Best Starter Synology NAS in 2024 (dont waste your money)
SpaceRex・16 minutes read
Focus on the best places to start when buying a Synology NAS for beginners, emphasizing key parameters and model suggestions based on usage needs and budget constraints. Consider starting with a 4-bay NAS like the Synology 923 plus and gradually expanding storage capacity with additional drives, while prioritizing features like Btrfs, RAM, and networking upgrades for optimal performance and data protection.
Insights
- Starting with a 4-bay NAS like the Synology 923 plus and utilizing two 16TB hard drives provides easy expansion options, ensuring flexibility and extending the investment for beginners.
- Opting for models like the DS 423 or DS 920 Plus over the DS 223j offers better features and upgradeable RAM, enhancing flexibility and future-proofing capabilities, especially for users looking for advanced functionality.
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Recent questions
What is a recommended starting Synology NAS model for beginners?
The Synology 923 plus is a recommended model for beginners, offering a 4-bay unit with the potential for expansion to 5 bays. It provides a good balance of features and flexibility for those new to NAS devices.
Why is Btrfs recommended for Synology NAS units?
Btrfs is recommended for Synology NAS units, except for budget models, because it offers enhanced data protection and management capabilities. This file system helps safeguard your data and ensures efficient storage management.
What RAM capacity is suggested for smoother performance on a Synology NAS?
A RAM capacity of 2 to 4 gigs is suggested for smoother performance on a Synology NAS, especially if you plan on using apps. Having an adequate amount of RAM can help optimize the performance of your NAS device.
What optional features can be considered for a Synology NAS?
Optional features like M.2 NVMe SSDs and networking upgrades can be considered for a Synology NAS. Networking upgrades are crucial for faster data transfer speeds, particularly for power users who require high-performance capabilities.
Which Synology NAS model is recommended for advanced users or businesses?
For advanced users or businesses, the DS 1522 Plus is a top recommendation. This model offers 8GB of RAM, 5 bays, and potential for 10 gig networking, providing extensive data storage and performance capabilities for more demanding users.
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Summary
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Choosing the Best Synology NAS for Beginners
- Focus on the best places to start when buying a Synology NAS for beginners, emphasizing starter NAS units up to an 8-bay model.
- The Synology 923 plus is a recommended model, with key parameters like the number of bays (4-bay with potential for expansion to 5 bays) and model designation explained.
- Starting with a 4-bay NAS and using two 16TB hard drives allows for easy expansion by adding more drives as needed, providing flexibility and extending the investment.
- Btrfs is recommended for all Synology NAS units, except for budget models, for data protection and management.
- RAM of 2 to 4 gigs is suggested for smoother performance, especially if using apps, but the CPU importance varies based on usage.
- M.2 NVMe SSDs and networking upgrades are optional features, with networking crucial for faster data transfer speeds, especially for power users.
- Container manager and virtual machine support are beneficial for advanced users, with RAM considerations for running virtual machines.
- Starting with the DS 120j, a sub-$100 unit without btrfs, is suitable for basic needs, while the DS 223j offers better value with an extra bay for a minimal price difference.
- Skipping the DS 223 and opting for the DS 423 or DS 920 Plus, with upgradeable RAM and better features, is recommended for more flexibility and future-proofing.
- For advanced users or businesses, the DS 1522 Plus is a top recommendation with 8GB RAM, 5 bays, and potential for 10 gig networking, offering extensive data storage and performance capabilities.
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"DS1821 Plus: Cost-effective RAID 5 storage"
- A RAID 5 configuration can store 80 terabytes of usable data, with the DS1821 Plus being highly recommended due to its cost-effectiveness and expandability, allowing for easy addition of more storage space without the need to purchase a new unit. This model is suggested for those with existing 60-50 terabytes of space, offering the ability to accommodate up to 108 terabytes with additional expansion units, all at a reasonable price point compared to other options that require more expensive Synology hard drives.
