16GB RAM vs 32GB RAM NAS Devices: Which Should You Buy?
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Links on this page are affiliate links.
You are comparing a 16GB RAM vs 32GB RAM NAS device to decide which fits your workflow. Both units are diskless enclosures designed for flexible storage expansion. The Synology DS3622xs+ offers a 12-bay chassis for large arrays, while the TerraMaster F4-424 Pro provides a compact 4-bay design. The main difference lies in memory capacity and type. One uses 16GB of DDR4, while the other ships with 32GB of faster DDR5 memory.
Key differences
| Aspect | Synology 12-Bay Xeon Desktop Enclosure | TerraMaster 4-Bay NAS with 32GB RAM |
|---|---|---|
| RAM Capacity | 16GB RAM | 32GB RAM |
| RAM Type | DDR4 | DDR5 4800MHz |
| Drive Bays | 12-Bay | 4-Bay |
| Processor | 6-core Intel Xeon | Core i3-N305 8-Core |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Synology 12-Bay Xeon Desktop Enclosure if
- You need to house twelve hard drives in a single chassis for maximum storage density.
- You prefer a server-grade Intel Xeon processor for virtualization workloads.
- You want a system that supports upgradable memory up to 48 GB.
Choose TerraMaster 4-Bay NAS with 32GB RAM if
- You require 32GB of DDR5 memory for faster application response times.
- You prefer a compact desktop form factor that saves space.
- You want built-in dual M.2 NVMe slots for SSD caching.
Verdict: Choose the Synology if your priority is raw storage capacity and upgradability for a large drive array. Select the TerraMaster if you need higher memory bandwidth and a smaller footprint for a focused, high-speed setup.
RAM Capacity and Performance Specs
RAM Capacity
The Synology DS3622xs+ ships with 16GB of DDR4 memory. This amount supports virtualization and heavy multitasking for its 12-bay chassis. The TerraMaster F4-424 Pro includes 32GB of DDR5 memory. This double the capacity allows for more simultaneous containers and database operations. You get twice the memory in the TerraMaster unit. More RAM helps when running many applications at once. The Synology unit relies on its Xeon processor for power, but the memory ceiling is lower. The TerraMaster provides a larger buffer for data processing tasks.
Memory Type
The Synology DS3622xs+ uses DDR4 RAM. This is a standard, reliable memory type found in many enterprise systems. The TerraMaster F4-424 Pro uses DDR5 RAM running at 4800MHz. DDR5 offers higher bandwidth and improved efficiency over DDR4. This newer standard can speed up data transfer between the CPU and memory. If you run memory-intensive workloads, the DDR5 technology in the TerraMaster unit provides a technical advantage. The Synology unit uses older generation memory technology.
Expandability
The Synology DS3622xs+ allows you to leverage up to 48GB of memory. This means you can upgrade the RAM beyond the initial 16GB. The TerraMaster F4-424 Pro features 32GB of non-upgradable memory. You are stuck with the installed 32GB. If you need more than 32GB, the Synology unit is the better choice. The Synology system supports expansion, giving you room to grow your memory resources over time. The TerraMaster system is fixed.
Processor Pairing
The Synology DS3622xs+ pairs its 16GB RAM with a 6-core Intel Xeon processor. This combination is designed for stability and heavy enterprise workloads. The TerraMaster F4-424 Pro pairs 32GB RAM with an 8-core Intel Core i3-N305. The TerraMaster uses more memory to support its higher core count and application speed claims. The Synology uses fewer cores but more expandable memory. Your choice depends on whether you prioritize raw core count with fixed memory or a balanced setup with upgrade paths.
System Weight
The Synology DS3622xs+ weighs 21.6 pounds. It is a heavy, 12-bay unit designed for rack or sturdy desk placement. The TerraMaster F4-424 Pro weighs 4.2 pounds. It is a compact, 4-bay unit that is easy to move. The significant weight difference reflects the build quality and bay count. The Synology unit is built for a permanent, stable location. The TerraMaster unit is portable and fits in smaller spaces. Consider your physical setup needs.
Which NAS Device Fits Your Needs
Users needing large storage arrays
The Synology DS3622xs+ provides twelve drive bays for substantial data storage. Its six-core Intel Xeon processor handles virtual machines and backup systems efficiently. You can leverage up to 48 GB of memory for heavy workloads. This unit scales to 36 bays with expansion units. It supports 10/25GbE networking and Fibre Channel for enterprise-grade connectivity.
Users prioritizing high-speed application performance
The TerraMaster F4-424 Pro features 32GB of DDR5 memory and an eight-core Intel Core i3-N305 processor. This configuration delivers faster application load times and improved database response speeds. Dual 2.5GbE ports offer flexible networking, while two M.2 NVMe slots enable fast SSD caching. The compact design suits small offices needing rapid data retrieval and high concurrency.
Users requiring expandable enterprise infrastructure
If you need to grow your storage significantly, the Synology DS3622xs+ allows scaling to 36 drive bays. It supports advanced networking options like Fibre Channel and 10/25GbE. The six-core Xeon processor ensures stable performance for virtualization and video management systems. This diskless enclosure provides a robust foundation for expanding your NAS environment over time.
Quick picks
| # | Product | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Synology 12-Bay Xeon Desktop Enclosure | 12-bay storage with Xeon processing power | Check price of Synology 12-Bay Xeon Desktop Enclosure on Amazon |
| 2 | TerraMaster 4-Bay NAS with 32GB RAM | High-performance small business storage | Check price of TerraMaster 4-Bay NAS with 32GB RAM on Amazon |
The products compared
Synology 12-Bay Xeon Desktop Enclosure
Best for: 12-bay storage with Xeon processing power
- RAM Capacity
- 16GB RAM (what this guide is about)
- Drive Bays
- 12-Bay
- Processor
- 6-core Intel Xeon
- Included Storage
- Diskless
- Dimensions
- 17 × 18.3 × 17 inches
- Weight
- 21.6 pounds
View on Amazon: Synology 12-Bay Xeon Desktop Enclosure Affiliate link
This Synology 12-bay NAS features a 6-core Intel Xeon processor and 16GB of DDR4 RAM. It delivers high performance with over 260,000 4K random read IOPS. You can scale storage up to 36 bays using expansion units. The unit supports 10/25GbE networking and Fibre Channel. It is designed for users needing robust virtualization and backup capabilities in a dense format.
Pros
- 16GB DDR4 RAM capacity for multitasking
- 6-core Intel Xeon processor
- 12-bay drive configuration
- Supports up to 48GB memory expansion
Cons
- 16GB RAM is lower than the 32GB option on this list
- Sold diskless with no included storage
- Large physical footprint at 18.3 inches wide
Good fit if
- You need a 12-bay chassis for large storage arrays
- You require a 6-core Xeon processor for virtual machines
- You plan to expand RAM beyond the base 16GB
Skip if
- You want a device with pre-installed drives
- You need more than 16GB of RAM out of the box
- You prefer a compact desktop form factor
Verdict: Synology 12-Bay NAS with 16GB RAM suits professionals who need dense storage and a powerful Xeon CPU, though you must upgrade RAM separately for heavier workloads.
TerraMaster 4-Bay NAS with 32GB RAM
Best for: High-performance small business storage
- RAM Capacity
- 32GB RAM (what this guide is about)
- Drive Bays
- 4-Bay
- Network Connectivity
- 2 x 2.5GbE
- Processor
- Intel Core i3-N305
- M.2 NVMe Slots
- 2 slots
- Included Storage
- Diskless
View on Amazon: TerraMaster 4-Bay NAS with 32GB RAM Affiliate link
This 4-bay NAS features a Core i3-N305 8-core processor and 32GB of DDR5 memory. It includes dual 2.5GbE ports and two M.2 NVMe slots for caching. The device is diskless and supports multiple RAID configurations. It suits users needing high application speed and robust backup options for small business environments.
Pros
- 32GB DDR5 4800MHz non-ECC RAM
- Core i3-N305 8-core CPU
- Dual 2.5GbE network ports
- Two M.2 NVMe slots
- Tool-free hard disk trays
Cons
- RAM is non-upgradable
- RAM is non-ECC
- Sold without internal drives
Good fit if
- You need high application performance
- You require fast data transfer speeds
- You want flexible RAID options
Skip if
- You need ECC memory support
- You want included storage drives
- You require more than four bays
Verdict: TERRAMASTER F4-424 Pro 4-Bay NAS delivers strong processing power and ample memory for demanding workloads. It fits users who prioritize speed and connectivity over expandability or included storage.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Synology 12-Bay Xeon Desktop Enclosure | TerraMaster 4-Bay NAS with 32GB RAM |
|---|---|---|
| Drive Bays | 12-Bay | 4-Bay |
| Network Connectivity | not stated | 2 x 2.5GbE |
| Processor | 6-core Intel Xeon | Intel Core i3-N305 |
| RAM Capacity | not stated | 32GB DDR5 4800MHz |
| M.2 NVMe Slots | not stated | 2 slots |
| Included Storage | Diskless | Diskless |
| RAID Support | not stated | RAID 0 |
| Number of Bays | 12-Bay | 4-Bay |
| Processor Cores | not stated | 8-Core |
| Dimensions | 17 × 18.3 × 17 inches | 8.74 × 7.05 × 6.06 inches |
| Weight | 21.6 pounds | 4.2 pounds |
| Size | DS3622xs+ | 4Bay, 8-Core CPU, 32GB RAM, F4-424 Pro |
| Color | Black | Black |
| Model | DS3622xs+ | F4-424 Pro |
Frequently asked questions
Is 16GB RAM enough for a 12-bay NAS?
Yes, 16GB RAM is sufficient for the Synology DS3622xs+. This model includes a six-core Intel Xeon processor to handle virtualization and backup systems efficiently. However, you may need to upgrade the memory separately if your workload becomes heavier or more demanding over time.
Does the TerraMaster F4-424 Pro have DDR5 memory?
Yes, the TerraMaster F4-424 Pro includes 32GB of DDR5 memory. This double capacity compared to older standards allows for more simultaneous containers and demanding workloads. It is designed for users who prioritize speed and connectivity in a compact four-bay chassis.
Which NAS is better for small business storage?
The TerraMaster F4-424 Pro is built for high-performance small business storage. It features an eight-core Intel Core processor and 32GB of RAM. This setup suits users who need strong processing power without the bulk of a larger multi-bay enclosure.
Can I upgrade the RAM in the Synology DS3622xs+?
You can upgrade the RAM in the Synology DS3622xs+. The device ships with 16GB, but you must upgrade it separately for heavier workloads. This flexibility allows you to scale memory up to 48GB as your storage and virtualization needs grow.
What is the weight difference between these NAS devices?
The Synology DS3622xs+ weighs 21.6 pounds due to its 12-bay chassis. The TerraMaster F4-424 Pro is much lighter at 4.2 pounds. This significant difference reflects the larger physical size and drive capacity of the Synology unit versus the compact TerraMaster design.
Does the TerraMaster F4-424 Pro include hard drives?
No, the TerraMaster F4-424 Pro is a diskless enclosure. It provides the processing power and memory for demanding workloads but requires you to add your own storage drives. This design fits users who prioritize speed and connectivity over included storage.