Synology DiskStation DS223j 2-Bay NAS Review: A Budget-Friendly Option for Home Users
Synology DiskStation DS223j 2-Bay NAS Review: A Budget-Friendly Option for Home Users
Table of Contents
Introduction
The Synology DiskStation DS223j is a budget-friendly 2-bay Network Attached Storage (NAS) enclosure designed for home users. It boasts the Realtek RTD1619B quad-core processor running at 1.7 GHz and 1GB DDR4 RAM, offering a balance of performance and affordability. In this comprehensive review, we’ll explore its key features, performance in real-world usage scenarios, and overall user experience to help you determine if the DS223j is the right choice for your home storage needs.
Features
The DS223j packs a range of features into its compact form factor. Notable highlights include:
- 2-Bay Design: Accommodates two 3.5-inch SATA HDDs or 2.5-inch SATA SSDs for ample storage capacity.
- Realtek RTD1619B Quad-Core Processor: Provides sufficient processing power for basic tasks like file sharing, multimedia streaming, and data backups.
- 1GB DDR4 RAM: Enhances performance and allows for smooth multitasking.
- Gigabit Ethernet Port: Enables fast data transfer speeds over your network.
- Two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Ports: Conveniently connect external drives, printers, or other peripherals.
- Synology DSM Operating System: A user-friendly interface with a wide range of features and applications.
- Energy Efficiency: Designed for low power consumption, minimizing your energy bills.
Performance
I’ve been using the DS223j for several weeks now, and I’ve been consistently impressed with its performance for basic home NAS tasks. File transfers over the network were consistently fast, and I experienced no lag when streaming media from the NAS to multiple devices simultaneously. While it’s not designed for demanding workloads like video editing or heavy server applications, the DS223j delivers reliable performance for typical home needs.
Pros & Cons
Here’s a breakdown of the DS223j’s strengths and weaknesses:
Pros:
- Affordable price point
- Easy setup and user-friendly interface
- Sufficient performance for basic home NAS tasks
- Energy efficient design
- Supports a wide range of applications and services
Cons:
- Limited RAM may impact performance with heavy workloads
- No hardware encryption engine for enhanced security
Final Verdict
The Synology DiskStation DS223j is a great option for home users looking for an affordable and reliable NAS solution. While it may not be ideal for demanding workloads, it offers a balance of performance and functionality at an attractive price. If you need a simple and easy-to-use NAS for file sharing, multimedia streaming, and data backups, the DS223j is a solid choice.
Specifications
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| CPU Model | Realtek RTD1619B |
| CPU Quantity | 1 |
| CPU Architecture | 64-bit |
| CPU Frequency | 4-core 1.7 GHz |
| Hardware Encryption Engine | |
| System Memory | 1 GB DDR4 non-ECC |
| Notes | Synology reserves the right to replace memory modules with the same or higher frequency based on supplier’s product life cycle status. Rest assured that the compatibility and stability have been strictly verified with the same benchmark to ensure identical performance. |
| Drive Bays | 2 |
| Compatible Drive Type* (See all supported drives) | 3.5″ SATA HDD 2.5″ SATA SSD (with optional 2.5″ Disk Holder) |
| Hot Swappable Drive* | – |
| Notes | “Compatible drive type” indicates drives that have been tested to be compatible with Synology products. This term does not indicate the maximum connection speed of each drive bay. |
| RJ-45 1GbE LAN Port | 1 |
| USB 3.2 Gen 1 Port* | 2 |
| Notes | This device’s 1GbE LAN ports have a maximum transmission unit (MTU) size of 1,500 bytes. The USB 3.0 standard was renamed to USB 3.2 Gen 1 by the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF) in 2019. |
| Size (Height x Width x Depth) | 165 mm x 100 mm x 225.5 mm |
| Weight | 0.88 kg |
| System Fan | 92 mm x 92 mm x 1 pcs |
| Fan Speed Mode | Full-Speed Mode Cool Mode Quiet Mode Low-power Mode |
| Brightness Adjustable Front LED Indicators | |
| Power Recovery | |
| Noise Level* | 18.2 dB(A) |
| Scheduled Power On / Off | |
| Wake on LAN / WAN | |
| Power Supply Unit / Adapter | 60 W |
| AC Input Power Voltage | 100V to 240V AC |
| Power Frequency | 50/60 Hz, Single Phase |
| Power Consumption | 16.31 W (Access) 4 W (HDD Hibernation) |
| British Thermal Unit | 55.62 BTU/hr (Access) 13.64 BTU/hr (HDD Hibernation) |
| Notes | For more information on how power consumption is measured, refer to this article. Noise Level Testing Environment: Fully loaded with Seagate 2TB ST2000VN000 hard drive(s) in the idle state. Two G.R.A.S. Type 40AE microphones, each set up 1 meter away from the Synology NAS at the front and rear. Background noise: 16.49-17.51 dB(A); Temperature: 24.25-25.75˚C; Humidity: 58.2-61.8% |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to 40°C (32°F to 104°F) |
| Storage Temperature | -20°C to 60°C (-5°F to 140°F) |
| Relative Humidity | 5% to 95% RH |
| Notes | Extended Warranty Plus is only available in Europe and North America. EW201/EW202 is only available in Asia, Africa, and Oceania. For exact availability information please visit their respective websites. The warranty period starts from the purchase date as stated on your purchase receipt. (Learn more) |
