard storage (e.g., 32GB–64GB eMMC) sufficient only for the operating system. As such, the actual cost of getting a fully operational NAS with adequate storage for your needs may exceed the base unit price. Buyers should also be aware that these devices are best suited for home users, personal cloud use, and entry-level tasks, rather than intensive business or enterprise workloads. Additionally, several of the devices covered in this list do not come with a full-featured NAS operating system. Instead, they either rely on lightweight Linux-based platforms like CasaOS or ZimaOS, or they provide a basic UI designed for local file access and container management. While these OS options are improving in terms of user-friendliness, they may lack advanced features like comprehensive RAID management, automated snapshots, or multi-user file permission systems found in higher-end platforms like Synology DSM or TrueNAS. These NAS units are most appropriate for users with some technical confidence, or for those looking for a basic plug-and-play setup with limited customization needs.


Beelink ME Mini NAS – 6 Bay SSD NAS

$209 – Intel N150 – 12GB – No SSD (64GB eMMC Only) – 2x 2.5GbE + WiFi 6 – No OS / User Install – BUY HERE

The Beelink ME Mini is a compact NAS device aimed at users who want high-speed, SSD-based storage in a minimal footprint. Measuring just 99mm on each side, it features six M.2 2280 NVMe slots, providing up to 24TB of total capacity when fully populated. Powered by the Intel N150 processor and paired with 12GB of LPDDR5 memory, it offers a decent balance between performance and energy efficiency. Connectivity is handled via dual 2.5GbE LAN ports, WiFi 6, and Bluetooth 5.2, making it suitable for both wired and wireless environments. The unit is cooled passively and contains an integrated power supply, reducing cable clutter and making it ideal for placement in home media setups or small offices.

However, the device does not include an operating system, and users will need to install a preferred NAS OS themselves — whether that’s CasaOS, Ubuntu Server, or something container-based. There’s also no bundled storage beyond the 64GB eMMC system partition, so the overall cost will rise depending on your NVMe selections. It lacks support for traditional 3.5″ or 2.5″ SATA drives, making this NAS most suitable for users seeking a quiet, SSD-only setup with strong networking performance and flexibility for custom OS installation.

Component Specification
CPU Intel N150 (4 cores, up to 3.6 GHz)
Memory 12GB LPDDR5
Internal Storage 64GB eMMC + 6x M.2 2280 NVMe slots
Networking 2x 2.5GbE LAN, WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.2
Ports USB 2.0, USB 3.2, USB-C, HDMI
OS User-defined (Linux-based preferred)
Dimensions 99 x 99 x 99 mm


GMKTec G9 NAS – 4 Bay M.2 NAS @ The lowest Price

$185.99 – Intel N150 – 12GB – No SSD (64GB eMMC Only) – 2x 2.5GbE + WiFi 6 – Ubuntu 24.10 (Preloaded, Switchable) – BUY HERE

The GMKTec G9 offers similar internal hardware to the Beelink ME Mini, including the same Intel N150 processor and 12GB of LPDDR5 memory, but with a more rectangular chassis and fewer SSD slots — four instead of six. The system includes 64GB of onboard eMMC storage, primarily used for booting Ubuntu 24.10, with the option to dual-boot into Windows 11 if a suitable SSD is installed. Like the Beelink, it lacks traditional SATA support and focuses on high-speed NVMe storage via M.2 2280 slots, up to 4TB per drive. The unit is cooled actively and includes dual HDMI outputs, making it more appealing for those who may want to use it as a lightweight desktop or media output device in addition to a NAS.

One of the notable differences is its broader OS support and better I/O variety, including three USB 3.2 ports and a DisplayPort-capable USB-C connector. This NAS is best suited to users looking for a more configurable or multi-purpose system with better visual output options. However, as with the Beelink, users must add their own NVMe storage, and setup requires a basic understanding of system boot configuration and OS installation. Note – this one GETS HOT, so get SSD heatsinks and ensure a good active airflow wherever you deploy it!

Component Specification
CPU Intel N150 (4 cores, up to 3.6 GHz)
Memory 12GB LPDDR5
Internal Storage 64GB eMMC + 4x M.2 2280 NVMe slots
Networking 2x 2.5GbE LAN, WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.2
Ports 3x USB 3.2, 1x Type-C (DP), 2x HDMI, Audio
OS Ubuntu 24.10 by default, dual-boot capable
Dimensions 146.6 x 100.25 x 38.75 mm


Synology BeeStation 4TB NAS – ALL IN ONE!

$199 – Realtek RTD1619B – 1GB – 4TB SINGLE BAY – 1x 1GbE – BeeStation Manager (BSM) – BUY HERE

The Synology BeeStation 4TB is a fully integrated, single-bay NAS aimed squarely at users who want a no-setup-required solution. Unlike most NAS devices in this price range, it comes pre-configured with a 4TB internal hard drive and a sealed chassis, meaning users don’t need to source or install any storage themselves. It runs on a Realtek RTD1619B ARM-based processor, includes 1GB of DDR4 memory, and connects over a single 1GbE port. The included BeeStation Manager (BSM) OS is designed specifically for beginners, offering cloud-style file access, photo management, and mobile app integration with minimal technical effort.

This NAS is best suited to individuals or households that want a simple local backup and file-sharing solution that behaves more like a smart external hard drive than a customizable NAS. It supports basic multimedia functions, Synology mobile apps, and remote access features, but does not allow for internal expansion or RAID redundancy. The included USB-A and USB-C ports can be used for manual backups to external drives. However, because it’s a sealed single-drive unit with no RAID options, users should plan to back up to another location—either cloud or USB—to ensure data protection. Despite these limitations, its all-in-one design, 3-year warranty, and simple user experience make it one of the few truly plug-and-play NAS systems under $250.

Component Specification
CPU Realtek RTD1619B (Quad-core ARM)
Memory 1GB DDR4
Internal Storage 4TB HDD (included, sealed)
Networking 1x 1GbE LAN
Ports 1x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1, 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 1
OS Synology BeeStation Manager (BSM)
Dimensions 148 x 62.6 x 196.3 mm


UGREEN NASync DXP2800 NAS – The New Challenger!

$249 – Intel N100 – 8GB – No Storage (32GB eMMC) – 1x 2.5GbE – UGOS Pro – BUY HERE

The UGREEN DXP2800 is part of the company’s NASync lineup, aimed at users who want a blend of expandability and affordability. It combines the practicality of traditional HDD storage with the performance benefits of SSDs, offering two 3.5″ SATA bays alongside two M.2 NVMe SSD slots for faster caching or active data operations. At the heart of the system is an Intel N100 processor, a 12th-generation quad-core chip from Intel’s energy-efficient N-series lineup, which supports both basic virtualization and multimedia streaming. This is paired with 8GB of DDR5 memory, non-ECC but upgradable, and a 32GB eMMC used solely for the preloaded UGOS Pro operating system. Connectivity is handled through a single 2.5GbE LAN port and a mix of USB ports on both front and rear panels — including USB-C and 10Gbps-capable USB-A. UGOS Pro, while relatively new, features a clean web-based interface with container support, RAID management (0, 1, JBOD), remote file sharing, and basic multimedia services.

While it lacks the ecosystem polish of Synology DSM or QNAP QTS, it is one of the few turnkey options in this price range that supports both SSD and HDD usage in a flexible, non-proprietary layout. However, buyers should still account for the need to install their own drives and configure the storage pools manually. It’s a solid balance of raw hardware potential and modest software capability for users willing to manage their setup beyond the initial boot.

Component Specification
CPU Intel N100 (4 cores, up to 3.4GHz)
Memory 8GB DDR5 (non-ECC, upgradeable to 16GB)
Internal Storage 32GB eMMC + 2x SATA + 2x M.2 NVMe
Networking 1x 2.5GbE LAN
Ports Front: 1x USB-C (10Gbps), 1x USB-A (10Gbps) \nRear: 1x USB-A (5Gbps), 2x USB 2.0, HDMI 4K Output
OS UGOS Pro
Dimensions 231 x 109 x 178 mm (approx.)


ZimaBoard 2 (832 Version) – DIY Enthusiast’s DREAM!

$199 – Intel N150 – 8GB – No Storage (32GB eMMC) – 2x 2.5GbE – ZimaOS – BUY HERE

The ZimaBoard 2 (832) is a low-profile, single-board NAS platform designed for flexibility and modularity rather than out-of-the-box convenience. Unlike traditional NAS systems with enclosures and tool-less drive bays, this unit is a bare embedded board that offers direct access to interfaces for those who want to build or customize their own setup. It is powered by the same Intel N150 quad-core processor used in other compact NAS systems, paired here with 8GB of LPDDR5x memory and 32GB of onboard eMMC storage for its pre-installed ZimaOS. This board features two powered SATA 3.0 ports, making it one of the few sub-$250 NAS options that supports HDDs natively without requiring USB-to-SATA adapters or expansion modules.

In terms of connectivity, the ZimaBoard 2 includes dual 2.5GbE LAN ports, USB 3.1, a PCIe 3.0 x4 slot, and a Mini DisplayPort output supporting 4K60 video. While the PCIe slot expands potential use cases (e.g., additional networking, storage, or accelerator cards), most users will opt to use the SATA ports for reliable storage first. The board is passively cooled with a large integrated heatsink and operates silently, but thermal performance may vary based on enclosure design and ambient temperature. It is particularly well-suited to DIY users looking to build a lightweight NAS, firewall, media server, or container host. ZimaOS includes a web-based UI and supports CasaOS and Linux-based OS alternatives, but configuration still requires basic familiarity with system setup and storage configuration. It’s not intended for users looking for plug-and-play simplicity, but rather those who want total control over their NAS hardware and software environment.

Component Specification
CPU Intel N150 (4 cores, up to 3.6GHz)
Memory 8GB LPDDR5x
Internal Storage 32GB eMMC + 2x SATA 3.0 (powered)
Networking 2x 2.5GbE LAN
Ports 2x USB 3.1, Mini DisplayPort, PCIe 3.0 x4
OS ZimaOS (also supports CasaOS, Linux distros)
Dimensions 140 x 83 x 31 mm

 


Each of the NAS options presented here offers a different balance of hardware, expandability, and ease of use, while remaining under the $249 price threshold. Users who prefer pre-configured simplicity may lean toward the Synology BeeStation, while those seeking customization and SSD-focused performance might opt for the Beelink ME Mini or GMKTec G9. The UGREEN DXP2800 provides hybrid storage flexibility with a more developed software interface, and the ZimaBoard 2 appeals to technically inclined users who want complete control over their system stack. While no single device is perfect, all five represent viable paths toward local data ownership and self-hosted media or backup solutions without breaking the bank.

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Need Advice on Data Storage from an Expert?

Finally, for free advice about your setup, just leave a message in the comments below here at NASCompares.com and we will get back to you. Need Help? Where possible (and where appropriate) please provide as much information about your requirements, as then I can arrange the best answer and solution to your needs. Do not worry about your e-mail address being required, it will NOT be used in a mailing list and will NOT be used in any way other than to respond to your enquiry. [contact-form-7] TRY CHAT Terms and Conditions
If you like this service, please consider supporting us. We use affiliate links on the blog allowing NAScompares information and advice service to be free of charge to you.Anything you purchase on the day you click on our links will generate a small commission which isused to run the website. Here is a link for Amazon and B&H.You can also get me a ☕ Ko-fi or old school Paypal. Thanks!To find out more about how to support this advice service check HEREIf you need to fix or configure a NAS, check Fiver Have you thought about helping others with your knowledge? Find Instructions Here  
 
Or support us by using our affiliate links on Amazon UK and Amazon US
    
 
Alternatively, why not ask me on the ASK NASCompares forum, by clicking the button below. This is a community hub that serves as a place that I can answer your question, chew the fat, share new release information and even get corrections posted. I will always get around to answering ALL queries, but as a one-man operation, I cannot promise speed! So by sharing your query in the ASK NASCompares section below, you can get a better range of solutions and suggestions, alongside my own.

☕ WE LOVE COFFEE ☕

 

Explaining How Synology New Products Work – 2025 Logic Explained!

What Are Synology NAS Product Refreshes and What is Synology’s Logic?

When Synology introduces a new wave of NAS devices, it’s easy to assume that each new model is a significant leap forward. However, many of these launches are better classified as product refreshes, not entirely new product lines. This distinction matters. A refresh typically reuses a core hardware platform—such as the chassis, CPU, or layout—but includes modest updates like better network interfaces, more memory, or small component shifts. In 2025, Synology rolled out one of its broadest refresh cycles in years, affecting models across their two-bay, four-bay, five-bay, and eight-bay portfolios. Understanding what a refresh actually is helps users make more informed decisions, especially when evaluating whether to upgrade or wait.

Synology refreshes its products for a few practical reasons. First, component availability and pricing change over time. CPUs and other hardware elements that were once expensive or reserved for high-tier models often become more affordable, making them suitable for use in lower-tier devices. For example, the AMD V1500B processor, once exclusive to mid-tier and enterprise NAS systems, has trickled down into several 2025 refreshes like the DS925+ and DS1525+. Similarly, market-wide transitions—such as the shift from 1GbE to 2.5GbE—are reflected in these updates, allowing Synology to modernize existing models while keeping their manufacturing costs and prices relatively stable.

One of the key things that sets a refresh apart from a brand-new NAS model is Synology’s commitment to product tier consistency. Devices like the DS725+, DS425+, or DS1825+ aren’t being built to reinvent the wheel. Instead, they exist to preserve the price-to-performance balance that their predecessors established in the Synology product lineup. By holding onto the same CPU, expanding RAM slightly, and upgrading network ports from 1GbE to 2.5GbE, Synology keeps these NAS solutions within their traditional target audience—be it home users, prosumers, or small businesses. The physical design and key feature sets are familiar, and that’s deliberate. Refreshes aim to improve what already works, not redefine the category.

It’s also worth recognizing that Synology’s product refreshes are not aimed at recent buyers. If you just picked up a DS723+ or DS923+ last year, you are not the intended audience for the DS725+ or DS925+. Instead, these refreshes are aimed at users still running a DS216+, DS416, or DS1813+—users who are five to ten years deep into their existing systems. For them, the new hardware represents a meaningful leap forward, even if it looks modest on paper. When you compare a DS916+ to a DS925+, the differences in memory, CPU threads, M.2 caching, and DSM features become much more pronounced.

Pricing also plays a central role in Synology’s refresh strategy. For the most part, Synology tries to keep prices stable across generations, despite inflation and rising manufacturing costs. For example, the DS425+ and DS225+ refreshes, though modest in their hardware upgrades (mainly 2.5GbE LAN replacing 1GbE), still aim to hit the same price points as their DS423+ and DS224+ predecessors. This can make refreshes seem less appealing to new buyers comparing specs on a chart, but it serves long-term users who value Synology’s software ecosystem, consistent performance, and extended support.

One notable outlier in Synology’s refresh strategy is the continued use of the Intel Celeron J4125 processor, particularly in models like the DS425+, DS225+, and DS625slim. Despite Synology’s tendency to update hardware every 2–3 years based on market trends and component availability, the J4125—originally launched in 2019—feels increasingly outdated in 2025. Intel itself has moved away from the Celeron/J-series naming convention entirely, transitioning to more efficient and capable platforms like Alder Lake-N and N-series processors. This shift highlights just how long in the tooth the J4125 has become. With no support for newer instruction sets, lower efficiency compared to modern equivalents, and limited future compatibility, its continued presence in refreshed Synology NAS models stands in stark contrast to the broader trend of hardware advancement. While Synology has prioritized price consistency and DSM support, the persistence of this older CPU dampens the appeal of these refreshes for new buyers who expect more current internals at a similar price point.

Another important factor is Synology’s software-first development model. Their NAS hardware isn’t meant to push technical limits but rather serve as a stable, reliable platform for DSM (DiskStation Manager). That’s why even in refreshes, the focus is on compatibility and long-term support over flashy specs. Synology has made this clear through product cycles like the DS1825+, which retains the same CPU as the DS1821+ but gains 2.5GbE and better memory configuration—supporting the increasing demands of DSM applications without needing an overhaul of the entire system.

In summary, a product refresh in Synology’s ecosystem is not a groundbreaking redesign, but a thoughtful, incremental update within an established product profile. These refreshes ensure the long-term viability of key NAS tiers while adapting to evolving market standards like 2.5GbE, more demanding software workloads, or new expansion options. For long-time users, they offer an accessible upgrade path. For newcomers, they may seem underwhelming on paper. But in either case, they represent a balancing act between hardware, price, and software synergy, which has long been Synology’s model—whether you agree with it or not.

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This description contains links to Amazon. These links will take you to some of the products mentioned in today's content. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Visit the NASCompares Deal Finder to find the best place to buy this device in your region, based on Service, Support and Reputation - Just Search for your NAS Drive in the Box Below

Need Advice on Data Storage from an Expert?

Finally, for free advice about your setup, just leave a message in the comments below here at NASCompares.com and we will get back to you. Need Help? Where possible (and where appropriate) please provide as much information about your requirements, as then I can arrange the best answer and solution to your needs. Do not worry about your e-mail address being required, it will NOT be used in a mailing list and will NOT be used in any way other than to respond to your enquiry. [contact-form-7] TRY CHAT Terms and Conditions
If you like this service, please consider supporting us. We use affiliate links on the blog allowing NAScompares information and advice service to be free of charge to you.Anything you purchase on the day you click on our links will generate a small commission which isused to run the website. Here is a link for Amazon and B&H.You can also get me a ☕ Ko-fi or old school Paypal. Thanks!To find out more about how to support this advice service check HEREIf you need to fix or configure a NAS, check Fiver Have you thought about helping others with your knowledge? Find Instructions Here  
 
Or support us by using our affiliate links on Amazon UK and Amazon US
    
 
Alternatively, why not ask me on the ASK NASCompares forum, by clicking the button below. This is a community hub that serves as a place that I can answer your question, chew the fat, share new release information and even get corrections posted. I will always get around to answering ALL queries, but as a one-man operation, I cannot promise speed! So by sharing your query in the ASK NASCompares section below, you can get a better range of solutions and suggestions, alongside my own.

☕ WE LOVE COFFEE ☕

 

SynoGPT : l’intelligence artificielle au service du support chez Synology

SynoGPT IA Synology - SynoGPT : l’intelligence artificielle au service du support chez Synology

Depuis plusieurs années, Synology explore l’intégration de l’intelligence artificielle pour améliorer son service client. Si le fabricant reste discret sur ses outils internes, William Eudes (Technical Support Manager de Synology France) nous a donné un aperçu de SynoGPT, une solution de support assistée par IA utilisée exclusivement en interne…

SynoGPT IA Synology - SynoGPT : l’intelligence artificielle au service du support chez Synology

Une IA en soutien du support, pas un remplaçant

SynoGPT est un outil basé sur les technologies de RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation), mêlant génération de texte et recherche dans une base documentaire. Il est utilisé depuis 2 à 3 ans en interne par le support technique de Synology, avec une montée en puissance significative depuis début 2024.

L’outil ne se connecte pas directement aux données des utilisateurs, mais repose sur une base de connaissances support (interne et publique) ainsi qu’un historique des tickets traités par le passé. La finalité est claire : proposer une réponse fiable et rapide aux demandes basiques de niveau 0.

« L’IA ne remplace pas le support, elle l’accompagne », insiste William Eudes.

Niveau 0 : l’IA prend le relais en autonomie

En moyenne, 2 000 tickets sont reçus chaque mois par le support Synology France. Environ un quart de ces tickets (de niveau 0, les demandes simples) sont aujourd’hui pris en charge par SynoGPT. Si un ticket n’est pas pris en charge par un technicien au bout de 30 minutes, l’IA envoie une réponse automatiquement, ce qui est particulièrement utile en dehors des heures ouvrées.

Depuis septembre 2024, l’envoi des réponses est automatisé après validation des suggestions de l’IA. Cela signifie que les réponses proposées par l’IA sont jugées assez fiables pour être envoyées sans relecture systématique, tout en étant toujours disponibles en interne pour évaluation.

Résultat : 60 % des clients ne rouvrent pas leur ticket après une réponse de SynoGPT, un signe fort de la pertinence de l’outil.

Si le client répond au ticket, c’est un humain qui prend la suite… en aucun cas l’IA.

Notée presque comme un humain

Chaque réponse fait l’objet d’un questionnaire de satisfaction. Selon Synology « Les réponses générées par notre IA atteignent également un niveau très proche des performances humaines, ce qui démontre l’efficacité de cette technologie en complément de notre expertise ».

En parallèle, les techniciens notent également la qualité des réponses IA une fois le ticket clôturé. Ce double mécanisme d’évaluation permet à Synology d’améliorer continuellement la pertinence des réponses générées par SynoGPT.

Guide d’achat : SSD pour les NAS Synology AI Console débarque sur les NAS

Pas pour les clients entreprise

SynoGPT est actuellement réservé aux utilisateurs particuliers et petites structures. Les clients professionnels et grands comptes continuent de bénéficier d’un accompagnement humain complet, notamment pour les projets complexes, comme la migration d’unités de stockage – un service qui reste gratuit chez Synology.

Mon retour d’expérience

J’ai personnellement eu recours au support de Synology un dimanche, en ouvrant un ticket pour un problème technique. 30 minutes plus tard, je recevais une réponse (clairement identifiée comme générée par l’IA). À ma grande surprise, les 5 pistes proposées étaient toutes cohérentes et bien ciblées.

Dans mon cas, le problème venait finalement d’une défaillance matérielle, prise en charge dans le cadre de la garantie. Mais je dois reconnaître que l’IA a su m’aiguiller efficacement. Elle aurait probablement permis de résoudre le souci…

C’est la pertinence de la réponse, combinée au fait qu’elle provenait clairement d’une IA, qui a éveillé ma curiosité et m’a donné envie d’en savoir plus… jusqu’à provoquer ce rendez-vous avec William.

En synthèse

Avec SynoGPT, Synology montre qu’il est possible d’intégrer l’IA dans un processus de support sans déshumaniser la relation client. Loin de remplacer les équipes, l’outil automatise le traitement des demandes simples pour mieux recentrer les techniciens sur les cas complexes.

Et pour l’avoir testé moi-même, je peux confirmer : réactivité, pertinence et clarté sont bien au rendez-vous. Une belle démonstration d’une IA réellement utile…

45Drives HL8 NAS Case Review

45Drives HL8 8-Bay MITX NAS Case Review

The 45Drives HL8 is an 8-bay desktop NAS chassis developed for users who want professional-grade storage hardware without committing to the rigid ecosystems of traditional NAS vendors. Designed and manufactured in North America, the HL8 is available in several configurations, with this review focusing specifically on the chassis, backplane, and power supply model. This version includes a precision-built steel enclosure, a direct-wired 8-bay SATA backplane, and a 500W 80 Plus Gold-rated Flex ATX power supply. It omits bundled motherboards, CPUs, and pre-installed operating systems, appealing to users who prefer to build or customize their NAS hardware environment while still benefiting from an integrated power and storage foundation. The HL8 aims to bridge the gap between low-cost DIY NAS enclosures, which often suffer from poor thermals and awkward layouts, and locked-down consumer appliances that limit software choices and upgrade potential. With a hinged open-frame design, support for full-height PCIe cards, and internal layout optimized for accessibility and cooling, the HL8 is positioned as a platform for long-term use and adaptability rather than a quick-start solution. While its price point is significantly higher than generic imported chassis, its construction and modular focus suggest it’s intended for serious users seeking more control, not simply more convenience.

Who Are 45Drives?

45Drives is a Canadian storage hardware manufacturer based in Nova Scotia, operating as a division of Protocase, a custom enclosure and prototyping company. The brand has built a reputation among system integrators, IT professionals, and homelab enthusiasts for delivering modular, open-platform storage solutions. Unlike many NAS vendors that focus on vertically integrated ecosystems, 45Drives offers systems built around industry-standard components, designed to be user-serviceable and adaptable. Their catalog includes high-density rackmount systems like the Storinator, hybrid flash-HDD systems such as the Stornado, and more recently, a range of compact desktop NAS chassis under the “HL” or HomeLab label. The HL8, HL4, and HL15 models are part of this effort to scale down enterprise-grade build quality into a form factor more appropriate for deskside or small office deployment.

A core part of 45Drives’ identity is its commitment to open-source principles, not just through hardware compatibility but also in software tooling and education. The company develops and maintains Cockpit-based management modules—such as their ZFS and Samba interfaces—for Linux distributions like Rocky Linux, which they often preinstall with their systems. These modules are freely available on GitHub, and the company encourages users to modify, self-host, or adapt them as needed. In addition to their software work, 45Drives actively engages with the community through regular YouTube content, documentation portals, and technical support that continues even when customers deviate from default hardware or software configurations. This combination of enterprise durability, user empowerment, and open development has earned 45Drives a dedicated following among those who want to retain full control over their infrastructure without sacrificing reliability or support.

BUILD QUALITY - 10/10
NOISE - 8/10
COOLING - 8/10
PRICE - 6/10
VALUE - 8/10


8.0
PROS
👍🏻1. Exceptional build quality using 2mm thick powder-coated steel
👍🏻2. Unique hinged design allows full interior access without disassembly
👍🏻3. Integrated 12Gb/s SATA/SAS-compatible hot-swap backplane
👍🏻4. Designed for Mini-ITX motherboards with full PCIe x16 slot suppor0t
👍🏻5. Tool-less and tray-less drive bays improve maintenance and upgrades
👍🏻6. Outstanding documentation and support from 45Drives
👍🏻7. Fully open-source-friendly chassis with non-proprietary layout
CONS
👎🏻1. Significantly more expensive than typical DIY NAS cases
👎🏻2. No native 2.5\" SSD bays included (requires 3D-printed or addon tray)
👎🏻3. Only compatible with Flex ATX PSUs, limiting choice and increasing cost

45Drives HL8 8-Bay MITX NAS Review – External Design

The HL8’s exterior sets it apart from typical consumer NAS enclosures through its bold and unique industrial construction – practically enterprise grade, at a homelab and desktop level. Built from 16-gauge powder-coated steel, the chassis weighs approximately 22 lbs even before drives are installed, conveying a sense of structural rigidity that clearly aligns more with enterprise hardware than with mass-market desktop cases.

The finish is matte and durable, avoiding cheap plastics or decorative panels. Buyers can choose between metal and acrylic front plates, and several color options are available, offering some degree of personalization—something rarely seen at this tier. Branding is subtle, with the HL8 model designation etched into the top panel and a logo plate on the front face.

Unlike most enclosures that rely on removable panels or sliding trays, the HL8 features a hinged “clam shell” design. The entire upper shell lifts open via captive thumb screws, granting immediate access to internal components without needing to remove the drives or disconnect cabling.

This mechanism provides real-time visibility into the system’s interior during operation, making it easier to perform diagnostics, replace fans, or adjust cabling. It’s particularly helpful for users who regularly service or upgrade their systems, and it avoids many of the frustrations associated with cramped or tool-dependent access panels.

The front of the case houses eight hot-swap 3.5” bays in a vertical arrangement, accessible without tools and pre-wired via the internal backplane. These bays are trayless and rely on drive guides for alignment, secured by the structural frame rather than individual plastic sleds. This design allows for rapid drive installation and removal while minimizing potential points of mechanical failure. The front ventilation is cut directly into the steel fascia, and airflow is directed through the drive bays by internal Noctua fans located behind them. There are no visible indicators or LCD panels on the front panel—minimalism is favored over visual clutter.

Around the rear, the layout remains conventional but clean. The rear I/O cutout accommodates standard mini-ITX motherboard layouts, and the single expansion slot supports a full-height PCIe card up to 72mm in height. The integrated Flex ATX power supply sits beside the motherboard area with its own exhaust fan, and ample passive ventilation is provided via additional steel cutouts. While visually understated, the HL8’s outer design prioritizes durability, accessibility, and functional airflow—traits that reflect its enterprise lineage more than its homelab label might suggest.

Category HL8 (Chassis + Backplane) HL8 (Chassis + Backplane + PSU)
Model Name HL8 HL8 with PSU
Drive Bays 8x 3.5″ Tool-less, Trayless Bays 8x 3.5″ Tool-less, Trayless Bays
Drive Compatibility SATA & SAS (12Gb/s) via backplane SATA & SAS (12Gb/s) via backplane
Hot-Swap Support Yes Yes
Backplane Interface Mini-SAS HD (SFF-8643) Mini-SAS HD (SFF-8643)
Motherboard Support Mini-ITX Mini-ITX
PCIe Expansion Slot 1x Full-height, full-length 1x Full-height, full-length
PSU Form Factor Not included Flex ATX (pre-installed)
PSU Rating 500W, 80 Plus Gold (SilverStone FX500)
Cooling 3x 80mm Noctua Fans (pre-installed) 3x 80mm Noctua Fans (pre-installed)
CPU Cooler Clearance Approx. 75mm (depends on board layout) Approx. 75mm (depends on board layout)
GPU Length Support Up to ~270mm Up to ~270mm
Chassis Material 2mm Powder-Coated Steel 2mm Powder-Coated Steel
Front I/O None (uses motherboard rear I/O) None (uses motherboard rear I/O)
Drive Activity LEDs Optional (headers on backplane) Optional (headers on backplane)
Tool-less Design Yes – Hinged Folding Design Yes – Hinged Folding Design
Dimensions (W x D x H) ~305mm x 370mm x 260mm (approx.) ~305mm x 370mm x 260mm (approx.)
Weight (Unpopulated) ~7.8kg ~9.5kg (with PSU)
Made In Canada (Chassis), USA (via Protocase partner) Canada (Chassis), USA (via Protocase partner)
Typical Price (USD) $599 $799

45Drives HL8 8-Bay MITX NAS Review – Internal Case Design

Internally, the HL8 case is engineered for both accessibility and structured airflow, with a layout that avoids many of the compromises found in smaller or mass-produced enclosures. The most notable feature is its fully hinged body, which allows the entire top and side panel assembly to lift upward without removing the drives. This open-access approach separates the drive chamber from the motherboard compartment without creating restrictive airflow barriers. It’s a significant advantage for users who need to inspect, troubleshoot, or upgrade internal components, especially when working with larger cooling units or dense cable configurations.

The motherboard area is positioned on the right side of the chassis, aligned horizontally to the drive plane, which prevents any obstruction by drive trays or cabling. This layout supports standard mini-ITX boards and allows full visibility of memory slots, M.2 sockets, and power headers even with drives installed. The motherboard is flanked by routing space that supports organized cabling, including SATA or power leads. This spacing is particularly useful when working with non-modular PSUs or when routing SATA cables from alternative controllers or add-in cards. The case does not limit users to any specific board vendor or layout beyond the mini-ITX size constraint.

Cabling for the backplane is pre-installed in the PSU model, which simplifies setup considerably. The backplane itself is a direct-wired design supporting up to eight SATA drives without requiring SAS expander cards or proprietary interfaces. This approach ensures compatibility with a wide range of consumer and enterprise SATA drives and avoids the long-term risks of vendor-specific drive bay lock-ins. It also makes replacing or troubleshooting individual cables far easier than in systems using multipath or bundled connectors. Power and data connections are cleanly routed through the side of the case, keeping airflow clear and minimizing vibration interference.

The Flex ATX PSU sits at the rear left and is mounted horizontally, drawing air through its own intake and exhausting separately from the main airflow path. This compact configuration leaves the bulk of the case’s lower chamber available for future expansion or airflow tuning. Additional internal fan mounts and brackets are preinstalled, and 45Drives includes all necessary mounting screws and documentation—even down to port-specific manuals for the pre-installed PSU. The internal design of the HL8 shows clear thought toward ease of maintenance and modularity, reflecting an expectation that users will revisit and modify their system over time rather than treat it as a sealed appliance.

45Drives HL8 8-Bay MITX NAS Review – Noise and Cooling

The HL8’s cooling design reflects a balance between thermal efficiency and acoustic performance, especially in its PSU-included configuration. By default, this model ships with multiple Noctua fans—specifically, two NF-A12x15 fans for intake and one NF-A4x10 for exhaust—which are widely regarded for their low noise output and long-term reliability.

Combined with the direct airflow path created by the open drive cage layout, the HL8 maintains effective cooling of both hard drives and system components without requiring high-RPM, high-noise fan profiles. Even under load, thermal tests show the drive temperatures hovering around 50°C in a 20°C ambient environment—well within safe operating margins for mechanical disks.

In real-world usage, the system produces around 33–34 dBA at idle and 42 dBA under full fan load during tasks such as ZFS pool creation or sustained disk activity. These levels are consistent with what you would expect from a quiet desktop PC and are significantly lower than typical rackmount systems or budget enclosures using unbranded high-speed fans.

The use of steel panels throughout the chassis also contributes to noise dampening, reducing vibration resonance from spinning drives. Overall, the HL8’s thermal and acoustic profile is well-suited for deployment in office or home environments where audible noise is a concern, without sacrificing long-term cooling performance.

45Drives HL8 8-Bay Case vs the Jonsbo N3 Case

The 45Drives HL8 and the Jonsbo N3 both offer 8-bay NAS enclosures for mini-ITX builds, but they cater to very different tiers of the DIY NAS market. The HL8 is positioned as a premium, enterprise-grade enclosure built entirely from 16-gauge steel and manufactured in Canada. It includes a fully integrated backplane, Noctua fans, and a Flex ATX PSU—features aimed at maximizing serviceability, thermal control, and long-term reliability.

Priced at roughly $880 USD for the chassis, backplane, and PSU combo, it targets users who demand industrial standards in a desktop form factor. The Jonsbo N3, in contrast, is a Chinese-manufactured enclosure constructed from 2.0mm aluminium alloy with 1.0mm steel internals.

It focuses on maximizing functionality in a compact and aesthetically refined format, with average retail pricing ranging between $150–$170 USD, though occasional sales and unpredictable shipping costs on platforms like AliExpress can make pricing volatile.

Category 45Drives HL8

 

Jonsbo N3

 

Drive Bays 8x 3.5″ (tool-less trays, SATA/SAS via backplane) 8x 3.5″ (hot-swap, SATA only via passive backplane)
Backplane Type Integrated 12Gb/s SATA/SAS backplane Passive SATA backplane (individual ports)
Motherboard Support Mini-ITX Mini-ITX, DTX
PCIe Slots 1x Full-height, full-length (up to ~270mm) 2x expansion slots (supports 1x double-width card)
PSU Support Flex ATX SFX (≤105mm) with internal extension cable routing
CPU Cooler Clearance Up to 75mm (depends on board layout) Up to 130mm
GPU/PCIe Card Clearance Up to ~270mm (1 slot) Up to 250mm (double-width supported)
Construction Material 2mm Powder-Coated Steel 2mm Aluminium (exterior), 1mm Steel (interior)
Cooling 3x 80mm Noctua fans included (chassis & CPU area) 2x 100mm fans included (HDD area), 2x 90mm optional
Front I/O Ports None (depends on motherboard I/O) USB 3.0 Type-A, USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C, Audio Combo
LED Indicators Optional drive activity LEDs 8x front panel drive activity LEDs
Toolless Access Yes – hinged “flower” folding design No – top secured by Allen screws
Chassis Dimensions (WxDxH) ~305mm x 370mm x 260mm (approx., rectangular shape) 233mm x 262mm x 298mm
Weight ~9.5kg (with PSU and backplane) 3.9kg (no PSU)
Hot Swap Support Yes Yes
Price (avg.) $658 (chassis + backplane) $150–$170 USD (no PSU, varies by seller/region)
Manufacturing Origin Canada (with some imported components IN PRE-BUILT NAS models) China

In terms of hardware layout and user experience, the HL8 emphasizes modularity and ease of access. Its unique “flower-style” hinged chassis allows for complete servicing of drives, motherboard, cabling, and PSU without disassembly. The built-in backplane supports both SATA and SAS, reducing the need for messy cabling or additional HBA cards unless required for scale-out. Meanwhile, the Jonsbo N3 offers a two-chamber design separating drives and the motherboard/PSU area, supporting 8 hot-swap drives via an included SATA-only backplane. However, the power delivery system relies on two Molex and one SATA connector—an odd combination that may require more planning for power distribution. The N3 also employs a PSU passthrough cable from the back to a front-mounted internal SFX PSU, saving space but potentially restricting airflow and complicating installation. Unlike the HL8’s enterprise cable routing, the N3 requires tight cable management due to its smaller internal volume, and is more prone to cable congestion near the motherboard tray.

Where the HL8 wins in build quality and professional usability, the N3 counters with surprising features at its price point. The N3 includes dual rear fans, 8 LED indicators for drive activity, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C front I/O, and support for large PCIe GPUs or network cards up to 250mm. However, it uses rubber grommet-mounted drive holders instead of trays—a cost-saving measure that may reduce vibration but introduces concerns about long-term durability and ease of drive removal. It also lacks tool-less panels for the main lid, requiring an Allen key for access, which, while flush and neat, isn’t practical for regular service. By comparison, the HL8 is fully toolless throughout. Ultimately, the HL8 is ideal for users who prioritize low-maintenance reliability and modular enterprise design in a desktop form, while the N3 offers excellent value for cost-conscious DIY builders willing to trade some serviceability and airflow flexibility for size, aesthetics, and affordability.

45Drives HL8 8-Bay MITX NAS Review – The Pre-Built AMD Model

In addition to offering the HL8 as a chassis with backplane and power supply, 45Drives also sells a fully assembled, tested, and burn-in validated configuration for users who prefer a turnkey deployment. The current prebuilt model typically includes a Gigabyte B550I AORUS Pro AX mini-ITX motherboard, paired with either an AMD Ryzen 5 5500GT (6-core, 12-thread) or Ryzen 7 5700G (8-core, 16-thread) processor. These CPUs offer solid single- and multi-threaded performance, integrated graphics for transcoding or light GUI workloads, and efficient power profiles.

The build also comes with up to 64GB of DDR4 UDIMM memory, a 1TB NVMe SSD (typically Gen 4), Noctua NH-L9a-AM4 low-profile CPU cooler, and factory-installed Noctua case fans. All internal wiring is professionally routed, and the system arrives with Rocky Linux and the Houston UI preinstalled for immediate setup.

Category HL8 Prebuilt Model (Full Configuration)
Model Name HL8 (Prebuilt by 45Drives)
Chassis Material 2mm Powder-Coated Steel (Same as enterprise rackmount line)
Motherboard Gigabyte B550I AORUS Pro AX (Mini-ITX)
CPU AMD Ryzen 5 5500 GT (6 cores / 12 threads, Zen 3, 3.6GHz base, 4.4GHz boost)
Memory (Default) 16GB DDR4-3200 Unbuffered ECC (Expandable to 64GB)
SSD (OS Drive) 1TB Kingston NVMe Gen 4 x4
Drive Bays 8x 3.5″ Trayless Tool-less Bays (SATA/SAS 12Gb/s Backplane)
Hot-Swap Support Yes
Backplane Interface Mini-SAS HD (SFF-8643 to SATA breakout)
PSU SilverStone FX500 (500W Flex ATX, 80 Plus Gold)
Cooling Fans 3x 80mm Noctua (pre-installed) + CPU: Noctua NH-L9a cooler
Expansion Slot 1x PCIe 4.0 x16 (Supports full-height, full-length GPU or NIC)
M.2 Slots 2x (One used for OS drive, One used with SATA controller)
SATA Ports (Onboard) 4x SATA III (From motherboard)
Additional SATA 4x via M.2 SATA controller (occupies second M.2 slot)
Networking 1x 2.5GbE (Realtek 8125B) + Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
USB Ports (Rear) 4x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 (1x Type-A, 1x Type-C)
Audio Ports 3.5mm Mic In / Line Out / Line In
Dimensions (W x D x H) ~305mm x 370mm x 260mm (approx.)
Weight (Unpopulated) ~9.5kg
Operating System OS not included by default; compatible with TrueNAS, Rocky Linux + Houston UI, Proxmox
Typical Price (USD) $1,399 (at time of writing)

At the time of writing, the total cost of the prebuilt HL8 with the Ryzen 5700G configuration is $1,538 USD. In contrast, a self-built system using comparable off-the-shelf components can be assembled for approximately $875–$900. A rough cost breakdown would be: Ryzen 7 5700G and B550I motherboard combo ($260), 64GB DDR4 UDIMM ($103), 1TB NVMe SSD ($60), 500W Flex ATX Gold PSU ($90), Noctua CPU and case fans ($75), plus an equivalent MITX 8-bay chassis with SATA backplane ($159–$180). While this approach offers clear cost savings, it comes with multiple delivery sources, fragmented warranties, and no factory testing—factors that may be important to users prioritizing reliability and vendor accountability over price.

The prebuilt model is best suited to users who want predictable performance, reduced setup time, and consolidated post-sale support. It removes the need for component sourcing, physical assembly, and initial troubleshooting. However, it also imposes some limitations, such as the use of a single 2.5GbE network port and lack of configuration flexibility. Users requiring more advanced networking or GPU options will need to expand via the PCIe slot manually. Overall, the prebuilt HL8 fills a niche for those who want an enterprise-adjacent storage server without the learning curve or integration work required by a ground-up build, but it may be over-specified or overpriced for more self-sufficient users.

The 45Drives Houseton UI Software – Any Good?

The Houston UI platform from 45Drives is built on top of the open-source Cockpit Project, designed to offer users a web-based server management interface with a lightweight footprint.

Its browser-based GUI makes it accessible from any device on the network, and it supports multiple Linux distributions, including Rocky Linux, which is often used as the default OS with Houston UI.

One of the primary strengths of Houston UI is its ZFS management interface. Users can easily create, modify, and monitor ZFS storage pools without needing to interact directly with the command line.

The system allows for selection of RAID types (RAIDZ1, Z2, etc.), VDEV expansion, record size configuration, deduplication, encryption, and adjustable compression — all accessible within a guided, GUI-based setup.

System monitoring is a central feature of Houston UI, with a real-time dashboard showing CPU, memory, network throughput, and active services. It includes disk status indicators, smart monitoring tools, and hardware detail pages.

Some of which include visual layouts depending on motherboard detection. While the graphical presentation is basic compared to Synology DSM, it does provide sufficient system insight for regular administration.

Houston UI also includes a modular service control center, where administrators can enable or disable a wide range of server services such as Samba (SMB), NFS, SSH, and rsync.

Each module is toggleable, and users can configure individual services with editable configuration files directly from the browser. This brings flexibility, while still maintaining visual accessibility for basic tasks.

The task scheduler in Houston UI provides an easy way to set up automated jobs — including backups, updates, power cycling, and network interface toggling.

Unlike many systems that hide these functions under multiple wizards, Houston offers a unified “Tasks” area for managing all routine automations, including custom scripts and cron-based tasks.

A standout feature is the cloud synchronization and backup module, which offers connectivity to cloud platforms such as Amazon S3 and Backblaze B2, as well as support for local-to-remote rsync and FTP targets. It allows users to control bandwidth, frequency, and folder mappings from a single-pane interface — something that’s typically fragmented in competing platforms.

For users running virtual machines, Houston UI includes a KVM-based virtualization manager. This allows the creation and monitoring of guest VMs directly through the browser, including storage provisioning, image selection, CPU/memory configuration, and console access. While not as feature-rich as Proxmox, it’s suitable for lightweight VM workloads and container testing.

Finally, Houston supports module extensions, with 45Drives publishing their own file sharing and ZFS modules via GitHub. These can be installed on any compatible Linux system running Cockpit. This open approach allows users to build their own UI extensions or pull from the community, avoiding platform lock-in and enabling customization well beyond the factory defaults.

45Drives HL8 8-Bay MITX NAS Review – Verdict and Conclusion

The 45Drives HL8, when configured as a chassis with backplane and PSU, represents a refined and deliberate approach to small-form NAS deployment. Priced around $880 USD, this configuration sits well above entry-level alternatives, but the investment is clearly reflected in its enterprise-grade construction, serviceable layout, and attention to detail. With a robust 16-gauge steel chassis, direct-wired SATA backplane, and a high-efficiency 500W Flex ATX PSU pre-installed, it offers an ideal base for users who plan to build a serious and scalable NAS solution without locking themselves into restrictive ecosystems.

The hinged body design, tool-free drive access, and Noctua fan integration show a strong understanding of real-world usability, especially for those who perform ongoing maintenance, upgrades, or hardware experimentation. In that sense, it’s less a typical “consumer NAS case” and more a modular platform intended for long-term infrastructure use in homelab and small business environments.

That said, this is not a universal fit for all users. The HL8’s exclusive support for mini-ITX motherboards imposes limitations on connectivity and expansion, especially for those needing multiple PCIe lanes or additional SATA ports without relying on adapters. And while the internal layout is clearly optimized, buyers still need to be comfortable sourcing and configuring their own motherboard, CPU, memory, and storage—something that could be daunting for beginners or those seeking simplicity over flexibility. In markets where similar 8-bay enclosures from lesser-known brands can be found for half the price, the HL8’s value lies more in its physical build quality, localized production, and long-term viability rather than raw cost efficiency. Users comparing it to entry-tier rackmount gear or compact server cases will need to weigh whether the HL8’s refinement and modularity justify the premium.

Ultimately, the HL8 is a product with a clearly defined audience: self-hosters, IT professionals, and technical users who understand the value of vendor-agnostic hardware and want to retain full control over their system’s lifecycle. It offers a rare middle ground between low-cost DIY setups that require piecemeal integration and fully locked turnkey NAS systems from mainstream brands. For those who are willing to invest not only financially but also in the time and knowledge needed to assemble and manage their NAS environment, the HL8 stands out as one of the most thoughtfully engineered and supportable 8-bay NAS chassis currently on the market.

Pros Cons
1. Exceptional build quality using 2mm thick powder-coated steel 1. Significantly more expensive than typical DIY NAS cases
2. Unique hinged design allows full interior access without disassembly 2. No native 2.5″ SSD bays included (requires 3D-printed or addon tray)
3. Integrated 12Gb/s SATA/SAS-compatible hot-swap backplane 3. Only compatible with Flex ATX PSUs, limiting choice and increasing cost
4. Designed for Mini-ITX motherboards with full PCIe x16 slot support
5. Tool-less and tray-less drive bays improve maintenance and upgrades
6. Outstanding documentation and support from 45Drives
7. Fully open-source-friendly chassis with non-proprietary layout

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Synology DS225+ vs DS224+

DS225pls vs DS224plus - Synology DS225+ vs DS224+

Synology vient d’annoncer leDS225+, le successeur du DS224+. Cette nouvelle version s’inscrit dans la stratégie de renouvellement de la gamme DSx25+, qui introduction enfin le 2,5 Gb/s. Toutefois, au-delà de cette amélioration réseau, les évolutions restent légères. Ce nouveau NAS justifie-t-il réellement un investissement ?

DS225pls vs DS224plus - Synology DS225+ vs DS224+

Synology DS225+ vs DS224+

Processeur et RAM = Même Combat

Les 2 NAS partagent la même architecture. Ils sont construits autour du processeur Quad Core Intel Celeron J4125 cadencé à 2,0 GHz (jusqu’à 2,7 GHz en mode Burst) et 2 Go de RAM DDR4 (non ECC), extensibles jusqu’à 6 Go.

Le processeur J4125 date un peu, mais il a fait ses preuves. Il présente l’avantage d’intégrer un iGPU (processeur graphique) Intel UHD Graphics 600, ce qui est important si vous souhaitez faire du transcodage vidéo matériel avec Plex ou Jellyfin…. On regrettera que Synology se cantonne à seulement 2 Go de mémoire vive par défaut en 2025.

Connectique

La seule vraie nouveauté de ce DS225+, c’est l’arrivée d’un port réseau 2,5 Gb/s, qui vient compléter le port 1 Gb/s déjà présent.

Cette évolution, longtemps réclamée par la communauté, permet de passer les 300 Mo/s sur un réseau compatible. Pour les transferts de gros volumes, c’est une amélioration qui se traduit par des gains de temps substantiels. C’est également particulièrement appréciable dans les environnements multi-utilisateurs.

Côté des ports USB, il n’y a aucun changement.

Politique de compatibilité plus stricte

Depuis la série DSx25+, Synology a durci sa politique de compatibilité matérielle, en particulier concernant les disques durs et SSD. Seuls les modèles estampillés Synology sont désormais officiellement supportés, excluant de fait des références pourtant bien établies sur le marché, comme les Seagate IronWolf ou les WD Red. Cette stratégie traduit une volonté claire de contrôler l’ensemble de l’écosystème afin d’optimiser les performances et la fiabilité de ses produits.

Tableau comparatif DS225+ vs DS224+

DS225+ DS224+
Modèle du processeur Intel J4125 Intel J4125
Fréquence du processeur Quad Core (2,0 – 2,7 GHz) Quad Core (2,0 – 2,7 GHz)
iGPU Oui Oui
Mémoire vive 2 Go DDR4 (extensible jusqu’à 6) 2 Go DDR4 (extensible jusqu’à 6)
Emplacements HDD 2 2
Emplacements SSD NVME 0 0
Unité d’expansion
Port USB 3.0 2 (dont 1 en façade) 2 (dont 1 en façade)
Port réseau 1 Gb/s 1 2
Port réseau 2,5 Gb/s 1
Port réseau 10 GbE
Consommation électrique  16,98 W (Accès) et 6,08 W (Hibernation disque dur) 14,69 W (Accès) et 4,41 W (Hibernation disque dur)
Score CPU Benchmark 2941 points 2941 points
Disponibilité À venir Immédiate
Prix au lancement À confirmer 351€

Faut-il passer au DS225+ ?

Le Synology DS225+ s’inscrit davantage dans une logique de rafraîchissement que d’une véritable révolution. L’ajout du port 2,5 Gb/s est une bonne nouvelle, qui répond aux attentes des utilisateurs.

Si vous possédez déjà un DS224+, la migration ne se justifie que dans des scénarios très spécifiques (besoin absolu de débits réseau supérieurs). Pour les nouveaux acquéreurs, le choix dépendra essentiellement de leur approche vis-à-vis de la politique de disques certifiés.

Synology DS1825+ vs DS1821+ NAS

Synology DS1825+ vs DS1821+ NAS Comparison – Get It Right, FIRST TIME!

When Synology releases a new NAS in its “Plus” lineup, users often expect a blend of practical improvements, long-term support, and a reasonable upgrade path from the previous generation. The Synology DS1825+ arrives in 2025 as the official successor to the 2020/2021-released DS1821+, carrying over much of the same core design while introducing selective enhancements—and a few contentious changes. Both are 8-bay desktop NAS systems targeted at advanced home users, small businesses, and content creators who need multi-user access, flexible RAID configurations, and extensive app support. However, while the DS1821+ was praised for its broad compatibility and modular connectivity, the DS1825+ adopts a more tightly controlled hardware ecosystem. In this comparison, we break down the key differences across hardware, ports, storage capabilities, DSM software features, and drive compatibility so you can decide which model truly fits your long-term needs—without second-guessing your choice later.

Synology DS1825+ vs DS1821+ NAS Comparison – Internal Hardware

At the center of both the Synology DS1821+ and DS1825+ is the AMD Ryzen V1500B processor, a 4-core, 8-thread embedded SoC with a 64-bit architecture and a base frequency of 2.2 GHz. This chip, built on the Zen architecture, offers a balance of power efficiency and multi-threaded performance suited for environments with simultaneous multi-user file access, virtual machines, and complex RAID configurations. Synology’s decision to retain the same processor in the DS1825+ reflects confidence in its reliability and capability. However, for users hoping for a jump to Zen 2 or Zen 3-based hardware, the lack of a CPU upgrade could be a disappointment—especially considering that competing vendors have started adopting newer architectures for their mid-range systems. Still, for typical NAS tasks that do not involve on-the-fly 4K video transcoding or GPU-heavy operations, the V1500B remains a stable and effective platform with AES-NI encryption support and virtualization compatibility across VMware, Hyper-V, and Docker workloads.

Component Synology DS1821+

Synology DS1825+

CPU AMD Ryzen V1500B, 4-core, 8-thread, 2.2 GHz AMD Ryzen V1500B, 4-core, 8-thread, 2.2 GHz
CPU Architecture 64-bit (Zen) 64-bit (Zen)
Hardware Encryption AES-NI AES-NI
Memory (Pre-installed) 4 GB DDR4 ECC SODIMM 8 GB DDR4 ECC SODIMM
Memory Slots 2 × SODIMM 2 × SODIMM
Max Memory Supported 32 GB (2 × 16 GB) 32 GB (2 × 16 GB)
ECC Memory Support Yes Yes
System Fans 2 × 120mm 2 × 120mm
Power Supply 250W Internal PSU 250W Internal PSU
Power Consumption (Active) 59.8W 60.1W
Power Consumption (HDD Hibernation) 26.18W 18.34W
Noise Level (Idle) 22.2 dB(A) 23.8 dB(A)
Dimensions (H × W × D) 166 × 343 × 243 mm 166 × 343 × 243 mm
Weight 6.0 kg 6.0 kg
The most immediate improvement in the DS1825+ over its predecessor is in the system memory. While the DS1821+ ships with 4 GB of DDR4 ECC SODIMM, the DS1825+ doubles that to 8 GB by default, giving users more overhead for running DSM services out of the box. This matters in practical terms for multitasking within Synology’s ecosystem—such as simultaneous use of Synology Drive, Surveillance Station, Virtual Machine Manager, and snapshot services. For environments where users may deploy hybrid workloads (e.g., backup automation combined with real-time collaboration tools), the extra memory in the DS1825+ reduces the likelihood of performance bottlenecks or memory swapping. Both systems support up to 32 GB (2 × 16 GB), but starting with 8 GB means many users won’t need to upgrade at all. Additionally, since both units use ECC memory, they help ensure integrity in business-critical applications by reducing silent data corruption—an especially relevant factor when hosting VMs or storing sensitive files over time.

Thermal and power characteristics between the two systems remain largely consistent, with both featuring dual 120mm fans and an internal 250W PSU that can handle full drive loads with expansion units attached. The DS1821+ and DS1825+ are also nearly identical in physical size and structure, though the newer model has a slightly higher idle noise level—23.8 dB(A) versus 22.2 dB(A)—due to denser internal configuration and possibly fan speed curve adjustments. From an operational standpoint, the DS1825+ is marginally more power-efficient in idle states, consuming just 18.34W during HDD hibernation compared to 26.18W in the DS1821+. These marginal differences suggest a refinement in system tuning, although not a radical redesign. Overall, while the DS1825+ doesn’t revolutionize internal hardware, its doubled memory and subtle optimizations give it the edge for users planning to push DSM with multiple services or those who prefer an upgrade-free deployment experience.

Synology DS1825+ vs DS1821+ NAS Comparison – Ports and Connections

One of the most tangible areas of differentiation between the DS1821+ and DS1825+ lies in their external connectivity. The older DS1821+ is equipped with four 1GbE RJ-45 LAN ports, a familiar configuration that supports link aggregation and network redundancy. This setup was common in Synology’s mid-range lineup during its 2020–2022 releases, offering a total aggregated bandwidth of up to 4Gbps—assuming your switch infrastructure supports it. For many small business users, this array of ports provided simple flexibility: you could dedicate individual ports for different services or bond them for faster file transfers. However, in practice, 1GbE is increasingly becoming a limiting factor for modern workloads, especially in environments with large raw video files, database access, or multiple users performing high-speed backups.

Port / Expansion Feature Synology DS1821+

Synology DS1825+

RJ-45 LAN Ports 4 × 1GbE 2 × 2.5GbE
Link Aggregation / Failover Yes Yes
USB Ports 4 × USB 3.2 Gen 1 3 × USB 3.2 Gen 1
Expansion Ports 2 × eSATA (for DX517) 2 × USB Type-C (for DX525)
PCIe Slot 1 × PCIe Gen3 x8 (x4 link) 1 × PCIe Gen3 x8 (x4 link)
NVMe M.2 Slots 2 × M.2 2280 (Cache only) 2 × M.2 2280 (Cache or Storage Pool, Synology-only)
Hot-swappable Drive Bays 8 × 3.5″/2.5″ SATA (Hot-swappable) 8 × 3.5″/2.5″ SATA (Hot-swappable)
Max Drive Bays (with Expansion) 18 (with 2 × DX517 via eSATA) 18 (with 2 × DX525 via USB-C)
The DS1825+ reflects a more current networking trend by replacing the four 1GbE ports with two 2.5GbE RJ-45 ports. While this reduces the total number of interfaces, it significantly increases throughput per port, offering an aggregated maximum of 5Gbps when bonded. This shift represents a smarter allocation of bandwidth for users with 2.5GbE-capable switches or routers, and it’s more practical than the 1GbE spread seen in the DS1821+. In small office networks or prosumer setups where simultaneous data access is routine, the DS1825+ delivers higher per-connection performance, improving large file transfers and reducing latency during remote access. Though fewer in number, the newer ports provide better real-world performance potential—and users seeking higher bandwidth can still add a 10GbE or 25GbE NIC via the PCIe slot in both models.

Beyond networking, the DS1825+ introduces a notable change in expansion port design. The DS1821+ includes two eSATA ports for attaching Synology DX517 expansion units, which align with legacy expansion practices. In contrast, the DS1825+ replaces these with two USB-C-based expansion ports, designed specifically for use with the newer DX525 expansion units. While this doesn’t directly affect day-to-day operations, it signals a move toward a USB-based proprietary interface for future expansion, likely with more streamlined cabling and higher throughput potential. Additionally, the DS1825+ trims down from four USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports to three, a minor trade-off that may impact users with multiple USB-connected devices such as UPS units or backup drives. Still, for most users, the improved network and expansion standards make the DS1825+ more forward-looking, even if it reduces legacy connectivity options found on the DS1821+.

Synology DS1825+ vs DS1821+ NAS Comparison – Storage

Both the DS1821+ and DS1825+ offer eight front-facing SATA drive bays, supporting 3.5″ HDDs and 2.5″ SSDs, with hot-swappable trays for easy maintenance and upgrades. On the surface, storage capacity and configuration appear nearly identical: both models can scale up to 18 total drives using two Synology expansion units and support RAID levels including SHR, RAID 5, 6, and 10. This makes either system a viable choice for users with large datasets, whether for media, surveillance, or business-critical file hosting. However, subtle distinctions in how storage can be configured and expanded in each model make a significant difference over time.

Storage Feature Synology DS1821+

Synology DS1825+

Drive Bays 8 × 3.5″/2.5″ SATA (hot-swappable) 8 × 3.5″/2.5″ SATA (hot-swappable)
Max Drive Bays (with Expansion) 18 (via 2 × DX517) 18 (via 2 × DX525)
M.2 NVMe Slots 2 × M.2 2280 (cache only, 3rd-party SSDs allowed) 2 × M.2 2280 (cache or storage pools, Synology-only SSDs)
Max Single Volume Size 108 TB 200 TB (requires 32 GB RAM)
Max Internal Volumes 64 32
Supported RAID Types SHR, JBOD, RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10 SHR, JBOD, RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10
Third-Party HDD/SSD Support ✅ Fully supported (with warnings) ❌ Blocked at install/init if not verified
Storage Pool Creation with Unverified Drives ✅ Allowed ❌ Blocked
Storage Pool Expansion (Unverified Drives) ✅ Supported ❌ Blocked
RAID Recovery with Unverified Drives ✅ Supported ❌ Blocked
Hot Spare (Unverified Drives) ✅ Supported ❌ Blocked
Storage Manager Behavior (Unverified Drives) Warnings shown, but system fully functional Persistent alerts, some functions disabled
The DS1825+ supports storage pools using its two internal M.2 NVMe slots, something the DS1821+ does not. On the older model, those slots are limited strictly to SSD caching, and even then, Synology allowed users to use third-party NVMe drives for read/write acceleration. In the DS1825+, Synology enables users to form full storage pools using M.2 SSDs—but only if those SSDs are from Synology’s own SNV3400 or SNV3410 series. This adds flexibility in theory, especially for users interested in all-flash configurations or high-speed tiers, but restricts user choice in practice. The DS1821+ offers more freedom in selecting SSDs and hard drives, with only non-blocking warning messages when using unverified models, while the DS1825+ actively blocks storage pool creation and system initialization with unlisted drives.

This tightening of compatibility extends into pool expansion, RAID rebuilds, and even hot spare assignments. In the DS1821+, users could freely mix third-party drives and expand pools over time using available or similarly specced HDDs—even those not on the official compatibility list. The DS1825+ takes a stricter approach: attempts to initialize DSM with unverified HDDs will fail, and pool expansion or RAID recovery with unsupported drives is outright blocked. While existing volumes from older NAS systems can still be migrated and booted, they will trigger persistent compatibility warnings in DSM, often with degraded system health indicators. This shift may offer Synology more control over performance validation and support consistency, but it limits flexibility for users relying on diverse or existing storage media—making the DS1821+ a better option for those with a mix-and-match approach, and the DS1825+ more suitable for fully standardized Synology deployments.

Synology DS1825+ vs DS1821+ NAS Comparison – DSM Capabilities

Both the DS1821+ and DS1825+ are powered by Synology’s DiskStation Manager (DSM) 7.2 operating system, offering access to a rich suite of applications for file management, backup, surveillance, virtualization, and cloud syncing. Core tools such as Synology Drive and Synology Photos provide a private cloud alternative to services like Google Drive or Dropbox, while packages like Hyper Backup and Active Backup for Business enable full-system and client-based data protection strategies. These services run similarly on both systems, but hardware differences can influence practical performance. For example, the DS1825+ ships with 8 GB of ECC memory by default, making it more responsive when running multiple DSM apps in parallel—such as Snapshot Replication combined with Virtual Machine Manager and Drive Client Sync. In contrast, the DS1821+ ships with 4 GB of memory, which may require an upgrade before achieving similar multitasking fluidity, especially in environments with more than a few simultaneous users.

DSM Feature / Capability Synology DS1821+

Synology DS1825+

DSM Version DSM 7.2+ DSM 7.2+
Max Internal Volumes 64 32 ▼ Reduced
Max Single Volume Size 108 TB 200 TB (requires 32 GB RAM) ▲ Increased
Snapshot Replication 256 per shared folder / 4,096 total system snapshots 256 per shared folder / 4,096 total system snapshots
Virtual Machine Manager (VMM) Up to 8 VM / Virtual DSM instances Up to 8 VM / Virtual DSM instances
Surveillance Station Up to 40 cameras / 4K / 1,200 FPS (H.265) Up to 40 cameras / 4K / 1,200 FPS (H.265)
Synology Drive Users Up to 110 users ▲ Higher Up to 100 users ▼ Lower
Synology Office Users Up to 110 concurrent users ▲ Higher Up to 100 concurrent users ▼ Lower
Hybrid Share Folder Support 10 10
High Availability Support Yes Yes
RAID Recovery (with unverified drives) ✅ Supported ❌ Blocked
Hot Spare / Expansion (unverified drives) ✅ Supported ❌ Blocked
Storage Manager (Unverified Drives) Warnings only, system fully functional Persistent alerts, functions blocked
M.2 NVMe Storage Pools ❌ Not supported ✅ Supported (Synology NVMe SSDs only)
M.2 NVMe Caching with 3rd-party SSDs ✅ Supported ❌ Blocked
Protocols Supported SMB1/2/3, NFSv3/v4, FTP, WebDAV, Rsync, iSCSI, HTTP/HTTPS, LDAP SMB1/2/3, NFSv3/v4, FTP, WebDAV, Rsync, iSCSI, HTTP/HTTPS, LDAP
Differences emerge in how each system handles volume structure and scaling. The DS1821+ supports up to 64 internal volumes, giving it an advantage in deployments where users need to segregate workloads—for instance, separating surveillance footage, shared team folders, user home directories, and VM storage into distinct volumes for quota management and performance tuning. This flexibility makes the DS1821+ better suited for educational institutions or small business IT teams who manage multiple user groups and need clear storage separation. The DS1825+, on the other hand, limits internal volumes to 32 but increases the maximum single-volume size to 200 TB (with 32 GB RAM installed). This makes it better aligned with large, contiguous workloads like uncompressed 4K video editing archives, security footage retention for legal compliance, or massive CAD/CAM datasets—all of which benefit more from fewer, larger volumes than from numerous smaller ones.

Service limits within DSM also subtly differentiate the two models. The DS1821+ is rated for up to 110 concurrent users in Synology Drive and Office, whereas the DS1825+ recommends a slightly lower threshold of 100 users. While the difference is marginal, it may reflect the DS1825+’s tighter memory tuning or more restrictive compatibility model, which now relies on verified Synology storage media for optimal performance. For example, in environments running Synology Office with real-time collaborative editing—paired with Drive, MailPlus, and external file sharing through WebDAV—the DS1821+ might offer more flexibility when loaded with third-party high-performance SSDs for caching. The DS1825+, restricted to Synology’s own SNV3400/3410 NVMe drives, demands tighter ecosystem compliance, which could affect responsiveness if storage performance becomes a bottleneck. Nonetheless, both models offer full support for advanced DSM modules like Synology High Availability, SAN Manager, and Hybrid Share, ensuring that users deploying in mission-critical environments still have access to the high-availability and hybrid cloud features that define Synology’s enterprise-ready platform.

Although DSM 7.2 offers the same interface and core functionality across both the DS1821+ and DS1825+, the user experience diverges notably during storage migration, particularly when using older or unverified hard drives. Users migrating existing volumes from earlier Synology systems—such as the DS918+, DS1819+, or DS920+—will find that the DS1821+ accepts those drives with minimal friction. DSM will boot normally, recognize the existing array, and issue only minor warnings in Storage Manager regarding drive verification, which are generally dismissible and do not affect functionality. RAID recovery, pool expansion, and the addition of hot spare drives all remain fully accessible, even when using third-party or previously unsupported drives. In contrast, the DS1825+ enforces stricter hardware validation: while it will mount migrated volumes, the system interface becomes saturated with persistent warning banners, amber and red health statuses, and limited drive information if the drives are not officially verified. These warnings cannot be dismissed, and attempts to rebuild RAID, add new drives to existing pools, or assign hot spares using unverified media will be blocked entirely. As a result, while both systems technically support migration, the DS1821+ offers a far more tolerant and practical transition path for users with legacy or mixed-brand storage configuration.

Synology DS1825+ vs DS1821+ NAS Comparison – Conclusion

Choosing between the Synology DS1825+ and DS1821+ comes down to whether you prioritize modern hardware refinements or broader long-term flexibility. The DS1825+ introduces subtle but meaningful upgrades: faster 2.5GbE connectivity, double the base memory, and NVMe storage pool support—features that clearly position it as the more forward-thinking choice for users committed to staying within the Synology ecosystem. However, these improvements come with tighter restrictions, most notably in its rigid drive compatibility policy. DSM cannot be installed unless only Synology-verified drives are used, and the system actively blocks unverified drives from being used in storage pools, RAID rebuilds, or even hot spare configurations. In contrast, the DS1821+ offers more freedom—supporting a wider range of HDDs and SSDs, allowing RAID recovery and expansion with non-Synology drives, and presenting a cleaner, less obstructive DSM experience when migrating from older hardware. While it may lack the newer model’s out-of-the-box performance gains, its open-ended architecture gives users—especially those with legacy drives or mixed environments—more breathing room. For users building a NAS from scratch and willing to adopt Synology’s closed hardware ecosystem, the DS1825+ is a capable and streamlined solution. But for those looking to extend the life of existing hardware or retain control over their storage media choices, the DS1821+ remains the more versatile and user-friendly option.

Aspect Synology DS1821+

Synology DS1825+

✅ Pros – Full support for 3rd-party drives (HDDs & SSDs) – Higher default RAM (8 GB ECC pre-installed)
– Supports RAID recovery, expansion, and hot spares with unverified drives – 2.5GbE networking (faster out-of-the-box performance)
– More flexible for DIY and legacy system migrations – NVMe storage pool support (Synology SSDs only)
– Supports more internal volumes (up to 64) – USB-C expansion ports with newer DX525 units
– Better choice for mixed-brand or cost-conscious deployments – Improved volume scaling (up to 200TB per volume with RAM upgrade)
❌ Cons – Older network setup (1GbE x4, slower unless aggregated) – Strict drive compatibility enforcement (Synology-only drives required)
– No NVMe storage pool support – Blocks DSM install with unverified drives
– Lower default memory (4 GB, upgrade likely needed for advanced workloads) – Fewer internal volumes supported (32 max)
– Persistent system warnings when migrating existing arrays with non-Synology drives
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Synology NAS vs EVERYONE ELSE – Which Is Best?

If Not Synology? Which Other NAS Brand Should You Choose?

It’s an odd question, but with Synology arguably making some rather higher business and enterprise decisions in recent years, there have been increasing queries about who would fill the void if they moved onwards and upwards. As Synology holds such a powerful position in the NAS market, their absence would certainly lead to quite the battle of strength from other players. The obvious answer would be QNAP, a brand that has a similar history to Synology (over two decades in the business, Taiwan-based, in-house OS, numerous 1st-party tools, home and business solutions, etc.), but in 2025, the reality is nowhere near as clear-cut. Younger established brands that have jockeyed for 3rd position, such as Asustor and Terramaster, have been challenged by several startups (ZimaCube and Zimaboard 2, Orico’s Cyberdata Vault, to name just two) entering the fray, as well as established brands like UGREEN, which are expanding their business into the NAS sector. If Synology, for whatever reason, ceased to occupy this important user class of private turnkey server ownership, who would be best placed to occupy it?

How, Where and Why Has Synology Changed?

Synology’s rapid change in business stance to be more enterprise/hyperscale-focused comes at the same time as their frequency of more entry-level, small business, prosumer, and enthusiast solutions has dropped. The regularity of smaller 2-Bay and 4-Bay solutions has noticeably decreased, and the hardware they feature has changed to accommodate more business-type use. This by no means suggests that the brand is making moves to exit these user groups (indeed, support of DSM and the latest revision DSM 7.2.2 extends to all existing users up to many systems released in the late 2010s). However, there has been plenty of user outcry from existing users and potential customers on the architecture of both DSM and the recent releases that exacerbate users to move away from the brand and spend their allocated budgets elsewhere. Synology still comfortably sits ahead of its competitors in terms of software, features, and the UX of their platform, but many changes in policy and support mentioned below have started this trend:

  • Changes in 3rd-party HDD compatibility on systems above the 8-Bay scale, prioritizing their own 1st-party labeled HDDs and SSDs, as well as reducing the presentation and compatibility listings on their site significantly.
  • Changes in the choice of internal hardware featured in their systems to be more focused on business file processes and less on multimedia use.
  • Comparatively smaller increases in base hardware between refreshes of individual series (e.g., J4125 and V1500B CPUs in 2024 launch devices, despite first appearing in 2019/2020).
  • Considerable increased focus on software enhancements over hardware (not a bad thing, but an undeniable fact).
  • Increased proprietary hardware support over 3rd-party (e.g., Synology-only Memory modules, custom 10GbE adapters like the E10G22-T1, Synology-only M.2 SSDs for Pool Use).
  • An increasing number of cloud subscription services getting newer features, while local services remain secure and stable but static.
  • New product focus shifting towards newer larger-scale solutions like the evolving GridStation series, Active Protect subscription system, and C2 innovations.
  • The predicted elimination of the J entry-level series in favor of the pre-populated and software-streamlined BeeStation.

All of the above are small factors in themselves, but add them all up, and you see small but important stepping stones toward a gear shift in Synology’s target demographic. So, if Synology were to intentionally or inadvertently begin to move outside of these user groups of home, small business, and enthusiast, who stands to fill this space and grow?


QNAP vs Synology?

As mentioned earlier, QNAP stands to be the most likely contender to fill this space. With over 20 years of history, a larger range of hardware solutions than Synology, and software that does pretty much everything Synology’s does, they have been consistent competitors. However, inconsistencies in user experience, conflicting UIs, and a tendency to try to do “too much” have resulted in their losing ground to Synology in terms of software. Add to this the negative brand impact of security incidents in 2020-2022, which tarnished their reputation around security and safety, requiring serious improvement. To the brand’s credit, they have made considerable internal culture changes on this subject, adding bounty programs, tightening system defaults, increasing pen testing, introducing several system security scanning tools, disabling things like SSH and admin super user accounts as standard, and more.

Value Series Best All Rounder Prosumer NAS
   
TS-233 2-Bay NAS TS-464 4-Bay NAS TVS-h874 8-Bay NAS
$189 on Amazon (Check Here)

$549 on Amazon (Check Here)

$2499 on Amazon (Check Here)

In terms of hardware, they have mostly stuck to what works, refreshing existing product families at the same rate of 2.5-3 years for desktop small-medium scale, and 3-5 years for larger scale. They have also introduced significantly more recent CPUs from both Intel and AMD, as well as 2.5GbE as standard on their solutions at the same price point as 1GbE. If it weren’t for the damaging brand harm caused by the Deadbolt/QSnatch/Qlocker ransomware attacks, I think Synology would have been significantly challenged by QNAP in the last 2-3 years across all fronts. However, the setback to QNAP’s reputation reduced this growth potential significantly, and in the last two years, we have seen an increasing number of new names pop up in NAS that have also harmed QNAP’s appeal to users in terms of hardware value, the thing they could always be relied upon to beat Synology on. QNAP would still stand to become the ‘top dog’ in the event of a Synology exit (Synexit?) from the low-to-medium tiers of NAS storage, but many new players have entered the field, such as…


UGREEN vs QNAP?

Largely known for their power adapters and PC accessories, a year ago UGREEN had practically no real presence in the world of NAS. They had a smaller scale and more entry-level range of solutions that were limited to the East, but aside from that, they were complete outsiders. Fast forward to now, and following a successful and well-marketed Kickstarter campaign that raised millions of dollars, they are now a provider of genuinely impressive turnkey NAS solutions—the NASync series. The key word there is “turnkey”, as in they are providing both the hardware and the software. They could have just rolled out their hardware and made it OS-free (i.e., “Here’s a ready-built server, now go install UnRAID or TrueNAS”), but instead, they opted to produce and include an impressively responsive NAS OS in UGOS. Genuinely challenging the feature set of the likes of Asustor and Terramaster, as well as the design of Synology and the hardware level of QNAP, UGREEN has made a rapidly growing name for itself in the small-to-medium NAS sector.

Value Series Best All Rounder Prosumer NAS
DXP2800 2-Bay NAS DXP4800 PLUS 4-Bay NAS DXP8800 PLUS 8-Bay NAS
$399 on Amazon (Check Here)

$699 on Amazon (Check Here)

$1499 on Amazon (Check Here)

They definitely lack the range of solutions that those other brands offer, with only 6 solutions currently available (the DXP2800, DXP4800/PLUS, DXP6680, DXP8800, and DXP480T), and no rackmount solutions yet, but it’s a solid start. Equally, their software, although fluid and responsive in nailing down the NAS fundamentals, lacks many of the more impressive AAA+ solutions that are offered by the bigger brands. Lastly, although they raised a considerable sum during the crowdfunding, they do not have the global support, offices, or availability of their long-running NAS competitors—with solutions only being available in two regions, the US and Germany. All of these factors add up to a brand that is poised to make even bigger splashes in the years to come but is perhaps not quite ready to replace the big dog, Synology, just yet!


ASUSTOR vs Synology?

Always the bridesmaid, but never the bride, Asustor is a brand that has been around in the world of NAS in one shape or form for quite a few years. They are one of the mainstream Taiwanese brands in NAS that has always ‘been there’, but it is only in the last 4-5 years that they have been making sizable moves to take on both Synology and QNAP. One of the main ways in which they pursued this is by developing numerous features in both hardware and software that are available from their competitors individually. So features such as M.2 NVMe-focused storage systems, BTRFS support, WORM locking, 2.5GbE/5GbE support, HDMI output via a dedicated GUI, and more are features available on Synology and QNAP to some extent, but only Asustor rolls them under one brand umbrella. So, how poised are they to fill a void if Synology moved out of this space?

Well, from a hardware standpoint, Asustor is in a very good position. Them being Taiwan-based will certainly soothe concerns that have grown around Chinese companies and data storage solutions. Equally, their hardware has evolved rapidly in their last two generations to feature some genuinely unique solutions that are either specific to the platform or priced at a level that makes them genuinely competitive against DIY and BYO solutions. Systems such as the Flashstor series, Lockerstor series, and even value offerings like the Drivestor are surprisingly well equipped. They are not quite on the same level of hardware as QNAP (who have a significantly more diverse hardware portfolio), but they are fleshing it out very well.

Value Series Best All Rounder Prosumer NAS
Nimbustor Gen 2 2-Bay NAS Flashstor Gen 1 12-Bay NAS Lockerstor Gen 3 8/10-Bay NAS
$369 on Amazon (Check Here)

$449-749 on Amazon (Check Here)

$1999 on Amazon (Check Here)

However, it is the software of Asustor (ADM) that is unfortunately where the brand is a little more timid. They have a NAS OS, numerous client tools for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android—and they nail down the bulk of the application fundamentals for storage management, multi-site backup handling, multimedia playback, containers, and more. But the platform lacks a few of the more AAA/desirable services, such as AI-powered photo recognition, a 1st-party VM tool, ZFS support, and ultimately is a little more reliant on 3rd-party applications to fill the gaps. They have recently countered this by officially detailing that they support users who buy Asustor hardware to go ahead and install 3rd-party NAS software like TrueNAS or UnRAID without it harming your warranty—so they know they are not leading the pack in terms of their own ADM NAS software but do make noticeable user concessions. With new hardware on the horizon in the Lockerstor Gen3 and Flashstor Gen2 (both of which see a significant bump in hardware profiles), we might see some impressive moves from Asustor in 2025. I just think they still have some ways to go before they can fill any potential void that Synology might leave.


TERRAMASTER vs Synology?

Terramaster has been jockeying for the NAS 3rd place spot with Asustor for well over a decade at this point, and much like their opponent, they have been good at integrating individual features from both QNAP and Synology into their own NAS hardware and TOS platform, but to a larger degree than Asustor. For example, their OS provides largely everything that Asustor ADM does (including TrueNAS/UnRAID support without voiding your warranty) but adds to this with an AI photo recognition platform, their own VM tool, and an impressive Isolation Mode that can sever the system at the click of a button from remote access, 3rd-party PHP, and any external requests (necessitating a restart to disable). However, as this brand is a Chinese brand, there will always be question marks raised by users about how this system compares with Taiwanese-based systems. This is a little unfair, given that Terramaster, Asustor, and QNAP were all successfully hit by the same ransomware attack (Deadbolt) a few years back, so there was plenty of ‘vulnerability’ to spread around!

In terms of hardware, Terramaster has been making some impressive and aggressive strides in this area—with the recent launch of their 3-part F4-424 Intel NAS series (Standard, Pro, and MAX), the release of two 8-bay M.2 NVMe 10GbE equipped systems (the F8 PLUS and F8 SSD PLUS), and new desktop and rackmounts hot on their heels. They have also scaled up the design to better improve cooling, efficiency, and just general visual appeal.

Value Series Best All Rounder Prosumer NAS
 
F2-424 2-Bay NAS F4-424 Max 4-Bay NAS T9-500 Pro 9-Bay NAS
$369 on Amazon (Check Here)

$819 on Amazon (Check Here)

$1499 on Amazon (Check Here)

However, much like Asustor, their software is just not able to challenge the standard that Synology has set. For buyers looking for smooth and easy utilization like Synology, Terramaster’s TOS has the danger of feeling a little clunky. Their latest release, TOS6, brings new features, software standards, and design to the mix, but it lacks the range of mobile applications, desktop client tools, and consistent UX/presentation that Synology seems to do so well. Terramaster is a fantastic value-for-money choice, and I would argue they have significantly scaled up the level of hardware and software utility they provide year on year. But they still have a way to go before they can hit the same notes as Synology DSM yet.


WD / Netgear vs Synology?

This is a pretty short one! The answer is no! Both WD and Netgear have regularly reduced their hardware ranges and the frequency of software updates these last few years, and although there are a decent range of business file server systems still being released, the general home/enthusiast/prosumer level of hardware is pretty poor and uninteresting compared to everyone else on this list so far. I cannot help but get the feeling that, aside from some basic backup NAS systems that are still listed at the majority of retailers, the bulk of their range has been in circulation for 5-6 years now without any refresh in sight. For basic target file/folder storage, these systems still provide some limited modern NAS utility, but overall, they are a fairly weak alternative to Synology’s offerings in 2025.


A UniFi NAS?

With increased mentions and leaks online towards a potential NAS in the works from UniFi, this could be a very credible alternative to Synology in terms of software UX and presentation. UniFi, and its incredibly user-friendly UX featured on their Switch, Router, NVR, and Dream Machine combination systems, is where UniFi shines. No doubt any UniFi NAS solution would need to similarly blend into their ecosystem to the same degree. That said, if they were to launch a system, all their experience in the fields of network management, router security, and surveillance systems might not necessarily translate into a similar pedigree in network-attached storage. It’s hard to discuss how or if UniFi could fill any market space that a potential Synology absence would create, as they do not have any systems out in the market to make an informed decision. This is for the “To Be Continued…” pile!


Drobo vs Synology?

No…just…no. See Video Below:


IceWhale / ZimaCube

This is a very interesting one. 2023 and 2024 saw several companies arrive in the turnkey NAS space via the crowdfunding route (we already discussed UGREEN as the biggest example), wanting to break into the market. However, IceWhale benefits from having already launched two previous successfully fulfilled campaigns and is just completing their third one with the ZimaCube NAS system. Arriving with the lightweight containerized platform Zima OS (a modified version of their existing Casa OS), this new series is pretty impressive for its scale and price point at launch. Add to that the significantly unique design, impressive use of 10GbE and Thunderbolt over IP, and a 6x HDD / 4x NVMe system in a compact case, and you can see why they have made a fairly significant splash for a brand that is comparatively unheard of compared to Synology, QNAP, etc.

However, as robust as their range of solutions is (ZimaBoard, ZimaBlade, and ZimaCube), the software is still very rudimentary compared to the bulk of other browser GUI and more “operating system”-stylized UX. There are virtually no client applications, except for their own system search and connection client tools. An eventual successor to Synology, if they moved upwards toward bigger and more business-oriented solutions, would need to hit the software functionality and user experience exceedingly early and exceedingly well.

Mini PC Brands – Lincplus, Aoostar, etc.

This is an odd one. There have been a large number of solutions appearing on sites such as AliExpress that arrive as “OS-Free” services, allowing a user to get a pre-built NAS hardware solution (i.e., no need to build one yourself, which takes longer and requires a degree of technical understanding). The end user can then choose to install popular and well-established solutions like TrueNAS, UnRAID, OpenMediaVault, and more.

Value Option Best All Rounder SSD Focused NAS
Aoostar WTR Pro 4-Bay NAS Minsiforum MS-01 3/6-Bay NAS Lincplus Lincstation N1 6-Bay NAS
$399-799 on Amazon (Check Here)

$399 on Amazon (Check Here)

$399 on Amazon (Check Here)

This serves as an impressively economical solution and has significantly grown in popularity in 2023/2024, but these 3rd-party software platforms lack a lot of the ease of use and quality of life client tools for modern devices that Synology features. Indeed, despite efforts like UnRAID 7 making its day-to-day use much easier, and TrueNAS working with HexOS for a more user-friendly output, these still pale in comparison to DSM and will also require a greater degree of technical user input in the long term to maintain stability, versus Synology’s rather more “it takes care of itself” design.


Synology vs EVERYONE ELSE – Conclusion and Verdict

If Synology were to leave the home/enthusiast/prosumer/small business tier very soon, I do think QNAP would stand to reoccupy this ground. However, give it 2-3 years, and I do think players like Terramaster, Asustor, and yes—even UGREEN—are poised to give QNAP some serious consumer competition. No doubt Synology is still keeping an eye on their competition (big and small) and would not willingly or easily give up this sector without a fight. However, there is no denying that the turnkey NAS industry is no longer the 2-3 horse race it was just five years ago!



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Synology vs Terramaster NAS – Which Should You Buy?

Synology VS Terramaster NAS Drives in 2025 – Which One Deserves Your Data?

Synology and TerraMaster are two well-established brands in the network-attached storage (NAS) industry, each targeting a range of users from home enthusiasts to small and medium-sized businesses. Synology, a Taiwanese company with over two decades in the field, is widely recognized for its DSM (DiskStation Manager) software, which emphasizes stability, security, and integration within a tightly controlled ecosystem. TerraMaster, while newer to the market, has steadily gained ground by offering hardware-focused, cost-effective solutions with increasing software support via its TOS (TerraMaster Operating System) platform.

I want to provide a side-by-side comparison between Synology and TerraMaster as they stand in 2025, focusing on the real-world differences in hardware, storage, software, and security. The goal is to outline the practical strengths and weaknesses of each brand without leaning heavily toward subjective preferences or historical bias. This is especially relevant for users reevaluating Synology due to recent policy shifts, or for those considering TerraMaster as a flexible and affordable alternative.

Area Synology DSM TerraMaster TOS
OS Flexibility Locked DSM ecosystem Allows TrueNAS/Unraid without voiding warranty
RAID System SHR Hybrid RAID TRAID Hybrid RAID
AI & Surveillance DVA Series supports real-time AI detection Surveillance App still in beta
Virtual Machines VMM with full GUI VirtualBox-based, less integrated
Deduplication Btrfs-based, native to DSM Supported with “Dedup Manager”
Media Streaming No native Jellyfin, Video Station discontinued Jellyfin included natively
Security Malware, ransomware, firewall + audit Includes Isolation Mode, detailed scanner
Mobile/Remote Tools Broadest mobile app suite + QuickConnect Core mobile app + TNAS.online DDNS

Synology vs Terramaster NAS – Hardware Solutions Compared

When evaluating Synology’s hardware catalog, the company demonstrates a clear strategy of segmenting performance tiers through tightly integrated systems. The FS (FlashStation) series targets ultra-low latency workloads with powerful multi-core CPUs and all-flash designs. For instance, the FS6400 and FS3600 offer 240,000 and 195,000+ 4K random write IOPS respectively, built for high-throughput environments. The HD series goes a different direction, pushing density with up to 300 drives in models like the HD6500, which pair with dual 10-core CPUs and provide over 6,600 MB/s throughput. Meanwhile, the SA and XS/XS+ series address scalable performance and redundancy needs, offering dual-controller setups, high RAM ceilings, and optional Fibre Channel or 25/40GbE expansion. Synology’s Plus and Value series provide consumer-grade flexibility, but these are becoming increasingly closed ecosystems with limited hardware compatibility and optional expansion cards restricted to specific interfaces or models.

Category Synology Example Models TerraMaster Example Models CPU & RAM Range Typical Use Case
Entry-Level (2-4 Bay) DS223, DS423, DS224+, DS423+ F2-212, F4-223, F4-210 Quad-core 1.7–2.2GHz, up to 32GB ECC Personal cloud, backups, media streaming
Mid-Range (4-6 Bay) DS1621+, DS1522+, DS1821+ F4-424, F6-424, F4-424 Pro Quad-core 2.2GHz, up to 32GB ECC, NVMe cache SOHO/SMB file sharing, light virtualization
Performance Tier (6-8 Bay) RS1221+, RS2423+, DS3622xs+, DS1823xs+ U4-423, T6-423, T9-423 Quad to Octa-core Xeon, up to 64GB+, 10GbE support Heavy multi-user access, surveillance, VM use
Enterprise / Rackmount RS4021xs+, SA6400, SA3610, UC3200 U12-500 Plus, U16-722-2224, T12-450 10–12 core CPUs, 128GB+ RAM, SAS, PCIe expandability Virtualization clusters, iSCSI SAN, backups at scale
All-Flash / NVMe Focused FS2500, FS3600, FS6400, SA3400D F8 SSD Plus, U8-522-9400, U24-722-2224 8–24 cores, all-SSD, 10/25/40GbE, NVMe-only storage High IOPS databases, virtualization, low-latency workloads

TerraMaster, in contrast, focuses its value proposition heavily on maximizing hardware capabilities per dollar. Even in their midrange, systems like the F6-424 Max or F4-424 Pro include Intel Celeron or i3 CPUs, 2.5GbE or 10GbE connectivity, NVMe SSD support, and upgradeable RAM—all within sub-$700 price ranges. Larger units like the T12-500 Pro or U24-722-2224 scale storage up to 24 bays or beyond, while still offering competitive CPUs and abundant connectivity options. TerraMaster also maintains a vast lineup of hybrid RAID-capable DAS and NAS systems, including USB 3.2 Gen 2 enclosures for fast, direct-attached storage. Unlike Synology, TerraMaster maintains open compatibility with third-party drives and offers more consistent support for M.2 NVMe storage expansion, SSD caching, and even integrated GPU support in some models.

Synology DS925+ NAS

Terramaster F4-424 / Max / Pro

Check Amazon in Your Region for the Synology NAS Solutions

Check B&H for the Synology NAS Solutions

Check Amazon in Your Region for the Terramaster NAS Solutions

Check B&H for the Terramaster NAS Solutions

Overall, while Synology’s premium hardware—especially in enterprise segments like FS, HD, and SA series—is clearly capable and built with specific high-performance use cases in mind, the general direction of the brand has shifted toward tightly controlled environments with gradual upgrades. In contrast, TerraMaster’s approach offers broader hardware scalability and modularity across more price points, with emphasis on high-speed networking and expansive storage configurations. For users who prioritize full hardware utilization, third-party component compatibility, or budget scalability, TerraMaster offers more flexibility. Meanwhile, users looking for tightly integrated, support-rich systems—especially in enterprise workloads—may lean toward Synology, albeit at a higher cost per feature.

Synology vs Terramaster NAS – Storage, Compatibility and Scalability

Storage functionality is a critical part of any NAS system, and both Synology and TerraMaster offer a wide range of capabilities here—but with distinct philosophies. Synology employs its own hybrid RAID system known as Synology Hybrid RAID (SHR), which provides flexibility in mixing different drive sizes while still maintaining redundancy. SHR is available in both single- and dual-disk fault-tolerant configurations and is fully integrated with their Btrfs-based file system, offering advanced features like snapshots, deduplication, and WORM (Write Once, Read Many). Their enterprise-class devices also support more traditional RAID configurations (RAID 0/1/5/6/10) and incorporate proprietary features like Synology RAID F1 for flash endurance. However, Synology has increasingly restricted drive compatibility on newer models such as the DS925+, requiring only their own branded HAT or SAT series drives for initialization or full functionality—a move that limits storage choices for end users.

Feature Synology TerraMaster Notes
Drive Compatibility Limited to Synology-branded drives on newer models (e.g. DS925+) Open support: WD, Seagate, Toshiba, Samsung, etc. Synology enforces verified drive policy; TerraMaster is open
RAID Support RAID 0/1/5/6/10, SHR (Synology Hybrid RAID) RAID 0/1/5/6/10, TRAID (TerraMaster RAID) Both offer flexible hybrid RAID options
File Systems Btrfs and EXT4 (model-dependent) Btrfs and EXT4 (model-dependent) Parity here; both support snapshotting on Btrfs
Snapshots Supported on all Btrfs-enabled models, with versioning & scheduling Supported on Btrfs-enabled models; varies by model Synology has more mature snapshot UI
Deduplication Btrfs-native deduplication on select models GUI-based “Dedup Manager” app available Both platforms now offer this
WORM (Write Once Read Many) Supported on all recent DSM models Available on compatible TOS models Important for compliance environments
SSD Caching Available via M.2 or 2.5” SSD (read/write) Available via M.2 or 2.5” SSD (read/write) Hardware support needed on both
Storage Pool Creation via M.2 SSDs DSM 7.2+ allows with Synology-branded SSDs only TOS 5.x+ allows with most 3rd-party M.2 SSDs TerraMaster has more flexibility here
Expansion Units Proprietary only (e.g. DX517, DX525 via eSATA/USB-C) Wider variety including hybrid M.2/HDD enclosures Synology expansion limited to official units
Third-Party Expansion Enclosures Not supported or blocked in DSM Fully supported via USB or DAS TerraMaster supports open expansion ecosystem
Max Capacity (Consumer Units) Up to 180–300TB on XS+/SA series (w/ expansions) Up to 264TB+ on Pro/Enterprise systems Similar potential; depends on model
Storage Protocols iSCSI, SMB Multichannel, NFS, AFP, WebDAV iSCSI, SMB Multichannel, NFS, AFP, WebDAV Parity on protocols
Storage Analytics / Monitoring Detailed UI with health, lifespan & usage stats Less polished UI, but includes drive info & warnings Synology more user-friendly; TerraMaster more technical

TerraMaster offers a more open storage environment, supporting standard RAID types (RAID 0/1/5/6/10) and introducing its own hybrid RAID option, TRAID, designed to dynamically balance storage allocation when using mismatched drives. Like Synology, TerraMaster has implemented Btrfs in its newer systems and supports snapshots, volume encryption, and deduplication (via its Dedup Manager) across many models. However, unlike Synology, TerraMaster places no restrictions on drive brands or third-party SSDs—users are free to populate their systems with Seagate, Western Digital, Toshiba, Kingston, or Samsung drives without concern for compatibility blocks. This openness extends to M.2 NVMe support, where TerraMaster allows NVMe drives to be used not only for cache but also for primary storage pools, something Synology currently reserves for specific enterprise-class devices or limits to caching only in most consumer models.

Where Synology shines is in the management and monitoring of storage. DSM’s Storage Manager provides a clean, user-friendly interface with visualized health metrics, smart monitoring, and snapshot replication tools. Advanced features such as scheduled integrity checks, automatic repair routines, and near-seamless volume expansion contribute to its appeal in professional environments. TerraMaster’s storage UI is functional but somewhat less polished; it provides access to core tools like volume creation, SMART diagnostics, and snapshot management, but lacks some of the refined monitoring granularity found in DSM. Still, for users who prioritize freedom of storage deployment, drive variety, and full hardware utilization, TerraMaster’s openness may outweigh DSM’s slightly more mature GUI design. Ultimately, the storage advantage between the two depends on whether the user values tight software integration or broader hardware flexibility.

Synology DSM vs Terramaster TOS NAS – Software Comparison

Synology’s DSM (DiskStation Manager) remains one of the most mature NAS operating systems available today, known for its polished interface, smooth navigation, and deep integration across features. DSM offers a fully modular, desktop-like GUI accessible through a browser, with a broad suite of first-party applications such as Synology Drive for file synchronization, Hyper Backup for multi-destination backups, and Active Backup for Business, a highly regarded solution for PC, server, and VM backups.

These tools often match or exceed the capabilities of dedicated commercial backup solutions. DSM also includes native virtualization (Virtual Machine Manager), Docker container support, surveillance management (Surveillance Station), and numerous file-sharing services including WebDAV, FTP, iSCSI, and SMB multi-channel. Overall, DSM’s ecosystem is not just well-developed—it is increasingly self-contained, with Synology focusing on reducing third-party dependencies by developing in-house alternatives for productivity, security, and media apps.

Category Feature Synology DSM (7.2) TerraMaster TOS (5.1 / optional 6.x) Notes
Core OS OS Version DSM 7.2 TOS 5.1 standard, TOS 6 optional on newer models TOS 6 has refreshed UI and app changes
Alternate OS Install ❌ Not supported ✅ Allows Unraid, TrueNAS without voiding warranty Huge flexibility advantage for TerraMaster
Web Interface ✅ Polished, modern DSM interface ✅ Modern but simpler UI DSM is more mature
Mobile Apps ✅ Many DS apps across mobile platforms ✅ TNAS Mobile, limited scope Synology has broader mobile toolset
File Services SMB/NFS/AFP/WebDAV ✅ Full support ✅ Full support Core services present on both
iSCSI Support ✅ Native GUI-based iSCSI manager ✅ iSCSI support available Parity here
RAID & Storage RAID Options ✅ RAID 0/1/5/6/10 + SHR (Hybrid RAID) ✅ RAID 0/1/5/6/10 + TRAID (TerraMaster Hybrid RAID) Both support flexible hybrid RAID
Snapshots ✅ Btrfs with scheduling/versioning ✅ On Btrfs-capable models Model-dependent on TOS
Deduplication ✅ Btrfs-based dedup ✅ With Dedup Manager Available on both with GUI
Encryption ✅ Volume/folder/drive encryption + WORM ✅ Volume encryption + WORM TerraMaster supports WORM as well
SSD Caching ✅ Read/write SSD caching ✅ SSD caching supported Hardware-dependent for both
Virtualization & Containers Virtual Machines ✅ Synology VMM (Virtual Machine Manager) ✅ VirtualBox-based VM manager Less integrated in TOS but available
Docker Support ✅ Full Docker with GUI ✅ Available via App Center Equal in function
GPU Passthrough ❌ Not supported ❌ Not supported Absent on both platforms
AI & Surveillance AI Features ✅ Facial/object detection via DVA models ✅ Facial/object detection DSM AI Services in NVR/CCTV xclusive to DVA NAS models or their own cameras
Surveillance Suite ✅ Surveillance Station with licensing ✅ Surveillance App (Beta) TOS app is newer and evolving
Media & Streaming Plex Media Server ✅ Native app ✅ Native support No difference
Jellyfin ❌ Docker/homebrew ✅ Native Jellyfin app Edge to TerraMaster
Video Player App ❌ Video Station EOL ❌ No official native player Use Plex/Jellyfin on both
Backup & Sync Backup Solutions ✅ Hyper Backup, Active Backup, USB/Cloud ✅ TerraSync (Synology Drive-like), Rsync, USB, Cloud Backup TOS has clear parity now
Cloud Sync ✅ Native Cloud Sync app ✅ CloudSync app Supported on both
Remote Access DDNS + Tunnel ✅ QuickConnect ✅ TNAS.online Both offer simplified remote access
Security & Access Security Scanner ✅ Malware, ransomware, audit, firewall tools ✅ Full scanner + Isolation Mode Both systems offer advanced security
VPN Server ✅ OpenVPN, L2TP, PPTP via GUI ✅ OpenVPN/L2TP support GUI VPN tools available
SSL Certificates ✅ Let’s Encrypt + custom certs ✅ Let’s Encrypt + certs Equal support
2FA Support ✅ TOTP, authenticator app, email ✅ TOTP 2FA Parity on login security
App Ecosystem App Center ✅ Extensive native apps and 3rd party ✅ App Center with essential tools Synology has a larger catalog
Package Manager ✅ synopkg CLI + GUI ✅ App Center (GUI only) CLI package management is a Synology edge

 TerraMaster’s TOS (TerraMaster Operating System), currently in version 5.1 with version 6 available on select systems, has seen rapid growth in capabilities and usability over the last few years. While it doesn’t yet match DSM’s polish, it has made significant strides in offering equivalent functionality. TOS supports Btrfs-based snapshots, Rsync and CloudSync for cloud backup, Docker container deployment, and VirtualBox-based virtualization. While the latter is less tightly integrated than Synology’s VMM, it does allow for third-party VM deployment in a usable way.

TerraMaster has also developed TerraSync, a synchronization tool designed to rival Synology Drive, and supports both media management and AI-enhanced photo sorting with apps like Terra Photos. However, many of TOS’s functions rely more heavily on community-driven or open-source third-party applications, resulting in a slightly less unified experience overall.

In terms of application ecosystems, Synology’s App Center clearly offers the broader and deeper catalog, particularly for business users. First-party applications such as Synology Office, Chat, MailPlus, and Note Station deliver a productivity-focused alternative to cloud services, and their Surveillance Station software stands out as one of the most powerful NVR platforms in the NAS market.

TerraMaster’s App Center includes essential tools but lacks the same level of first-party development. However, it makes up for this in openness: TerraMaster supports a wide array of third-party and open-source platforms more freely, including Jellyfin and Unraid. Moreover, TerraMaster allows alternative operating systems like TrueNAS to be installed without voiding the warranty, which adds considerable flexibility for tech-savvy users. Overall, Synology delivers a more unified and polished software experience, while TerraMaster emphasizes adaptability, freedom, and cost

Synology vs Terramaster NAS – Security and Safety

Synology has long maintained a strong reputation in the NAS sector for prioritizing system security, and this is evident in how thoroughly security is integrated throughout DSM. Synology’s Security Advisor provides active scanning for vulnerabilities, misconfigurations, and password weaknesses, while its firewall, account protection, and IP auto-blocking features offer practical layers of defense against unauthorized access. Synology also supports comprehensive SSL certificate management via Let’s Encrypt and offers two-factor authentication (2FA) with TOTP and hardware key support. From a business continuity perspective, DSM includes native WORM (Write Once Read Many) capabilities and encrypted shared folders to protect sensitive data from tampering or deletion. Perhaps most critically, Synology operates a dedicated PSIRT (Product Security Incident Response Team), frequently publishes security advisories, and participates in high-profile vulnerability testing events like Pwn2Own—demonstrating a serious commitment to vulnerability discovery and remediation.

TerraMaster’s security offering has become more robust over recent years, particularly with the development of Isolation Mode—a unique feature allowing users to instantly sever all external access and remote services with a single click. This acts as a kill switch in the event of a suspected breach or malware event. TOS also includes a system-level security scanner that checks for basic vulnerabilities and enables 2FA, SSH restrictions, and SSL certificate deployment. While TerraMaster’s platform does not offer as many granular policy tools as DSM, it supports core protocols like OpenVPN and L2TP for secure remote access and regularly issues firmware updates in response to new threats. The company also now provides greater transparency regarding CVEs (Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures), though its advisory frequency and scope remain smaller than Synology’s.

Security Feature Synology DSM TerraMaster TOS Notes
System Hardening Proactive hardening (limited root access, secure defaults) Moderately hardened; more configurable access Synology limits risky configurations by design
Security Scanner Built-in DSM Security Advisor with customizable scan depth TOS Security Center (less detailed on TOS 5.x) Synology provides more actionable alerts
2FA Support TOTP-based (authenticator apps, email) TOTP-based Parity on two-factor authentication
SSL Certificate Support Native Let’s Encrypt + custom certs via GUI Let’s Encrypt + custom certs via GUI Equal support, easy HTTPS setup
Firewall Management GUI-based port/IP firewall with profiles Firewall settings available (less granular) Synology allows more granular firewall policy creation
Isolation Mode / Kill Switch ❌ Not available ✅ Isolation Mode disables all external access with one click Advantage: TerraMaster for emergency lockdowns
Vulnerability Response (PSIRT) Dedicated PSIRT, public advisories updated monthly Less frequent disclosure, fewer details published Synology actively discloses and patches
Security Bug Bounty Program ✅ Yes – active white-hat reward program ❌ No public bounty program known Synology engages with global researchers
Third-Party App Restrictions Limited for security; sandboxed services More open but requires user discretion Synology prioritizes closed ecosystem safety
Remote Access Protection QuickConnect includes traffic relay + DDNS + 2FA TNAS.online DDNS with isolation toggle Both offer encrypted remote access, but Synology uses multiple layers
Malware Detection Real-time malware scanner, browser warnings Included scanner, but simpler in scope DSM scanner is more active and integrated
Backup Verification Integrity verification in Active Backup TerraSync + cloud/USB support (manual checks) DSM offers automated backup health reports
Surveillance Hardening Encrypted video storage + HTTPS + IP blocklist Surveillance App with HTTPS, still evolving Synology Surveillance Station is more mature and secure
Ransomware History 2014 “SynoLocker” (quickly patched) 2021–22 “Deadbolt” attacks (multiple waves) TerraMaster more affected in recent years
Update Frequency Frequent monthly patches Less frequent, varies by model DSM has a consistent schedule and transparency

Despite these advancements, TerraMaster’s security record has faced scrutiny in the past due to incidents like the Deadbolt ransomware attacks. These incidents, which also affected other NAS vendors, prompted significant user backlash and a push for more proactive security updates and faster patching. TerraMaster has since responded by improving software integrity and introducing layered protection features, but the lingering perception remains that Synology maintains a stronger and more proactive security posture overall.

This perception is reinforced by Synology’s investment in ongoing vulnerability research, bug bounty programs, and a broader portfolio of security-focused tools. As it stands in 2025, Synology continues to lead in NAS security maturity, while TerraMaster has made meaningful progress—especially with unique features like Isolation Mode—but still has ground to cover in enterprise-level protections and threat response.

Synology vs Terramaster NAS – Conclusion and Verdict

Comparing Synology and TerraMaster in 2025 ultimately highlights a clear philosophical divide between the two NAS brands. Synology continues to build upon a long-standing focus on refined software, tight integration, and enterprise-grade security. Its DSM platform remains one of the most polished and feature-rich operating systems in the NAS space, offering a wide selection of first-party tools for backup, surveillance, virtualization, and secure access. However, this ecosystem is increasingly closed, with stricter hardware compatibility requirements and limited support for third-party drives, SSDs, and expansions. For users who prioritize reliability, ease of use, and support from a mature software ecosystem, Synology remains a compelling—if sometimes restrictive—option.

Synology NAS– 5 Strengths vs TerraMaster in 2025

  • ✅ Superior software polish: DSM offers a more consistent, responsive, and user-friendly interface, ideal for beginners and pros alike.

  • ✅ Better security infrastructure: Features like a dedicated PSIRT, frequent vulnerability disclosures, and a bug bounty program give Synology the edge in system safety.

  • ✅ Mature first-party apps: Key tools like Active Backup for Business, Surveillance Station, and Synology Drive are more refined and feature-rich than their TOS counterparts.

  • ✅ Streamlined management: Built-in tools for snapshots, monitoring, and backup offer a more centralized and automated experience.

  • ✅ Longer ecosystem stability: Greater long-term support for software versions and consistent patch cycles provide peace of mind for business use.

Cons:

  • ❌ Strict hardware compatibility: Recent models (e.g., DS925+) restrict use of non-Synology drives and SSDs, frustrating users seeking flexibility.

  • ❌ Less hardware value per dollar: Generally more expensive for equivalent CPU, RAM, and port configurations.

TerraMaster, by contrast, leans into flexibility and hardware value. Its broad portfolio includes NAS units ranging from entry-level to high-performance multi-bay SSD systems, often at lower price points than Synology’s equivalents. TOS 5.1 and the newer TOS 6 have brought meaningful improvements in UI and functionality, while still maintaining a more open approach to compatibility and user customization. Features like native Jellyfin support, VirtualBox VM deployment, and the ability to install TrueNAS or Unraid without voiding warranty make TerraMaster a standout for DIY-leaning users or those with niche requirements. However, its software, while improving, does not yet match the polish or depth of Synology DSM, especially in areas like virtualization, surveillance, and enterprise security.

TerraMaster NAS – 5 Strengths vs Synology in 2025

  • ✅ Better hardware value: Offers more powerful CPUs, RAM, M.2 slots, and 10GbE in the same or lower price bracket.

  • ✅ Flexible OS options: Users can install TrueNAS, Unraid, or other OSes without voiding the warranty, offering unmatched flexibility.

  • ✅ Open storage support: No restrictions on drive brand or SSD use, supporting Seagate, WD, Toshiba, Samsung, and more.

  • ✅ More aggressive expansion options: TOS systems often support more USB and hybrid expansion units across the portfolio.

  • ✅ Integrated Jellyfin support: TerraMaster includes native Jellyfin installation without relying on Docker or community packages.

Cons:

  • ❌ Less mature software ecosystem: TOS apps are less polished and lack some advanced features found in DSM tools.

  • ❌ Weaker track record on security: Past vulnerabilities (e.g. Deadbolt) and slower public patching place more responsibility on the user for hardening.

In the end, choosing between Synology and TerraMaster depends heavily on user needs and expectations. Synology suits users who want a highly stable, all-in-one solution with minimal configuration and long-term support. TerraMaster offers greater adaptability and value for power users who are comfortable managing third-party apps and want to stretch their hardware investment further. Neither approach is inherently better—each has its strengths and trade-offs. Buyers seeking a tightly controlled, secure environment may gravitate toward Synology, while those who value hardware scalability, open software choices, and affordability may find more freedom with TerraMaster.

Synology DS925+ NAS

Terramaster F4-424 / Max / Pro

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Synology DS725+ : du 2,5 GbE enfin au programme, mais peu d’autres changements

Synology DS725 - Synology DS725+ : du 2,5 GbE enfin au programme, mais peu d'autres changements

Synology officialise le DS725+, successeur direct du DS723+. Ce NAS 2 baies vient compléter la nouvelle gamme DSx25+, aux côtés du DS225+ présenté récemment. Malgré un air de déjà-vu, le DS725+ intègre quelques ajustements clés. Regardons. de plus près…

DS725+

DS725+ : évolution en douceur du DS723+

Le DS725+ conserve la philosophie du DS723+ : un NAS compact, évolutif et taillé pour les utilisateurs exigeants à la recherche de performances et de flexibilité. Il dispose de 2 emplacements en façade et il est possible de lui en ajouter 5 supplémentaires via l’ajout d’une unité d’extension DX525. Le DS725+ possède également 2 emplacements NVMe pour des SSD.

Sous le capot, on retrouve le même processeur dual-core AMD Ryzen R1600 cadencée à 2,6 GHz (mode boost à 3,1 GHz). Aucun changement ici : Synology mise encore sur ce processeur récent et efficace, notamment pour les usages orientés virtualisation, chiffrement ou services cloud. La mémoire vive reste également identique avec 2 Go de RAM DDR4 ECC (extensibles jusqu’à 32 Go). Un vrai plus pour les utilisateurs avancés…

Connectique : (enfin) du 2,5 Gb/s

DS725 arriere - Synology DS725+ : du 2,5 GbE enfin au programme, mais peu d'autres changements

La grande nouveauté, c’est la connectique réseau. Le DS725+ abandonne enfin les 2 ports 1 GbE au profit de 1 port 2,5 GbE et 1 port 1 GbE (comme le DS225+). Une amélioration logique, voire attendue, face à une concurrence qui propose du multi-Gig depuis plusieurs générations. Le NAS dispose également de 1 port USB 3.0  en façade et 1 port USB-C réservé à l’usage exclusif du DX525.

Compatibilité des disques : toujours verrouillée

Comme pour les autres modèles de la série DSx25+, Synology maintient sa politique de compatibilité stricte. Officiellement, seuls les disques Synology sont supportés sur le DS725+ (pour l’instant ?).

Prix et disponibilité

Le Synology DS725+ se présente comme une évolution très mesurée du DS723+. Le nouveau NAS devrait arriver prochainement. Le prix n’a pas encore été communiqué.

Pour en savoir plus, rendez-vous sur la page officielle de Synology

Synology DS225+ : une évolution timide pour le remplaçant du DS224+

Synology DS225 - Synology DS225+ : une évolution timide pour le remplaçant du DS224+

Synology vient d’annoncer l’arrivée prochaine du DS225+. Ce nouveau NAS vient remplacer le DS224+ et compléter la série DSx25+ (il ne manque désormais plus que le DS725+). Jetons un œil à ce nouveau modèle pour voir ce qu’il apporte réellement par rapport à son prédécesseur à deux baies.

Synology DS225+

 

Synology DS225+, un air de déjà-vu

Le DS225+ succède directement au DS224+. Et comme on le constate rapidement, les différences entre les deux modèles sont minimes. À noter d’emblée : aucun emplacement NVMe n’est présent sur ce modèle.

Ce NAS à deux baies peut accueillir des disques durs ou SSD. Il est équipé d’un processeur quad-core Intel Celeron J4125 cadencé à 2 GHz (jusqu’à 2,7 GHz en mode Burst) et dispose de 2 Go de RAM DDR4 (non ECC), extensibles jusqu’à 6 Go. Il s’agit exactement de la même architecture que celle du DS224+.

Même s’il est fiable, ce processeur ne brille pas par ses performances. Selon PassMark, il obtient un score modeste de 2939 points. Rien d’étonnant, il s’agit d’un modèle sorti en 2019, qui commence sérieusement à accuser son âge.

Connectique : un pas en avant

La seule vraie nouveauté de ce DS225+, c’est l’ajout d’un port RJ45 2,5 Gb/s, qui vient compléter le port Gigabit Ethernet déjà présent. C’est une avancée bienvenue, mais tardive, surtout face à une concurrence qui propose du multi-Gig depuis plusieurs années.

DS225 arriere - Synology DS225+ : une évolution timide pour le remplaçant du DS224+

On retrouve également 2 ports USB 3.0, dont un en façade.

Politique de compatibilité restrictive

Depuis la série DSx25+, Synology a renforcé sa politique de compatibilité matérielle, notamment celle pour les disques. Aujourd’hui, seuls les modèles estampillés Synology sont officiellement supportés. En pratique, cela exclut des références bien établies sur le marché des NAS, comme les Seagate IronWolf ou les WD Red.

Espérons que cette politique évoluera avec le temps pour réintégrer davantage de modèles tiers, sans compromis sur la stabilité.

Prix et disponibilité

Le Synology DS225+ vient tout juste d’être annoncé. Il faudra attendre encore quelques jours afin de le voir apparaitre dans les boutiques en France. Son prix n’a pas encore été dévoilé.

Pour en savoir plus, rendez-vous sur la page officielle

 

Synology Office 3.7 : la suite bureautique dopée à l’IA

synology IA - Synology Office 3.7 : la suite bureautique dopée à l’IA

Synology poursuit sa montée en puissance avec la sortie de Synology Office 3.7 Bêta. Cette nouvelle version intègre pour la première fois une couche d’intelligence artificielle. Disponible pour les NAS sous DSM 7.2.2, cette mise à jour s’intègre à Synology AI Console 1.1 et étend les capacités IA de la suite Office et de MailPlus.

Synology Office 3.7

IA et Synology Office

Synology Office 3.7 Bêta intègre un assistant IA conçu pour enrichir les 3 applications clés de la suite bureautique :

  • Documents : relecture intelligente, correction stylistique, traduction de fichiers entiers, génération de contenu contextuel à partir de documents existants. Une icône flottante permet d’accéder rapidement à des actions, comme la reformulation ou la traduction de paragraphes.
  • Tableurs : assistance à la création de fonctions, explication de formules en temps réel, aperçu contextuel, prise en charge du RTL (Right-To-Left), recherche dans les onglets masqués, filtrage amélioré pour les cellules fusionnées.
  • Slides : relecture, reformulation, traduction intégrale, zoom dans le volet de prévisualisation, déplacement simplifié des commentaires.

Tout n’est pas parfait, mais l’intégration est prometteuse… il faut bien l’avouer. Attention, Synology prévient qu’après l’installation de cette version Bêta, vous ne pourrez pas revenir à une version officielle antérieure.

Synology Office 3.7 - Synology Office 3.7 : la suite bureautique dopée à l’IA

Limitations

Comme précisé par Synology, l’assistant IA ne fonctionne pas en local. Il nécessite un compte payant chez un fournisseur d’IA tiers. Aussi, les données traitées sont envoyées dans le Cloud, ce qui peut soulever des questions légitimes en matière de confidentialité et de sécurité des données.

Aussi, vous l’aurez certainement compris, l’IA dans Synology Office 3.7 fonctionne avec Synology AI Console. Cette application est également disponible en Bêta depuis le Centre de paquets.

En synthèse

Synology Office 3.7 Bêta marque un tournant : la bureautique sur NAS devient proactive et contextuelle grâce à l’intelligence artificielle. Si certaines fonctions restent à peaufiner, l’apport de l’IA est concret. Toutefois, l’accès à ces fonctionnalités suppose plusieurs conditions : utilisation d’un NAS compatible, installation de l’AI Console et ajout d’au moins un fournisseur de services IA externe (Amazon Bedrock, Azure OpenAI, Baidu AI Cloud, Google AI Studio, Google Vertex AI, OpenAI). Synology ne propose pas de moteur IA intégré.

Pour en savoir plus, rendez-vous sur la page officielle du journal des modifications de cette Bêta.

Synology Deep Search… avec BeeDrive 2.0

synology search engine 2025 - Synology Deep Search... avec BeeDrive 2.0

Synology franchit une nouvelle étape dans la gestion des données personnelles avec le lancement de BeeDrive 2.0, désormais en version bêta sur macOS. Cette mise à jour majeure introduit « Deep Search », un moteur de recherche intelligent fonctionnant entièrement en local, sans connexion Internet ni transfert vers le Cloud. Une avancée intéressante pour les utilisateurs soucieux de leur vie privée et de l’efficacité de leurs recherches…

synology search engine 2025 - Synology Deep Search... avec BeeDrive 2.0

Synology Deep Search

Avec Deep Search, Synology intègre des capacités d’intelligence artificielle directement dans son dispositif de stockage BeeDrive. Ce moteur permet d’effectuer des recherches avancées en langage naturel sur l’ensemble des fichiers stockés, qu’il s’agisse de documents ou d’images. Grâce à la reconnaissance optique de caractères (OCR), il est possible de retrouver des textes présents dans des images ou des documents scannés. De plus, l’IA génère des descriptions d’images basées sur les scènes, objets ou thèmes, facilitant ainsi la recherche de photos à partir de requêtes telles que « lever de soleil à la plage ».

L’ensemble du processus d’indexation et de recherche s’effectue localement sur l’ordinateur de l’utilisateur, garantissant ainsi la confidentialité des données. Cette approche « local first » répond aux préoccupations croissantes concernant la protection de la vie privée et l’utilisation des données personnelles.

Compatibilité et exigences techniques

La version bêta de BeeDrive 2.0 est actuellement disponible pour les utilisateurs de macOS 15 ou supérieur, équipés de puces Apple Silicon et disposant d’au moins 16 Go de RAM. La prise en charge de Windows est prévue ultérieurement. Le moteur Deep Search prend en charge plusieurs formats de fichiers : PDF, DOCX, PPTX, JPG, PNG, HEIC et certains fichiers RAW. Il est également capable de gérer des fichiers dans différentes langues, dont le français, l’anglais, l’allemand et le japonais.

Une solution de stockage polyvalente

Au-delà de ses nouvelles capacités de recherche, BeeDrive reste un dispositif de stockage direct (DAS) performant, offrant jusqu’à 4 To de capacité via une connexion USB 3.2 Gen 2. Il permet la sauvegarde automatique des ordinateurs, le transfert de fichiers depuis les appareils mobiles (grâce à la fonction BeeDrop) et la synchronisation de dossiers. Sa conception compacte et légère en fait un outil idéal pour les professionnels en déplacement ou les particuliers souhaitant sécuriser leurs données sans dépendre du Cloud.

Une stratégie tournée vers l’IA

Le lancement de Deep Search s’inscrit dans une stratégie plus large de Synology visant à intégrer l’intelligence artificielle dans ses produits. Après l’introduction de l’AI Console pour DSM & MailPlus et l’annonce d’améliorations à venir pour la suite Office, BeeDrive devient le dernier produit en date à bénéficier de ces avancées technologiques. Cette orientation vers l’IA démontre la volonté de Synology de rester à la pointe de l’innovation tout en répondant aux besoins croissants de ses utilisateurs en matière de gestion intelligente et sécurisée des données.

En proposant une solution alliant performance, confidentialité et intelligence, Synology confirme sa position de leader sur le marché du stockage personnel et professionnel. Avec BeeDrive 2.0, l’entreprise offre une réponse concrète aux défis posés par la gestion croissante des données numériques. Si seulement le Deep Search pouvait arriver sur nos NAS…

Synology DS1525+ vs DS1522+ NAS

Synology DS1525+ vs DS1522+ NAS Comparison – Get It Right, FIRST TIME!

With the arrival of the Synology DS1525+ in 2025, many users are now weighing it against its immediate predecessor, the DS1522+, released in 2022. On the surface, both NAS units share the same 5-bay form factor, nearly identical chassis design, and very similar price points—typically between $699 and $799 at launch. However, a deeper dive reveals a number of meaningful changes in hardware resources, storage expansion policies, and how Synology now handles drive compatibility and system flexibility. While the DS1525+ does offer better networking and CPU core count, it also introduces tighter restrictions on what drives can be used, how storage pools are formed, and what options are available to users looking to migrate data from older systems. By contrast, the DS1522+ retains a far more open approach to hardware, offering greater freedom for enthusiasts and IT professionals. In this article, we’ll break down the internal hardware, ports, storage support, DSM software capabilities, and system behavior of these two NAS systems—giving you the context you need to make the right decision the first time, and avoid buyer’s regret later.

Synology DS1525+ vs DS1522+ NAS Comparison – Internal Hardware

The most noticeable hardware difference between the DS1525+ and DS1522+ lies in their processors. The DS1522+ is powered by a dual-core AMD Ryzen R1600 CPU, which operates at a base frequency of 2.6 GHz and can boost up to 3.1 GHz. This chip delivers strong single-threaded performance and is very power efficient, making it well-suited for environments where tasks are sequential or lightly parallelized—such as SMB file sharing, surveillance, or general-purpose storage. The DS1525+, in contrast, uses a quad-core AMD Ryzen V1500B processor running at a fixed 2.2 GHz. While it lacks boost frequency, the additional cores and threads make it the more capable option for multitasking-intensive DSM deployments. Workloads like hosting multiple Docker containers, running several VMs, or operating high-volume backup jobs are handled more smoothly by the V1500B thanks to its stronger concurrent throughput. While synthetic benchmarks might show the R1600 ahead in single-threaded operations, in day-to-day NAS usage, the V1500B’s multitasking benefits are more relevant—particularly for users aiming to centralize many services on one box.

Component Synology DS1522+

Synology DS1525+

CPU Model AMD Ryzen R1600 AMD Ryzen V1500B
CPU Architecture 64-bit, Dual-Core, 4-Thread 64-bit, Quad-Core, 8-Thread
Base / Turbo Frequency 2.6 GHz / 3.1 GHz 2.2 GHz (no boost)
Hardware Encryption AES-NI AES-NI
Pre-installed Memory 8 GB DDR4 ECC SODIMM (1×8 GB) 8 GB DDR4 ECC SODIMM (1×8 GB)
Total RAM Slots 2 2
Max Supported Memory 32 GB (2×16 GB) 32 GB (2×16 GB)
ECC Support Yes Yes
System Cooling 2 × 92mm fans 2 × 92mm fans
Noise Level (Idle) 22.90 dB(A) 22.60 dB(A)
Power Supply 120W External Adapter 120W External Adapter
Power Consumption (Access) 52.06 W 44.56 W
Power Consumption (Idle) 16.71 W (HDD Hibernation) 13.63 W (HDD Hibernation)
Chassis Dimensions (H×W×D) 166 × 230 × 223 mm 166 × 230 × 223 mm
Weight 2.7 kg 2.67 kg
Memory configurations between the two models appear similar at first glance. Both ship with 8 GB of DDR4 ECC SODIMM memory installed in a single stick and support up to 32 GB using both slots. ECC memory is a staple of Synology’s Plus series, designed to catch and correct single-bit memory errors on the fly—an important safeguard in RAID arrays, collaborative file editing, and database hosting. However, in practical use, the DS1525+ has more headroom to take advantage of this memory due to its quad-core CPU, making it more responsive when multiple DSM services are running concurrently. For example, users running Surveillance Station with 10+ cameras, Synology Drive, and a virtual DSM guest will find the DS1525+ holds up better under load, whereas the DS1522+ may begin to show bottlenecks unless its RAM is upgraded early. Despite these differences, both systems provide adequate memory for general use and can be expanded easily if workload demands grow.
Beyond raw processing and RAM, the DS1525+ also refines power and noise efficiency. It has a slightly lower noise floor at 22.60 dB(A) compared to the DS1522+ at 22.90 dB(A)—a small but welcome reduction for those placing the NAS in workspaces or home offices. Power consumption is another area of subtle improvement. The DS1525+ draws just 44.56 watts under active use and 13.63 watts in HDD hibernation, making it more efficient than the DS1522+, which consumes 52.06 watts and 16.71 watts, respectively. This improvement may be attributed to internal board optimizations and more efficient firmware tuning. Physically, both NAS systems share identical chassis dimensions, cooling layout, and component arrangement, including dual 92mm fans for thermal management. In sum, while neither model introduces radical hardware changes over the other, the DS1525+ provides a better balance of multitasking power and efficiency for modern DSM deployments—particularly when scaling beyond light usage.

Synology DS1525+ vs DS1522+ NAS Comparison – Ports and Connections

The differences between the DS1525+ and DS1522+ become more apparent when examining their networking and expansion connectivity. The DS1522+ is equipped with four 1GbE RJ-45 LAN ports, which support link aggregation for up to 4 Gbps combined bandwidth when used with a managed switch. This configuration provides solid redundancy and flexible port allocation, especially for environments where isolating traffic across different services (e.g., backups, media, surveillance) is desirable. However, in 2024 and beyond, 1GbE is increasingly viewed as a bottleneck—particularly for users working with 4K video editing, large VM images, or fast local backups. The DS1525+ addresses this issue by shifting to 2 × 2.5GbE RJ-45 LAN ports, allowing up to 5 Gbps total bandwidth through link aggregation, and faster speeds on a per-connection basis, even when using unmanaged 2.5GbE switches that are now more common and affordable. This change aligns the DS1525+ with modern mid-tier NAS expectations and offers improved real-world performance, especially for multi-user workloads and high-speed transfers from SSD caches or NVMe pools.

Feature Synology DS1522+

Synology DS1525+

LAN Ports 4 × 1GbE RJ-45 2 × 2.5GbE RJ-45
Link Aggregation / Failover Yes Yes
USB Ports 2 × USB 3.2 Gen 1 2 × USB 3.2 Gen 1
Expansion Ports 2 × eSATA (for DX517) 2 × USB Type-C (for DX525)
PCIe Slot 1 × PCIe Gen3 x2 (for 10GbE upgrade) 1 × PCIe Gen3 x2 (for 10GbE upgrade)
Wake on LAN / WAN Yes Yes
Scheduled Power On / Off Yes Yes
Hot-Swappable Drive Bays 5 × SATA HDD/SSD (M.2 not hot-swappable) 5 × SATA HDD/SSD (M.2 not hot-swappable)
M.2 NVMe Slots 2 × M.2 2280 (cache only, 3rd-party SSDs supported) 2 × M.2 2280 (cache and storage, Synology SSDs only)
Expansion Compatibility DX517 (eSATA interface) DX525 (USB-C interface)
In terms of USB connectivity, both models include two USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, suitable for attaching external drives, UPS units, or compatible USB printers. These ports remain unchanged between models and offer no direct performance advantage to either system. Where the expansion capability does change significantly is in the port type for connecting additional storage enclosures. The DS1522+ includes two eSATA ports, allowing it to connect up to two DX517 expansion units, adding 10 more drive bays. The DS1525+, however, replaces these with two USB Type-C expansion ports, which interface with the newer DX525 expansion units. While the overall expansion capacity remains the same (15 total bays), the move to USB-C reflects a generational shift in Synology’s design language. USB-C may offer slightly more flexible cable routing and future-proofing, but it also introduces a hard cutoff between older and newer ecosystems. For users with existing DX517s or other eSATA-based gear, this limits backwards compatibility and locks the DS1525+ into the latest hardware infrastructure.

Additionally, both units include a PCIe Gen3 x2 slot for optional 10GbE network upgrades. Synology’s E10G22-T1-Mini card is supported on both models and provides a compact, cost-effective way to future-proof network performance. However, given the DS1525+ already starts with 2.5GbE, users may find less urgency to upgrade immediately compared to the DS1522+, where a 10GbE card may be needed sooner to break past 1GbE limitations. Both models support Wake-on-LAN and scheduled power events, and both feature dual rear fans for effective cooling regardless of network traffic or drive load. From a connectivity standpoint, the DS1525+ represents a forward step toward higher-speed networking and modern expansion methods—but it does so at the cost of legacy compatibility, which may matter for users with established infrastructure. In contrast, the DS1522+ offers broader port coverage and flexibility but risks becoming dated more quickly in high-throughput environments.

Synology DS1525+ vs DS1522+ NAS Comparison – Storage

At first glance, storage capacity and physical layout appear virtually identical between the DS1525+ and DS1522+. Both systems offer five main drive bays that support 3.5″ SATA HDDs and 2.5″ SATA SSDs, as well as two M.2 NVMe SSD slots for caching or, in the case of the DS1525+, full storage pool creation. Each NAS can be expanded up to a total of 15 bays using two proprietary Synology expansion units (DX517 for the DS1522+, DX525 for the DS1525+), enabling up to 240 TB of raw storage assuming maximum capacity drives. However, a major divergence emerges when we examine drive compatibility policies. The DS1522+ follows Synology’s older, more permissive approach: users may install third-party drives from brands like Seagate, Western Digital, or Toshiba with only warning messages shown during setup. Storage pools, RAID arrays, and DSM installation all proceed without functional restrictions, making it a flexible platform for users with existing drives or cost-sensitive deployments.

Storage Feature Synology DS1522+

Synology DS1525+

Drive Bays 5 × 3.5″/2.5″ SATA HDD/SSD (Hot-swappable) 5 × 3.5″/2.5″ SATA HDD/SSD (Hot-swappable)
M.2 NVMe Slots 2 × M.2 2280 (Cache only, 3rd-party SSDs allowed) 2 × M.2 2280 (Cache & Storage Pool, Synology SSDs only)
Maximum Drive Bays (with Expansion) 15 (with 2 × DX517 via eSATA) 15 (with 2 × DX525 via USB-C)
Supported RAID Types SHR, Basic, JBOD, RAID 0/1/5/6/10 SHR, Basic, JBOD, RAID 0/1/5/6/10
Max Internal Volumes 64 32
Max Volume Size 108 TB 200 TB (requires 32 GB RAM)
NVMe Storage Pool Support ❌ Not supported ✅ Supported (Synology SNV drives only)
3rd-Party Drive Support ✅ Fully supported (with warnings) ❌ Blocked (DSM install/expansion/recovery restricted)
RAID Recovery with Unverified Drives ✅ Supported ❌ Not allowed
Storage Pool Expansion (Unverified) ✅ Supported ❌ Blocked
Hot Spare Assignment (Unverified) ✅ Supported ❌ Blocked
Drive Migration (with 3rd-party drives) ✅ Functional, with warnings ⚠ Allowed, but persistent warnings & blocked expansion
The DS1525+, by contrast, enforces the strict drive verification policy introduced in Synology’s newer Plus series models, like the DS925+ and DS1825+. At launch, only Synology-branded drives (HAT3300, HAT5300, SAT5200, and SNV3400 series) are listed as officially compatible. If users attempt to initialize DSM using unverified HDDs—such as a standard WD Red Plus or Seagate IronWolf—the installation process will be blocked entirely. This represents a significant limitation for long-time Synology users who are accustomed to broader hardware flexibility. Even after successful DSM setup, the system will not allow users to expand storage pools, rebuild degraded RAID arrays, or assign hot spares using non-verified drives. Persistent warnings and degraded status indicators in Storage Manager will appear even for migrated volumes, making the DS1525+ less accommodating for mixed-media configurations or DIY upgrades. SATA SSDs, while slightly more flexible in some scenarios, are still subject to similar warning behaviors post-install.
Further separating the two models is support for NVMe-based storage pools. The DS1522+ only allows M.2 NVMe SSDs to be used for read/write caching, and it permits the use of third-party SSDs for this function, giving users a cost-effective route to performance acceleration. The DS1525+, however, allows these NVMe slots to be used for full DSM storage volumes—but only when using Synology-verified SNV-series SSDs. This enables the creation of fast, low-latency storage pools using NVMe media, which is a compelling advantage for certain workflows (like media scratch disks or high-speed sync folders). Still, the restricted compatibility policy limits practical utility for those who already own quality NVMe drives from other vendors. In short, while the DS1525+ technically offers more advanced storage architecture, the DS1522+ offers far more freedom, especially for users managing legacy systems, migrating data from older Synology devices, or sourcing their own HDDs and SSDs independently.

Synology DS1525+ vs DS1522+ NAS Comparison – DSM Capabilities

Both the DS1525+ and DS1522+ run Synology’s DSM 7.2 operating system and provide access to the same broad library of official and third-party packages. This includes core applications such as Synology Drive for file sync and access, Synology Office for collaborative documents, and Active Backup for Business for system-wide backup management. The app experience is largely identical on both devices, with support for Virtual Machine Manager, Hyper Backup, Snapshot Replication, Synology Photos, and Surveillance Station. However, the differences in system hardware and compatibility enforcement subtly influence how DSM behaves and what features remain available under different configurations. For example, both models support up to 256 snapshots per shared folder and a system-wide maximum of 4,096 snapshots, but users on the DS1525+ will be subject to stricter compatibility enforcement in DSM’s Storage Manager if using drives that aren’t on Synology’s approved list.

DSM Feature / Capability Synology DS1522+

Synology DS1525+

DSM Version DSM 7.2+ DSM 7.2+
Max Internal Volumes 64 32 ▼
Max Single Volume Size 108 TB 200 TB (requires 32 GB RAM) ▲
Snapshot Replication 256 per shared folder / 4,096 total system snapshots 256 per shared folder / 4,096 total system snapshots
Synology Drive Users Up to 60 Up to 80 ▲
Synology Office Users Up to 60 Up to 80 ▲
Virtual Machine Manager (VMs) Up to 4 Virtual Machines Up to 8 Virtual Machines ▲
Virtual DSM Instances (Licensed) Up to 4 Up to 8 (1 free license) ▲
Hybrid Share Folder Limit 10 10
Surveillance Station (H.265) 40 cameras / up to 1200 FPS 40 cameras / up to 1200 FPS
Maximum SMB Connections (RAM Expanded) 30 40 ▲
RAID Recovery with 3rd-Party Drives ✅ Supported ❌ Blocked
Storage Expansion with Unverified Drives ✅ Supported ❌ Blocked
Hot Spare (Unverified Drives) ✅ Supported ❌ Blocked
M.2 NVMe Caching (3rd-Party SSDs) ✅ Supported ❌ Blocked
NVMe Storage Pool Creation ❌ Not supported ✅ Supported (Synology SNV SSDs only)
DSM Storage Manager Behavior (Unverified) Warnings only, all features functional Persistent alerts, blocks expansions and rebuilds
High Availability Support Yes Yes
Full System Backup (Hyper Backup) Yes (DSM 7.2+) Yes (DSM 7.2+)
Where this becomes particularly relevant is during system migration or advanced storage scenarios. The DS1522+ handles drive migration and unverified HDDs without functional limitation. DSM will display minor warnings but still permit RAID recovery, storage pool expansion, hot spare assignments, and cache creation—even with mixed-brand hardware. By contrast, the DS1525+ introduces active blocks within DSM for unsupported drives. Users migrating from older Synology NAS devices using drives like WD Red Plus or Seagate IronWolf will find that, while the DS1525+ may import the pool, DSM will flag the drives as unverified and prevent future RAID rebuilds or expansions unless all disks are from Synology’s supported list. These alerts cannot be disabled, and they will persist across the user interface, making the system appear at risk even if the drives themselves are healthy. This creates a significant difference in administrative experience, especially for IT professionals managing multiple systems or resellers integrating legacy hardware.
In terms of user and service scalability, the DS1525+ supports slightly higher limits overall. It allows for up to 80 Synology Drive users and Office users (versus 60 each on the DS1522+) and can support up to 8 concurrent virtual machines versus 4 on the DS1522+, assuming sufficient RAM is installed. Surveillance Station camera and FPS limits are virtually identical, and both models support High Availability, Hybrid Share, SAN Manager, and central management features. However, the DS1525+ supports larger single volume sizes—up to 200 TB if upgraded to 32 GB RAM—compared to the DS1522+’s 108 TB ceiling. In return, the DS1522+ offers more internal volume flexibility with support for up to 64 volumes, double the DS1525+’s 32 volume limit. This trade-off reflects Synology’s shifting priorities in DSM: the DS1525+ favors fewer, denser volumes and more centralized control, while the DS1522+ gives power users finer-grained storage separation. Both systems excel with DSM, but your experience will differ depending on whether you prioritize scalability and structure—or open, hardware-flexible operation.

Synology DS1525+ vs DS1522+ NAS Comparison – Conclusion

The Synology DS1525+ and DS1522+ may look nearly identical on the outside, but they diverge sharply in philosophy, system behavior, and long-term value. The DS1522+, launched in 2022, stands as one of the last truly flexible 5-bay NAS systems in Synology’s portfolio. It offers a dual-core AMD Ryzen R1600 processor with excellent single-thread performance and supports up to 15 drives with two DX517 expansions. More importantly, it retains the traditional Synology approach to third-party drive compatibility—meaning users can install and operate a wide range of HDDs and SSDs (Seagate, WD, Toshiba, etc.) without system blocks. DSM will issue warnings if a drive isn’t officially listed, but critical features like RAID recovery, storage pool expansion, and hot spare assignment continue to function. That level of hardware openness makes the DS1522+ particularly attractive to power users, budget-conscious builders, and small IT teams looking to repurpose existing hardware. The DS1525+, released in 2025, represents a subtle but significant shift in Synology’s design strategy. On paper, it offers solid upgrades: a quad-core AMD Ryzen V1500B processor that enables better multitasking, faster 2.5GbE LAN ports for improved data throughput, lower noise and power consumption, and full NVMe storage pool support (with Synology SSDs). These improvements make the DS1525+ a better fit for users running multiple simultaneous services—such as Surveillance Station, Synology Drive, and Docker containers—all while maintaining smooth operation. However, these benefits come with stricter limitations. The unit enforces Synology’s 2025-era drive verification policy, which outright blocks DSM installation or RAID operations with unverified drives. Migration is allowed, but users will be met with persistent warnings, degraded system status indicators, and feature restrictions that can’t be bypassed. The flexibility to reuse older drives, expand arrays freely, or mix hardware brands has been systematically curtailed.

In essence, the choice between these two NAS systems reflects more than just performance—it’s a decision between openness and control. The DS1522+ remains a strong all-rounder for users who want to build their system on their own terms, manage diverse storage needs, or repurpose hardware they already trust. It’s well-suited to small businesses, creators, and experienced users who value transparency and adaptability. The DS1525+, by comparison, is more refined, but also more prescriptive. It favors users willing to commit fully to Synology’s ecosystem—those who prioritize simplicity, tighter integration, and long-term consistency, even at the expense of flexibility. It’s a better fit for turnkey environments where reliability and vendor support matter more than customization. Both NAS devices are excellent in their own right, but the right choice depends entirely on how much control you’re willing to trade for convenience—and whether your NAS should be a platform you shape, or a solution that shapes your workflow.

Aspect Synology DS1522+

Synology DS1525+

✅ Pros – Broad 3rd-party HDD/SSD compatibility – 2.5GbE LAN ports for faster networking out of the box
– Fully supports RAID recovery, expansion, and hot spares with any drive – NVMe SSDs can be used for storage pools (Synology SSDs only)
– Better suited for drive migration from older NAS systems – Quad-core CPU enables better multitasking and virtualization
– More internal volumes supported (up to 64) – Lower power draw and slightly quieter operation
– Ideal for budget-conscious users and mixed-brand deployments – Slightly higher user caps in DSM apps (Drive, Office, VMM)
❌ Cons – Only 1GbE networking unless upgraded – Blocks DSM install and critical functions with unverified drives
– No support for NVMe storage pools – Only Synology SSDs supported for caching or NVMe volumes
– Lower VM performance ceiling (dual-core CPU) – Fewer internal volumes supported (32 max)
– Less suitable for users with existing 3rd-party storage hardware
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Synology DS425+ vs DS423+ : Faut-il craquer pour le nouveau NAS 4 baies ?

Synology DS423+ vs DS425+

Synology vient d’officialiser leDS425+, le successeur du DS423+. Cette nouvelle itération s’inscrit dans la stratégie de renouvellement de la gamme DSx25+, marquée par l’introduction tant attendue du 2,5 Gb/s. Cependant, au-delà de cette amélioration réseau, les évolutions restent modestes. Ce nouveau venu justifie-t-il réellement un investissement ?

Synology DS423+ vs DS425+

Synology DS425+ vs DS423+

Processeur : Même Combat

Les 2 NAS partagent rigoureusement la même architecture. C’est le processeur Quad-Core Intel Celeron J4125 cadencé à 2,0 GHz (boost à 2,7 GHz) qui équipe aussi bien le DS425+ que le DS423+. Ce choix peut surprendre dans un contexte où la concurrence mise sur des puces plus récentes.

Ce processeur J4125 date un peu, mais il a fait ses preuves. Il présente aussi l’avantage d’intégrer un iGPU (processeur graphique) Intel UHD Graphics 600, une caractéristique importante pour les utilisateurs souhaitant faire du transcodage vidéo matériel avec Plex ou Jellyfin… ce qui n’est pas possible avec les processeurs AMD Ryzen Embedded des autres modèles DSx25+

Mémoire : Configuration inchangée

Du côté de la mémoire vive, la configuration demeure strictement identique. Chaque modèle embarque 2 Go de RAM DDR4 non-ECC soudée sur la carte mère, avec un slot d’extension permettant d’atteindre un maximum de 6 Go. Si cela reste suffisant pour les usages classiques, cette configuration peut rapidement montrer ses limites dans des scénarios plus exigeants : machines virtuelles, conteneurs Docker, nombreux flux de vidéosurveillance simultanés, etc.

Connectique

La principale nouveauté du DS425+ réside dans sa connectique réseau modernisée. Là où le DS423+ propose 2 ports RJ45 1 Gb/s, le DS425+ introduit un port 2,5 Gb/s accompagné d’un autre port 1 Gb/s.

Cette évolution, longtemps réclamée par la communauté, permet enfin d’exploiter pleinement les switchs 2,5 Gb/s ou supérieur qui se démocratisent dans tous les foyers. Pour les transferts de gros volumes ou la synchronisation Cloud, cette amélioration se traduit par des gains de temps substantiels, particulièrement appréciables dans les environnements multi-utilisateurs.

Politique de compatibilité plus stricte

À ce jour, seuls les disques Synology sont officiellement compatibles avec la série DSx25+, une politique qui risque d’alourdir le coût total de possession. Cette approche s’aligne sur celle observée précédemment, suggérant une stratégie globale de contrôle de l’écosystème.

Tableau comparatif DS425+ vs DS423+

DS425+ DS423+
Modèle du processeur Intel J4125 Intel J4125
Fréquence du processeur Quad Core (2,0 – 2,7 GHz) Quad Core (2,0 – 2,7 GHz)
iGPU Oui Oui
Mémoire vive 2 Go DDR4 (extensible jusqu’à 6) 2 Go DDR4 (extensible jusqu’à 6)
Emplacements HDD 4 4
Emplacements SSD NVME 2 2
Unité d’expansion
Port USB 3.0 2 (dont 1 en façade) 2 (dont 1 en façade)
Port réseau 1 Gb/s 1 2
Port réseau 2,5 Gb/s 1
Port réseau 10 GbE
Consommation électrique  60,1 W (Accès) et 18,34 W (Hibernation disque dur) 59,8 W (Accès) et 26,18 W (Hibernation disque dur)
Score CPU Benchmark 2941 points 2941 points
Disponibilité À venir Immédiate
Prix au lancement À confirmer 475€

Faut-il passer au DS425+ ?

Le Synology DS425+ s’inscrit davantage dans une logique de rafraîchissement que d’une véritable révolution technologique. L’ajout du port 2,5 Gb/s constitue indéniablement l’amélioration la plus significative, répondant enfin aux attentes des utilisateurs équipés d’infrastructures réseau modernes.

Si vous possédez déjà un DS423+, la migration ne se justifie que dans des scénarios très spécifiques (besoin absolu de débits réseau supérieurs). Pour les nouveaux acquéreurs, le choix dépendra essentiellement de leur approche vis-à-vis de la politique de disques certifiés.

Comment Synology bouscule le petit monde de la vidéosurveillance avec C2 Backup for Surveillance [Sponso]

Cet article a été réalisé en collaboration avec Synology

Lors du salon Computex 2025 qui se tenait à Taïwan il y a quelques jours, Synology a dévoilé une solution de surveillance, C2 Backup for Surveillance, à destination des entreprises. Ses points forts : elle est très simple à mettre en place, peu coûteuse et s’appuie sur l’expertise de Synology dans le stockage de données.

Cet article a été réalisé en collaboration avec Synology

Il s’agit d’un contenu créé par des rédacteurs indépendants au sein de l’entité Humanoid xp. L’équipe éditoriale de Numerama n’a pas participé à sa création. Nous nous engageons auprès de nos lecteurs pour que ces contenus soient intéressants, qualitatifs et correspondent à leurs intérêts.

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