Synology DS923+ Review: The Ultimate 4-Bay NAS for Power Users & Businesses

Introduction: Your Personal Digital Vault 🔐

The Synology DS923+ is more than just a NAS (Network-Attached Storage); it’s your private cloud, media server, and security hub—all in one powerful package. Imagine never needing Google Drive or Google Photos again! With seamless camera integration, high-speed data access, and expandable storage, this NAS is perfect for businesses, power users, and content creators.

Whether you need secure backups, ultra-fast file sharing, or a personal Netflix-style streaming service, the DS923+ is a game-changer. Let’s dive into the details! 📂📡


📊 DS923+ Specifications Overview

⚙️ CPU: AMD Ryzen R1600 (Dual-core, 3.1GHz)
🧠 Memory: 4GB DDR4 (Expandable up to 32GB)
💽 Drive Bays: 4 bays (Expandable to 9 with DX517)
💾 Storage Support: 2.5″ & 3.5″ HDDs, SATA SSDs, NVMe SSDs (for caching & storage)
🌐 Networking: 2 x 1GbE ports (Upgradeable to 10GbE)
🔌 USB Ports: 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports
🔒 Security: AES-NI Hardware Encryption, Two-Factor Authentication
🖥️ Software: DiskStation Manager (DSM)


⚡ Ultra-Fast Connectivity: 1GbE vs. 10GbE Explained

The DS923+ comes with dual 1GbE ports, but if you’re handling large media files or high-speed workloads, 10GbE upgrade support is a game-changer. 🔥

Example Use Cases:

  • 1GbE (Standard): Good for general backups, file sharing, and small office use.
  • 10GbE (Upgrade): Ideal for video editing, virtualization, and high-speed data transfers.

If you regularly transfer 4K videos or large project files, upgrading to 10GbE will reduce wait times dramatically. 🚀


🚀 NVMe SSD Caching: Speed Up Your Workflows

Unlike older NAS models, the DS923+ supports NVMe SSDs for both caching and storage. But what does this mean?

  • Traditional HDD Storage 🛠️ – Slower, but great for bulk data.
  • NVMe SSD Caching ⚡ – Speeds up frequently accessed files.
  • NVMe Storage 🚀 – Use NVMe SSDs as high-speed primary storage!

🔹 Example: If you run a photo/video editing workflow, storing your active projects on an NVMe SSD pool will significantly boost performance! 🎥💨


📹 Smart Security: Connect Your Cameras

The DS923+ doubles as a private security system with Surveillance Station. Connect IP cameras and control how long footage is stored.

Storage Management Options:

  • 30-Day Retention: Automatically delete older footage every month. 🔄
  • 1-Year Archive: Keep a full year’s worth of recordings if you have enough space. 📅
  • AI Motion Detection: Cameras record only when motion is detected, saving storage. 🎥🤖

💡 Why It Matters: No cloud storage fees and total privacy control over your security footage. 🔒


☁️ Say Goodbye to Google Drive & Google Photos

The DS923+ acts as your personal Google Drive alternative with Synology Drive. 📂

How It Works:

  1. Install the Synology Drive app on your phone or computer.
  2. Auto-backup photos, videos, and files instantly to your NAS.
  3. Access your files from anywhere—just like Google Drive!

💡 Why It’s Better:

No monthly fees 🏆

More storage for less cost 💰

Your data stays private 🔒


🎬 Your Personal Netflix with Plex & Emby

Turn your DS923+ into an entertainment powerhouse with Plex or Emby!

How to Set It Up:

  1. Install Plex or Emby on your NAS. 🖥️
  2. Add your movies, TV shows, and home videos. 🎥
  3. Install the Plex/Emby app on your phone, TV, or tablet.
  4. Enjoy seamless streaming—just like Netflix! 🍿

💡 Bonus: Automatic metadata, subtitles, and resume playback make it feel just like a real streaming service. 📺✨


🌐 Hosting a Website on the DS923+?

Yes, you can host a website on the Synology NAS, but it’s not ideal for large-scale websites.

💡 Why?

  • Web hosting companies have 24/7 security teams, while a NAS is more vulnerable to attacks.
  • A NAS lacks DDoS protection and professional-grade uptime guarantees.

🔹 Best Use Case: Personal blogs, small websites, or private development projects.


🆚 DS923+ vs. Other Synology NAS Devices

🏆 DS923+

  • CPU: AMD Ryzen R1600
  • NVMe Support: ✅
  • 10GbE Upgrade: ✅
  • Bays: 4 (Expandable to 9 with DX517)
    The ultimate choice for power users who need high performance and scalability.

DS423+

  • CPU: Intel Celeron
  • NVMe Support: ❌
  • 10GbE Upgrade: ❌
  • Bays: 4
    A solid, budget-friendly option for home users or small offices.

DS723+

  • CPU: AMD Ryzen R1600
  • NVMe Support: ✅
  • 10GbE Upgrade: ✅
  • Bays: 2 (Expandable to 7 with DX517)
    Compact yet powerful, ideal for users who need high performance in a smaller form factor.

DS1522+

  • CPU: AMD Ryzen R1600
  • NVMe Support: ✅
  • 10GbE Upgrade: ✅
  • Bays: 5 (Expandable to 15 with DX517)
    A versatile and expandable solution for businesses or power users who need ample storage and advanced features.

🔹 Best for Power Users?DS923+ 🏆

🔹 Best Budget Pick?DS423+ 💰

🔹 Need More Bays?DS1522+ 🔥


✅ Who Should Buy the DS923+?

✔️ You need fast, reliable storage with expandability.

✔️ You want a private cloud solution without monthly fees.

✔️ You stream movies via Plex or Emby.

✔️ You require advanced security and backup options.

Who Should Skip It?

You only need basic file storage—buy a cheaper 2-bay NAS.

You don’t need NVMe SSDs or 10GbE speeds.


💡 Final Verdict: Is the DS923+ Worth It?

Absolutely! The DS923+ is one of the best 4-bay NAS devices available today. If you’re looking for performance, scalability, and security, it’s worth every dollar. 🚀

🔍 Do you have a different opinion? Leave us a comment below! ⬇️

Mohammed Ali
Mohammed Ali

Mohammed is a real estate professional with a deep interest in smart devices and networking technologies like NAS systems and routers.

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