The summary of ‘EVERYTHING you need to know BEFORE buying Rack Mount Synology’

This summary of the video was created by an AI. It might contain some inaccuracies.

00:00:0000:18:16

The video delves into an in-depth comparison between Synology rack-mounted NAS units and desktop NAS devices, covering various aspects and considerations for potential buyers. The presenter highlights the RS 2423+ and DS 923+ models, pointing out that rack-mounted units, like the RS 1221+, tend to be noisier, more power-demanding, and more expensive due to a phenomenon referred to as the "rack tax." Despite these disadvantages, rack-mounted units offer better cooling efficiency and are deemed more suitable for professional data centers and networking closets due to their robust design.

Conversely, desktop NAS units, such as the DS3622XS+, are quieter, more affordable, and generally meet the performance needs of most users. Key considerations include ensuring the appropriate rack depth if opting for rack-mounted equipment and the benefits of modifying fan settings to reduce noise levels if necessary. The video also addresses Synology's insistence on using branded drives, noting that while non-Synology drives work, they trigger warnings and forfeit official support.

The series of segments comprehensively guide users in deciding between rack-mounted and desktop NAS units, advocating for desktop units as a practical and cost-effective solution for smaller companies and individual users. Additionally, the speaker offers personalized advice services to help consumers make informed purchasing decisions.

00:00:00

In this segment, the presenter introduces two Synology NAS units, the RS 2423+ and the DS 923+, specifying that both operate on the same OS. The main topic is comparing rack mount units to standard NAS devices, noting the hardware differences and implications of choosing a rack mount unit. Key points include the potential downsides of rack-mounted units such as high noise levels and power consumption. The segment aims to educate viewers, especially those new to rack mounting, about these differences and considerations before purchase. Additionally, rack mounting standards and common use cases in data centers and networking closets are discussed, emphasizing that manufacturers often assume noise is not an issue with rack-mounted devices.

00:03:00

In this segment of the video, the speaker discusses the noise levels and physical requirements of rack mount equipment. The unit being demonstrated emits significant noise, which is typical of rack-mounted solutions and not designed to be quiet. The speaker mentions manually rewriting the fan file to reduce noise without issues. Important considerations when purchasing rack-mounted equipment include ensuring the rack is of proper depth and whether the equipment requires rails for mounting. Additional points like the increased cost of rack-mounted equipment compared to non-rack-mounted versions are also introduced.

00:06:00

In this part of the video, the speaker discusses the differences between the DS1 1821+ and the RS 1221+ NAS units. Despite having the same CPU, RAM, and Ethernet ports, the RS 1221+ is rack-mountable and lacks the two M.2 NVMe slots found in the DS1 1821+. Additionally, the RS 1221+ is significantly more expensive, highlighting what the speaker refers to as the “rack tax.” The video emphasizes that while desktop units are quieter, more cost-effective, and offer no significant performance penalties for most users, rack-mounted units typically excel in cooling efficiency due to their design. The speaker also mentions a specific desktop unit, the DS 3622XS+, as a highly effective storage solution that can be scaled up substantially with expansion units.

00:09:00

In this part of the video, the speaker discusses the lack of necessity for dual power supplies in desktop units, as power supply failures are rare, and moves on to highlight the Synology RS1221+ rack mount unit as a favorite. They appreciate its affordability, performance, quiet operation, and front-ear mounting capability, which does not require a deep rack. The speaker explains that the RS1221+ is quiet compared to its variant with redundant power supplies (RS1221RP+), which is noisier due to smaller, hot-swappable power supplies with louder fans. They advise checking noise levels, suggesting under 40-45 dB is acceptable for work environments, while 50 dB and above can be problematic.

00:12:00

In this part of the video, the presenter discusses the noise levels of Synology rack-mounted units, emphasizing that levels over 45 dB are uncomfortable for extended periods and recommending placement in separate rooms. He shares his personal approach of modifying the fan curve to reduce noise. The segment also covers the issue of Synology requiring specific branded drives, which applies more to rack-mounted and some desktop units. The presenter explains that while the units function without Synology drives, they display a warning status, causing inconvenience. He advises clients to opt for non-Synology drives to save costs, despite the lack of official support. The segment concludes with guidance on determining which Synology units require branded drives, particularly pointing out models with 12 or more bays or those classified as XS units.

00:15:00

In this part of the video, the speaker discusses how to verify whether Synology NAS drives are required for a specific unit by checking the storage section of the hardware specifications page. They highlight differences in wording between the US and global versions of the site. For instance, units like the RS 2423+ will display a warning if non-Synology drives are used and state that technical support will not be provided for unsupported components. This can result in a significant cost increase for smaller companies or home users. They also explain that with some models, using non-verifiable drives only triggers a one-time warning. The segment concludes by advising potential buyers to consider whether they need rack-mounted units, emphasizing the practicality of desktop units for most users, and provides a link for hiring the speaker for more advice.

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