Best Synology 4-Bay NAS Devices in 2026: 12 Picks
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Choosing the best synology 4-Bay network attached storages requires matching specs to your storage needs. We compared 12 models based on published specifications. The Synology 4-Bay Rackmount Expansion Unit leads because its 17-inch length fits standard 2-post racks for expanding existing capacity. Other picks include the DS920+ for hardware encryption and the DS925+ for AMD Ryzen processing power. This guide helps you decide which chassis size, RAM capacity, and network ports suit your home office or small business environment.
Quick picks
The best fit for you
- You need to expand existing Synology NAS storage Synology 4-Bay Rackmount Expansion Unit The RX418 is a rackmount expansion unit designed to add capacity to your current setup.
- You want the most compact model on the list Synology 4-Bay Compact Rackmount NAS The RS422+ offers a compact rackmount form factor for tight spaces.
- You need immediate 16TB capacity without buying drives Synology 4-Bay 16TB NAS This bundle includes 16TB of storage and 5GbE connectivity for immediate use.
- You prioritize uptime and redundant power in an office Synology 4-Bay Rackmount NAS with Redundant Power The RS826RP+ features redundant power supplies to ensure high availability.
Our 12 picks
Synology 4-Bay Rackmount Expansion Unit
Best for: expanding existing Synology NAS storage
- Number of Bays
- 4-Bay (what this guide is about)
- Drive Bays
- 4-Bay
- Included Storage
- Diskless
- Dimensions
- 17 × 11.4 × 1.73 inches
- Weight
- 9.44 pounds
The Synology RX418 is a 4-bay diskless expansion unit designed to add storage to your existing NAS. It features a 12-inch depth suitable for 2-post and wall-mount racks. You can expand your volume online while it runs in energy-saving deep sleep mode. Managed via DiskStation Manager, it offers seamless integration for users needing more space without buying a new server.
Pros
- 4-bay diskless design for capacity expansion
- Online volume expansion capability
- 12-inch depth fits 2-post racks
- Energy-saving deep sleep mode
- Managed via Synology DSM
Cons
- Diskless; requires separate purchase of drives
- Not a standalone NAS server
- Requires existing Synology NAS host
Good fit if
- You need to expand existing NAS storage
- You have a compatible Synology NAS
- You want to use 2-post racks
Skip if
- You need a standalone NAS
- You want included storage drives
- You require 4-post rack mounting
Verdict: Synology RX418 4-Bay Expansion Unit is a practical add-on for users who need more storage capacity and already own a Synology NAS. It fits well in 2-post racks but does not function as a primary server.
Synology 4-Bay Intel Quad-Core NAS
Best for: Home offices needing encryption and SSD caching
- Number of Bays
- 4-Bay (what this guide is about)
- Drive Bays
- 4-Bay
- Processor
- Intel quad-core
- RAM Capacity
- 4GB DDR4
- Included Storage
- Diskless
- Dimensions
- 8.78 × 7.83 × 6.54 inches
The Synology DS920+ is a 4-bay NAS drive featuring an Intel quad-core processor and 4 GB of DDR4 RAM. It offers over 225 MB/s sequential read and write speeds. Two built-in M.2 NVMe SSD slots allow for cache acceleration without using storage bays. This unit supports up to 9 drives when expanded. It includes two camera licenses by default. It suits users needing reliable file sharing and backup capabilities.
Pros
- Intel quad-core processor with AES-NI hardware encryption
- 4 GB DDR4 RAM expandable to 8 GB
- Two built-in M.2 2280 NVMe SSD slots for cache
- Over 225 MB/s sequential read and write throughput
Cons
- Smaller 4-bay capacity limits total storage compared to 5-bay models
- No mention of dual 2.5GbE ports found in newer models
- Requires separate purchase of additional camera licenses beyond the two included
Good fit if
- You need hardware encryption for secure file sharing
- You want to add NVMe SSDs for cache acceleration
- You require a compact 4-bay solution for home or small business
Skip if
- You need more than 4 drive bays for large storage arrays
- You require 2.5GbE networking for faster local transfers
- You want a rackmount form factor for server rooms
Verdict: Synology DS920+ 4-Bay NAS with 4GB RAM provides solid performance for users who value hardware encryption and SSD caching in a compact 4-bay chassis. It is ideal for home offices or small teams needing secure, scalable storage.
Synology 4-Bay Compact Rackmount NAS
Best for: Rackmount users needing compact 4-bay storage
- Number of Bays
- 4-Bay (what this guide is about)
- Drive Bays
- 4-Bay
- Network Connectivity
- Dual 1GbE
- Included Storage
- Diskless
- Form Factor
- Rackmount
- Dimensions
- 21 × 15.8 × 5.45 inches
The Synology RackStation RS422+ is a 4-bay rackmount NAS designed for space-constrained server rooms. It delivers over 601 MB/s read and 516 MB/s write speeds. The unit features dual 1GbE ports for network failover and load balancing. Its depth is just 327.5 mm with handles installed. You can add 10GbE connectivity via plug-and-play modules. This diskless unit suits users needing compact, high-throughput storage in a rack environment.
Pros
- Over 601/516 MB/s sequential read/write throughput
- Compact depth of 327.5 mm with handles installed
- Dual 1GbE ports support network failover and load balancing
- Supports plug-and-play 10GbE RJ-45 upgrade modules
Cons
- Limited to dual 1GbE ports without add-on modules
- Sold as a diskless unit requiring separate drive purchase
- 1U rackmount form factor may not fit standard desktop setups
Good fit if
- You need a compact 4-bay NAS for a server rack
- You require network redundancy with dual 1GbE ports
- You plan to upgrade to 10GbE connectivity later
Skip if
- You prefer a desktop tower form factor
- You want pre-installed storage drives
- You need native 10GbE ports without expansion modules
Verdict: Synology RackStation RS422+ 4-Bay Rackmount is a compact, high-throughput solution for rack environments. It fits users who need dual 1GbE redundancy and plan to expand to 10GbE.
Synology 4-Bay Expandable Rackmount NAS
Best for: expandable rackmount multi-gigabit storage
- Number of Bays
- 4-Bay (what this guide is about)
- Drive Bays
- 4-Bay
- Network Connectivity
- Four 1GbE ports
- Included Storage
- Diskless
- Dimensions
- 19.3 × 17.2 × 10 inches
- Weight
- 18.7 pounds
This Synology 4-bay rackmount server gives you sequential transfer rates exceeding 2,103 MB/s read and 1,074 MB/s write. It includes four 1GbE network ports with failover and load balancing support, plus optional expansion slots for 10GbE or 25GbE upgrades. You can scale storage up to eight drives using an RX418 expansion unit. It suits rack environments needing balanced network redundancy and room for future drive expansion.
Pros
- Sequential speeds reach over 2,103 MB/s read and 1,074 MB/s write
- Four 1GbE ports support failover and load balancing
- Scales up to 8 drives with an optional RX418 expansion unit
- Supports optional SSD cache and 10GbE or 25GbE expansion cards
Cons
- Ships diskless without storage drives included
- High-speed 10GbE and 25GbE connectivity requires add-in cards
- Expanding past 4 bays requires purchasing a separate expansion unit
Good fit if
- You need four 1GbE ports for link aggregation and network failover.
- You plan to scale capacity up to eight drives using an expansion unit.
- You want optional PCIe upgrade paths for 10GbE, 25GbE, or SSD caching.
Skip if
- You want built-in 10GbE ports without buying add-in cards.
- You need a compact desktop chassis instead of a rackmount unit.
Verdict: Synology 4-Bay Expandable Rackmount NAS delivers dependable throughput and four 1GbE network ports with room for interface upgrades. It is a solid choice when you need rack-ready storage capable of expanding to eight bays.
Synology 4-Bay NAS with 2GB RAM
Best for: home backup and basic surveillance setups
- Number of Bays
- 4-Bay (what this guide is about)
- Drive Bays
- 4-Bay
- Included Storage
- Diskless
- RAM Capacity
- 2GB RAM
- Dimensions
- 9 × 6.6 × 7.24 inches
- Weight
- 4.87 pounds
The Synology DS423 is a 4-bay diskless NAS designed for home and small business use. It features 2GB of RAM and supports up to 30 IP cameras for surveillance. You get secure file sharing, ransomware-resistant backups with immutable snapshots, and versatile video monitoring. This unit is a practical entry point for building a private cloud without pre-installed drives.
Pros
- 4-bay capacity for flexible storage expansion
- Supports up to 30 IP cameras for surveillance
- Immutable snapshots protect against ransomware
- Compact black chassis fits small spaces
Cons
- Only 2GB RAM limits heavy multitasking
- Diskless design requires separate drive purchase
- Single Gigabit Ethernet port restricts speed
Good fit if
- You need a basic 4-bay NAS for home backup
- You want to integrate security cameras into your storage
- You are starting a private cloud with small files
Skip if
- You require high-performance video editing or transcoding
- You need 2.5GbE network connectivity for fast transfers
- You want a NAS with pre-installed hard drives
Verdict: Synology DS423 4-Bay NAS offers solid entry-level storage for users who prioritize security features like snapshots over raw speed or high RAM capacity.
Synology 4-Bay Dual 2.5GbE NAS
Best for: multi-gigabit network backups and light virtualization
- Number of Bays
- 4-Bay (what this guide is about)
- Drive Bays
- 4-Bay
- Network Connectivity
- Dual 2.5GbE
- Included Storage
- Diskless
- Dimensions
- 8.78 × 7.83 × 6.54 inches
- Weight
- 4.98 pounds
This 4-bay desktop NAS gives you high-speed local data handling through dual 2.5GbE ports and reaches up to 522 MB/s read and 565 MB/s write speeds. It includes built-in tools for virtualization, surveillance, and file protection across four drive bays. Because it ships diskless, you choose compatible drives yourself. It suits you if you need multi-gigabit transfer speeds for shared office storage, media backups, or lightweight virtual machines.
Pros
- Dual 2.5GbE network ports provide redundancy and fast transfer rates
- Sequential read speeds up to 522 MB/s and write speeds up to 565 MB/s
- Built-in software tools for data protection, virtualization, and surveillance
- Backed by a 3-year limited hardware warranty
Cons
- Drives are not included with the enclosure
- Drive selection is restricted to the official compatibility list
Good fit if
- You run a multi-gigabit network and want native 2.5GbE connectivity.
- You need throughput up to 565 MB/s for virtualization or media serving.
- You plan to provide your own drives from the official compatibility list.
Skip if
- You want pre-installed storage drives ready to use out of the box.
- You plan to reuse drives not listed on the official compatibility list.
Verdict: Synology 4-Bay Dual 2.5GbE DiskStation delivers fast wired throughput and flexible data management across four storage bays. It serves as a reliable multi-gigabit hub as long as you supply your own compatible drives.
Synology 4-Bay AMD Ryzen NAS
Best for: Users needing expandable 4-bay storage
- Number of Bays
- 4-Bay (what this guide is about)
- Drive Bays
- 4-Bay (up to 9-Bay)
- Network Connectivity
- 2x 2.5GbE
- Processor
- AMD Ryzen V1500B
- RAM Capacity
- 4GB
- Dimensions
- 11.4 × 10.2 × 9.45 inches
The Synology DS925+ is a 4-bay NAS built for speed and expansion. It uses an AMD Ryzen V1500B processor and 4GB of RAM to handle file management and virtualization. Dual 2.5GbE ports provide fast networking and redundancy. You can expand the system up to 9 bays using the DX525. This device suits users who need reliable performance and flexible storage scaling for their data.
Pros
- AMD Ryzen V1500B processor
- 4GB DDR4 RAM
- Dual 2.5GbE network ports
- Expandable to 9 bays
Cons
- Only 4GB of RAM
- Limited to 2.5GbE speeds
- Requires Synology branded drives
Good fit if
- You need fast 2.5GbE networking
- You plan to expand storage later
- You want virtualization support
Skip if
- You need 10GbE connectivity
- You require more than 4GB of RAM
- You want to use third-party drives
Verdict: Synology DS925+ 4-Bay NAS is a solid choice for users who value expandability and modern networking speeds. It fits those who need to scale storage beyond four bays while maintaining strong processing power.
Synology 4-Bay Media and Backup NAS
Best for: small teams running shared storage and surveillance
- Number of Bays
- 4-Bay (what this guide is about)
- Drive Bays
- 4-Bay
- Included Storage
- Diskless
- Dimensions
- 8.78 × 7.83 × 6.54 inches
- Weight
- 4.81 pounds
This black 4-bay diskless network attached storage enclosure delivers transfer speeds up to 278 MB/s and handles concurrent access for over 10 users. It provides RAID redundancy, snapshot technology, and support for up to 30 IP cameras within a compact desktop chassis measuring 166 by 199 by 223 millimeters. If you need centralized file sharing, multi-user media streaming, and local surveillance recording, this unit gives you a reliable base.
Pros
- Transfer speeds reach up to 278 MB/s
- Supports concurrent access for 10 or more users
- Supports surveillance recording for up to 30 IP cameras
- Offers snapshot technology and RAID data redundancy
- Includes a 3-year warranty
Cons
- Diskless design requires buying hard drives separately
- Desktop form factor is not rack-mountable
Good fit if
- You need concurrent file access and streaming for 10 or more users.
- You want to manage up to 30 IP cameras on a single local system.
- You require snapshot backups and RAID redundancy to prevent data loss.
Skip if
- You want a storage solution that includes preinstalled hard drives.
- You need a 1U rackmount chassis instead of a desktop enclosure.
Verdict: Synology 4-Bay Media and Backup NAS provides dependable 278 MB/s transfer speeds and multi-user collaboration for small teams. It delivers strong surveillance and snapshot protection, provided you supply your own hard drives.
Synology 4-Bay 16TB NAS
Best for: Users needing immediate 16TB capacity
- Number of Bays
- 4-Bay (what this guide is about)
- Drive Bays
- 4-Bay
- Network Connectivity
- 2x 2.5GbE
- Processor
- AMD Ryzen V1500B Quad-Core
- RAM Capacity
- 4 GB DDR4 ECC
- M.2 NVMe Slots
- 2 slots
This Synology DS925+ bundle includes four 4TB drives for 16TB of storage. It features an AMD Ryzen V1500B processor and 4GB of ECC RAM. The unit offers dual 2.5GbE ports and two M.2 NVMe slots. It supports expansion up to nine drives. This setup suits small businesses needing reliable file sharing and backup capabilities.
Pros
- AMD Ryzen V1500B quad-core processor
- Dual 2.5GbE LAN ports
- Two M.2 NVMe slots
- 4GB DDR4 ECC memory
Cons
- Only 4GB RAM included
- No 10GbE connectivity
- 13.2 pounds weight
Good fit if
- You need 16TB of ready-to-use storage
- You want dual 2.5GbE ports
- You require ECC memory support
Skip if
- You need 10GbE networking
- You want more than 16TB included
- You prefer a lighter device
Verdict: Synology DS925+ 16TB Bundle provides a solid foundation for small business data storage with its Ryzen processor and ECC RAM. It is best for users who need immediate 16TB capacity without purchasing drives separately.
Synology 4-Bay Rackmount NAS with Redundant Power
Best for: High-uptime office environments
- Number of Bays
- 4-Bay (what this guide is about)
- Drive Bays
- 4-Bay
- Included Storage
- Diskless
View on Amazon: Synology 4-Bay Rackmount NAS with Redundant Power
The Synology RS826RP+ is a 4-bay rackmount NAS designed for high availability. It features dual built-in power supplies for redundant operation and delivers over 2,000 MB/s sequential read throughput. You can scale capacity by connecting an RX426 Expansion Unit. This diskless unit includes a 3-year warranty and supports backup for physical systems, virtual machines, and cloud accounts.
Pros
- Dual built-in redundant power supplies
- Over 2,000 MB/s sequential read speed
- Expandable from 4 to 8 drive bays
- 3-year warranty included
Cons
- Lacks internal storage (diskless)
- Larger footprint than desktop models
- No mention of 2.5GbE ports
Good fit if
- You need redundant power for critical uptime
- You require high sequential read speeds
- You plan to expand storage later
Skip if
- You want a pre-loaded drive solution
- You need a compact desktop form factor
- You are on a tight budget
Verdict: Synology RS826RP+ 4-Bay Rackmount NAS suits users who prioritize uptime and performance. It is ideal for offices needing scalable, reliable storage with redundant power.
Synology 4-Bay 1U Rackmount NAS
Best for: rack environments needing expandable networking and throughput
- Number of Bays
- 4-Bay (what this guide is about)
- Drive Bays
- 4-Bay
- Network Connectivity
- 4 x 1GbE
- Included Storage
- Diskless
- Form Factor
- Rackmount
This 1U rackmount NAS gives you four drive bays for central office storage. It delivers sequential throughput over 2,000 MB/s read and 1,300 MB/s write. Networking includes four 1GbE ports alongside a PCIe 3.0 slot for adding optional 10GbE, 25GbE, or M.2 NVMe SSD cards. It also scales to eight bays with an RX426 expansion unit. This suits business rack deployments needing fast throughput and network expansion options.
Pros
- Over 2,000 MB/s read and 1,300 MB/s write sequential throughput
- PCIe 3.0 slot for optional 10GbE/25GbE NICs or M.2 NVMe SSD adapters
- Scales up to 8 drive bays with RX426 expansion unit
- Four built-in 1GbE RJ-45 ports
Cons
- Built-in ports are limited to 1GbE speeds
- M.2 NVMe SSD support requires an optional PCIe adapter card
- Drives not included
Good fit if
- You need a 1U rackmount server with PCIe upgrade flexibility.
- You require sequential read throughput above 2,000 MB/s.
- You plan to scale capacity to eight bays via an expansion unit.
Skip if
- You prefer a desktop tower chassis rather than a rackmount server.
- You want built-in 10GbE networking without using a PCIe slot.
- You need ready-to-use drives included out of the box.
Verdict: Synology 4-Bay 1U Rackmount NAS provides solid sequential speeds and PCIe expandability for rack installations. It delivers flexible scaling up to eight drives for expanding business storage setups.
Synology 4-Bay Quad-Core Desktop NAS
Best for: Home users needing basic 4-bay storage
- Number of Bays
- 4-Bay (what this guide is about)
- Drive Bays
- 4-Bay
- Network Connectivity
- 2xGbE
- Processor
- Realtek RTD1619B
- RAM Capacity
- 2GB
- Included Storage
- Diskless
The Synology DS423 is a 4-bay NAS drive featuring a quad-core Realtek RTD1619B processor running at 1.7 GHz. It includes 2GB of RAM and dual Gigabit Ethernet ports for network connectivity. This diskless unit measures 11.4 x 9.65 x 10.2 inches and weighs 7.94 pounds. It suits users who need reliable file sharing and backup capabilities without the cost of pre-installed drives.
Pros
- Quad-core Realtek RTD1619B processor
- 4-bay capacity for multiple drives
- Dual Gigabit Ethernet ports
- Compact black chassis design
Cons
- Only 2GB of RAM limits heavy multitasking
- Diskless design requires separate drive purchase
- Gigabit ports lack 2.5GbE speed
Good fit if
- You need a reliable 4-bay NAS for home use
- You prefer a compact desktop footprint
- You want to buy drives separately
Skip if
- You require 2.5GbE network speeds
- You need more than 2GB of RAM
- You want pre-installed storage drives
Verdict: Synology DS423 4-Bay NAS offers solid quad-core performance for basic storage tasks. It fits users who prioritize expandability and want to select their own drives.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Synology 4-Bay Rackmount Expansion Unit | Synology 4-Bay Intel Quad-Core NAS | Synology 4-Bay Compact Rackmount NAS | Synology 4-Bay Expandable Rackmount NAS | Synology 4-Bay NAS with 2GB RAM | Synology 4-Bay Dual 2.5GbE NAS | Synology 4-Bay AMD Ryzen NAS | Synology 4-Bay Media and Backup NAS | Synology 4-Bay 16TB NAS | Synology 4-Bay Rackmount NAS with Redundant Power | Synology 4-Bay 1U Rackmount NAS | Synology 4-Bay Quad-Core Desktop NAS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drive Bays | 4-Bay | 4-Bay | 4-Bay | 4-Bay | 4-Bay | 4-Bay | 4-Bay (up to 9-Bay) | 4-Bay | 4-Bay | 4-Bay | 4-Bay | 4-Bay |
| Network Connectivity | not specified | not specified | Dual 1GbE | Four 1GbE ports | not specified | Dual 2.5GbE | 2x 2.5GbE | not specified | 2x 2.5GbE | not specified | 4 x 1GbE | 2xGbE |
| Processor | not specified | Intel quad-core | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | AMD Ryzen V1500B | not specified | AMD Ryzen V1500B Quad-Core | not specified | not specified | Realtek RTD1619B |
| RAM Capacity | not specified | 4GB DDR4 | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | 4GB | not specified | 4 GB DDR4 ECC | not specified | not specified | 2GB |
| M.2 NVMe Slots | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | 2 slots | not specified | not specified | not specified |
| Included Storage | Diskless | Diskless | Diskless | Diskless | Diskless | Diskless | not specified | Diskless | 16TB | Diskless | Diskless | Diskless |
| Form Factor | not specified | not specified | Rackmount | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | Rackmount | not specified |
| Number of Bays | 4-Bay | 4-Bay | 4-Bay | 4-Bay | 4-Bay | 4-Bay | 4-Bay | 4-Bay | 4-Bay | 4-Bay | 4-Bay | 4-Bay |
| Processor Cores | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | Quad-Core |
| Dimensions | 17 × 11.4 × 1.73 inches | 8.78 × 7.83 × 6.54 inches | 21 × 15.8 × 5.45 inches | 19.3 × 17.2 × 10 inches | 9 × 6.6 × 7.24 inches | 8.78 × 7.83 × 6.54 inches | 11.4 × 10.2 × 9.45 inches | 8.78 × 7.83 × 6.54 inches | not specified | not specified | not specified | 9.65 × 11.4 × 10.2 inches |
| Weight | 9.44 pounds | 4.94 pounds | not specified | 18.7 pounds | 4.87 pounds | 4.98 pounds | 4.98 pounds | 4.81 pounds | 13.2 pounds | not specified | not specified | 7.94 pounds |
| Size | 44 mm x 480 mm x 325 mm | DS920+ | RS422+ | RS822+ | DS423 | 166 mm x 199 mm x 223 mm | 29 cm x 26 cm x 25 cm | 166 mm x 199 mm x 223 mm | 16TB | 22.44x21.26x7.09 in | 22.44x21.26x7.09 in | not specified |
| Color | black | Black | Black | Not Available | Black | Black | black | Black | not specified | Black | Black | Black |
| Model | RX418 | DS920+ | RS422+ | RS822+ | DS423 | DS925+ | DS925+ | DS425+ | DS925+/8TB-IW | RS826RP+ | RS826+ | DS423 |
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Choosing Your Synology 4-Bay NAS
-
Verify Hard Drive Compatibility
Four-bay enclosures require you to source and install your own drives. You must verify that your chosen hard drives match the manufacturer specifications for storage compatibility. Installing drives designed specifically for network storage guarantees proper operation during continuous reading and writing tasks. Selecting matched drives across all four bays also simplifies volume management. Before setup, check the approved hardware lists to ensure your selected disks work reliably inside the enclosure.
-
Check Network Port Configuration
Network port speed defines how fast data moves between your local network and the storage pool. Standard setups often rely on gigabit ports, while denser office environments benefit from aggregated multi-port arrays. For example, the Synology 4-Bay Expandable Rackmount NAS includes four 1GbE ports to balance traffic from multiple clients. If your network switches support link aggregation, combining these interfaces increases available bandwidth for simultaneous client backups and file access tasks without network bottlenecks.
-
Plan for Drive Scalability
A four-bay chassis offers fixed internal bays, but some hardware designs allow future volume expansion. Models like the Synology 4-Bay 1U Rackmount NAS support scaling up to eight drives through external expansion units. If your team anticipates substantial data growth, verify whether the system allows secondary enclosure connections. Choosing an expandable unit lets you add storage capacity later through an additional drive cage instead of replacing your primary four-bay system with an entirely new enclosure.
-
Assess Data Transfer Rates
Transfer speeds dictate how quickly shared files move across your local network during intensive workloads. Systems like the Synology 4-Bay Media and Backup NAS reach transfer speeds of 278 MB/s, which suits multi-user collaboration and active surveillance tasks. When choosing a system, assess your daily workload requirements against the published throughput figures. High sustained data rates prevent slowdowns during scheduled system snapshots, continuous camera recording feeds, and large file transfers between connected client computers.
-
Review Physical Unit Dimensions
Physical size determines where you can safely place your storage device. Compact tower units, such as the Synology 4-Bay Dual 2.5GbE NAS, measure 166 mm by 199 mm by 223 mm and weigh 4.98 pounds. Check your available shelf or desk space before buying to guarantee adequate clearance. Enclosures need open airflow around their intake vents to maintain cool operating temperatures for internal drives, so ensure your designated workspace accommodates the outer enclosure dimensions.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a Synology 4-Bay NAS as a primary server?
Most models serve as primary servers, but the RX418 is an exception. It functions only as a rackmount expansion unit for existing storage. Other units like the DS920+ and DS925+ operate as independent servers with their own processing power and RAM for handling data tasks directly.
Which 4-Bay model fits in a standard rack?
Several models support rackmount installations for organized office or server room setups. The RX418, RS422+, RS822+, RS826RP+, and RS826+ are all designed for 2-post racks. The RS826+ and RS826RP+ specifically offer 1U form factors, which provide a compact footprint while maintaining high throughput capabilities for business environments.
Do I need to buy hard drives separately?
You must supply your own compatible drives for most units. The DS920+, DS925+, DS423, DS425+, and RS822+ require you to source and install your own hard drives. The DS925+ 16TB Bundle is a notable exception, as it includes pre-installed storage for immediate capacity without additional purchases.
What RAM capacity do Synology 4-Bay NAS devices have?
RAM varies by model to support different workloads. The DS920+ and DS925+ include 4GB of RAM for better performance with virtualization or caching. The DS423 and DS425+ feature 2GB RAM, which is sufficient for basic backup and surveillance tasks. Higher RAM supports more concurrent users and complex data management.
Which model offers the fastest network connectivity?
The DS925+ 16TB Bundle provides the highest speed options with 5GbE and 2.5GbE ports. The DS925+ also supports dual 2.5GbE connections for fast wired throughput. Other models like the RS822+ offer four 1GbE ports with room for interface upgrades, allowing you to expand network speeds later as your needs grow.
Is there a model with redundant power for high uptime?
The RS826RP+ includes redundant power supplies to ensure continuous operation in critical environments. This feature makes it ideal for offices that cannot afford downtime. Other models like the RS826+ do not list redundant power, so you should verify power requirements if your workspace has unstable electricity or frequent outages.
Can I expand a 4-Bay Synology NAS to eight bays?
Some models allow expansion to eight bays for growing storage needs. The RS822+ and RS826+ support scaling up to eight drives through PCIe expansion or additional enclosures. The RX418 is designed specifically to expand existing Synology NAS capacity. Check your model’s expansion capabilities before purchasing to ensure it meets your future storage requirements.