6 Best Alternatives to the Synology 4-Bay Intel Quad-Core NAS (2026)
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The Synology 4-Bay Intel Quad-Core NAS delivers balanced quad-core computing and dedicated NVMe caching. If you are looking for synology 4 bay NAS diskstation alternatives, you may need different specs or brands. This model provides an efficient platform for high-throughput networked storage with room to scale. It features 4 GB of DDR4 memory and an Intel quad-core processor with hardware encryption. These attributes support photo indexing and database response time improvements.
You might want a different option if you need 2.5GbE connectivity or HDMI output. Some users prefer AMD Ryzen processors or specific form factors. The alternatives listed here were chosen because their specs overlap with the original. Each product offers distinct advantages, such as multi-gigabit networking or quiet operation. You can compare the number of bays, RAM capacity, and processor types to find the best fit for your needs. This guide helps you navigate the available options without relying on price or personal testing experiences.
Comparing alternatives to Synology
Asustor Lockerstor 4-Bay Quad-Core NAS
The Asustor Lockerstor 4-Bay Quad-Core NAS offers 2.5GbE and 5GbE ports, whereas the Synology DS920+ relies on standard Gigabit Ethernet. This higher network speed benefits users who transfer large files frequently. Both units feature 4GB of RAM and four drive bays, but the Asustor is slightly heavier at 6.53 pounds. It lacks the Synology’s expandability via the DX517 enclosure. If you prioritize raw network throughput over ecosystem scalability, this Asustor model provides a faster connection for local transfers. It suits those who want premium connectivity without needing additional bay expansion.
Synology 4-Bay AMD Ryzen NAS
The Synology DS925+ replaces the Intel quad-core processor with an AMD Ryzen V1500B chip. It also upgrades to dual 2.5GbE ports, offering better multi-gigabit performance than the DS920+ single Gigabit port. Both maintain 4GB of RAM and four drive bays. The DS925+ is larger, measuring 11.4 inches in length compared to the DS920+ 8.78 inches. You get similar Synology software benefits but with improved networking. This model fits users who need faster internal transfers or multi-gigabit network support. It provides a modernized platform while keeping the familiar Synology interface and drive compatibility you already know.
TERRAMASTER 4-Bay Intel Quad-Core NAS
The TERRAMASTER F4-425 matches the Synology DS920+ with an Intel quad-core processor and 4GB of RAM in a four-bay chassis. However, it includes hardware 4K decoding and a quieter 21dB(A) operation profile. It also features 2.5GbE networking, surpassing the Synology’s Gigabit limit. The TERRAMASTER is lighter at 4.19 pounds and slightly narrower. It lacks the Synology’s extensive add-on ecosystem and expansion options. This unit is ideal for home media streaming and backups where quiet operation and video decoding matter more than enterprise features. It provides a capable x86 platform if you supply your own drives.
Synology 4-Bay 16TB NAS
The Synology DS925+ 16TB bundle includes four 4TB hard drives, unlike the diskless DS920+. It shares the same AMD Ryzen processor and dual 2.5GbE ports as the standalone DS925+. This bundle offers immediate storage capacity for small business backups or turnkey deployments. You get two M.2 slots for caching, similar to the DS920+. The total weight is 13.2 pounds due to the included drives. This option saves you the hassle of purchasing drives separately. It fits users who want a ready-to-use solution with multi-gigabit networking and reliable Synology software without initial configuration complexity.
LincPlus LincStation E1 4-Bay NAS
The LincPlus LincStation E1 includes direct HDMI output, a feature absent in the Synology DS920+. It retains 4GB of RAM and four drive bays while adding 2.5GbE and 5GbE ports. This HDMI capability allows direct connection to monitors or displays for home media centers. The unit is significantly lighter at 2 pounds, making it more compact for desktop use. It supports hybrid storage with SATA and M.2 NVMe interfaces. This NAS suits users who want a dedicated media hub with local video output. It offers modern networking speeds and direct display connectivity without relying solely on network streaming.
Asustor Lockerstor 4-Bay NAS with 12TB SSD
The Asustor Lockerstor 4-Bay NAS with HDMI provides dual 5GbE ports and four M.2 slots, exceeding the DS920+ networking and caching options. It includes direct HDMI output for monitor connection, which the Synology lacks. The chassis is larger and heavier at 11.9 pounds. It features an Intel quad-core processor and 4GB of RAM. This model fits users who need high-speed networking, extensive SSD caching, and direct video output. It is a solid choice for setups requiring monitor connectivity without network streaming. The integrated video interface and robust networking make it distinct from the standard Synology offering.
Quick picks
Our 7 picks
Synology 4-Bay Intel Quad-Core NAS
Best for: expandable quad-core storage with dedicated NVMe caching
- Drive Bays
- 4-Bay
- Processor
- Intel quad-core
- RAM Capacity
- 4GB DDR4
- Included Storage
- Diskless
- Dimensions
- 8.78 × 7.83 × 6.54 inches
- Weight
- 4.94 pounds
View on Amazon: Synology 4-Bay Intel Quad-Core NAS Affiliate link
The Synology 4-Bay Intel Quad-Core NAS is a desktop network storage enclosure designed for multi-drive setups. You get four main drive bays, an Intel quad-core processor with AES-NI encryption, and 4 GB of DDR4 memory expandable to 8 GB. It includes two dedicated M.2 2280 NVMe slots for SSD caching. This unit suits you if you need reliable storage expansion up to nine drives without consuming drive bays for cache.
Pros
- Two M.2 2280 NVMe SSD slots for caching without using drive bays
- Intel quad-core processor with AES-NI hardware encryption engine
- 4 GB DDR4 memory expandable up to 8 GB
- Supports expansion up to nine drives using a DX517 unit
- Sequential throughput over 225 MB/s for reads and writes
Cons
- Ships diskless with no storage drives included
- Maximum memory expansion is limited to 8 GB
- Includes only two default surveillance camera licenses
Good fit if
- You need dedicated NVMe cache slots without sacrificing storage drive bays.
- You plan to scale capacity from four drives up to nine drives over time.
- You require hardware encryption acceleration for file transfers.
Skip if
- You need more than 8 GB of system memory for demanding applications.
- You want an enclosure that arrives with pre-installed hard drives.
Verdict: Synology 4-Bay Intel Quad-Core NAS delivers balanced quad-core computing, dedicated NVMe caching, and solid bay expandability. It provides an efficient platform if you want high-throughput networked storage with room to scale.
Asustor Lockerstor 4-Bay Quad-Core NAS
Best for: Users needing 2.5GbE connectivity
- Drive Bays
- 4-Bay
- Network Connectivity
- 2x 2.5GbE
- Processor
- Quad-Core 2.0GHz
- RAM Capacity
- 4GB DDR4
- M.2 NVMe Slots
- 2 slots
- Included Storage
- Diskless
View on Amazon: Asustor Lockerstor 4-Bay Quad-Core NAS Affiliate link
The Asustor Lockerstor 4 AS6604T is a 4-bay NAS drive with a quad-core 2.0GHz processor and 4GB of DDR4 RAM. It features two 2.5GbE ports and two M.2 NVMe slots for cache expansion. This diskless unit suits users needing fast local network speeds and flexible storage tiers. You get robust backup and sync apps included. It is a solid choice for home offices or small businesses.
Pros
- Dual 2.5GbE network ports for faster throughput
- Two M.2 NVMe slots for SSD caching
- Quad-core 2.0GHz CPU handles virtualization
- Includes four free IP camera licenses
Cons
- Only 4GB of RAM limits heavy multitasking
- No included hard drives require separate purchase
- Heavier build at 6.53 pounds
Good fit if
- You need 2.5GbE network speeds
- You want to add NVMe cache
- You plan to use IP cameras
Skip if
- You need pre-installed hard drives
- You require more than 4GB RAM
- You prefer a lighter device
Verdict: Asustor Lockerstor 4 2.5GbE NAS fits users who prioritize network speed and SSD caching over included storage capacity.
Synology 4-Bay AMD Ryzen NAS
Best for: multi-gigabit Synology networks needing scalable bay capacity
- 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
- Weight
- 4.98 pounds
View on Amazon: Synology 4-Bay AMD Ryzen NAS Affiliate link
The Synology DiskStation 4-Bay Ryzen NAS runs on an AMD Ryzen V1500B processor with 4GB of RAM and four primary drive bays. It features dual 2.5GbE ports for higher network throughput and expands up to nine bays using the DX525 expansion unit for up to 180 TB of total capacity. This setup suits you if you need multi-gigabit speeds and official Synology drive ecosystems for data protection and virtualization tasks.
Pros
- Dual 2.5GbE network ports for redundancy and faster transfers
- Expandable up to 9 bays and 180 TB with the DX525 expansion unit
- Sequential throughput speeds up to 522 MB/s read and 565 MB/s write
- Built-in software for virtualization, data protection, and surveillance
Cons
- Compatible only with Synology branded drives
- Requires the separate DX525 unit to reach 9-bay capacity
Good fit if
- You require dual 2.5GbE network ports for higher bandwidth.
- You plan to use Synology branded drives exclusively.
- You want expansion potential up to nine bays and 180 TB.
Skip if
- You plan to install third-party storage drives.
- You specifically require an Intel quad-core processor.
Verdict: Synology DiskStation 4-Bay Ryzen NAS provides reliable multi-gigabit transfers via dual 2.5GbE ports and an AMD Ryzen V1500B processor. It fits workloads needing scalable bay capacity, provided you deploy Synology branded drives.
TERRAMASTER 4-Bay Intel Quad-Core NAS
Best for: quiet home media streaming and backups
- Drive Bays
- 4-Bay
- Network Connectivity
- 2.5GbE
- Processor
- Intel x86 quad-core
- RAM Capacity
- 4GB
- Included Storage
- Diskless
- RAID Support
- TRAID, TRAID+
View on Amazon: TERRAMASTER 4-Bay Intel Quad-Core NAS Affiliate link
This diskless 4-bay enclosure runs on an Intel x86 quad-core processor paired with 4GB of RAM and a 2.5GbE network port. You get support for up to 120TB across four drive bays, hardware-level 4K H.265 decoding, and mobile setup via the TNAS app. It suits you if you need a multi-drive media and backup server capable of streaming through Plex, Emby, or Jellyfin.
Pros
- Intel x86 quad-core processor with 4K H.265 hardware decoding
- 2.5GbE network port for high-speed local data access
- Supports up to 120TB of raw capacity across four bays
- Low 21dB(A) operating noise level with tool-free drive trays
Cons
- Comes diskless with no pre-installed hard drives
- Features a single 2.5GbE network port rather than dual LAN ports
Good fit if
- You need 4K H.265 multimedia transcoding for Plex, Emby, or Jellyfin.
- You want up to 120TB of storage capacity using TRAID or TRAID+ arrays.
- You plan to set up and manage your system via a mobile app without a PC.
Skip if
- You require dual LAN ports for link aggregation or network failover.
- You want a turnkey NAS that includes pre-installed storage drives.
Verdict: TERRAMASTER 4-Bay Intel Quad-Core NAS delivers hardware 4K decoding, 2.5GbE networking, and up to 120TB of capacity in a quiet 21dB(A) chassis. It provides a capable x86 media and file storage platform if you supply your own drives.
Synology 4-Bay 16TB NAS
Best for: turnkey small-business storage and backup deployments
- 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
- Included Storage
- 16TB
View on Amazon: Synology 4-Bay 16TB NAS Affiliate link
This bundle provides a four-bay NAS populated with 16TB of storage across four 4TB drives. You get an AMD Ryzen V1500B quad-core processor paired with 4GB of DDR4 ECC memory, upgradable to 32GB. Dual 2.5 GbE ports supply high-speed networking, while two M.2 NVMe slots handle caching or storage pools. It suits you if you need a turnkey setup for data storage, backup, or virtualization.
Pros
- Comes pre-populated with 16TB of storage across four 4TB drives
- Dual 2.5 GbE LAN ports for high-speed network connectivity
- Two M.2 NVMe slots for SSD cache or storage pools
- AMD Ryzen V1500B quad-core CPU with ECC memory support up to 32GB
- Scales up to nine drives using a DX525 expansion unit
Cons
- All four drive bays are occupied out of the box
- Ships with 4GB of base memory before user upgrades
- External connectivity is limited to two USB 3.2 Gen1 ports
Good fit if
- You want a complete storage setup with drives included out of the box.
- You need dual 2.5 GbE networking for faster data transfers.
- You plan to scale storage up to nine bays using an expansion unit.
Skip if
- You prefer a diskless enclosure so you can select your own drive sizes.
- You require more than 4GB of pre-installed system memory immediately.
Verdict: Synology 4-Bay 16TB NAS Bundle delivers complete multi-gigabit network storage right out of the box with four included 4TB hard drives. Its Ryzen quad-core processor, dual M.2 slots, and expansion support make it a capable platform for business backups.
LincPlus LincStation E1 4-Bay NAS
Best for: Home media centers with hybrid storage needs
- Drive Bays
- 4-Bay
- Network Connectivity
- 2.5GbE
- Processor
- Quad-Core Cortex-A55
- RAM Capacity
- 4GB DDR4
- M.2 NVMe Slots
- 2 slots
- Included Storage
- Diskless
View on Amazon: LincPlus LincStation E1 4-Bay NAS Affiliate link
The LincStation E1 is a 4-bay NAS featuring a quad-core 2.0GHz processor and 4GB DDR4 RAM. It offers a unique hybrid storage layout with two SATA bays and two M.2 NVMe slots. A 2.5GbE port ensures fast network transfers, while an HDMI 2.0 output allows direct 4K media playback. This device suits users who want local storage with built-in media center capabilities.
Pros
- Quad-core 2.0GHz processor with 4GB DDR4 RAM
- Hybrid 4-bay design with 2x SATA and 2x M.2 NVMe slots
- 2.5GbE network port for high-speed connectivity
- HDMI 2.0 port for direct 4K video output
Cons
- Only one 2.5GbE port instead of multiple high-speed connections
- No mention of dual-Gigabit Ethernet for link aggregation
- Proprietary LincOS may lack the app ecosystem of major brands
Good fit if
- You want to connect your NAS directly to a TV for 4K streaming
- You need fast NVMe caching alongside high-capacity SATA drives
- You prefer a tool-free drive installation process
Skip if
- You require multiple 2.5GbE or 10GbE ports for heavy network traffic
- You rely on a mature, widely supported operating system
- You need extensive third-party application support
Verdict: The LincPlus LincStation E1 4-Bay NAS fits users who want a dedicated home media hub with direct HDMI output and hybrid storage options.
Asustor Lockerstor 4-Bay NAS with 12TB SSD
Best for: direct HDMI output and multi-gigabit networking
- Drive Bays
- 4 Bay
- Network Connectivity
- Dual 5GbE
- Processor
- Intel Celeron N5105
- RAM Capacity
- 4GB DDR4
- M.2 NVMe Slots
- 4 slots
- Included Storage
- 3 x 4TB SSD
View on Amazon: Asustor Lockerstor 4-Bay NAS with 12TB SSD Affiliate link
The Asustor Lockerstor provides a 4-bay storage chassis powered by an Intel Celeron N5105 quad-core processor and 4 GB of DDR4 RAM. It includes an HDMI port for direct display output, dual 5-Gigabit Ethernet ports for fast wired networking, and four M.2 NVMe slots. This unit includes three 4TB SSDs in the bundle. It suits you if you want direct monitor connectivity with multi-gigabit transfer rates.
Pros
- Built-in HDMI interface for direct display output
- Dual 5-Gigabit Ethernet ports
- Four M.2 NVMe SSD slots
- Includes three 4TB SSDs
Cons
- Comes with 4 GB of RAM installed
- Included SSDs occupy three of the four drive bays
Good fit if
- You want direct video output via an HDMI connection.
- You need dual 5GbE networking out of the box.
- You plan to use up to four M.2 NVMe SSDs.
Skip if
- You prefer a diskless NAS to install your own hard drives.
- You require more than 4 GB of system RAM out of the box.
Verdict: Asustor Lockerstor 4-Bay NAS with HDMI delivers integrated video connectivity, dual 5GbE networking, and four M.2 slots for high-speed storage setups. It is a solid Intel quad-core option if you want monitor output without relying solely on network streaming.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Synology 4-Bay Intel Quad-Core NAS | Asustor Lockerstor 4-Bay Quad-Core NAS | Synology 4-Bay AMD Ryzen NAS | TERRAMASTER 4-Bay Intel Quad-Core NAS | Synology 4-Bay 16TB NAS | LincPlus LincStation E1 4-Bay NAS | Asustor Lockerstor 4-Bay NAS with 12TB SSD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drive Bays | 4-Bay | 4-Bay | 4-Bay (up to 9-Bay) | 4-Bay | 4-Bay | 4-Bay | 4 Bay |
| Network Connectivity | not stated | 2x 2.5GbE | 2x 2.5GbE | 2.5GbE | 2x 2.5GbE | 2.5GbE | Dual 5GbE |
| Processor | Intel quad-core | Quad-Core 2.0GHz | AMD Ryzen V1500B | Intel x86 quad-core | AMD Ryzen V1500B Quad-Core | Quad-Core Cortex-A55 | Intel Celeron N5105 |
| RAM Capacity | 4GB DDR4 | 4GB DDR4 | 4GB | 4GB | 4 GB DDR4 ECC | 4GB DDR4 | 4GB DDR4 |
| M.2 NVMe Slots | not stated | 2 slots | not stated | not stated | 2 slots | 2 slots | 4 slots |
| Included Storage | Diskless | Diskless | not stated | Diskless | 16TB | Diskless | 3 x 4TB SSD |
| RAID Support | not stated | not stated | not stated | TRAID, TRAID+ | not stated | not stated | not stated |
| Hardware Interface | not stated | M.2 NVMe | not stated | not stated | not stated | SATA, M.2 NVMe, HDMI | M.2 NVMe, HDMI |
| Number of Bays | 4-Bay | 4-Bay | 4-Bay | 4-Bay | 4-Bay | 4-Bay | 4-Bay |
| Processor Cores | not stated | Quad-Core | not stated | Quad-Core | not stated | Quad-Core | Quad-Core |
| Intended Use | not stated | not stated | not stated | Home Users | not stated | not stated | not stated |
| Dimensions | 8.78 × 7.83 × 6.54 inches | 9.06 × 6.69 × 7.3 inches | 11.4 × 10.2 × 9.45 inches | 8.74 × 7.05 × 6.06 inches | not stated | not stated | 10 × 12 × 13 inches |
| Weight | 4.94 pounds | 6.53 pounds | 4.98 pounds | 4.19 pounds | 13.2 pounds | 2 pounds | 11.9 pounds |
| Size | DS920+ | 4 Bay | 29 cm x 26 cm x 25 cm | 4Bay, F4-425 | 16TB | not stated | 3X4TB |
| Color | Black | AS6604T | black | Black | not stated | not stated | not stated |
| Model | DS920+ | AS6604T | DS925+ | F4-425 | DS925+/8TB-IW | not stated | not stated |
When you need 40Gbps NVMe transfer speeds over network storage, evaluate acasis 40gbps 4 bay hard drive alternatives.
Frequently asked questions
Which NAS offers the fastest network connectivity for large file transfers?
The Asustor Lockerstor 4-Bay Quad-Core NAS provides 5GbE and 2.5GbE ports. This dual multi-gigabit setup supports higher throughput than standard Gigabit connections. It is ideal if you frequently move large media files or need rapid backup speeds across your local network.
Can I connect a monitor directly to a NAS for media playback?
Yes, the LincPlus LincStation E1 and the Asustor Lockerstor 4-Bay NAS with 12TB SSD both include HDMI ports. This feature allows direct video output to a display. You can stream content locally without relying solely on network streaming apps or devices.
Which model is best for quiet home media streaming?
The TERRAMASTER 4-Bay Intel Quad-Core NAS operates at a quiet 21dB(A). It also features hardware 4K decoding for smooth video playback. This combination makes it a suitable choice for home entertainment centers where low noise and high-quality media handling are priorities.
Are there options with pre-installed storage drives included?
The Synology 4-Bay 16TB NAS Bundle comes with four 4TB hard drives installed. This turnkey solution removes the need to purchase drives separately. It provides immediate storage capacity and is designed for small-business deployments or users who want a ready-to-use system.
Which NAS supports the highest internal storage capacity?
The TERRAMASTER 4-Bay Intel Quad-Core NAS supports up to 120TB of total capacity. This high limit allows you to install large-capacity drives in all four bays. It is a strong option if you need extensive space for archives or bulk media libraries.
Which alternative uses an AMD Ryzen processor?
The Synology 4-Bay AMD Ryzen NAS and the Synology 4-Bay 16TB NAS Bundle both utilize AMD Ryzen processors. These units offer multi-gigabit networking via dual 2.5GbE ports. They are suitable for workloads requiring scalable bay capacity and efficient data processing.
Does any model provide multiple M.2 NVMe slots for caching?
The Synology 4-Bay 16TB NAS Bundle includes dual M.2 slots. This allows you to install two NVMe drives for caching or fast storage tiers. The Asustor Lockerstor 4-Bay Quad-Core NAS also features M.2 NVMe support for SSD caching to boost performance.