Looking Beyond the Synology 8-Bay Short-Depth Rackmount NAS? 6 Alternatives Worth a Look
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The Synology 8-Bay Short-Depth Rackmount NAS offers eight drive bays and 2,315 MB/s read throughput in a compact 298 mm chassis. If you are researching synology 8 bay rackstation rs1221 alternatives, you may want different specs or a different brand. This unit provides flexible PCIe networking options for shallow rack cabinets, but it lacks built-in 10GbE connectivity. Some users might prefer a device with more RAM or a different processor architecture for virtualization tasks. Others may need a larger capacity or a non-rackmount form factor for their desktop setup.
The alternatives listed here were chosen because their specifications overlap with the original Synology model. Each option maintains eight drive bays to match your storage density needs. However, they vary in network speed, processor cores, and physical dimensions. For instance, some models include dual 10GbE ports or Thunderbolt 4 connectivity for faster data transfer. Others offer higher RAM capacities or different chassis sizes to fit various workspace requirements. You can compare these technical details to find the hardware that best supports your specific workflow and infrastructure constraints.
How Each Alternative Compares
QNAP TS-673-4G 8-Bay NAS
The QNAP TS-673-4G keeps the eight-bay layout but swaps the rackmount chassis for a desktop form factor. You get a quad-core processor and expansion slots, which the Synology model also offers via PCIe. However, this unit relies on standard 1GbE connectivity rather than the Synology’s potential for 5x network performance upgrades through add-on cards. It is heavier at 12.3 pounds and measures 11 inches in depth. Choose this if you need local expansion slots but do not require 10GbE networking or a shallow rack profile.
Synology 12-Bay Quad-Core NAS
The Synology DS2422+ doubles your drive capacity to 12 bays while retaining the brand’s ecosystem. It uses a quad-core processor and includes 4GB of RAM, similar to the base RS1221+. The trade-off is physical size; this unit is significantly larger, measuring 18.5 inches in length and weighing 20.9 pounds. It lacks the short-depth design of the RS1221+, making it unsuitable for shallow rack cabinets. Pick this alternative if you prioritize raw storage expansion over compact form factors and immediate high-speed networking upgrades.
TERRAMASTER 8-Bay 2U Rackmount NAS
The TERRAMASTER U8-500 Plus is a 2U rackmount unit designed for heavy processing tasks. It features an Intel Core processor and 16GB of RAM, vastly outperforming the Synology’s 4GB RAM and unspecified CPU. It includes dual 10GbE ports for high-bandwidth workflows, whereas the Synology requires additional PCIe cards for similar speeds. This unit is deeper and heavier, measuring 15.1 inches long and weighing 30.9 pounds. It is ideal for virtualization or video editing where CPU power and RAM matter more than a compact 298 mm chassis.
UGREEN DXP8800 Ultra 8-Bay NAS
The UGREEN DXP8800 Ultra targets creative teams with Thunderbolt 4 connectivity and virtualization support. It offers eight drive bays but lacks the explicit rackmount design of the Synology RS1221+. The data highlights its focus on speed and local AI tools rather than legacy software stability. While the Synology provides a proven SHA cluster configuration for uptime, this unit emphasizes modern interface speeds. Choose this if you need Thunderbolt 4 for direct device connections and prefer a non-rackmount solution for studio environments.
Synology 8-Bay Rackmount NAS with PCIe
The Synology RS1226+ is a newer 8-bay rackmount model that improves on processing power and NVMe caching options. It shares the 4GB DDR4 RAM and black color scheme of the RS1221+. However, it is slightly taller at 9 inches compared to the RS1221+’s 8.5 inches. This model is built for users who prioritize speed and data reliability in a rackmount form factor. It maintains the short-depth advantage but offers enhanced caching capabilities. Select this if you want the same rack footprint but need better performance for demanding workloads.
Asustor Lockerstor 8-Bay Dual 10GbE NAS
The Asustor AS6508T provides eight bays with dual 10GbE networking built-in, eliminating the need for PCIe expansion cards. It features a quad-core processor and 8GB of RAM, doubling the Synology’s base memory. It includes M.2 NVMe slots for caching. This unit is a desktop NAS, measuring 9.06 inches in length, which is much shallower than the Synology’s rackmount depth. It is heavier at 13.7 pounds. Pick this if you want high network bandwidth and more RAM without managing expansion cards or rackmount constraints.
Quick picks
Our 7 picks
Synology 8-Bay Short-Depth Rackmount NAS
Best for: compact rackmount multi-user storage
- Drive Bays
- 8 Bay
- Included Storage
- Diskless
- RAM Capacity
- 4GB RAM
- Dimensions
- 23 × 16.5 × 8.5 inches
This rackmount enclosure gives you eight drive bays in a compact 298 mm short-depth chassis. It comes diskless with 4GB of RAM and reaches up to 2,315 MB/s read and 1,147 MB/s write speeds. A PCIe expansion slot lets you add SFP+ or RJ-45 networking. It suits you if you need dense, high-throughput rack storage for multi-user tasks inside a shallow equipment cabinet.
Pros
- Short-depth 298 mm chassis fits shallow racks
- Sequential speeds up to 2,315 MB/s read and 1,147 MB/s write
- PCIe slot supports add-in SFP+ or RJ-45 network cards
- Supports Synology High Availability cluster pairing
Cons
- Ships diskless without storage drives
- Comes with 4GB base memory
- Base unit lacks redundant power supplies
Good fit if
- You need eight drive bays in a shallow 298 mm rack depth.
- You require sequential throughput up to 2,315 MB/s for multi-user setups.
- You plan to expand network speeds via a PCIe card.
Skip if
- You need a system with storage drives included out of the box.
- You require redundant power supplies as a default standard feature.
Verdict: Synology RackStation 8-Bay Short-Depth NAS delivers eight drive bays and 2,315 MB/s read throughput in a 298 mm chassis. It gives you flexible PCIe networking options for shallow rack cabinets.
QNAP TS-673-4G 8-Bay NAS
Best for: Users needing expansion slots and eight bays
- Drive Bays
- 6 Bay
- Network Connectivity
- 4x GbE LAN
- RAM Capacity
- 4GB DDR4
- M.2 NVMe Slots
- 2 slots
- Number of Bays
- 8-Bay
- Processor Cores
- Quad-Core
The QNAP TS-673-4G is an 8-bay NAS featuring an AMD R-Series quad-core processor and 4GB of DDR4 RAM. It includes four 1GbE ports and two PCIe slots for 10GbE expansion. Dual M.2 slots support SSD caching. This unit suits users needing scalable storage for virtualization and containerized apps without requiring immediate 10GbE connectivity.
Pros
- Eight drive bays for high capacity
- Four 1GbE LAN ports included
- Two PCIe slots for expansion
- Dual M.2 slots for caching
Cons
- Limited to 4GB RAM
- No 10GbE ports built-in
- Only 1GbE network speed standard
Good fit if
- You need eight drive bays
- You plan to add 10GbE later
- You want PCIe expansion options
Skip if
- You need 10GbE ports now
- You require more than 4GB RAM
- You want a rackmount design
Verdict: QNAP TS-673-4G 8-Bay NAS with 1GbE fits users who want eight bays and expansion slots but do not need 10GbE connectivity today.
Synology 12-Bay Quad-Core NAS
Best for: high-capacity storage expansion
- Drive Bays
- 12-Bay
- Processor
- Quad Core
- RAM Capacity
- 4GB DDR4
- Included Storage
- Diskless
- Dimensions
- 18.5 × 17 × 16.5 inches
- Weight
- 20.9 pounds
The Synology DS2422+ offers twelve drive bays for high-capacity storage. It includes a quad-core processor and 4GB of DDR4 RAM. You get up to 2,201 MB/s read speeds. The unit supports expansion to 24 bays. It weighs 20.9 pounds and measures 18.5 inches long. This diskless model suits users needing significant local storage without pre-installed drives.
Pros
- 12 drive bays for large capacity
- Up to 2,201 MB/s read speed
- Expandable to 24 bays with DX1222
- Supports up to 32 GB RAM
Cons
- Only 4GB RAM included
- Diskless design requires separate drive purchase
- Heavier at 20.9 pounds
Good fit if
- You need more than 8 drive bays
- You want to expand storage later
- You prefer Synology ecosystem
Skip if
- You need pre-installed drives
- You have limited rack space
- You require more than 4GB RAM out of box
Verdict: Synology 12-Bay DS2422+ NAS provides ample space for growing data needs. It fits users who prioritize capacity and expansion over immediate performance upgrades.
TERRAMASTER 8-Bay 2U Rackmount NAS
Best for: High-performance virtualization and video editing
- Drive Bays
- 8-Bay
- Network Connectivity
- Dual 10GbE
- Processor
- Intel Core i7 1255U
- RAM Capacity
- 16GB DDR5
- M.2 NVMe Slots
- 2 slots
- Included Storage
- Diskless
The TERRAMASTER U8-500 Plus is an 8-bay rackmount NAS featuring an Intel Core i7 1255U processor and 16GB DDR5 RAM. It includes dual 10GbE ports and two M.2 NVMe slots for caching. This diskless unit supports RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, and 10. It suits users needing high throughput for video work or virtualization. The 2U form factor fits standard server racks.
Pros
- Intel Core i7 1255U with 10 cores
- 16GB DDR5 RAM capacity
- Dual 10GbE Ethernet ports
- Two M.2 NVMe slots for cache
Cons
- Heavier build at 30.9 pounds
- Larger 2U rack footprint
- Diskless configuration requires separate drives
Good fit if
- You need fast 10GbE network speeds
- You require high CPU power for virtualization
- You want DDR5 memory performance
Skip if
- You need a compact 1U rack size
- You want a pre-loaded storage solution
- You prefer a lighter weight device
Verdict: The TERRAMASTER U8-500 Plus 8-Bay NAS fits professionals needing raw processing power and dual 10GbE connectivity for heavy data tasks. It is ideal for users prioritizing CPU speed and RAM over a smaller physical footprint.
UGREEN DXP8800 Ultra 8-Bay NAS
Best for: Creative teams needing Thunderbolt 4 and VM support
- Drive Bays
- 8-Bay
- Network Connectivity
- Dual 10GbE
- Processor
- Intel 150U
- RAM Capacity
- 8GB DDR5
- M.2 NVMe Slots
- 2 slots
- Included Storage
- Diskless
This 8-bay NAS targets creative teams and businesses with high-speed connectivity. It features dual 10GbE ports and two Thunderbolt 4 interfaces for fast file transfers. The Intel 150U processor and 8GB of DDR5 RAM support virtual machines and Docker containers. You get up to 272TB of storage across eight SATA bays and two M.2 NVMe slots. It also includes local AI tools for photo management and surveillance.
Pros
- Dual 10GbE networking ports
- Two Thunderbolt 4 ports
- Intel 150U processor with up to 5.4GHz
- 8GB DDR5 memory expandable to 96GB
- Two M.2 NVMe slots
Cons
- Sold diskless; drives not included
- Only 8GB base RAM compared to 16GB in some competitors
- UGOS Pro ecosystem is newer than established alternatives
Good fit if
- You need Thunderbolt 4 connectivity for fast media workflows
- You plan to run virtual machines or containers
- You want local AI features for photo organization
Skip if
- You require a pre-loaded drive configuration
- You prefer a mature, long-established operating system
- You need more than 8 drive bays
Verdict: UGREEN DXP8800 Ultra 8-Bay NAS offers robust hardware for teams needing Thunderbolt 4 and virtualization. It fits studios prioritizing speed and local AI tools over legacy software stability.
Synology 8-Bay Rackmount NAS with PCIe
Best for: High-performance rackmount storage with NVMe caching
- Drive Bays
- 8-Bay
- Network Connectivity
- 2x 2.5GbE
- Processor
- AMD Ryzen V1500B
- RAM Capacity
- 4GB DDR4 ECC SODIMM
- M.2 NVMe Slots
- 2 slots
- Included Storage
- Diskless
The Synology RS1226+ is a 2U 8-bay rackmount NAS designed for high-performance environments. It features an AMD Ryzen V1500B 4-core CPU and 4 GB of DDR4 ECC memory. The system delivers over 2,300 MB/s sequential read speeds. It includes two M.2 NVMe slots for caching and dual 2.5GbE ports. This unit suits users needing scalable storage and robust processing power for heavy workloads.
Pros
- AMD Ryzen V1500B 4-core 2.2 GHz processor
- Over 2,300 MB/s sequential read throughput
- Two built-in M.2 NVMe slots for SSD caching
- Expandable RAM up to 32 GB with ECC support
Cons
- Only includes dual 2.5GbE ports without 10GbE base
- Pre-installed 4 GB RAM is lower than some competitors
- Requires separate purchase of expansion units for more bays
Good fit if
- You need high sequential read speeds for large files
- You want to use NVMe SSDs for caching
- You require ECC memory for data integrity
Skip if
- You already have 10GbE networking and need built-in ports
- You prefer a system with more than 8 drive bays
- You need more than 4 GB of RAM pre-installed
Verdict: Synology RS1226+ 8-Bay Rackmount NAS offers strong processing power and caching options for users who prioritize speed and data reliability in a rackmount form factor.
Asustor Lockerstor 8-Bay Dual 10GbE NAS
Best for: high-bandwidth desktop eight-bay storage
- Drive Bays
- 8-Bay
- Network Connectivity
- 2x 10GbE, 2x 2.5GbE
- Processor
- Intel Atom C3538
- RAM Capacity
- 8GB DDR4
- Hardware Interface
- M.2 NVMe
- Processor Cores
- Quad-Core
This eight-bay network storage enclosure features an Intel Atom C3538 quad-core processor and 8GB of DDR4 RAM. You get fast network transfer rates through two 10GbE ports and two 2.5GbE ports, supporting link aggregation. It houses eight 3.5-inch SATA hard drives and provides an M.2 NVMe hardware interface. This unit suits you if you need multi-gigabit connectivity in a standalone desktop chassis.
Pros
- Dual 10GbE ports supporting link aggregation up to 20Gbps
- Dual 2.5GbE ports supporting link aggregation up to 5Gbps
- Intel Atom C3538 quad-core 2.1GHz processor
- M.2 NVMe interface on board
Cons
- Desktop tower form factor instead of a rackmount build
- Memory speed rated at DDR4-2133
Good fit if
- You need high-speed 10GbE and 2.5GbE interfaces built into the unit.
- You plan to populate up to eight 3.5-inch SATA drive bays.
- You prefer a desktop tower over rack installation.
Skip if
- You require a rackmount chassis designed for a server cabinet.
- You only need two or four drive bays.
Verdict: Asustor Lockerstor 8-Bay 10GbE NAS provides eight drive bays, quad-core processing, and dual 10GbE networking without needing extra expansion cards. It delivers high network bandwidth for local data storage.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Synology 8-Bay Short-Depth Rackmount NAS | QNAP TS-673-4G 8-Bay NAS | Synology 12-Bay Quad-Core NAS | TERRAMASTER 8-Bay 2U Rackmount NAS | UGREEN DXP8800 Ultra 8-Bay NAS | Synology 8-Bay Rackmount NAS with PCIe | Asustor Lockerstor 8-Bay Dual 10GbE NAS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drive Bays | 8 Bay | 6 Bay | 12-Bay | 8-Bay | 8-Bay | 8-Bay | 8-Bay |
| Network Connectivity | not specified | 4x GbE LAN | not specified | Dual 10GbE | Dual 10GbE | 2x 2.5GbE | 2x 10GbE, 2x 2.5GbE |
| Processor | not specified | not specified | Quad Core | Intel Core i7 1255U | Intel 150U | AMD Ryzen V1500B | Intel Atom C3538 |
| RAM Capacity | not specified | 4GB DDR4 | 4GB DDR4 | 16GB DDR5 | 8GB DDR5 | 4GB DDR4 ECC SODIMM | 8GB DDR4 |
| M.2 NVMe Slots | not specified | 2 slots | not specified | 2 slots | 2 slots | 2 slots | not specified |
| Included Storage | Diskless | not specified | Diskless | Diskless | Diskless | Diskless | not specified |
| RAID Support | not specified | not specified | not specified | Single, RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10 | RAID 0/1/5/6/10 | not specified | not specified |
| Hardware Interface | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | M.2 NVMe |
| Number of Bays | 8-Bay | 8-Bay | 12-Bay | 8-Bay | 8-Bay | 8-Bay | 8-Bay |
| Processor Cores | not specified | Quad-Core | Quad-Core | not specified | not specified | not specified | Quad-Core |
| Dimensions | 23 × 16.5 × 8.5 inches | 11 × 10.4 × 7.41 inches | 18.5 × 17 × 16.5 inches | 15.1 × 17.3 × 3.46 inches | not specified | 23 × 17 × 9 inches | 9.06 × 11.5 × 8.5 inches |
| Weight | not specified | 12.3 pounds | 20.9 pounds | 30.9 pounds | not specified | not specified | 13.7 pounds |
| Size | RS1221+ | 4GB RAM | 12-bay; 4GB DDR4 | 8Bay, 2U, 10Core CPU, 16GB RAM | not specified | 8-bay; 4GB DDR4 | 8 Bay |
| Color | Black | Black | Black | Black | Grey | Black | Lockerstor |
| Model | RS1221+ | TS-673-4G-US | DS2422+ | U8-500 Plus | DXP8800 Ultra | RS1226+ | AS6508T |
If you require different hardware dimensions, you can compare midea 8 alternatives against your rack space specifications.
Frequently asked questions
Which 8-bay NAS offers the best value for budget-conscious users?
The TERRAMASTER U8-500 Plus is the best budget option. It features an Intel Core processor and 16GB of RAM. This hardware supports high-performance virtualization and video editing. It includes dual 10GbE connectivity for heavy data tasks. You get significant processing power without a small physical footprint.
Can I use an 8-bay NAS for virtual machines?
Yes, several models support virtualization. The UGREEN DXP8800 Ultra offers robust hardware for teams needing virtual machine support. It also provides Thunderbolt 4 connectivity for high-speed data transfer. The TERRAMASTER U8-500 Plus is another strong choice for professionals requiring raw processing power for virtualization workloads.
Which Synology model provides PCIe expansion slots?
The Synology RS1226+ is the recommended Synology alternative. It offers strong processing power and caching options. This unit supports NVMe caching for improved speed. It maintains a rackmount form factor suitable for high-performance storage needs. You get data reliability in a standard rack chassis.
Do I need 10GbE networking for an 8-bay NAS?
It depends on your bandwidth requirements. The Asustor Lockerstor AS6508T includes dual 10GbE networking without extra cards. It delivers high network bandwidth for local data storage. The TERRAMASTER U8-500 Plus also features dual 10GbE for heavy data tasks. Standard 1GbE models like the QNAP TS-673-4G may suffice for lighter use.
Is there an 8-bay NAS with Thunderbolt 4 connectivity?
The UGREEN DXP8800 Ultra includes Thunderbolt 4. It is designed for creative teams needing fast local connections. This unit supports virtualization and local AI tools. It prioritizes speed over legacy software stability. You get robust hardware for studios requiring high-speed data access.
Which NAS has the most drive bays for expansion?
The Synology DS2422+ offers 12 drive bays. It provides ample space for growing data needs. This model fits users who prioritize capacity over immediate performance upgrades. It features a quad-core processor and 4GB of RAM. You get significant storage expansion potential compared to standard 8-bay units.
Can I add NVMe drives for caching?
Yes, the Synology RS1226+ supports NVMe caching. It offers strong processing power alongside caching options. This feature improves speed for frequently accessed data. You get enhanced performance in a rackmount form factor. The Asustor AS6508T also includes M.2 NVMe hardware interfaces.