Hey guys! Are you looking for a robust and versatile network-attached storage (NAS) solution? Let's dive deep into the Synology DiskStation DS920+, a 4-bay NAS that's perfect for home and small business users. We'll explore what makes this device a top choice, covering its features, performance, and why it might just be the storage upgrade you've been waiting for.

What is Synology DS920+?

The Synology DS920+ is a network-attached storage (NAS) device designed to centralize your data, simplify file sharing, and provide advanced features for data protection and multimedia streaming. It's a 4-bay system, meaning it can house up to four hard drives or solid-state drives, giving you ample storage capacity. Imagine having all your important documents, photos, videos, and backups in one secure and accessible location. The DS920+ makes this a reality, offering a seamless experience for both tech enthusiasts and those new to the world of NAS devices. Its intuitive interface and powerful capabilities make it a standout choice in the crowded NAS market. This NAS isn't just about storing files; it's about creating a personal cloud where you have complete control over your data. Whether you're a creative professional managing large media files, a small business owner needing a reliable backup solution, or a family wanting to share photos and videos, the DS920+ is engineered to meet your needs. With its ability to support various RAID configurations, you can optimize for storage capacity, data redundancy, or a balance of both. Plus, its compatibility with a wide range of applications, from media servers to surveillance systems, ensures that the DS920+ can adapt to your evolving requirements. So, if you're ready to take your data management to the next level, the Synology DS920+ might just be the perfect solution. It's a blend of performance, versatility, and user-friendliness that sets it apart from the competition.

Key Features of the Synology DS920+

The Synology DS920+ comes packed with features designed to enhance your storage and data management experience. Let's break down some of the most important ones:

• High Performance: Powered by a quad-core processor and 4GB of DDR4 RAM (expandable up to 8GB), the DS920+ delivers fast and reliable performance. This means quicker file transfers, smoother streaming, and responsive multitasking.
• Scalability: With four drive bays and the option to expand using a Synology DX517 expansion unit, you can easily scale your storage capacity as your needs grow. Start with a few terabytes and expand to dozens without having to migrate to a new system.
• RAID Support: The DS920+ supports various RAID configurations, including RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, and 10, allowing you to choose the level of data protection and performance that best suits your needs. RAID configurations ensure that your data remains safe even if one or more drives fail.
• Synology DiskStation Manager (DSM): DSM is the heart of the Synology NAS experience. This intuitive web-based operating system offers a wealth of features, including file sharing, data backup, multimedia streaming, and surveillance capabilities.
• Versatile Applications: The DS920+ supports a wide range of applications, including Synology Drive for file syncing and sharing, Synology Moments for photo management, and Synology Surveillance Station for video surveillance. There are also third-party apps available to extend the functionality of your NAS.
• 4K Multimedia Streaming: With its hardware transcoding engine, the DS920+ can stream 4K video content to your devices without any hiccups, making it a great choice for home entertainment.

These features combine to make the Synology DS920+ a powerful and versatile NAS solution that can handle a wide range of tasks, from simple file storage to advanced data management and multimedia streaming. Whether you're a home user or a small business, the DS920+ has something to offer.

Performance and Speed

When it comes to performance, the Synology DS920+ truly shines, making it a top contender in the NAS market. At its heart is a robust quad-core Intel Celeron J4125 processor, which clocks in at 2.0 GHz and can burst up to 2.7 GHz when the workload demands it. This processing power ensures that the DS920+ can handle multiple tasks simultaneously without breaking a sweat. Whether you're transferring large files, streaming 4K videos, or running multiple applications, the DS920+ delivers smooth and responsive performance. The inclusion of 4GB of DDR4 RAM, which can be expanded up to 8GB, further enhances its multitasking capabilities. This means you can have multiple users accessing the NAS at the same time without experiencing any slowdowns. The DS920+ also supports dual Gigabit Ethernet ports with link aggregation, allowing you to combine the bandwidth of both ports for faster transfer speeds and improved network redundancy. In real-world tests, the DS920+ has demonstrated impressive read and write speeds, often exceeding 100 MB/s over a Gigabit Ethernet connection. This translates to quick file transfers and snappy performance when accessing your data. Furthermore, the DS920+ supports SSD caching, allowing you to install solid-state drives to accelerate read and write speeds for frequently accessed data. This can significantly improve the performance of applications and services running on the NAS. Whether you're a creative professional working with large media files or a small business owner needing a reliable and fast storage solution, the DS920+ has the performance to meet your demands. Its combination of processing power, memory, and network connectivity ensures that you can access your data quickly and efficiently, no matter the task at hand. The Synology DS920+ is engineered for speed and reliability, making it a standout choice in the crowded NAS market. It’s a true powerhouse that delivers consistent and dependable performance.

Setting Up the Synology DS920+

Setting up the Synology DS920+ is a breeze, thanks to Synology's user-friendly DiskStation Manager (DSM) operating system. From unboxing to getting your NAS up and running, the entire process is designed to be straightforward, even for those who aren't tech-savvy. First, you'll need to install your hard drives or solid-state drives into the drive bays. The DS920+ features tool-less drive bays, which means you can easily slide the drives in and out without the need for screws or special tools. Once the drives are installed, connect the NAS to your network using an Ethernet cable and power it on. Next, you'll need to download and install the Synology Assistant software on your computer. This software will automatically detect the DS920+ on your network and guide you through the initial setup process. The setup wizard will walk you through creating an administrator account, configuring network settings, and installing the DSM operating system. You'll also have the option to set up a RAID configuration to protect your data against drive failures. DSM provides a clear and intuitive interface that makes it easy to manage your storage, create user accounts, and install applications. You can access DSM through any web browser on your computer or mobile device. From there, you can customize your NAS to meet your specific needs, whether it's setting up file sharing, configuring backups, or installing multimedia servers. Synology also provides a wealth of online resources and support documentation to help you troubleshoot any issues you may encounter. With its easy-to-use interface and comprehensive setup wizard, the Synology DS920+ makes it simple to get your NAS up and running in no time. Whether you're a seasoned tech enthusiast or a first-time NAS user, you'll appreciate the straightforward setup process and the wealth of features that DSM has to offer. It's a hassle-free experience that allows you to focus on what matters most: managing your data and getting the most out of your NAS.

Who is the Synology DS920+ For?

The Synology DS920+ is a versatile NAS solution that caters to a wide range of users, from home enthusiasts to small business owners. If you're looking for a central storage solution that can handle everything from file sharing to multimedia streaming, the DS920+ might just be the perfect fit. For home users, the DS920+ offers a convenient way to store and share photos, videos, and documents with family members. You can create a personal cloud where everyone can access their files from anywhere, whether they're at home or on the go. The DS920+ also supports multimedia streaming, allowing you to stream 4K videos to your TV or mobile devices. For small business owners, the DS920+ provides a reliable and secure way to store and back up important business data. You can use it to share files with employees, collaborate on projects, and protect your data against hardware failures and other disasters. The DS920+ also supports a variety of business applications, such as CRM, ERP, and accounting software. Creative professionals will also appreciate the DS920+'s high performance and scalability. It can handle large media files with ease, making it ideal for video editing, graphic design, and photography. The DS920+ also supports SSD caching, which can significantly improve the performance of applications that require fast access to data. In short, the Synology DS920+ is a versatile NAS solution that can meet the needs of a wide range of users. Whether you're a home user, a small business owner, or a creative professional, the DS920+ offers a comprehensive set of features and capabilities that can help you manage your data more efficiently. Its ease of use, scalability, and performance make it a standout choice in the crowded NAS market. It’s a great all-around solution for anyone looking to centralize their data and simplify their digital life.

Pros and Cons

Like any piece of tech, the Synology DS920+ has its strengths and weaknesses. Here’s a quick rundown:

Pros:

• Excellent Performance: The quad-core processor and ample RAM ensure smooth and responsive performance.
• Scalability: The ability to expand storage with an expansion unit is a huge plus.
• User-Friendly Interface: Synology's DSM is intuitive and easy to navigate.
• Versatile Applications: A wide range of apps for file sharing, media streaming, and more.
• Robust Data Protection: RAID support and backup options keep your data safe.

Cons:

• Price: It's a bit more expensive than some entry-level NAS devices.
• RAM Upgrade: While expandable, upgrading the RAM requires some technical know-how.

Final Verdict

The Synology DS920+ is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable, high-performance NAS solution. Its powerful hardware, user-friendly interface, and versatile features make it a standout in its class. Whether you're a home user or a small business, the DS920+ has something to offer. While it may be a bit pricier than some other options, the investment is well worth it for the peace of mind and enhanced functionality it provides. So, if you're in the market for a new NAS, the Synology DS920+ should definitely be on your shortlist. It's a top-notch device that delivers on its promises and will likely serve you well for years to come.