Choosing the right Network Attached Storage (NAS) can feel daunting, especially when comparing two powerful options like the Synology DS920+ and DS420+. Both offer robust features for home and small business users, but subtle differences can significantly impact your workflow and data management needs.
Are you looking for peak performance and expandability, or a more budget-friendly solution that still packs a punch? Understanding the nuances between the DS920+ and DS420+ is key to making an informed decision that aligns with your specific requirements.
This comparison will dive deep into what each of these Synology models brings to the table, helping you pinpoint the perfect NAS to safeguard your precious data and streamline your digital life.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | ds920+ | ds420+ |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Intel Celeron J4125 (4-core, 2.0 GHz, burst up to 2.7 GHz) | Intel Celeron J4025 (2-core, 2.0 GHz, burst up to 2.9 GHz) |
| RAM | 4GB DDR4 (expandable to 8GB) | 2GB DDR4 (expandable to 6GB) |
| Drive Bays | 5 | 4 |
| Maximum Internal Capacity | 80 TB (16 TB per bay x 5) | 64 TB (16 TB per bay x 4) |
| Hot Swappable Drives | Yes | Yes |
| RAID Support | Basic (SHR, RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10), Synology Hybrid RAID (SHR) | Basic (SHR, RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10), Synology Hybrid RAID (SHR) |
| Network Ports | 2 x 1GbE RJ-45 | 2 x 1GbE RJ-45 |
| USB Ports | 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 1 x eSATA | 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 |
| Expansion Options | 1 x M.2 NVMe SSD slot (for cache) | None |
| Power Consumption (Access/Hibernation) | 28.34W / 8.48W | 22.65W / 7.03W |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 166 x 230 x 223 mm | 166 x 199 x 223 mm |
| Weight | 2.13 kg | 1.75 kg |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
CPU Performance
- Ds920+: Equipped with an Intel Celeron J4125 quad-core processor, the ds920+ offers a significant performance boost for demanding tasks like 4K transcoding and running multiple applications simultaneously. Its higher clock speed and more robust architecture make it ideal for power users and small businesses.
- Ds420+: Features an Intel Celeron J4025 dual-core processor. While capable for general NAS duties, file sharing, and basic media streaming, it may struggle with very heavy workloads or simultaneous 4K transcoding compared to the ds920+.
- Winner: ds920+
RAM Capacity and Expandability
- Ds920+: Comes with 4GB of DDR4 RAM and supports expansion up to 8GB. This allows for better multitasking and improved performance when running virtual machines or more resource-intensive applications.
- Ds420+: Also includes 2GB of DDR4 RAM and supports expansion up to 6GB. While expandable, its maximum capacity is lower than the ds920+, which can be a limiting factor for advanced use cases.
- Winner: ds920+
Drive Bays and Storage Capacity
- Ds920+: Offers 4 drive bays, supporting up to 64TB of raw storage (with compatible drives). This provides ample space for large media libraries, backups, and data-intensive projects.
- Ds420+: Features 2 drive bays, supporting up to 32TB of raw storage. This is sufficient for many home users and smaller businesses but offers less room for future growth compared to the ds920+.
- Winner: ds920+
M.2 NVMe SSD Cache Support
- Ds920+: Includes two M.2 NVMe SSD slots for caching. This significantly accelerates random I/O performance, making file access and application loading noticeably faster, especially for frequently accessed data.
- Ds420+: Lacks M.2 NVMe SSD slots for caching. While it can utilize traditional HDDs for storage, it misses out on the significant speed boost that SSD caching provides for read/write operations.
- Winner: ds920+
Network Connectivity
- Ds920+: Equipped with two 1GbE LAN ports that can be aggregated for higher throughput and failover. This offers better network performance and reliability for busy networks.
- Ds420+: Also features two 1GbE LAN ports with link aggregation support. While providing similar core functionality, the ds920+’s stronger CPU might better leverage higher network speeds if available.
- Winner: ds920+
Expansion Options (e10G18-T1)
- Ds920+: Supports Synology’s 10GbE network interface card (e.g., E10G18-T1), allowing for a significant upgrade to 10 Gigabit Ethernet. This is crucial for users who need very high-speed network transfers for large files or demanding applications.
- Ds420+: Does not officially support 10GbE expansion cards. This limits its network speed potential for users requiring cutting-edge network performance.
- Winner: ds920+
Power Consumption and Noise Level
- Ds920+: While generally efficient, its more powerful hardware may lead to slightly higher power consumption and potentially a bit more noise under load compared to the ds420+. However, it’s still designed for quiet operation in most home/office environments.
- Ds420+: Being a less powerful unit, the ds420+ typically consumes less power and operates more quietly. This makes it an excellent choice for users prioritizing energy efficiency and minimal noise.
- Winner: ds420+
Price Point and Value Proposition
- Ds920+: Positioned at a higher price point due to its superior hardware and expanded capabilities. It offers excellent value for users who need the extra performance and features for demanding tasks and future-proofing.
- Ds420+: Generally more affordable, making it a compelling option for users with basic NAS needs, smaller budgets, or those just starting with network-attached storage. It provides solid Synology features at a lower cost.
- Winner: ds420+
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| CPU Performance | ds920+ |
| Storage Capacity (Internal) | ds920+ |
| RAM Expandability | ds920+ |
| Cache Acceleration | ds920+ |
| Value for Money | ds420+ |
| Power Efficiency | ds420+ |
| Compactness | ds420+ |
What They Have in Common
- Operating System: Both devices run on Synology’s DiskStation Manager (DSM), a user-friendly and feature-rich operating system that provides a comprehensive suite of applications for data management, backup, multimedia, and more. This ensures a consistent and intuitive user experience for managing your network-attached storage.
- Drive Bays: Both the DS920+ and DS420+ offer hot-swappable drive bays, allowing you to replace or add drives without shutting down the system. This is crucial for maintaining uptime and simplifying storage expansion or maintenance tasks.
- Raid Support: They both support Synology Hybrid RAID (SHR) and various standard RAID configurations (RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10). This provides flexible options for data redundancy and performance optimization, ensuring your data is protected against drive failures.
- Network Connectivity: Both models come equipped with dual 1GbE Ethernet ports, offering reliable network connectivity for data transfer and access. These ports can also be bonded for increased throughput or failover capabilities.
- USB Connectivity: Both NAS units feature USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, enabling easy connection of external storage devices, printers, or other USB peripherals for expanded functionality and data transfer.
- Form Factor: They share a similar compact desktop form factor, making them suitable for home or small office environments where space might be a consideration.
Ds920+ Vs Ds420+ Buying Guide
Performance Needs
Consider your primary use case. The DS920+ boasts a more powerful quad-core processor and 4GB of RAM, expandable to 8GB. This makes it ideal for demanding tasks like simultaneous multimedia streaming to multiple devices, heavy Plex transcoding, and running multiple virtual machines. If your needs are more basic, such as file storage, backups, and light media serving, the DS420+ with its dual-core processor and 2GB RAM might suffice. (See Also: Nest Cam Vs Ring )
Scalability and Expansion
The DS920+ offers two additional drive bays compared to the DS420+, providing a total of four. This greater capacity is crucial if you anticipate significant data growth or plan to implement more complex RAID configurations for enhanced data redundancy and performance. Both models support M.2 NVMe SSDs for cache acceleration, but the DS920+’s higher drive count offers more flexibility for future expansion.
Budget Considerations
The DS420+ is generally the more budget-friendly option. Its dual-core CPU and fewer drive bays translate to a lower upfront cost. If your budget is a primary constraint and your current storage and performance requirements are modest, the DS420+ presents excellent value. However, if you foresee needing more power or capacity in the near future, investing in the DS920+ might be more cost-effective in the long run, avoiding an upgrade later.
Advanced Features and Connectivity
The DS920+ includes a dedicated eSATA port, which can be useful for connecting expansion units for even more storage capacity. While both devices offer robust Synology DSM software, the DS920+’s superior processing power allows for smoother operation of more advanced applications and services. If you plan to utilize features like Docker, virtual machines, or intensive surveillance station capabilities, the DS920+ will offer a more fluid experience. (See Also: Lose It Vs Weight Watchers )
Who Should Buy What?
Buy ds920+ If…
- You need more raw processing power for demanding tasks like running virtual machines, more complex Docker containers, or real-time media transcoding for multiple users.
- You anticipate needing more storage capacity in the near future and want the flexibility of an additional drive bay for easier expansion without needing an expansion unit.
- You want to leverage the M.2 NVMe SSD slot for caching to significantly boost read/write performance for frequently accessed data.
- Your budget allows for a higher upfront investment for enhanced features and future-proofing.
Buy ds420+ If…
- Your primary needs are file storage, backup, media streaming to a few devices, and general home/small office productivity.
- You are looking for a cost-effective solution that still offers robust Synology features and reliability.
- You don’t foresee a need for extensive caching or the extra drive bay offered by the DS920+.
- You prioritize lower power consumption for potentially long-term operational savings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference in processing power?
The DS920+ features a more robust quad-core processor compared to the DS420+’s dual-core CPU. This translates to the DS920+ handling more demanding tasks, such as simultaneous 4K video transcoding for multiple users or running several virtual machines concurrently, with greater ease and efficiency. The DS420+ is perfectly adequate for standard file serving and backup operations.
How much RAM can each NAS support?
Both the DS920+ and DS420+ come with a base amount of RAM (4GB for DS920+, 2GB for DS420+). However, the DS920+ can be expanded up to 8GB, offering significantly more headroom for multitasking and running resource-intensive applications. The DS420+ can typically be upgraded to 6GB, which is sufficient for most common NAS tasks but less than the DS920+.
Which NAS is better for Plex media server?
For a Plex Media Server, especially if you plan to transcode videos on the fly for multiple clients or high-resolution streams, the DS920+ is the superior choice. Its quad-core processor and ability to add more RAM provide the necessary horsepower to handle these demanding tasks smoothly, preventing buffering and ensuring a better viewing experience. The DS420+ can serve as a Plex server but may struggle with transcoding. (See Also: Bose Quiet Comfort Vs Airpods Pro )
What about drive bay capacity and future growth?
The DS920+ offers four 3.5″ drive bays, allowing for greater storage capacity and more flexible RAID configurations from the outset. The DS420+ has two 3.5″ drive bays. If you anticipate your storage needs growing substantially or require higher levels of redundancy, the DS920+’s extra bays provide more room for expansion without needing to upgrade the entire unit later.
Which NAS is more suitable for home office use?
For a home office, the DS920+ is generally the more capable option. Its enhanced processing power facilitates smoother operation of business-critical applications, running virtual machines for testing or development, and handling simultaneous access from multiple users. While the DS420+ can manage basic file sharing and backups, the DS920+ offers a more robust and future-proof solution for a growing home office environment.
Final Verdict
The Synology DS920+ stands out as the more capable and versatile NAS for users with demanding requirements. Its superior processing power, expandability, and additional drive bays make it ideal for multimedia enthusiasts, power users, and small businesses. While the DS420+ offers excellent value for basic storage and backup needs, the DS920+ provides a more robust platform for advanced applications and future growth.
Winner: DS920+