Hey everyone! Today, we're diving deep into the world of Network Attached Storage (NAS) devices, and specifically, we're taking a close look at the Synology DiskStation DS920+ – a fantastic 4-bay NAS that's become a favorite for both home users and small businesses. If you're wondering if this is the right NAS for you, stick around! We'll cover everything from its features and performance to who it's best suited for, and even touch upon some common questions. Let's get started!

What is the Synology DiskStation DS920+?

So, what exactly is the Synology DiskStation DS920+? Simply put, it's a 4-bay NAS. NAS devices are essentially like having your own personal cloud storage, but with much more control and flexibility. Instead of relying on a third-party service like Dropbox or Google Drive, you store your files (documents, photos, videos, backups, etc.) on hard drives within the DS920+. Then, you can access these files from anywhere with an internet connection. The Synology DiskStation DS920+ is designed to provide a centralized storage solution, offering a range of features that go far beyond basic file storage. This is like a mini-server tailored for your home or office, giving you robust data management capabilities.

Think of it this way: your computer's hard drive is like a small closet. When you run out of space, you need a bigger closet. The DS920+ is like having a massive, organized storage room that everyone in your home or office can access. It allows you to store and share data easily, and comes with a plethora of apps and features to make managing your digital life a breeze. The Synology DiskStation DS920+ is known for its user-friendly interface, excellent performance, and the robust DiskStation Manager (DSM) operating system. This makes it a great choice even if you're not a tech expert. You can do so much with this NAS. From streaming your favorite movies, and music, to backing up all your important files and running surveillance with cameras, this NAS is made to fulfill your needs. It offers incredible versatility.

Key Features and Specifications

Alright, let's get into the nitty-gritty and see what makes the Synology DiskStation DS920+ tick. This NAS packs a punch, offering a suite of features that cater to various needs. The Synology DiskStation DS920+ is equipped with a quad-core Intel Celeron J4125 processor and 4GB of DDR4 RAM. This hardware configuration provides smooth performance for everyday tasks, including file transfers, media streaming, and running multiple applications simultaneously. This means you can have several people accessing files, streaming videos, and backing up data without experiencing significant slowdowns. The processor is designed to handle demanding workloads efficiently. This is why this NAS is recommended.

Here are some of the standout features:

• Storage Capacity: As a 4-bay NAS, the DS920+ supports up to four hard drives or SSDs. This offers plenty of storage space, which can be expanded further using external storage solutions. With high-capacity drives, you can easily store terabytes of data. This allows you to scale up your storage capacity as your needs grow. This makes it perfect for growing business or a family with a lot of media files.
• RAID Support: The DS920+ supports various RAID configurations (RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, and Synology Hybrid RAID), which provide data redundancy and improve performance. RAID helps protect your data from drive failures. RAID 5 is a popular choice for balancing performance and protection. Synology Hybrid RAID (SHR) is designed to make RAID management easier, especially for those new to NAS. It maximizes storage efficiency and provides data protection.
• Dual Gigabit Ethernet Ports: With two Gigabit Ethernet ports, the DS920+ offers link aggregation and failover capabilities. This means you can combine the bandwidth of both ports for faster transfer speeds, or use one port as a backup in case the other fails. This ensures your data remains accessible, and you'll experience a higher level of network performance.
• M.2 NVMe SSD Cache: The DS920+ has two M.2 NVMe SSD slots for caching. This significantly improves read and write speeds, especially for frequently accessed files. Caching can dramatically speed up operations like opening large files or accessing frequently used applications. It effectively turns the DS920+ into a faster, more responsive storage device.
• DiskStation Manager (DSM): Synology's DSM is a web-based operating system that provides an intuitive and user-friendly interface. DSM is packed with features, including file management, backup and restore options, media streaming, and application support. This makes it easy to set up and manage your NAS. This makes the NAS a pleasure to use.
• Multimedia Capabilities: The DS920+ is a great media server. It supports various media formats, and it can stream content to your smart TVs, computers, and mobile devices. It also supports transcoding, which allows you to stream videos in different formats and resolutions, ensuring compatibility across all your devices. The DS920+ offers the ability to centralize and enjoy your entire media library.

Performance and Real-World Usage

So, how does the Synology DiskStation DS920+ perform in the real world? The short answer is: very well. The combination of the quad-core processor, 4GB RAM, and the option for NVMe SSD caching makes for a smooth and responsive experience. The performance of this NAS really shines in various use cases, making it a versatile solution for different needs. When it comes to file transfers, the DS920+ handles large files quickly and efficiently. Whether you're backing up important documents or transferring large video files, you'll appreciate the fast transfer speeds. The dual Gigabit Ethernet ports and RAID configurations further enhance the performance. When using RAID 5, you'll see a great balance between speed and data protection.

For media streaming, the DS920+ excels. It can effortlessly stream 4K videos to your smart TVs, computers, and mobile devices without any lag or buffering. The built-in transcoding capabilities make it easy to stream content across different devices. The DS920+ is a great option for setting up a home media server, allowing you to centralize your media library and enjoy it from anywhere in your home. It's like having your personal Netflix, and it's all under your control.

Another key area is backup and data protection. The DS920+ offers a comprehensive suite of backup options, including support for Time Machine backups for macOS, as well as Synology's own backup solutions. These solutions make it easy to back up your data to the NAS, to another NAS, or to a cloud service. The RAID configurations provide an extra layer of protection against data loss due to drive failures. You can rest easy knowing that your important files are safe and secure.

Who is the Synology DiskStation DS920+ For?

The Synology DiskStation DS920+ is a versatile NAS that suits a wide range of users. So, who is this NAS best suited for? It’s a great fit for various scenarios.

• Home Users: If you have a lot of digital files, such as photos, videos, and documents, the DS920+ is perfect for centralizing your storage. It allows you to back up your computers and mobile devices, stream media to your smart TVs, and easily share files with family members. It’s an ideal solution for organizing and protecting your digital life. The user-friendly DSM interface makes it easy to set up and manage, even if you’re not tech-savvy.
• Small Businesses: Small businesses can benefit from the DS920+ for file sharing, data backup, and remote access. It's a cost-effective solution for creating a centralized storage system for employees. You can manage user access and permissions, protect your data with RAID, and easily share files with your team. The DS920+ can also be used as a surveillance solution with Synology's Surveillance Station, allowing you to monitor your business premises.
• Media Enthusiasts: If you're a media enthusiast with a large collection of movies, TV shows, and music, the DS920+ is an excellent choice for a home media server. Its transcoding capabilities allow you to stream your media to various devices, and its performance ensures a smooth and enjoyable viewing experience. With the DS920+, you can create a centralized media hub for your home.
• Creative Professionals: Graphic designers, video editors, and photographers can use the DS920+ for storing large media files, backing up their projects, and collaborating with others. Its fast transfer speeds and reliable performance make it ideal for handling demanding workloads. Its also helpful with its ability to share large files, the DS920+ can streamline your workflow and keep your data safe.

Pros and Cons

Like any product, the Synology DiskStation DS920+ has its strengths and weaknesses. It's important to consider both before making a purchase. Let's break down the pros and cons.

Pros:

• Excellent Performance: The quad-core processor and 4GB RAM provide smooth performance for various tasks, including file transfers, media streaming, and running multiple applications.
• User-Friendly DSM: Synology's DiskStation Manager is known for its intuitive interface, making it easy to set up and manage the NAS, even for beginners.
• Versatile Features: The DS920+ offers a wide range of features, including RAID support, dual Gigabit Ethernet ports, M.2 NVMe SSD caching, and multimedia capabilities.
• Reliable Data Protection: The RAID configurations and backup options provide robust data protection, ensuring your files are safe from drive failures and other potential issues.
• Good Value: The DS920+ offers a great balance of performance, features, and price, making it an excellent investment for home users and small businesses.

Cons:

• Price: The DS920+ is not the cheapest NAS on the market. However, its performance and features justify the price. When you consider the long-term value, it offers a great investment.
• No 2.5GbE: Unlike some newer NAS models, the DS920+ does not support 2.5GbE, which limits the maximum transfer speeds. While Gigabit Ethernet is still fast enough for most users, those seeking the fastest possible speeds might want to consider models with 2.5GbE support. Keep in mind that it also depends on your network capabilities.
• RAM is not easily upgradeable: While 4GB of RAM is sufficient for most tasks, it might be a limitation for some advanced users. However, in reality, 4GB of RAM is enough for many users.

Common Questions and Answers

Let's address some frequently asked questions about the Synology DiskStation DS920+:

• Is the Synology DS920+ easy to set up? Yes, the DS920+ is designed to be user-friendly. The setup process is straightforward, and the DSM operating system provides an intuitive interface for managing your NAS.
• Can I stream 4K videos with the DS920+? Yes, the DS920+ supports 4K video streaming and transcoding, allowing you to enjoy your media on your smart TVs, computers, and mobile devices.
• Does the DS920+ support RAID? Yes, the DS920+ supports various RAID configurations, including RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, and Synology Hybrid RAID (SHR). This allows you to choose the RAID configuration that best meets your needs for performance and data protection.
• Can I access my files remotely? Yes, the DS920+ allows you to access your files remotely from anywhere with an internet connection. Synology offers various remote access options, including QuickConnect, which simplifies the process.
• Does the DS920+ come with hard drives? No, the DS920+ is a diskless NAS, which means it does not come with hard drives. You need to purchase and install your own hard drives or SSDs. This lets you choose the drives that best meet your storage needs.

Conclusion

So, there you have it – a comprehensive look at the Synology DiskStation DS920+. It’s a powerful and versatile 4-bay NAS that offers a fantastic solution for home users, small businesses, and media enthusiasts. With its excellent performance, user-friendly interface, and comprehensive feature set, the DS920+ is a great choice for centralizing your storage, backing up your data, and streaming your media. The Synology DiskStation DS920+ offers great features and performance at a competitive price point. I hope this helps you make an informed decision! Thanks for reading!