Hey everyone! Today, let's dive into the Synology DS920+, a popular Network Attached Storage (NAS) device that's been making waves in the home and small business sectors. We'll break down everything you need to know, from its price point to its standout features, and even explore some alternatives if it doesn't quite fit your needs. So, buckle up and let's get started!

What is Synology DS920+?

The Synology DS920+ is a 4-bay NAS (Network Attached Storage) device designed to centralize your data storage, provide easy file sharing, and offer a range of applications to enhance your digital life. Think of it as your personal cloud server, right in your home or office. It's a successor to the popular DS918+ and comes with some notable improvements, making it a solid choice for users who need reliable and scalable storage solutions.

Key Features of the DS920+

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of pricing, let's highlight some of the features that make the DS920+ a compelling option:

• Powerful Processor: It's equipped with a quad-core Intel Celeron J4125 processor, which offers a significant performance boost compared to its predecessor. This means faster file transfers, smoother application performance, and improved multitasking capabilities. This is really important, because a NAS isn't just about storage; it's about how quickly and efficiently you can access and manage your data.
• Expandable Storage: The DS920+ has four drive bays that support both 3.5" and 2.5" HDDs/SSDs. Plus, it has the option to expand up to 9 drives with a Synology DX517 expansion unit. This scalability is fantastic because your storage needs are likely to grow over time, and the DS920+ ensures you won't be boxed in.
• Dual Gigabit LAN Ports: These ports support link aggregation, which allows you to combine the bandwidth of both ports for faster network speeds and provides redundancy in case one port fails. For those handling large files or running multiple services simultaneously, this is a crucial feature.
• Dual M.2 NVMe SSD Slots: This allows you to use NVMe SSDs for caching, which significantly improves the performance of frequently accessed data. Instead of relying solely on the mechanical hard drives, the SSD cache acts as a high-speed buffer, making your NAS feel much snappier.
• Versatile Software Ecosystem: Synology's DiskStation Manager (DSM) operating system is one of the best in the NAS industry. It offers a user-friendly interface and a plethora of applications for everything from file management and media streaming to virtualization and surveillance. The DSM is regularly updated, ensuring you have the latest features and security patches.

Synology DS920+ Price

Alright, let's get to the big question: how much does the Synology DS920+ cost?

The price of the Synology DS920+ typically ranges from $500 to $600 USD. However, this is just for the diskless unit. Meaning, it doesn't include the hard drives or SSDs you'll need to actually store your data. The final cost will depend on the storage capacity and type of drives you choose.

Factors Affecting the Price

Several factors can influence the price you'll ultimately pay for the DS920+:

• Storage Capacity: Obviously, the more storage you need, the more you'll spend on hard drives. Prices for HDDs and SSDs vary widely based on capacity, speed, and brand.
• Type of Drives: Traditional HDDs are more affordable for large storage capacities, but SSDs offer significantly faster performance, especially when used for caching. A hybrid approach (using both HDDs and SSDs) is a common strategy to balance cost and performance.
• Retailer: Prices can fluctuate between different online and local retailers. It's always a good idea to shop around and compare prices before making a purchase. Keep an eye out for sales and promotions, especially during holidays like Black Friday or Cyber Monday.
• Bundles: Sometimes, retailers offer bundles that include the DS920+ along with a set of hard drives. These bundles can sometimes offer better value than buying the NAS and drives separately. Just make sure the included drives meet your needs.

Example Price Breakdown

To give you a clearer picture, here's a hypothetical price breakdown:

• Synology DS920+ (Diskless): $550
• 4 x 4TB HDDs (e.g., WD Red or Seagate IronWolf): $80 each, totaling $320
• 2 x 250GB NVMe SSDs (for caching): $50 each, totaling $100
• Total Estimated Cost: $970

Keep in mind that these are just estimated prices, and actual costs may vary.

Who is the DS920+ For?

The Synology DS920+ is an excellent choice for a variety of users, including:

• Home Users: Families who want to centralize their photos, videos, and documents for easy sharing and backup.
• Small Businesses: Companies that need a reliable and secure way to store and share files, collaborate on projects, and run business applications.
• Content Creators: Professionals who work with large media files and need fast, accessible storage for editing and archiving.
• Tech Enthusiasts: Anyone who enjoys tinkering with technology and wants to build their own personal cloud infrastructure.

Alternatives to the Synology DS920+

While the DS920+ is a fantastic NAS, it's not the only option out there. Here are a few alternatives to consider, depending on your specific needs and budget:

1. Synology DS923+

The Synology DS923+ is the newer generation in the Synology's '+' series. It comes with the AMD Ryzen Embedded R1600 processor. While the older generations were using Intel processors. This ensures great performance for home and small office users. It supports up to 9 drives with the DX517 expansion unit. It is a great choice for data sharing, backup and syncing.

• Why Consider It: Consider it, if you want the newest features Synology offers.

2. QNAP TS-453D

QNAP TS-453D: QNAP is another major player in the NAS market, and the TS-453D is a strong contender. It features an Intel Celeron J4125 processor (same as the DS920+), 4 drive bays, and 2.5GbE connectivity, offering faster network speeds. It also supports PCIe expansion, allowing you to add features like 10GbE networking or additional M.2 SSD slots.

• Why Consider It: If you need faster network speeds out of the box and want the option to add more advanced features via PCIe, the QNAP TS-453D is worth considering.

3. TerraMaster F4-422

TerraMaster F4-422: If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option with 10GbE connectivity, the TerraMaster F4-422 is worth a look. It features an Intel Celeron J3455 processor, 4 drive bays, and a 10GbE port for high-speed networking. While it may not have the same level of software polish as Synology or QNAP, it offers excellent value for the price.

• Why Consider It: For users who prioritize 10GbE connectivity on a budget, the TerraMaster F4-422 is a compelling option.

4. Asustor AS5304T

Asustor AS5304T: Asustor is another brand that's gaining popularity in the NAS market. The AS5304T features an Intel Celeron J4105 processor, 4 drive bays, and 2.5GbE connectivity. It also has a unique feature called HDMI output, which allows you to connect the NAS directly to a TV or monitor for media playback.

• Why Consider It: If you want a NAS with HDMI output for direct media playback and a user-friendly interface, the Asustor AS5304T is a good choice.

5. DIY NAS

DIY NAS: For the ultimate control and customization, you could build your own NAS using off-the-shelf components and a NAS operating system like TrueNAS. This option requires more technical expertise, but it allows you to tailor the hardware and software to your exact needs.

• Why Consider It: If you're a tech-savvy user who wants complete control over your NAS and enjoys building your own systems, a DIY NAS can be a rewarding project.

Conclusion

The Synology DS920+ is a versatile and reliable NAS that offers a great balance of performance, features, and ease of use. While the price may seem a bit steep upfront, the long-term benefits of centralized storage, data protection, and a rich software ecosystem make it a worthwhile investment for home users and small businesses alike. Remember to factor in the cost of hard drives and SSDs when budgeting for your NAS setup. And don't forget to explore the alternatives to see if there's a better fit for your specific requirements. Happy storing, everyone!