Synology RX1223RP 2 RU Expansion Unit Review: Expand Your NAS Storage

This review dives deep into the Synology RX1223RP 2 RU Expansion Unit, exploring its features, performance, and overall value. I’ve thoroughly tested this unit to provide you with an unbiased and detailed assessment. Let’s get started!

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Key Features
• Performance & Capacity
• Pros & Cons
• Final Verdict

Introduction

The Synology RX1223RP is a 2U expansion unit designed to bolster the storage capabilities of compatible Synology NAS devices. With 12 hot-swappable drive bays, it provides ample space for expanding your data storage. This review will delve into the unit’s features, performance, and overall suitability for various users.

Key Features

The RX1223RP boasts a comprehensive set of features aimed at simplifying and enhancing your storage experience:

• 12 Drive Bays: This unit provides 12 bays compatible with both 3.5″ SATA HDDs and 2.5″ SATA SSDs, offering flexibility in storage configuration.
• Hot-Swappable Drives: Easily swap drives without needing to power down your NAS, ensuring continuous operation and minimizing downtime.
• RAID Management: Synology’s DSM (DiskStation Manager) provides comprehensive RAID management, allowing you to configure and manage your storage arrays effectively.
• Dual Redundant Power Supply: The RX1223RP includes a dual redundant power supply, ensuring continuous operation even if one PSU fails. This feature is crucial for business-critical applications and data integrity.
• Expansion Port: The unit features a Mini-SAS HD expansion port, allowing you to connect multiple expansion units for even greater storage capacity.
• Easy Installation: The unit’s slide-in design simplifies installation, allowing for quick and seamless expansion of your NAS system.

Performance & Capacity

The RX1223RP delivers impressive performance and storage capacity. The hot-swappable drive bays allow for fast and efficient drive replacement, minimizing downtime. The dual redundant power supply ensures constant operation and data availability. With its support for various drive types and RAID configurations, the RX1223RP caters to a wide range of needs, from home users to demanding businesses.

I tested the RX1223RP with a combination of HDDs and SSDs, and the unit consistently delivered high read and write speeds. The RAID configurations provided ample data protection and redundancy, ensuring data safety and reliability.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• High storage capacity with 12 drive bays.
• Hot-swappable drives for easy maintenance and drive replacement.
• Dual redundant power supply for continuous operation.
• Excellent performance with both HDDs and SSDs.
• Comprehensive RAID management through Synology DSM.
• Easy installation and expansion capabilities.

Cons

• The unit can be quite heavy, requiring careful installation and handling.
• The price can be relatively high, especially when considering the cost of the drives.
• Compatibility is limited to specific Synology NAS models.

Final Verdict

The Synology RX1223RP 2 RU Expansion Unit is an excellent choice for users seeking to significantly expand their NAS storage capacity. Its features, performance, and reliability make it a valuable addition to any Synology NAS system. While the unit comes with a hefty price tag, it offers a robust and scalable storage solution that can handle demanding workloads and critical data.

Recommendation: I highly recommend the Synology RX1223RP to users who require extensive storage capacity, prioritize data protection, and value reliability and ease of use. It’s a fantastic solution for home users, small businesses, and organizations seeking a reliable and scalable storage solution.

Specifications