Synology DiskStation DS1823xs+ 8-Bay NAS Review: Powerful Performance and Versatile Features

Synology DiskStation DS1823xs+ 8-Bay NAS Review: Powerful Performance and Versatile Features

The Synology DiskStation DS1823xs+ is a high-performance 8-bay NAS enclosure designed for users seeking robust data storage, efficient backups, and advanced network capabilities. This review delves into its features, performance, and real-world usage experiences, helping you decide if this NAS is the right fit for your needs.

Table of Contents

Introduction

The DS1823xs+ stands out with its powerful AMD Ryzen V1780B 4-Core processor and 8GB of RAM, providing ample processing power for demanding tasks such as media transcoding, virtual machine hosting, and demanding applications. Its 8-bay design allows for significant storage capacity, making it ideal for large families, businesses, or individuals with extensive data storage needs.

Features

The DS1823xs+ is packed with features designed to enhance its functionality and user experience. Some key highlights include:

  • AMD Ryzen V1780B 4-Core Processor: Offers powerful performance for demanding workloads.
  • 8GB RAM: Provides ample memory for multitasking and resource-intensive applications.
  • 8-Bay Design: Accommodates up to 8 x 3.5″ SATA HDDs or 2.5″ SATA SSDs.
  • M.2 NVMe SSD Support: Allows for blazing-fast caching for improved performance.
  • 3 x RJ-45 LAN Ports: Supports Link Aggregation for increased network throughput.
  • 3 x USB-A Ports: Provides convenient connectivity for external devices.
  • Synology DSM Operating System: User-friendly interface with extensive app support.
  • Comprehensive Backup and Disaster Recovery Solutions: Ensures data protection through various backup and recovery options.

Performance

The DS1823xs+ delivers impressive performance, thanks to its powerful hardware. In real-world tests, the NAS exhibited exceptional speed in file transfer, media transcoding, and virtual machine operation. The inclusion of M.2 NVMe SSD slots for caching further enhances performance, especially when accessing frequently used files.

I tested the NAS with a range of workloads, including:

  • File transfer: The DS1823xs+ consistently achieved high transfer speeds, making it ideal for large file transfers and backups.
  • Media transcoding: The powerful processor efficiently transcoded 4K videos without any lag or stuttering, enabling seamless media streaming.
  • Virtual machine hosting: The DS1823xs+ successfully hosted multiple virtual machines simultaneously, with no noticeable performance impact.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

  • Powerful AMD Ryzen processor
  • Ample RAM for multitasking
  • High storage capacity with 8-bay design
  • Excellent performance in file transfer, media transcoding, and virtual machine hosting
  • Comprehensive features and app support
  • User-friendly Synology DSM operating system
  • Robust backup and disaster recovery solutions

Cons:

  • High initial cost compared to entry-level NAS models
  • May be overkill for users with basic storage needs

Final Verdict

The Synology DiskStation DS1823xs+ is a powerful and versatile NAS solution that excels in performance and features. It’s an excellent choice for users with demanding storage needs, such as large families, businesses, or creative professionals. Its combination of powerful hardware, comprehensive features, and user-friendly interface makes it a compelling option for anyone seeking a reliable and high-performing NAS.

If you’re looking for a powerful and feature-rich NAS solution and budget is not a major concern, the Synology DiskStation DS1823xs+ is highly recommended.

Synology DiskStation DS1823xs+ Specifications
Feature Specification
Processor AMD Ryzen V1780B 4-Core
RAM 8GB DDR4 ECC SODIMM (expandable to 32GB)
Storage Bays 8 x 3.5″ SATA HDD or 2.5″ SATA SSD
M.2 Slots 2 x M.2 2280 NVMe SSD slots (for caching)
Network Ports 3 x RJ-45 Gigabit Ethernet ports (Link Aggregation supported)
USB Ports 3 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports
Operating System Synology DSM
Dimensions (H x W x D) 203 x 226 x 232 mm
Weight 5.0 kg (without drives)