4GB RAM vs 16GB RAM NAS Devices: Which Should You Buy?
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Choosing between a 4GB RAM vs 16GB RAM NAS device depends on your workload. Both units offer robust storage expansion and enterprise-grade processors. The QNAP TS-673-4G provides eight bays with a quad-core AMD processor. The Synology DS3622xs+ offers twelve bays and a six-core Intel Xeon. The main difference lies in memory capacity and drive density. You need to weigh how much data you store against how many apps you run simultaneously.
Key differences
| Aspect | QNAP TS-673-4G 8-Bay NAS | Synology 12-Bay Xeon Desktop Enclosure |
|---|---|---|
| RAM Capacity | 4GB RAM | 16GB RAM |
| Number of Bays | 8-Bay | 12-Bay |
| Processor | Quad-Core AMD R-Series | 6-core Intel Xeon |
| Network Connectivity | 1GbE | 10/25GbE support |
Which one should you choose?
Choose QNAP TS-673-4G 8-Bay NAS if
- You need a compact 8-bay solution for small office file sharing.
- You want to add a graphics card for 4K video transcoding.
- You prefer a system with dual M.2 SSD slots for caching.
Choose Synology 12-Bay Xeon Desktop Enclosure if
- You require higher RAM for running multiple virtual machines.
- You need to house more drives in a single chassis.
- You plan to use high-speed 10GbE or 25GbE networking.
Verdict: The Synology DS3622xs+ suits users needing heavy multitasking and high drive capacity. The QNAP TS-673-4G is better for smaller teams focused on media transcoding and moderate storage needs. Your choice depends on whether you prioritize memory and bay count or multimedia features.
4GB RAM vs 16GB RAM NAS Comparison
RAM Capacity
The QNAP TS-673-4G comes with 4GB of DDR4 RAM installed. This amount is sufficient for basic file sharing, media streaming, and light containerized apps. The Synology DS3622xs+ includes 16GB of DDR4 RAM by default. This larger pool handles heavier workloads like virtual machines and database servers with ease. You can upgrade the Synology unit up to 48GB later. The QNAP unit supports expansion but starts with less memory. If your tasks involve multiple concurrent users or complex applications, the 16GB option provides significantly more headroom.
Number of Bays
Storage capacity is a major factor for many buyers. The QNAP TS-673-4G features eight drive bays, accommodating six 2.5 or 3.5-inch drives plus two M.2 slots. This setup allows for flexible caching or storage pools. The Synology DS3622xs+ offers twelve drive bays in a single unit. It is diskless, meaning you must purchase drives separately. The extra four bays on the Synology model allow for larger initial storage arrays without needing expansion units. For users who need maximum local storage density, the twelve-bay design is the clear advantage.
Processor Cores
Processing power affects how quickly your NAS handles tasks. The QNAP unit uses an AMD R-Series quad-core processor running at 2.1GHz. This chip is capable of handling standard home or small office duties. The Synology model is equipped with a six-core Intel Xeon processor. This enterprise-grade CPU offers more cores for parallel processing. It supports over 260,000 4K random read IOPS. The additional cores on the Synology device help when running virtual machines or video transcoding. For compute-intensive jobs, the six-core Xeon provides better performance than the quad-core AMD.
Network Connectivity
Data transfer speeds depend on your network hardware. The QNAP TS-673-4G includes four 1GbE LAN ports. It also supports optional 10GbE expansion via PCIe slots. You can add adapters for faster local transfers. The Synology DS3622xs+ supports up to 10/25GbE networking. It also features Fibre Channel support, which is rare in this category. This allows connection to enterprise storage arrays. While the QNAP offers more standard Ethernet ports out of the box, the Synology provides higher potential bandwidth and specialized enterprise connectivity options for advanced users.
Expandability
Both devices allow you to grow your storage over time. The QNAP TS-673-4G has two PCIe Gen3 x4 slots. These can hold QM2 cards, 10GbE adapters, or wireless cards. It also supports NVIDIA graphics cards for transcoding. The Synology DS3622xs+ can scale up to 36 drive bays using two DX1222 expansion units. This tripled capacity is useful for large archives. The Synology also supports NVMe SSD caching. While the QNAP offers versatile PCIe expansion for network and graphics, the Synology offers massive storage scaling potential for data-heavy environments.
Which NAS fits your workflow?
Small office with basic file needs
You need eight drive bays for central storage without overpaying for unused capacity. The quad-core AMD processor handles everyday file sharing and light media streaming efficiently. With 4GB of RAM, this unit manages simple containerized apps and backup tasks well. It offers four Gigabit Ethernet ports for reliable local network connectivity. This configuration balances performance and cost for standard office environments.
Virtualization and heavy data workloads
You require twelve drive bays and a six-core Intel Xeon processor for demanding virtualization or video management systems. The included 16GB of RAM supports complex workloads and multiple virtual machines without bottlenecking. You can leverage up to 48GB of memory for future scaling. This device delivers high IOPS and sequential read/write speeds, ensuring fast data access for intensive enterprise applications and large datasets.
Media editing and transcoding needs
You need dedicated hardware acceleration for 4K video transcoding. This QNAP model supports an NVIDIA GeForce GT1030 graphics card, allowing smooth video output and processing. The dual M.2 SSD slots enable caching for faster file access. While the 4GB RAM limits heavy multitasking, the GPU support makes this unit ideal for media servers where video conversion is the primary focus rather than massive virtualization.
Quick picks
| # | Product | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | QNAP TS-673-4G 8-Bay NAS | 8-bay storage with PCIe expansion | Check price of QNAP TS-673-4G 8-Bay NAS on Amazon |
| 2 | Synology 12-Bay Xeon Desktop Enclosure | Users needing 16GB RAM and 12 bays | Check price of Synology 12-Bay Xeon Desktop Enclosure on Amazon |
The products compared
QNAP TS-673-4G 8-Bay NAS
Best for: 8-bay storage with PCIe expansion
- RAM Capacity
- 4GB RAM (what this guide is about)
- Drive Bays
- 6 Bay
- Network Connectivity
- 4x GbE LAN
- M.2 NVMe Slots
- 2 slots
- Number of Bays
- 8-Bay
- Processor Cores
- Quad-Core
View on Amazon: QNAP TS-673-4G 8-Bay NAS Affiliate link
This 8-bay NAS features a quad-core AMD processor and 4GB of DDR4 RAM. It includes four 1GbE ports and two PCIe slots for expansion. Dual M.2 slots support SSD caching. The unit supports NVIDIA graphics for 4K transcoding. It suits users needing scalable storage and virtualization capabilities within a compact 12.3-pound chassis.
Pros
- 8-bay capacity for 2.5-inch or 3.5-inch drives
- 4GB DDR4 RAM for multitasking
- Dual M.2 SATA 6Gb/s SSD slots
- Supports NVIDIA GeForce GT1030 for 4K transcoding
- Four 1GbE LAN ports
Cons
- Limited to 4GB RAM base configuration
- Base network speed is 1GbE
- No included 10GbE expansion card
Good fit if
- You need eight drive bays for large storage pools
- You want to add 10GbE via PCIe expansion
- You require 4K video transcoding support
Skip if
- You require 16GB of RAM for heavy virtualization
- You need 10GbE networking without adding cards
- You prefer a compact 2-bay desktop unit
Verdict: QNAP TS-673-4G 8-Bay NAS offers solid 8-bay storage and expandable networking for users who do not need high RAM capacity. It fits those building a scalable home lab or media server.
Synology 12-Bay Xeon Desktop Enclosure
Best for: Users needing 16GB RAM and 12 bays
- 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
The Synology 12 Bay DiskStation DS3622xs+ is a diskless NAS unit designed for heavy workloads. It features a 6-core Intel Xeon processor and 16GB of RAM. This configuration supports virtual machines and video management systems. The device offers high performance with over 260,000 4K random read IOPS. It is suitable for users needing scalable storage and robust processing power.
Pros
- 16GB RAM capacity for multitasking
- 6-core Intel Xeon processor
- 12 drive bays for high capacity
- Supports up to 48GB memory expansion
Cons
- Diskless design requires separate drive purchase
- Large physical footprint at 18.3 inches wide
- Heavy build at 21.6 pounds
Good fit if
- You need 16GB RAM for virtualization
- You require 12 drive bays
- You want Intel Xeon performance
Skip if
- You prefer a smaller 4-bay unit
- You want included storage drives
- You need a lightweight portable device
Verdict: Synology 12 Bay 16GB RAM NAS is ideal for users who need extensive RAM and processing power for virtualization. It suits those who can accommodate its large size and heavy weight.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | QNAP TS-673-4G 8-Bay NAS | Synology 12-Bay Xeon Desktop Enclosure |
|---|---|---|
| Drive Bays | 6 Bay | 12-Bay |
| Network Connectivity | 4x GbE LAN | not stated |
| Processor | not stated | 6-core Intel Xeon |
| RAM Capacity | 4GB DDR4 | not stated |
| M.2 NVMe Slots | 2 slots | not stated |
| Included Storage | not stated | Diskless |
| Number of Bays | 8-Bay | 12-Bay |
| Processor Cores | Quad-Core | not stated |
| Dimensions | 11 × 10.4 × 7.41 inches | 17 × 18.3 × 17 inches |
| Weight | 12.3 pounds | 21.6 pounds |
| Size | 4GB RAM | DS3622xs+ |
| Color | Black | Black |
| Model | TS-673-4G-US | DS3622xs+ |
Frequently asked questions
Can a NAS with 4GB RAM run Docker containers?
Yes, a NAS with 4GB RAM can run Docker containers. The QNAP TS-673-4G supports this with its 4GB DDR4 RAM. It is sufficient for light containerized apps. You can manage basic services without performance issues. This setup works well for home labs or small media servers.
Is 16GB RAM necessary for virtualization on a NAS?
Yes, 16GB RAM is necessary for serious virtualization. The Synology DS3622xs+ includes 16GB of DDR4 RAM by default. This capacity supports extensive processing power for virtual machines. It suits users who need to run multiple virtual environments simultaneously on their storage device.
Does more RAM improve file sharing speed?
More RAM does not directly increase file transfer speeds. Speed depends on your network connectivity and processor. Both units offer robust storage expansion. The QNAP TS-673-4G uses a quad-core processor. The Synology DS3622xs+ uses a six-core Intel Xeon. RAM helps with multitasking, not raw throughput.
Which NAS is better for a scalable home lab?
The QNAP TS-673-4G is better for a scalable home lab. It offers eight drive bays and expandable networking. Its 4GB RAM handles light workloads efficiently. You get solid storage capacity without needing high RAM. This makes it a practical choice for building a flexible lab environment.
Can I add more RAM to these NAS devices?
The provided data does not specify if RAM is upgradable. You must check the manufacturer's documentation for upgrade options. The QNAP TS-673-4G comes with 4GB installed. The Synology DS3622xs+ comes with 16GB installed. Verify compatibility before purchasing additional memory modules for your specific model.
How does RAM capacity affect media streaming?
RAM capacity affects how many concurrent streams you can handle. The QNAP TS-673-4G has 4GB RAM, which is sufficient for light media streaming. It handles basic file sharing and streaming tasks well. Higher RAM allows for more simultaneous transcoding or larger caches, but 4GB works for standard use.
What is the difference between the two NAS models?
The main difference is RAM capacity and bay count. The QNAP TS-673-4G has 4GB RAM and eight bays. The Synology DS3622xs+ has 16GB RAM and twelve bays. The Synology model is larger and heavier. Choose QNAP for light use. Choose Synology for heavy virtualization and more drives.