The DiskStation DS220+ launched again in 2020, and within the three years it was on sale, it dominated the charts. It is not arduous to see why: the DiskStation DS220+ provided nice {hardware}, twin Gigabit Ethernet ports, excellent software program options, and an excellent worth. So it stands to purpose that Synology is not making too many modifications with the DiskStation DS224+, the long-awaited successor to the DS220+.
In spite of everything, the DS220+ formulation labored rather well for the model, so it’s retaining the identical basis with the DS224+. Due to this fact, the DiskStation DS224+ has the identical twin Gigabit Ethernet connectivity, comparable inner {hardware}, similar nice software program, and it even makes use of the identical design.
The upside is that by utilizing Intel’s Celeron J4125 in lieu of the AMD Ryzen R1600 that is featured within the likes of the DiskStation DS723+ and DiskStation DS923+, Synology is catering to consumers that want an iGPU to be used in Plex, a key promoting level. Whereas I am somewhat aggravated that there is no 2.5 Gigabit connectivity or M.2 slots right here, the DiskStation DS224+ has sufficient in the best way of differentiation to make it the default selection in order for you an amazing 2-bay starter NAS in 2023.
Synology DiskStation DS224+: Pricing and availability
Synology unveiled the DiskStation DS224+ alongside the budget-focused DS223 and DS223j again in August 2023, and the NAS is now obtainable globally. It retails for $299 on Amazon within the U.S., £299 within the U.Okay. (though availability is proscribed in the meanwhile), and €299 in most European markets. Over in India, the DiskStation DS224+ is obtainable for ₹35,990 ($432).
Like all different servers made by Synology, the DiskStation DS224+ comes with a regular three-year guarantee. You get an Ethernet cable within the field together with the ability brick, and a set of varied screws to mount 2.5-inch arduous drives or SSDs. This is a rundown of the {hardware} on supply:
| Class | Synology DiskStation DS224+ |
|---|---|
| Inner drive bays | Two (18TB every bay), 3.5-inch HDD, 2.5-inch HDD/SSD |
| Community interface | 2 x Gigabit Ethernet, Hyperlink Aggregation |
| USB ports | 2 x USB 3.1 Gen1 |
| eSATA ports | ❌ |
| PCIe | ❌ |
| CPU | Quad-core 64-bit 2.0GHz Intel Celeron J4125 |
| Plex transcoding | Sure |
| RAM | 2GB DDR4 non-ECC, upgradeable to 6GB |
| M.2 slots | ❌ |
| File system | EXT4, Btrfs |
| Cooling | 1 x 92mm fan, 22dBA |
| Extensibility | ❌ |
| Dimensions | 165 x 108 x 232.2mm |
| Weight | 2.86lb, 1.30kg |
Synology DiskStation DS224+: Design and options
Synology is not identified for altering the design of its NAS servers, and the DiskStation DS224+ is similar to its predecessor on this space. It makes use of a plastic shroud that covers the drive bays, and also you get the same old set of LEDs on the entrance: there’s an general system standing indicator, LEDs for the 2 disk drives, and the 2 LAN ports. There is a USB 3 port on the entrance, and a replica button that allows you to robotically copy the contents of any flash drive or exterior SSD that is related to the USB port — a nifty addition.
The ability button sits on the backside proper, and also you get the DS224+ label on the left. It is a acquainted design to say the least, and to Synology’s credit score, it’s equal elements fashionable and practical. The edges are vented to permit passive airflow into the DS224+, and also you get a 92mm fan on the again that takes care of energetic cooling. A NAS is designed to mix into the background, and the DS224+ manages to do exactly that due to the unobtrusive black paint scheme.
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Synology makes use of an all-metal chassis on the likes of the DS723+, however you get a mix of plastic and aluminum within the case of the DS224+, however that is not a problem. The feature-set is on par with the greatest NAS servers for Plex, and whereas the design is getting a bit lengthy within the tooth, there aren’t any inherent points right here.
Set up is about as easy because it will get; simply take away the plastic shroud, pull out the drive bays, and slot in 3.5-inch arduous drives. The DS224+ has tool-less set up for 3.5-inch drives, however if you happen to’re going with a 2.5-inch HDD or SSD, you may want to make use of the supplied screws. No matter what you utilize, you may get began in a matter of minutes.
The primary function that is lacking with the DS224+ is M.2 drives; Synology lastly allowed using M.2 drives for storage beginning with the DS723+ earlier this 12 months, and that makes an enormous distinction. The truth that the DS224+ would not have any M.2 slots in any respect is a little bit of a letdown, and it goes in opposition to the Plus sequence branding lavished right here. I feel Synology ought to have included at the least one M.2 slot as it could have made the NAS that rather more alluring.
Synology DiskStation DS224+: Ports
Coming to the ports, you get the identical assortment of choices because the DS220+. There are twin Gigabit Ethernet ports on the again, two USB 3.2 ports — one on the again and the opposite on the entrance — and that is about it. You aren’t getting multi-Gigabit networking right here, and that is one other letdown. Whereas the dearer DS723+ misses out on 2.5GbE ports as effectively, you get the choice so as to add a 2.5GbE or 10GbE networking card through a PCIe Gen 3 x2 slot — that is not attainable right here.
Whereas the Gigabit ports will be bridged collectively through Hyperlink Aggregation, there ought to have been at the least a 2.5GbE port on the again; most different NAS servers on this class now supply 2.5GbE connectivity as commonplace, and Synology is clearly lagging behind on this space. The model is not actually identified for delivering the perfect {hardware} — as an alternative differentiating its merchandise through software program — however for a $300 NAS to not have at the least one 2.5GbE port is a bit shortsighted. Identical to the scenario with the M.2 drives, Gigabit Ethernet seems like a little bit of a limitation.
Synology DiskStation DS224+: Efficiency
Fortunately, the efficiency is the place the DiskStation DS224+ redeems itself. It’s powered by the Intel Celeron J4125, a stalwart on this class. That is the truth is the identical chipset that powered the DiskStation DS920+ and DS1520+, and though Synology now makes use of AMD’s Ryzen R1600 in its current-gen DS723+ and DS923+, the Celeron J4125 has a number of distinctive benefits.
Key amongst them is the inclusion of an iGPU; the Celeron J4125 has the Intel Graphics 600 platform, and that turns out to be useful if you’ll want to use Plex’s {hardware} transcodes function. The Ryzen R1600 misses out on this, and whilst you do not technically want to make use of transcodes in Plex — the streaming service’s direct play is greater than satisfactory — if in case you have older gadgets that do not have a requisite media codec, the function turns out to be useful. So if you happen to nonetheless must transcode content material in Plex, the DS224+ is a more sensible choice than the DS723+ and even the DS923+.
On that word, the DS224+ does a terrific job as a Plex media server; that is clearly a giant use case for the NAS, and I am glad to share that there are completely no points on this regard. I performed 4K content material with excessive bitrates to numerous gadgets and transcoded 1080p streams on the iPad Air, and the DS224+ dealt with each duties with out breaking a sweat. When you’re eyeing a NAS as a Plex server, the DiskStation DS224+ is a no brainer.
The NAS comes with 2GB of RAM as commonplace, and also you get a SO-DIMM that allows you to add one other 4GB. Whereas there aren’t any slowdowns with 2GB of RAM, I discovered that including extra reminiscence makes a giant distinction in every day use — notably a number of years down the road — and that is one thing to think about. I might have favored to see the power so as to add as much as 8GB of RAM, however a complete of 6GB of reminiscence needs to be greater than satisfactory for many use instances.
Synology prioritizes using its personal HDDs above the likes of IronWolf and WD Pink Plus, however you may be glad to know that almost all Seagate and WD-branded NAS HDDs work with none points inside the DS224+. Whereas there aren’t any IronWolf Professional or Pink Professional drives within the official record, Synology highlights IronWolf drives as much as 16TB and Pink Plus drives going as much as 14TB to be used with the DS224+, and that is an excellent factor.
In every day use, I received slightly below 220MB/s whereas transferring knowledge with Hyperlink Aggregation enabled, and that is consistent with the likes of the DS723+. The DS224+ is likely one of the greatest 2-bay NAS servers round with regards to efficiency, and that makes it worthy of consideration.
Synology DiskStation DS224+: Software program
The most important differentiation for Synology is the software program, and the DiskStation DS224+ runs DiskStation Supervisor 7.2 out of the field. That is the newest model of the web-based OS that is designed for Synology’s servers, and it has an intensive suite of options. Synology Pictures is m favourite, because it lets me simply again up pictures and movies from all my telephones and different gadgets to the NAS robotically. The service has gotten significantly better in recent times, and it’s a official various to Google Pictures.
Synology Drive does an excellent job as a straightforward technique to share knowledge between machines, and if you wish to use the NAS as a media server, Video Station and Audio Station are terrific. The Workplace consumer is nice as a productiveness suite, and you may even run digital machines reliably.
DiskStation Supervisor 7.2 is the perfect NAS software program round, and it combines a recent visible design with helpful options you really wish to use. One other space the place Synology does an amazing job is with cellular utilities, and I routinely use DS video and DS audio on all my Android gadgets and iPads. Whereas the model could not ship the perfect {hardware}, it greater than makes up for it with its software program efforts.
Synology DiskStation DS224+: The competitors
When you want greater than two drive bays, the DiskStation DS423+ is a straightforward advice; it makes use of the identical basis because the DS224+ however comes with 4 drive bays, and also you additionally get two M.2 slots. In any other case, it’s similar to the DS224+: you get the identical Intel Celeron J4125, similar 2GB of RAM, and twin Gigabit Ethernet ports. The DS423+ retails for $499 on Amazon — $200 greater than the DS224+.
If you don’t need the power to transcode Plex content material and are on the lookout for a NAS that has somewhat extra grunt, the DiskStation DS723+ can be my advice. It prices $449 proper now, however you get a strong Ryzen R1600, the power to improve to 10GbE connectivity, and M.2 drives.
Synology DiskStation DS224+: Do you have to purchase it?
You should purchase this if:
- You want a 2-bay NAS as a Plex media server
- You need good efficiency
- You are on the lookout for helpful software program options
- You want a NAS with an excellent worth
You should not purchase this if:
- You wish to use M.2 drives for storage
- You want multi-Gigabit connectivity
With the DiskStation DS224+, Synology is sustaining the established order. The NAS is not too totally different to its predecessor, however by providing the identical nice options because the DS220+, the model is positioning the DS224+ as the apparent selection for these seeking to get a starter NAS. The Celeron J4125 nonetheless has sufficient to supply in 2023, and the truth that you get an iGPU makes it an impressive Plex media server.
Whereas I am miffed on the lack of M.2 drives and a pair of.5 Gigabit connectivity, the DiskStation DS224+ scores extremely with regards to every day efficiency and software program options, and on the finish of the day, that issues greater than {hardware} extras. Whereas multi-Gigabit connectivity is gaining floor, a majority of customers eyeing the DiskStation DS224+ shall be utilizing Gigabit Ethernet, so it is not an enormous shortcoming.
Finally, in order for you a 2-bay NAS for storing pictures, movies, and streaming media to related gadgets in your home, there is not a more sensible choice than the DiskStation DS224+.
Synology DiskStation DS224+
The DiskStation DS224+ is basically similar to the DS220+, however the truth that it is utilizing the Intel Celeron J4125 makes it stand out simply that bit extra. When you want a 2-bay NAS to be used as a Plex server, that is the one to get.