This summary of the video was created by an AI. It might contain some inaccuracies.
00:00:00 – 00:21:17
The video offers a thorough comparison between two Synology NAS devices, the DS423+ and the DS224+, to help users determine the best fit for their needs and budgets. Both devices operate on Synology's DSM 7.2 platform, featuring similar hardware such as Intel Celeron J4125 processors and DDR4 memory, while differing mainly in storage capabilities and scalability. The DS423+ includes more drive bays and NVMe slots, facilitating better performance, storage, and long-term upgrade options compared to the DS224+. Additional features discussed include container management, virtual machines, AI photo recognition, and Plex Media Service support. Despite some limitations, like compatibility with only Synology SSDs and the absence of advanced network upgrades, the speaker suggests that the DS423+ provides better long-term value. The video concludes with recommendations for further resources and thanks to viewers for their support.
00:00:00
In this part of the video, the host discusses and compares two Synology NAS devices: the DS423+ and the DS224+. He highlights that both devices are part of the same series and were released just a few months apart. The focus is on helping viewers decide which NAS device best suits their needs and budget. A significant point of consideration is whether the DS423+ is worth the additional cost of approximately 150 units of currency over the DS224+.
The host notes that while he typically does not compare two-bay and four-bay NAS devices directly, these models are similarly architectured but differ in pricing and other key areas. This comparison is particularly relevant for users new to the Synology ecosystem or those upgrading from other brands or older models.
Both NAS devices feature Synology’s DSM platform, supporting a variety of applications and third-party integrations. They offer similar hardware and functionalities, including USB device support, Wake On LAN, scheduled operations, and remote access protocols like QuickConnect and TeamViewer. However, the host promises to delve into the hardware differences and other specifics later in the video. He also mentions a minor issue with background noise from other NAS devices running off-camera.
00:03:00
In this part of the video, the speaker discusses the client applications available for various operating systems such as Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS, which can be customized for users’ needs. They also highlight the system’s support for container management, virtual machine applications, surveillance station, AI photo recognition, and Plex Media Service for both 1080P and 4K playback and transcoding. Both systems offer a robust Synology experience.
Next, the speaker focuses on the price and value comparison between two Synology devices: the DS224+ and the DS423. The DS224+ is priced at around 300-350 knicker, while the DS423 costs about 450-500 knicker, creating a price difference of approximately 150 knicker. The explanation emphasizes that the devices’ value isn’t just about hardware but also includes the cost of DSM (DiskStation Manager) software, services, and support. DSM version 7.2 powers both devices, and it significantly impacts the overall cost due to its extensive functionality and updates.
The speaker concludes that while the DS224+ offers a lower price point and similar hardware to the DS423, making it appear to be better value for some users, detailed preferences may vary depending on individual needs.
00:06:00
In this segment of the video, the speaker discusses the importance of hardware distinctions between two devices, with a specific focus on their processors and graphical capabilities. Both devices utilize Intel Celeron quad-core J4125 processors with a 2.0 GHz base clock speed, which can burst up to 2.7 GHz, and have 10-watt TDP ratings with integrated graphics up to 750 MHz. These integrated graphics are beneficial for tasks such as transcoding or converting multimedia files, allowing efficient power usage and prolonging component lifespan. However, despite these advantages, the CPU model is considered old, having been released in 2019 and used in earlier Synology NAS models like the DS920+. Nonetheless, the integrated graphics remain a valued feature for users requiring media server capabilities.
00:09:00
In this part of the video, the discussion focuses on the memory and connectivity capabilities of two devices. Both devices feature DDR4 memory that can be upgraded from 2GB (soldered internally) to 6GB, with an additional 4GB upgrade option. They are equipped with dual 1GB Ethernet ports and USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, although the USB ports are mainly for storage and support limited devices like UPSs. The devices don’t support 2.5GB or 5GB network upgrades, which limits their ability to leverage advanced networking features like port trunking and SMB multi-channel.
The conversation then shifts to storage scalability. Although these devices don’t support expansion units like the DX517, the four-bay device allows for gradual storage upgrades using Synology Hybrid RAID (SHR). This system enables users to start with smaller drives and incrementally upgrade to larger capacities over time, unlike traditional RAID. However, with two-bay systems, drives are typically mirrored, reducing overall available storage by half to ensure data protection.
00:12:00
In this part of the video, the discussion focuses on the storage capabilities of a system featuring two M.2 NVMe slots. These slots allow the addition of faster NVMe drives, which can be used for both caching and creating storage pools. Write caching enhances device performance by writing data to the SSD before transferring it to hard drives, while read caching improves access to frequently used small files. The NVMe slots can also create high-speed storage areas, suitable for running applications, virtual machines, databases, or faster backups.
The video notes the extra cost associated with these features, emphasizing the value in scalability and performance improvements. However, it points out that only Synology SSDs must be used, which are costlier and offer slightly lower performance. Additionally, the system being discussed is a Gen 2, not a Gen 3 like the DS923+, resulting in reduced bandwidth for the NVMe slots due to temperature and operational constraints.
Software-wise, both devices support DSM 7.2, including its full application range and new features like mutable backups, encrypted volumes, and improvements in apps such as Synology Office and Surveillance Station.
00:15:00
In this part of the video, the speaker discusses the advantages of using the DS423+ over the DS224+ for most users. They emphasize that while the overall user experience in terms of DSM (DiskStation Manager) may not differ drastically between the two, the DS423+ offers superior performance due to its extra drive bays and NVMe slots, which enhance read/write speeds and system responsiveness, especially under heavy use. The additional bays allow for better scalability, long-term upgradability, and improved performance in applications, databases, and multimedia tasks. The speaker concludes by recommending the DS423+ for its better long-term value despite the higher initial cost.
00:18:00
In this part of the video, the speaker discusses the limited range of supported hard drives for certain NAS devices, specifically comparing WD, Toshiba, and Synology. The Synology devices have a more restrictive compatibility list and require Synology’s own drive media for storage pools. The speaker advises viewers to consider opting for smaller capacity drives or reallocating their budget for a larger NAS unit, which would be more beneficial long-term for scalable storage needs. They emphasize that power consumption remains modest until additional storage or M.2 NVMe drives are used. For users prioritizing scalability, investing in a more expensive and larger NAS is recommended. The video concludes with a recommendation for further resources such as a written comparison guide, community forums, and affiliate links for purchasing.
00:21:00
In this part of the video, the speaker mentions that they and Eddie run “Nas Compares” and that small fees from affiliated stores help support their work. They express gratitude for these contributions and thank the viewers, wishing them a great week.