6 Best Alternatives to the Synology 1U 4-Bay Rackmount NAS (2026)
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The Synology 1U 4-bay rackmount NAS is a compact edge storage solution designed for small businesses. You might seek synology 1u 4 bay rackmount NAS alternatives if your needs differ from this specific configuration. The original unit excels with its Ryzen processor and 32GB of ECC memory. It also comes with pre-installed SSDs for fast data access. However, its 1GbE network ports may limit throughput for high-demand environments. Some users prefer larger capacities or different form factors for their specific infrastructure.
The alternatives listed here were chosen because their specifications overlap with the original unit. You will find options with higher storage capacities, such as 48TB pre-installed drives. Other models offer different RAM configurations or network speeds to suit varied budgets. Some alternatives provide redundant power supplies for enhanced reliability. This list covers a range of specs, from budget-friendly 2GB RAM units to premium 32GB models. You can compare these options to find the best fit for your branch office or edge storage requirements.
Our top pick: Synology 1U 4-Bay Rackmount NAS with 32GB RAM.
How Each Alternative Compares
Synology DS723+ 2-Bay Ryzen NAS
The Synology DS723+ shifts from a rackmount chassis to a desktop form factor, making it suitable for office desks rather than server racks. It retains the same AMD Ryzen processor and 32GB of RAM found in the original RS822+. However, it only offers two drive bays instead of four. This reduction limits total storage capacity but simplifies setup for users who do not need rack mounting. The 1GbE network connectivity remains consistent. You should choose this model if you prioritize desktop convenience and sufficient memory over the higher drive count and rack integration of the original unit.
Synology 1U 4-Bay Rackmount NAS with 48TB
This model shares the 1U rackmount design and Ryzen processor of the original but significantly increases storage capacity. It comes pre-installed with 48TB of storage, compared to the 8TB included in the base RS822+. It also maintains the 32GB of ECC RAM. This configuration is ideal for branch offices that require immediate, high-volume storage without sourcing drives separately. The network ports remain at 1GbE. You should select this alternative if your primary need is massive pre-configured storage capacity in a compact rack form factor, rather than the lower capacity entry-level setup of the original.
Synology 4-Bay 1U RackStation with 48TB
The Synology RS422+ offers a 48TB storage capacity in a 1U rackmount chassis, matching the high storage of the premium model but at a lower cost point. It differs from the original by including only 2GB of RAM instead of 32GB. This reduction in memory may limit performance for memory-intensive tasks like virtualization or heavy caching. The processor remains an AMD Ryzen, and network connectivity stays at 1GbE. You should pick this unit if you need high storage capacity in a 1U rack but have a tighter budget and do not require the extensive memory resources provided by the original RS822+.
Synology RackStation 12-Bay 216TB NAS
This Synology RackStation expands the form factor to a 2U chassis with 12 drive bays, offering substantially more storage potential than the 4-bay original. It includes 32GB of ECC RAM and redundant power supplies, enhancing reliability for critical deployments. The processor is an AMD Ryzen, and network connectivity is 1GbE. The larger size requires more rack space but provides greater redundancy and capacity. You should choose this model if you need a robust, redundant storage solution with higher drive density and power safety features, rather than the compact, single-power-source design of the original 1U unit.
Synology RackStation 12-Bay 48TB NAS
Similar to the previous entry, this 2U RackStation offers 12 bays and 32GB of ECC RAM for high-capacity, redundant storage. It features an AMD Ryzen processor and 1GbE connectivity. The key difference is the specific configuration and included storage, which may vary from the RS2421RP+ variant. It provides a robust platform for small businesses needing serious capacity and power redundancy. You should select this alternative if you prioritize data safety through redundant power and high drive count in a 2U chassis, accepting the larger footprint compared to the compact 1U form factor of the original Synology NAS.
Synology RackStation 12TB SSD NAS
This 2U RackStation focuses on SSD performance with 12TB of pre-installed SSD storage, offering faster access times than the HDD-based original. It includes 32GB of ECC RAM and redundant power supplies. The AMD Ryzen processor and 1GbE network ports are consistent with the brand's rack offerings. The 2U form factor allows for better airflow and redundancy compared to the 1U original. You should pick this model if you require the speed benefits of SSDs and the reliability of redundant power in a larger rack chassis, rather than the compact, potentially HDD-focused storage of the original 1U unit.
Quick picks
Our 7 picks
Synology 1U 4-Bay Rackmount NAS with 32GB RAM
Best for: Edge storage in branch offices
- Drive Bays
- 4-bay
- Network Connectivity
- 4 x 1GbE
- Processor
- Ryzen R1500B
- RAM Capacity
- 32GB DDR4 ECC SODIMM
- Included Storage
- 8TB
View on Amazon: Synology 1U 4-Bay Rackmount NAS with 32GB RAM Affiliate link
This 1U rackmount NAS includes 32GB of ECC memory and 8TB of pre-installed SSDs. It features a Ryzen R1500B processor and four 1GbE ports. The unit is designed for edge storage in branch offices. It runs the DSM operating system for data management. This setup suits small to medium businesses needing fast, compact storage with built-in redundancy and protection features.
Pros
- Includes 32GB DDR4 ECC SODIMM memory
- Comes with 8TB (4 x 2TB) SATA 2.5" SSDs
- Four 1GbE LAN ports for connectivity
- Ryzen R1500B 4-Core 2.2GHz CPU
Cons
- 1GbE network ports limit high-speed transfer potential
- No mention of 10GbE expansion capability
- Requires separate installation of drives and memory
Good fit if
- You need a compact 1U rackmount solution
- You want pre-installed SSDs for speed
- You require ECC memory for data integrity
Skip if
- You need 10GbE or higher network speeds
- You prefer a desktop form factor
- You want a fully assembled unit out of the box
Verdict: Synology RS822+ 1U 4-Bay NAS fits small businesses needing a compact, pre-loaded edge storage server with ECC memory and SSDs for reliable daily data management.
Synology DS723+ 2-Bay Ryzen NAS
Best for: high-capacity desktop storage
- Drive Bays
- 2-Bay
- Network Connectivity
- 2 x 1GbE
- Processor
- Ryzen R1600 2.6GHz
- RAM Capacity
- 32GB DDR4 ECC
- M.2 NVMe Slots
- 1TB M.2 NVMe SSD
- Included Storage
- 20TB HDD + 1TB SSD
View on Amazon: Synology DS723+ 2-Bay Ryzen NAS Affiliate link
The Synology DS723+ is a desktop NAS featuring a Ryzen R1600 2.6GHz CPU and 32GB of DDR4 ECC memory. It includes 20TB of SATA storage and a 1TB NVMe SSD cache. This unit offers dual 1GbE ports for link aggregation. It suits users needing high capacity and fast caching in a non-rackmount form factor.
Pros
- Ryzen R1600 2.6GHz processor
- 32GB DDR4 ECC memory
- 20TB SATA HDD storage
- 1TB NVMe SSD cache
- Dual 1GbE LAN ports
Cons
- Desktop form factor, not rackmount
- 1GbE ports limit network speed
- Requires manual drive installation
Good fit if
- You need high RAM capacity
- You want NVMe caching
- You prefer desktop placement
Skip if
- You require 10GbE networking
- You need a rackmount chassis
- You want pre-installed drives
Verdict: Synology DS723+ Desktop NAS provides substantial memory and storage for desktop use. It fits users who prioritize capacity and caching over rackmount form factors.
Synology 1U 4-Bay Rackmount NAS with 48TB
Best for: small branch offices needing pre-installed high-capacity storage
- Drive Bays
- 4-bay
- Network Connectivity
- 4 x 1GbE
- Processor
- Ryzen R1500B 4-Core 2.2GHz
- RAM Capacity
- 32GB DDR4 ECC UDIMM
- Included Storage
- 48TB
View on Amazon: Synology 1U 4-Bay Rackmount NAS with 48TB Affiliate link
The Synology RS822+ is a 1U rackmount NAS built for edge storage in branch offices. It features a 4-core Ryzen R1500B processor and 32GB of ECC memory. The unit includes 48TB of pre-installed SATA HDDs and four 1GbE ports. It runs DSM for data management and backup. This model suits small businesses needing high-capacity, all-in-one storage with surveillance support.
Pros
- Includes 48TB of pre-installed SATA 3.5" HDDs
- 32GB DDR4 ECC UDIMM memory for stability
- Four 1GbE LAN ports for connectivity
- 4-core Ryzen R1500B processor
Cons
- Limited to 1GbE network speeds
- Requires separate installation of drives and memory if upgraded
- No mention of 10GbE or fiber connectivity options
Good fit if
- You need a pre-configured 48TB storage solution for a branch office
- You require ECC memory for data integrity in a small business
- You want a compact 1U rackmount unit with surveillance capabilities
Skip if
- You need 10GbE or higher network speeds
- You prefer a NAS without pre-installed drives
- You require more than four drive bays
Verdict: The Synology RS822+ 4-Bay Rackmount NAS offers a complete, high-capacity edge storage solution for small businesses. It is ideal for branch offices that need immediate 48TB capacity and robust ECC memory without the hassle of sourcing components separately.
Synology 4-Bay 1U RackStation with 48TB
Best for: budget storage in 1U racks
- Drive Bays
- 4-bay
- Network Connectivity
- 2 x 1GbE
- Processor
- Ryzen R1600
- RAM Capacity
- 2GB DDR4 ECC UDIMM
- Included Storage
- 48TB
View on Amazon: Synology 4-Bay 1U RackStation with 48TB Affiliate link
The Synology RS422+ is a 1U rackmount NAS with a Ryzen R1600 2.6GHz CPU and 2GB of DDR4 ECC memory. It includes four pre-installed 12TB drives for 48TB of storage. You get two 1GbE ports for connectivity. This unit suits small businesses needing high capacity on a budget. The compact design fits standard racks while running the DSM operating system for data management.
Pros
- Ryzen R1600 2.6GHz processor with turbo up to 3.1GHz
- 48TB total storage via four 12TB SATA 3.5" HDDs
- 2GB DDR4 ECC UDIMM memory for data integrity
- Includes Synology Drive and Office for collaboration
- Hyper Backup and Snapshot Replication for data protection
Cons
- Only 2GB of RAM limits heavy multitasking
- 1GbE network ports are slower than 2.5GbE or 10GbE
- No mention of included RAM upgrade kits in the box
Good fit if
- You need 48TB of storage in a 1U rack
- You want a pre-built solution with drives installed
- You prioritize capacity over network speed
Skip if
- You require 2.5GbE or higher network connectivity
- You need more than 2GB of RAM for your workload
- You want a NAS without pre-installed hard drives
Verdict: Synology RS422+ 4-Bay Rackmount NAS offers high storage capacity for budget-conscious users. It fits small businesses that need 48TB in a 1U form factor without upgrading RAM or network ports.
Synology RackStation 12-Bay 216TB NAS
Best for: High-capacity redundant rack storage
- Network Connectivity
- 4 x 1GbE
- Processor
- Ryzen V1500B
- RAM Capacity
- 32GB DDR4 ECC SODIMM
- Included Storage
- 216TB
View on Amazon: Synology RackStation 12-Bay 216TB NAS Affiliate link
This Synology RackStation RS2421RP+ is a 2U rackmount server designed for high-performance roles like backup and file storage. It features a Ryzen V1500B 4-core processor and 32GB of ECC memory. The unit includes 216TB of pre-installed HDD storage and four 1GbE LAN ports. It supports redundant power supplies and comes with a sliding rail kit for installation. You get a sealed box requiring you to install the drives and memory yourself.
Pros
- Includes 216TB of SATA 3.5" HDD storage
- Comes with 32GB DDR4 ECC SODIMM memory
- Features redundant power supplies for protection
- Includes sliding rail kit for rack installation
Cons
- Network ports are limited to 1GbE speeds
- Hard drives and memory are not pre-installed
- Requires manual assembly and installation
Good fit if
- You need high-capacity storage with 216TB included
- You require redundant power for server reliability
- You want a rackmount unit with ECC memory
Skip if
- You need 10GbE or faster network connectivity
- You want a fully assembled unit out of the box
- You are looking for a compact desktop NAS
Verdict: Synology RS2421RP+ Rack NAS offers substantial pre-installed storage and ECC memory for users needing a reliable, redundant 2U rack solution. It suits those who value capacity and power redundancy over faster network speeds or plug-and-play convenience.
Synology RackStation 12-Bay 48TB NAS
Best for: High-capacity storage with redundant power
- Network Connectivity
- 4 x 1GbE
- Processor
- Ryzen V1500B
- RAM Capacity
- 32GB DDR4 ECC SODIMM
- Included Storage
- 48TB
View on Amazon: Synology RackStation 12-Bay 48TB NAS Affiliate link
This Synology RackStation RS2421RP+ is a 2U rackmount server designed for high-performance roles like backup and file storage. It features a Ryzen V1500B 4-Core 2.2GHz CPU and 32GB of DDR4 ECC memory. The unit includes 48TB of SATA 3.5" HDDs and four 1GbE LAN ports. You get redundant power supplies and a sliding rail kit for installation. It suits users needing robust hardware for enterprise tasks.
Pros
- Ryzen V1500B 4-Core 2.2GHz processor
- 32GB DDR4 ECC SODIMM memory
- Redundant power supplies for protection
- Includes 48TB SATA 3.5" HDDs
- Four 1GbE LAN ports with failover support
Cons
- Limited to 1GbE network speeds
- Requires manual installation of drives and memory
- Heavier 2U form factor than 1U options
Good fit if
- You need redundant power for critical data
- You require 32GB of ECC memory
- You want pre-installed 48TB of storage
Skip if
- You need 10GbE network connectivity
- You prefer a compact 1U rack size
- You want a plug-and-play setup without assembly
Verdict: Synology RS2421RP+ 2U 4-Bay NAS delivers serious capacity and redundancy for users who prioritize data safety and memory over network speed. It is ideal for small businesses needing a robust, pre-configured storage solution.
Synology RackStation 12TB SSD NAS
Best for: Users wanting pre-installed SSDs and redundant power
- Network Connectivity
- 4 x 1GbE
- Processor
- Ryzen V1500B
- RAM Capacity
- 32GB DDR4 ECC SODIMM
- Included Storage
- 12TB
View on Amazon: Synology RackStation 12TB SSD NAS Affiliate link
This Synology RackStation RS2421RP+ is a 1U rackmount server built for high-performance roles. It features a Ryzen V1500B 4-core processor and 32GB of ECC memory. The unit includes 12TB of SATA 2.5-inch SSD storage for fast access. It offers four 1GbE LAN ports and redundant power supplies. You get a sealed box with a sliding rail kit. This setup suits users needing reliable file storage, backup, or domain control services.
Pros
- Ryzen V1500B 4-core 2.2GHz CPU
- 32GB DDR4 ECC SODIMM memory
- 12TB SATA 2.5-inch SSD storage
- Redundant power supplies for protection
- Four 1GbE LAN ports with link aggregation
Cons
- Network ports limited to 1GbE speeds
- Requires manual installation of components
- Chassis ships in a sealed box
Good fit if
- You need redundant power for critical data
- You want pre-installed SSD storage for speed
- You require 32GB of ECC memory
Skip if
- You need 10GbE network connectivity
- You prefer a plug-and-play unboxed unit
- You require faster than 1GbE ports
Verdict: Synology RS2421RP+ 12TB SSD NAS provides a robust, pre-configured solution for users who prioritize ECC memory and redundant power in a 1U form factor. It is ideal for those who want to avoid the hassle of sourcing and installing individual drives and memory modules themselves.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Synology 1U 4-Bay Rackmount NAS with 32GB RAM | Synology DS723+ 2-Bay Ryzen NAS | Synology 1U 4-Bay Rackmount NAS with 48TB | Synology 4-Bay 1U RackStation with 48TB | Synology RackStation 12-Bay 216TB NAS | Synology RackStation 12-Bay 48TB NAS | Synology RackStation 12TB SSD NAS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drive Bays | 4-bay | 2-Bay | 4-bay | 4-bay | not stated | not stated | not stated |
| Network Connectivity | 4 x 1GbE | 2 x 1GbE | 4 x 1GbE | 2 x 1GbE | 4 x 1GbE | 4 x 1GbE | 4 x 1GbE |
| Processor | Ryzen R1500B | Ryzen R1600 2.6GHz | Ryzen R1500B 4-Core 2.2GHz | Ryzen R1600 | Ryzen V1500B | Ryzen V1500B | Ryzen V1500B |
| RAM Capacity | 32GB DDR4 ECC SODIMM | 32GB DDR4 ECC | 32GB DDR4 ECC UDIMM | 2GB DDR4 ECC UDIMM | 32GB DDR4 ECC SODIMM | 32GB DDR4 ECC SODIMM | 32GB DDR4 ECC SODIMM |
| M.2 NVMe Slots | not stated | 1TB M.2 NVMe SSD | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated |
| Included Storage | 8TB | 20TB HDD + 1TB SSD | 48TB | 48TB | 216TB | 48TB | 12TB |
| Hardware Interface | not stated | M.2 NVMe | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated |
| Size | 1.75 inches | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | 24U | not stated |
| Color | not stated | Black | Black | not stated | Black | not stated | Black |
| Model | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | RS2421RP+ | RS2421RP+ | RS2421RP+ |
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the Synology DS723+ as a rackmount alternative?
No, the DS723+ is a desktop unit, not a rackmount device. It features a 32GB RAM capacity and an AMD Ryzen processor for high-capacity desktop storage. While it shares the same core hardware as some rack models, its form factor is designed for office desks rather than server racks, making it unsuitable if you require 1U mounting.
Which option offers the most pre-installed storage capacity?
The Synology RS2421RP+ models provide the highest capacity, with configurations reaching up to 216TB. These units utilize ECC memory and redundant power supplies for data safety. They are designed for users who prioritize massive storage and reliability over compact size, making them ideal for branch offices needing immediate, high-volume data management solutions.
Do any alternatives include redundant power supplies?
Yes, the Synology RS2421RP+ series includes redundant power supplies. This model supports both 2U and 1U form factors depending on the specific configuration. It offers 32GB of RAM and an AMD Ryzen processor, ensuring robust performance. This redundancy is critical for small businesses that cannot afford downtime due to power failures in their storage infrastructure.
Is there a budget-friendly 1U rackmount option with lower RAM?
The Synology RS422+ serves as a budget-conscious 1U alternative with 2GB of RAM. It still provides 48TB of pre-installed storage and an AMD Ryzen processor. This unit is ideal if you need a compact rack solution without the cost of upgrading to 32GB RAM or adding faster network ports, focusing purely on storage density.
What processor do these Synology alternatives use?
All listed Synology alternatives utilize an AMD Ryzen processor. This includes the 1U rackmount units and the desktop DS723+. The Ryzen chip provides consistent performance across the lineup, supporting ECC memory and high-capacity storage operations. This uniformity ensures that you get reliable processing power regardless of whether you choose a compact 1U unit or a larger 2U chassis.
Which model is best for edge storage in branch offices?
The Synology RS822+ 1U 4-Bay NAS is best for edge storage. It comes pre-loaded with 32GB of RAM and SSDs for reliable daily data management. Its compact 1.75-inch size fits easily into branch office racks. This configuration offers a complete solution for small businesses needing robust, pre-configured storage without the hassle of sourcing individual components separately.
Can I get a rackmount NAS with pre-installed SSDs?
Yes, the Synology RS2421RP+ offers a configuration with 12TB of pre-installed SSDs. This 1U unit includes 32GB of ECC RAM and redundant power. It is designed for users who want to avoid the hassle of installing individual drives and memory modules. This pre-configured approach ensures immediate readiness for high-performance storage needs in a rack environment.