Choosing the right Network Attached Storage (NAS) can feel like navigating a maze, especially when two compelling options like the Synology DS723+ and DS220+ are on the table. Both promise to organize your digital life, but which one truly fits your needs and budget? Let’s dive deep into their capabilities.
The Synology DS723+ often appeals to users seeking more robust performance and scalability for demanding tasks. It’s a powerhouse designed for growth. On the other hand, the Synology DS220+ is frequently recommended for home users or small businesses looking for a reliable and user-friendly entry point into the world of NAS.
Understanding their core differences in processing power, expansion options, and intended use cases is key to making an informed decision. This comparison will break down what sets these two popular Synology models apart, helping you identify the perfect fit for your digital storage journey.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | ds723+ | ds220+ |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | AMD Ryzen R1600 (Dual-core 2.6GHz, Turbo up to 3.1GHz) | Realtek RTD1296 (Quad-core 1.4GHz) |
| RAM | 2GB DDR4 (Expandable up to 32GB) | 2GB DDR4 (Expandable up to 6GB) |
| Drive Bays | 2 | 2 |
| M.2 NVMe SSD Cache Slots | 2 | 0 |
| Max Internal Raw Capacity | 36 TB | 36 TB |
| Maximum Drive Size | 18 TB | 18 TB |
| Hot-swappable Drives | Yes | Yes |
| External Ports | 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 1x eSATA, 1x 1GbE LAN, 1x 10GbE RJ45 (upgradeable) | 2x USB 3.0 |
| Network Interface | 1GbE (RJ45) | 1GbE (RJ45) |
| RAID Type | Synology Hybrid RAID, Basic, JBOD, RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 6, RAID 10 | Synology Hybrid RAID, Basic, JBOD, RAID 0, RAID 1 |
| File System | Btrfs, ext4 | Btrfs, ext4 |
| Power Consumption | 15.06 W (Access), 3.78 W (HDD Hibernation) | 14.96 W (Access), 4.41 W (HDD Hibernation) |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
CPU & Performance
- Ds723+: Equipped with an AMD Ryzen R1600 dual-core processor, offering significantly higher clock speeds and better multitasking capabilities. This translates to faster file transfers, smoother application performance, and better handling of multiple simultaneous tasks.
- Ds220+: Features an Intel Celeron J4025 dual-core processor. While capable for basic NAS operations, it will show limitations when dealing with more demanding workloads or a larger number of concurrent users compared to the ds723+.
- Winner: ds723+
RAM & Expandability
- Ds723+: Comes with 2GB of DDR4 RAM and supports expansion up to 32GB. This ample headroom is crucial for running more complex applications, virtual machines, and handling larger datasets efficiently.
- Ds220+: Includes 2GB of DDR4 RAM and can be expanded up to 6GB. This is sufficient for most home and small office users but can become a bottleneck for more resource-intensive tasks.
- Winner: ds723+
Network Connectivity
- Ds723+: Boasts two 1GbE RJ-45 ports with support for link aggregation and failover. This provides increased bandwidth and redundancy for critical network operations. It also has an expansion slot for a 10GbE network interface card.
- Ds220+: Features two 1GbE RJ-45 ports. While adequate for general use, it lacks the advanced networking options and the potential for 10GbE upgrade that the ds723+ offers.
- Winner: ds723+
Storage Capacity & Drive Bays
- Ds723+: Offers 2 drive bays and supports expansion via a DX517 expansion unit to add 5 more bays. This provides a scalable solution for growing storage needs.
- Ds220+: Also offers 2 drive bays. While it supports a maximum capacity of 32TB (16TB per drive), it does not have an option for external expansion units, limiting its long-term scalability.
- Winner: ds723+
M.2 NVMe SSD Cache Support
- Ds723+: Features two M.2 NVMe SSD slots, allowing for dedicated SSD caching to significantly boost read/write performance for frequently accessed data. This is a major advantage for performance-sensitive applications.
- Ds220+: Does not have M.2 NVMe SSD slots, meaning it cannot utilize SSD caching directly. This limits its ability to accelerate performance beyond what the internal SATA drives can offer.
- Winner: ds723+
Expansion & Versatility
- Ds723+: Includes an PCIe 3.0 expansion slot, enabling upgrades like 10GbE networking or additional M.2 SSDs. This makes it a more future-proof and adaptable device for evolving needs.
- Ds220+: Lacks any expansion slot. Its capabilities are fixed at the time of purchase, offering less flexibility for future upgrades or specialized functionalities.
- Winner: ds723+
Power Consumption & Noise
- Ds723+: While more powerful, its typical power consumption is slightly higher, around 14.98W during access and 4.77W during hibernation. Noise levels will also be marginally higher due to the more robust components.
- Ds220+: Is more energy-efficient, with a typical power consumption of around 14.96W during access and 6.47W during hibernation. It generally operates more quietly due to its less powerful hardware.
- Winner: ds220+
Price Point & Value
- Ds723+: Positioned at a higher price point due to its superior hardware, expandability, and performance capabilities. It offers greater value for users who require advanced features and future-proofing.
- Ds220+: Is significantly more budget-friendly. It provides excellent value for its price, making it an attractive option for users with basic NAS needs and a tighter budget.
- Winner: ds220+
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Performance | ds723+ |
| Expandability (Networking) | ds723+ |
| SSD Caching | ds723+ |
| Value (for basic use) | ds220+ |
| Future-proofing | ds723+ |
| Ease of Use (for beginners) | ds220+ |
What They Have in Common
- Drive Bays: Both the DS723+ and DS220+ offer two drive bays, providing a solid foundation for basic NAS storage needs. This allows for configurations like RAID 1 for data redundancy or RAID 0 for increased performance.
- Hot-Swappable Drives: Both units support hot-swappable drives, meaning you can replace or add drives without having to shut down the NAS. This is crucial for maintaining continuous operation and minimizing downtime during maintenance or upgrades.
- Expandable RAM: While the expansion capabilities differ, both models offer some level of RAM expandability. This allows users to increase memory for better multitasking and performance when running multiple applications or handling larger datasets.
- Btrfs File System Support: Both NAS devices support the Btrfs file system, which offers advanced data protection features such as data checksums and snapshots. This enhances data integrity and provides robust backup and recovery options.
- USB Connectivity: Both the DS723+ and DS220+ feature USB ports, enabling the connection of external storage devices for backups or expanding storage capacity. This adds flexibility for data transfer and peripheral integration.
DS723+ Vs DS220+ Buying Guide
Performance and Processing Power
The DS723+ boasts a more powerful quad-core processor, offering superior performance for demanding tasks like 4K transcoding, running multiple virtual machines, or handling extensive data indexing. This makes it a better choice for users who require significant processing horsepower for advanced applications or heavy multitasking. The DS220+’s dual-core processor is adequate for basic NAS functions, but will struggle with more intensive workloads, leading to slower operation and potential bottlenecks. (See Also: Iphone 12 Vs 13 )
Expandability and Future-Proofing
The DS723+ provides greater expandability options, including the ability to add NVMe SSDs for caching or storage, and supports a more robust RAID configuration for data redundancy. This makes it a more future-proof option for users anticipating growth in their storage needs or requiring more advanced data protection. The DS220+ is more limited in its expansion capabilities, primarily offering standard drive bays, which may become a constraint for users with long-term scalability in mind.
Connectivity and Ports
With its dual 1GbE LAN ports, the DS723+ offers Link Aggregation capabilities for increased network throughput and failover redundancy, crucial for busy networks or demanding file transfers. It also includes a dedicated eSATA port for direct expansion. The DS220+ features a single 1GbE LAN port, which is sufficient for most home users but lacks the advanced networking features of the DS723+.
Price and Value Proposition
The DS723+ sits at a higher price point due to its enhanced features and performance. It represents a better value for power users, small businesses, or those with specific, high-demand applications who can leverage its superior capabilities. The DS220+ offers a more budget-friendly option, making it an excellent value for home users or small offices with more modest storage and performance requirements. (See Also: Vvs Moissanite Vs Diamond )
Who Should Buy What?
Buy ds723+ If…
- You need significantly better performance for demanding tasks like virtualization, running multiple Docker containers, or handling large media libraries.
- You want the flexibility to upgrade to 10GbE networking for faster data transfers over a high-speed network.
- You plan to utilize NVMe SSDs for caching to dramatically boost read/write speeds for frequently accessed data.
- You require more robust processing power for advanced applications and a smoother overall user experience.
Buy ds220+ If…
- Your primary needs are basic file storage, media streaming, and personal backups.
- You are on a tighter budget and looking for an entry-level NAS solution.
- You have a smaller home network and don’t anticipate needing super-high-speed networking capabilities.
- You are new to NAS devices and want a user-friendly and reliable option to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference in processing power?
The DS723+ features a more robust quad-core processor, enabling it to handle more complex tasks like real-time 4K video transcoding, running multiple virtual machines simultaneously, and faster data indexing. In contrast, the DS220+ is equipped with a dual-core processor, which is suitable for everyday file storage and basic media streaming but will show limitations under heavier computational loads.
Can both NAS units support SSD caching?
Yes, both NAS units can benefit from SSD caching. However, the DS723+ has dedicated M.2 NVMe slots, allowing for faster and more integrated SSD caching solutions that significantly boost read/write speeds for frequently accessed data. The DS220+ typically requires an adapter or specific bay configuration for M.2 SSDs, making the DS723+’s implementation more straightforward and performant.
Which NAS is better for home media streaming?
For basic home media streaming, both can suffice. However, the DS723+’s superior transcoding capabilities mean it can handle higher resolution content, like 4K HEVC, more smoothly and stream to multiple devices concurrently without lag. If you have a large library of high-bitrate media or plan to stream to many devices, the DS723+ offers a more premium and reliable experience. (See Also: Dell Inspiron Vs Xps Desktop )
Is the DS723+ significantly more expandable than the DS220+?
Yes, the DS723+ offers more significant expandability. Beyond its NVMe M.2 slots for caching, it generally supports more advanced RAID configurations and often has more capacity for internal drives or direct expansion units. The DS220+ is more limited in its expansion options, focusing on its core drive bays with fewer avenues for future upgrades or specialized storage solutions.
Which NAS is better for small business use?
For small business use, the DS723+ is generally the better choice due to its enhanced processing power, superior networking capabilities with Link Aggregation support, and greater expandability. These features translate to better performance for shared access, running business applications, and handling larger data volumes. The DS220+ is more suited for very small businesses with minimal network traffic and basic file-sharing needs.
Final Verdict
The Synology DS723+ stands out as the superior choice for users demanding more power, expandability, and advanced features. Its robust processor, NVMe M.2 support, and dual LAN ports make it ideal for demanding home users, creative professionals, and small businesses. While the DS220+ is a capable entry-level NAS, the DS723+ offers significantly more headroom for future growth and complex tasks, justifying its higher price point for those who can leverage its capabilities.
Winner: DS723+