The Synology DS923+ is a powerful and versatile NAS (Network Attached Storage) device designed for home users and small businesses looking to enhance their data storage, backup, and media server capabilities. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the features of the DS923+, explore the best hard drives, RAM upgrades, NVMe SSDs, and 10Gbit adapters to enhance its performance.
Overview of the Synology DS923+
The Synology DS923+ is a 4-bay NAS device powered by a quad-core AMD Ryzen R1600 processor, making it suitable for a variety of tasks, from simple file storage to more demanding applications like virtualization and video transcoding. It comes with 4GB of DDR4 RAM, expandable up to 32GB, and supports both 3.5″ and 2.5″ SATA drives. The DS923+ also includes two M.2 NVMe slots for SSD caching and a PCIe expansion slot for adding a 10Gbit network adapter, making it a highly adaptable and scalable solution.
Check latest price at Amazon here.
Best Hard Drives for Synology DS923+
Choosing the right hard drives for your NAS is crucial for performance, reliability, and data integrity. Here are three excellent options to consider:
Toshiba N300
The Toshiba N300 series is designed specifically for NAS environments, offering up to 18TB of storage. It provides 7200 RPM speed, a 256MB cache, and is built to handle the heavy workloads typical of NAS systems. The N300 is ideal for users who need a balance between performance and reliability for continuous operation in RAID configurations.
Here are some options:
Seagate IronWolf Pro
The Seagate IronWolf Pro is another top-tier option for the DS923+. Available in capacities up to 20TB, these drives are optimized for NAS use with AgileArray technology, providing enhanced performance and reliability. The IronWolf Pro series also comes with a 300TB/year workload rate, making it suitable for high-demand environments. It includes a 5-year warranty and 2-year Rescue Data Recovery Services, offering peace of mind for your critical data.
Here are some options:
WD Red Plus
Western Digital’s WD Red Plus drives are designed for small to medium-sized NAS systems and are available in capacities up to 14TB. These drives are optimized for RAID environments, offering 5400 RPM speeds, low power consumption, and quiet operation. The WD Red Plus is perfect for users who prioritize energy efficiency and reliability in their NAS setup.
Here are some options:
RAM Upgrades for Synology DS923+
Expanding the RAM in your DS923+ can significantly improve performance, especially if you plan to use it for intensive tasks like virtualization, media streaming, or running multiple applications simultaneously. Here are three RAM options compatible with the DS923+:
Crucial RAM CT16G4SFRA266 16GB
Crucial is a well-known and trusted brand in memory products. The CT16G4SFRA266 is a 16GB DDR4 2666MHz SODIMM, offering excellent compatibility and performance with the Synology DS923+. This upgrade will help your NAS handle more simultaneous tasks and larger workloads with ease.
Check it here.
Kingston Memory 16GB
Kingston offers reliable and high-performance RAM options, and their 16GB DDR4 2666MHz SODIMM is an excellent choice for the DS923+. This memory module is designed for stability and longevity, making it a solid investment for users looking to boost their NAS’s multitasking capabilities.
Check it here.
Timetec 16GB DDR4
Timetec’s 16GB DDR4 2666MHz SODIMM is another compatible option for the DS923+. Known for delivering performance and reliability at a competitive price, Timetec is a great choice for those looking to upgrade their NAS without breaking the bank. This RAM will ensure smoother operation during heavy usage.
Check it here.
NVMe SSD for Synology DS923+: WD_BLACK SN770 1TB NVMe M.2 SSD
Adding an NVMe SSD to your DS923+ can greatly enhance performance, particularly for caching purposes. The WD_BLACK SN770 1TB NVMe M.2 SSD is an excellent choice, offering read speeds up to 5,150 MB/s. This SSD is designed for gamers and creative professionals, providing the speed and responsiveness needed for demanding applications. When used in your NAS, it can significantly reduce latency and improve the overall user experience.
Other Options:
10Gbit Adapter for Synology DS923+
If you need faster network speeds, especially in environments with high data transfer demands, upgrading to a 10Gbit network adapter is essential. The Synology E10G18-T1 is a PCIe 3.0 x4 10Gbit Ethernet adapter designed for Synology NAS devices. This adapter allows you to take full advantage of 10Gbit networking, providing up to 10 times the speed of standard Gigabit Ethernet, which is crucial for tasks like large file transfers, video editing, and backing up large datasets.
Conclusion
The Synology DS923+ is a powerful NAS that can be further enhanced with the right hardware upgrades. By choosing high-quality hard drives like the Toshiba N300, Seagate IronWolf Pro, or WD Red Plus, and upgrading the RAM with options from Crucial, Kingston, or Timetec, you can optimize your NAS for performance and reliability. Adding a WD_BLACK SN770 NVMe SSD for caching and a 10Gbit adapter for faster network speeds will ensure that your DS923+ is capable of handling even the most demanding tasks with ease.
These upgrades will help you get the most out of your Synology DS923+, ensuring it meets your storage needs both now and in the future.