NAS Storage Synology 2-bay DiskStation DS224+ (Diskless) Review

The Synology 2-bay DiskStation DS224+ is a versatile and powerful NAS (Network Attached Storage) solution tailored for home and small office users who require robust data management, storage, and access. Here’s an in-depth look at its features, performance, and overall value.

Design and Build Quality

The DS224+ continues Synology’s tradition of sleek and minimalistic design. The chassis is made from durable plastic with a matte finish, giving it a modern look that fits well in both professional and home environments. The front panel features two easily accessible drive bays, covered by a removable door for added security and aesthetics. The overall build quality is solid, with a weight that suggests durability while still being light enough for easy relocation if needed.

Hardware Specifications

Under the hood, the DS224+ is powered by a quad-core Intel Celeron J4125 processor, clocked at 2.0 GHz (with burst speeds up to 2.7 GHz), and 2GB of DDR4 RAM, which is upgradeable to 6GB. This configuration ensures that the NAS can handle multiple tasks simultaneously, such as data backup, file sharing, and multimedia streaming, without experiencing significant slowdowns.

The two drive bays support both 3.5″ and 2.5″ SATA HDDs/SSDs, allowing users to customize their storage based on speed or capacity needs. Additionally, the DS224+ supports up to 36TB of raw storage capacity, which should be more than sufficient for most users.

Connectivity and Expandability

The DS224+ comes equipped with two Gigabit Ethernet ports, providing link aggregation for improved network performance and failover support. It also includes two USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports for external storage devices or printers, and an eSATA port for additional storage expansion.

One of the key strengths of the DS224+ is its expandability. Synology offers expansion units like the DX517, which allows users to add up to five additional drives, significantly increasing the NAS’s storage capabilities as their needs grow.

Software and Features

Synology’s DiskStation Manager (DSM) is one of the standout features of any Synology NAS, and the DS224+ is no exception. The DSM operating system is intuitive, user-friendly, and packed with powerful features. From simple file sharing to complex backup solutions, DSM makes it easy to set up and manage your NAS.

The DS224+ also supports Synology’s suite of productivity and multimedia applications. Users can easily set up a private cloud with Synology Drive, stream media through Plex or Synology’s own Video Station, and manage photos with Synology Photos. Advanced users will appreciate the support for virtual machines via Synology’s Virtual Machine Manager and the ability to run Docker containers.

Performance

In terms of performance, the DS224+ delivers impressive speeds, especially in a RAID 1 configuration. File transfers over a Gigabit Ethernet network are smooth and consistent, with read and write speeds that make it ideal for tasks like media streaming, file backups, and even light virtualization.

The inclusion of the Intel Celeron processor with hardware encryption ensures that encrypted file transfers don’t significantly impact performance, a critical feature for users concerned with data security.

Power Consumption and Noise

The DS224+ is energy-efficient, consuming only about 17.3W when accessing and 6.92W when the drives are hibernating. It’s also quiet in operation, making it suitable for placement in home environments without being disruptive.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Powerful Intel Celeron J4125 processor with hardware encryption.
• Expandable memory and storage options.
• User-friendly DSM software with a wide range of applications.
• Low power consumption and quiet operation.
• Solid build quality and sleek design.

Cons:

• Limited RAM out of the box (2GB), which may require an upgrade for more demanding tasks.
• Only two drive bays might be limiting for users with significant storage needs.
• No 2.5GbE ports, which would have been a nice addition for faster network performance.

Conclusion

The Synology 2-bay DiskStation DS224+ is an excellent choice for users seeking a reliable and feature-rich NAS solution. Its combination of powerful hardware, extensive software capabilities, and expandability make it a top contender in the 2-bay NAS market. While it may have a few limitations, such as the initial RAM configuration and the absence of faster network ports, its overall performance and versatility more than make up for these minor drawbacks. Whether you’re looking to create a personal cloud, manage backups, or stream media, the DS224+ is a solid investment that will meet your needs now and in the future.

 

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