Synology DS224+ NAS Review: Unbeatable Storage Power at £792.99

The Synology DS224+ 2-Bay Diskstation NAS is a formidable option for anyone looking for a reliable and efficient storage solution. Priced at £792.99, this bundle includes two 4TB Seagate IronWolf NAS HDDs, making it a compelling choice for home lab enthusiasts and small businesses alike. The Intel Celeron J4125 processor, clocked at 2.0 GHz, coupled with 2GB of DDR4 RAM, provides sufficient power for various applications, including media streaming via Plex, secure file sharing, and data backup. With a rating of 4.6 out of 5 from 138 reviews, the DS224+ is well-regarded among users, placing it at #152266 in the NAS category.

First Impressions

The DS224+ is aesthetically pleasing, featuring a sleek design that fits well in any home or office environment. The inclusion of two drive bays allows for a maximum of 32TB of storage when fully populated, which is more than adequate for most users. The NAS is compact yet robust, indicating that it is built for both performance and longevity.

Key Features in Detail

The central data storage feature of the DS224+ is significant for users needing to access files from multiple devices. Its next-generation file system enhances data integrity and improves performance, making it particularly suitable for demanding applications. Users can easily share and sync data securely, with various options for camera surveillance, ideal for home security setups. The NAS supports multiple RAID configurations, providing flexibility in balancing performance and data redundancy.

Performance Assessment

Equipped with the Intel Celeron J4125, the DS224+ handles tasks efficiently, although the 2GB of RAM may be a limiting factor for heavy multitasking. For users running multiple Docker containers or heavy applications, upgrading to 8GB RAM could be beneficial for improved performance. The dual 1GbE LAN ports enable link aggregation, providing enhanced network throughput, which is crucial for bandwidth-heavy tasks like 4K media streaming.

Build Quality

The build quality of the DS224+ is commendable, with a sturdy chassis that can withstand regular use. The drive bays are easy to access, allowing for straightforward upgrades and maintenance. However, some users have reported that while the design is sleek, it may not offer the best cooling under heavy loads, raising concerns about thermal management during extensive operations.

Value for Money

At £792.99, the DS224+ is at its all-time low price point, making this an excellent time to buy. Compared to alternatives like the Synology DS223J at £179.97 and the BUFFALO LinkStation 210 at £237.22, the DS224+ may seem expensive, but it offers superior performance and features that justify the price. The combination of hardware and the included drives provide substantial value, especially for users requiring reliable data access and storage.

How It Compares to Alternatives

When compared to the Synology DS223J, which has a lower price but also lower specifications, the DS224+ offers a more powerful processor and greater flexibility for advanced users. The DS224+ also outperforms the BUFFALO LinkStation 210, which provides less storage and is not as feature-rich, particularly in terms of software capabilities and future-proofing.

Genuine Weakness

One potential drawback is the limited RAM, which could restrict the usage of more intensive applications unless upgraded. Additionally, while the performance is generally solid, heavy users may encounter occasional slowdowns during peak usage times due to the processor’s capabilities.

Verdict

The Synology DS224+ is a powerful NAS solution ideal for users who require efficient storage and performance for media streaming, data backup, and file sharing. It's particularly suited for those who value reliability and are willing to invest in a robust system. However, casual users may find more affordable options better suited to their needs.