Unlock the Power of Your Files: Synology Diskstation DS423+ Review and Hands-On Test

Synology DiskStation DS423+ Review: A Solid Choice for Small Businesses, But Limited by Speed

As a small business owner, you’re often on the lookout for reliable and efficient solutions to keep your operations running smoothly. The Synology DiskStation DS423+ is a home and small office NAS that’s designed to provide seamless storage, management, and security for your data. With four SATA drive bays, this NAS offers a whopping 72TB of storage, making it an attractive option for businesses with growing storage needs.

Elegant Design, Ease of Setup

But what about the design and setup process? The DS423+ boasts a sleek and compact design, making it easy to place on your desktop or shelf. The setup process is also surprisingly straightforward, with a user-friendly interface that’s easy to navigate. Even better, the lockable caddies for hard disks are tool-less, and the memory expansion slot can be accessed without any tools, making it a breeze to manage your storage.

Room for Improvement: Speed and Upgradability

Where the DS423+ falls short, however, is in its speed. With only dual gigabit Ethernet ports, this NAS is limited in its ability to handle high-bandwidth applications or support multiple users. Additionally, there’s no option to upgrade the network interfaces, which can become a bottleneck in a growing business. If speed is a major concern, we’d recommend considering alternatives like the Synology DS923+ or Asustor’s Nimbustor 4 Gen2.

Software and Apps

On the other hand, the DS423+ excels in its software offerings. Synology’s DiskStation Manager (DSM) provides an intuitive interface that’s easy to use, with a range of features that cater to business needs. You’ll find tools like Surveillance Station, Synology Mail Server, and the Synology Office suite, as well as third-party apps like Plex Media Center and WordPress. With 107 apps available through the Package Center, there’s something for everyone.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Synology DiskStation DS423+ is a solid choice for small businesses, offering reliable storage and management capabilities. However, its limited speed and lack of upgrade options may be a concern for businesses with growing needs. If you’re looking for a more powerful and upgradable solution, we’d recommend exploring alternatives. But for small businesses with relatively modest storage requirements, the DS423+ is a great option to consider.

Key Features:

• Four SATA drive bays, supporting up to 72TB of storage
• Celeron J4125 processor and 2GB of RAM
• Dual gigabit Ethernet ports (no upgrade option)
• Two NVMe SSD slots for caching and storage pooling
• Easy setup and management with Synology DSM
• Extensive app selection through the Package Center (107 apps)

Specifications:

• Processor: Celeron J4125
• RAM: 2GB
• Storage: 4 x SATA drive bays, up to 72TB
• Networking: Dual gigabit Ethernet ports
• Ports: 2 x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1
• Dimensions: 165 x 165 x 123mm
• Weight: 2.5kg