Differences between Synology NAS models in hardware and performance
In terms of hardware, Synology NAS models vary in several aspects:
CPU (Central Processing Unit):
- Entry-level models usually feature dual-core or quad-core CPUs, such as the DS220j with a Marvell Armada dual-core processor.
- Mid-range options often come with quad-core or hexa-core CPUs, like the DS918+ powered by an Intel Celeron J3455 quad-core processor.
- High-end models offer more powerful CPUs, such as the DS3617xs equipped with an Intel Xeon D-1521 quad-core processor.
Memory:
- Entry-level models typically have 256MB to 1GB of RAM, for example, the DS120j with 512MB RAM.
- Mid-range options usually have 2GB to 4GB of RAM, such as the DS220+ with 2GB RAM.
- High-end models often provide 8GB to 16GB of RAM, like the DS2419+ with 4GB RAM (expandable up to 32GB).
Drive Bays:
- Entry-level models often have 1 to 2 drive bays, for example, the DS120j with 1 drive bay.
- Mid-range options typically have 2 to 4 drive bays, such as the DS218+ with 2 drive bays.
- High-end models can possess 4 to 12+ drive bays, like the DS3617xs with 12 drive bays.
Network Connectivity:
- Entry-level and mid-range models usually come with one or two Gigabit Ethernet ports, while high-end models may offer four or more ports, like the DS3617xs with four Gigabit Ethernet ports.
- Some high-end models also provide options for adding 10GbE (10 Gigabit Ethernet) cards for faster network speeds.
In terms of performance:
Synology NAS models are designed to cater to different usage scenarios ranging from home use to enterprise-level applications. The overall performance of each model depends on various factors including the CPU, RAM, drive configuration, and network connectivity.
The entry-level models, with their lower-end hardware specifications, are suitable for basic file storage, media streaming, and personal cloud applications. They offer sufficient performance for small-scale home or office use.
Mid-range models provide improved performance and enhanced capabilities, offering features like hardware transcoding for media streaming, virtualization support, and higher data transfer speeds. These models can handle medium-sized businesses or households with more demanding storage needs.
High-end models are equipped with powerful CPUs, ample RAM, and multiple drive bays to accommodate large-scale storage requirements. They have advanced features such as SSD cache acceleration, RAID support, and scalability options. These models are ideally suited for enterprise environments, intensive virtualization, large-scale surveillance systems, or high-performance multimedia applications.
Please note that the performance of each model can also be influenced by factors such as the type and speed of installed hard drives, the configured RAID type, and the specific network environment.
