For the final two years, the DiskStation DS920+ dominated the NAS gross sales charts. There’s an excellent cause for that; the DS923+ provided the perfect mixture of {hardware} within the type of an Intel Celeron J4125, 4 drive bays, twin Gigabit ports, and the perfect set of software program options in its class. It’s no marvel, then, that the NAS was the clear favourite for many residence customers seeking to get the perfect NAS for Plex.Synology isn’t normally recognized for making drastic modifications to its NAS servers — notably its best-selling fashions — however that’s what it did with the DiskStation DS923+. The NAS nonetheless has the identical set of ports as its predecessor, nevertheless it provides a solution to change to 10GbE networking through an improve.The greatest change is that the M.2 drives on the DS923+ can be utilized for storage, making it that rather more versatile. And as we have seen over the course of the final 15 months with different DiskStation fashions, there’s Ryzen {hardware} underneath the hood. While the {hardware} modifications are nice for probably the most half, the transfer to Ryzen signifies that the DS923+ loses out on native Plex transcoding — similar to the 2-bay DiskStation DS723+. Basically, there’s no solution to transcode through the {hardware}, and that’s now pushed by the software program, which is noticeably slower.However, I discovered that this omission doesn’t actually make a distinction in day by day use. I received began with the DS923+ six months in the past, and used it as my Plex server, streaming dozens of TV exhibits and excessive bitrate motion pictures to a slew of TVs and linked gadgets in my residence.Here’s why I believe the DS923+ continues to be the perfect 4-bay NAS for Plex, and why you need to contemplate it when you’re planning an improve.Synology DiskStation DS923+: Pricing and availability(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)The DiskStation DS923+ was unveiled again in January 2023, and it went on sale shortly thereafter. The NAS is now accessible within the U.S. for $598 from Amazon, and it’s bought in all areas the place the model has an official presence. As is normal with all DiskStation fashions, you get a three-year guarantee right here.Other than switching to AMD, the feature-set is basically an identical to the DS920+; you get the identical 4GB of RAM out of the field, identical 4 drive bays, two M.2 NVMe SSD drive bays, twin Gigabit Ethernet ports on the again and an eSATA port that permits you to connect an exterior drive housing. Here’s a quick rundown of the {hardware}:Swipe to scroll horizontallyCategorySynology DiskStation DS923+Internal drive baysFour (18TB every bay), 3.5-inch HDD, 2.5-inch HDD/SSD, M.2 storage Network interface2 x Gigabit Ethernet, Link AggregationUSB ports2 x USB 3.1 Gen1eSATA ports1PCIe1 x Gen3 x2 community slotCPUDual-core 2.6GHz AMD Ryzen R1600, 64-bitPlex transcodingNoRAM4GB DDR4 ECC, two SODIMM slots, as much as 32GB totalM.2 slotsStorage and SSD cachingFile systemBtrfs, EXT4Cooling2 x 92mm, 20.7dB(A)Extensibility1 x eSATA port, 5 further drive baysDimensions166 x 199 x 223mmWeight4.9lb (2.24 kg)Synology DiskStation DS923+: Design and options(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)The design of the DS923+ is nearly an identical to its predecessor; cowl up the identify and also you gained’t be capable to differentiate the 2. This is an efficient factor because it maintains design consistency, and the general aesthetic ensures the NAS doesn’t draw an excessive amount of consideration to itself.The design additionally permits for good airflow; the perimeters are vented, and the identical twin 92mm followers are positioned on the again, making certain the drives inside the NAS don’t overheat when operating underneath load. The chassis itself is made out of aluminum, with the drive bays made out of plastic — similar to earlier generations.Image 1 of 5(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)You get 4 drive bays on the NAS, and like all different DiskStation fashions, putting in a 3.5-inch HDD is about as simple because it will get due to the tool-less design. If you need to use 2.5-inch SSDs as a substitute, you’ll want to make use of the bundled screws and mount the drive.(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)What’s notably attention-grabbing with this era is that you could lastly use M.2 NVMe SSDs for storage; this was beforehand restricted to SSD caching. The transfer means you may slot in an M.2 SSD and use it as a storage drive, similar to an ordinary 3.5-inch HDD or 2.5-inch SSD. With SSD costs nosediving in recent times, the transfer could not have come at a greater time, and it makes the DS923+ that rather more helpful — notably if you wish to fill the drive bays with quick SSDs.There’s just one caveat right here — you may’t simply use the M.2 drive bays on their very own. You might want to set up a mechanical laborious drive or SSD in one of many 4 drive bays, after which you may slot in M.2 SSDs.Synology DiskStation DS923+: Ports(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)The ports on the again are nearly an identical to that of the DS920+, with the DS923+ that includes two Gigabit Ethernet ports that may be bridged through Link Aggregation, one USB 3.1 Gen 1 port, and an eSATA port for attaching an exterior drive unit just like the DX517.(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)Interestingly, there’s additionally a PCIe Gen 3 x2 slot on the again this time, and that can be utilized for slotting in a 10GbE networking card must you want to improve the connectivity of the NAS down the road. You can use the $110 E10G22-T1-Mini community card to unlock 10GbE networking on the DS923+, and whereas I’d have most well-liked multi-Gigabit networking out of the field, it is a good different.(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)Synology ought to have used the DS923+ to introduce 2.5GbE ports on the again, as most different manufacturers on this class now supply these ports as normal. Most residence customers can be greater than comfy with Gigabit ports, however when you’re considering of utilizing the M.2 ports and slotting in a couple of SATA SSDs, you need to consider switching over to 10GbE networking.Synology DiskStation DS923+: Performance(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)An enormous speaking level over the past 18 months is how Synology is limiting using third-party laborious drives on its DiskStation fashions. The transfer comes on the heels of the model launching its personal collection of HDDs, and whereas they’re aimed toward enterprise customers, it has affected what NAS HDDs could be formally utilized by DiskStation fashions focused at residence customers and lovers.The clearest indicator is the official HDD/SSD charts maintained by the model; the HDD record for the DiskStation DS1019+ options tons of of fashions, together with the likes of Seagate Exos, IronWolf Pro, WD Red Pro, and Toshiba’s high-end NAS drives. The identical HDD chart for the DS923+ has considerably fewer choices, and there isn’t any IronWolf Pro or Red Pro drives highlighted anymore.I get that Synology is making an attempt to spin up its personal HDD portfolio, and the model has each proper to implement what HDDs can be utilized with its merchandise. That mentioned, the truth that you may’t slot in among the finest NAS HDDs and newer choices just like the 20TB Seagate Exos with the DS923+ is a little bit of a letdown, and whereas most mainstream consumers will not be thinking about such a lot of storage, this nonetheless seems like a step backwards.(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)Having mentioned that, the DS923+ nonetheless works with most consumer-focused 16TB and 14TB drives from Western Digital and Seagate, and you need to use normal Red Plus and IronWolf drives — I used 6TB IronWolf drives right here with none points in any way.Thankfully, the DS923+ does all the appropriate issues in relation to efficiency; though it has fewer cores than its predecessor, it’s noticeably quicker in most day by day use eventualities, whether or not that is operating Docker containers, backing up machines through Active Backup, and utilizing Photos or Drive to handle pictures, movies, paperwork, and different information.But the DS923+ is at its finest in relation to media streaming. There are native purchasers for Plex and Emby, and you may as well arrange Jellyfin and a complete suite of different utilities that make the NAS that rather more versatile. While there isn’t any potential to make use of {hardware} transcoding with the Ryzen fashions, that is not a giant concern in 2023 — most consumer gadgets have already got the requisite codecs.In the six months I used the DS923+ as my Plex server, I did not see any cause to transcode media on any of my goal gadgets, together with the perfect Android TVs, projectors just like the XGIMI Aura, a number of telephones together with the Galaxy S23 Ultra, Pixel 7 Pro, Xiaomi 13 Ultra, and so forth. While there have been some points on this space with my iPad Air beforehand, it hasn’t confirmed to be an issue of late. In quick, until you are sharing your Plex library with quite a lot of associates and completely want hardware-level transcode, the DS923+ is the perfect media server for you.Synology DiskStation DS923+: Software(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)Software is an space the place Synology continues to be in a dominant place, and whereas different manufacturers are making headway on this space, If you need to avoid wasting money and do not see your self needing 4 drive bays, the DiskStation DS723+ is a stable different. It’s practically an identical to the DS923+, and also you get the identical set of {hardware} and software program options. It’s presently promoting for $441 on Amazon, so it can save you $150 and use that towards a 10GbE networking improve or NAS HDDs supplied you are comfy with simply two drive bays.If you are in search of the perfect {hardware} that this phase has to supply, you need to contemplate TerraMaster’s F5-422. The NAS has 5 drive bays, options Intel {hardware} with built-in transcoding, 4GB of RAM, and twin Gigabit Ethernet connectivity on the again together with a 10GbE port. TerraMaster’s software program, TOS, has gotten an overhaul and appears trendy, and whereas it does not have fairly as many options, it’s a viable different. on the DS923+ units the usual. The ease of use mixed with the in depth feature-set provides DSM a definite edge, and the trendy design seems to be polished.What makes DSM notably nice is that it really works simply as properly for novice customers and lovers alike. The interface is simple to know, and when you simply desire a NAS for media streaming and backing up pictures and movies, you may arrange Plex and the built-in Photos consumer and simply depart it at that. But when you’re seeking to take advantage of out of the NAS, there’s Docker integration and a set of highly effective utilities — together with a VM supervisor, mail server, customized VPN server, and a lot extra — that provides you rather more versatility.At the top of the day, that is what provides the DS923+ the sting; the {hardware} is much from the perfect you will discover on this class, however the NAS continues to be a best-seller solely due to how simple it’s to make use of the software program and the sheer variety of options accessible. There is not one other NAS producer that provides you an identical refined cellular purchasers that allow you to entry your media and music assortment on the go, and that is simply the most important promoting level of the DS923+.Synology DiskStation DS923+: The competitors(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)If you need to avoid wasting money and do not see your self needing 4 drive bays, the DiskStation DS723+ is a stable different. It’s practically an identical to the DS923+, and also you get the identical set of {hardware} and software program options. It’s presently promoting for $441 on Amazon, so it can save you $150 and use that towards a 10GbE networking improve or NAS HDDs supplied you are comfy with simply two drive bays.If you are in search of the perfect {hardware} that this phase has to supply, you need to contemplate TerraMaster’s F5-422. The NAS has 5 drive bays, options Intel {hardware} with built-in transcoding, 4GB of RAM, and twin Gigabit Ethernet connectivity on the again together with a 10GbE port. TerraMaster’s software program, TOS, has gotten an overhaul and appears trendy, and whereas it does not have fairly as many options, it’s a viable different.Synology DiskStation DS923+: Should you purchase it?(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)You can purchase this if:You want a NAS with highly effective {hardware} for Plex streamingYou’re in search of dependable connectivity choicesYou need the perfect set of software program options in a NASYou’re in search of a media server for long-term useYou need to use M.2 drives for storageYou should not purchase this if:You want 2.5GbE ports out of the fieldYou need the flexibility to transcode Plex content materialThe DiskStation DS923+ builds on the heritage of its predecessor, and whereas the basics have not modified, I just like the upgrades on supply: the flexibility to make use of M.2 drives for storage is a giant deal, and whereas there isn’t any multi-Gigabit networking out of the field, it is simple sufficient to fit in a 10GbE card must you want to take action.Ultimately, Synology did not have to make too many modifications to retain the crown on this class, and just like the DS920+, the DS923+ has been persistently promoting properly following its introduction six months in the past. The solely draw back I see is the shortage of Plex {hardware} transcodes, however like I mentioned earlier than, that basically hasn’t been a limitation in my use; the DS923+ is an outstanding Plex server regardless of that omission.
Synology DiskStation DS923+
Today’s finest Synology 4-Bay DiskStation DS923 offers
The DiskStation DS923+ is the perfect selection if you would like a robust 4-bay NAS primarily for media streaming. Sure, it does not have Plex transcodes, however that does not make a distinction in 2023, and the NAS is a powerhouse in day by day use.