Synology 8-Bay Redundant Power RackStation Alternatives: 6 Similar Picks Compared
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You might be looking for synology 8 bay rackstation rs1221rp alternatives if you need similar storage capacity but different form factors or networking speeds. The original RS1221RP+ delivers up to 2,315 MB/s read performance and supports high-availability clustering in a compact 399 mm chassis. It is designed for multi-user environments and shallow rackmount deployments. However, you may want a different option if you prefer desktop placement, higher base RAM, or specific processor architectures. This list includes 6 similar picks compared to help you find the right fit.
We selected these alternatives because their specifications overlap with the original unit’s core capabilities. Each product offers eight drive bays, ensuring you maintain the same storage scalability. You will find options with varying RAM capacities, from 4GB to 16GB, and different network interfaces like 5GbE or 10GbE. Some models focus on redundant power supplies, while others prioritize expandable memory or compact desktop designs. By comparing these specs, you can choose a device that matches your exact infrastructure needs without compromising on essential storage features.
Our top pick: Synology 8-Bay Redundant Power RackStation.
How each alternative compares
QNAP TS-673-4G 8-Bay NAS
The QNAP TS-673-4G offers eight bays in a desktop chassis rather than a rackmount form. It uses a quad-core processor and includes 4GB of RAM, matching the original’s memory capacity. However, it relies on standard 1GbE connectivity instead of the PCIe expansion slots found in the RS1221RP+. This makes it less suitable for high-speed network upgrades. You get a more compact footprint for office desks but lose the ability to create a high-availability cluster. Choose this if you need expandable storage without the need for rack installation or redundant power supplies.
Synology 8-Bay Expandable NAS
This Synology desktop NAS provides eight bays with 8GB of RAM, doubling the memory of the original RS1221RP+. It supports clustering for high availability, similar to the rackmount model. The key difference is the form factor; it sits on a desk rather than mounting in a rack. Dimensions are larger in height and depth. You gain more memory for multitasking but sacrifice the space-saving 1U rack profile. This option fits users who want Synology’s high-availability features and desktop convenience without the constraints of a server room rack.
QNAP 8-Bay Short-Depth Rackmount NAS
The QNAP TS-855eU is an 8-core rackmount unit with 8GB of RAM and redundant power, closely mirroring the original’s enterprise focus. It features 5GbE and 2.5GbE ports, offering faster base networking than the original’s standard connectivity. The chassis is slightly deeper at 23 inches. You gain significant processing power and higher-speed network options. However, it lacks the specific short-depth profile of the RS1221RP+. Pick this if you prioritize raw processing cores and modern network speeds over the specific compact dimensions of the Synology model.
Synology 4-Bay 16TB NAS
This Synology model is a 4-bay desktop NAS with pre-installed 16TB of storage. It features dual 2.5GbE ports and M.2 NVMe expansion slots. It lacks the eight-bay capacity and redundant power of the original. The AMD Ryzen processor provides strong performance for smaller deployments. You trade eight drive bays for immediate storage readiness and modern networking. This is ideal if you do not need rackmount hardware or redundant power supplies and prefer a turnkey solution with pre-populated drives for desktop use.
Asustor Lockerstor 8-Bay 10GbE NAS
The Asustor Lockerstor 8 Gen3 offers 16GB of RAM and 10GbE connectivity, significantly exceeding the original’s specifications. It features an AMD Ryzen quad-core processor and M.2 NVMe support. The form factor is a desktop unit, not a rackmount chassis. You gain double the RAM and much faster network potential. However, you lose the rackmount design and redundant power supply. This choice suits power users who prioritize maximum memory and 10GbE networking speed over the compact, rack-optimized design of the RS1221RP+.
QNAP 8-Bay Rackmount NAS
This QNAP 8-bay rackmount NAS uses an AMD Ryzen V1500B processor and offers dual 2.5GbE ports. It lacks redundant power, relying on a single power supply unlike the original. It includes PCIe expansion slots for future upgrades. The 8-bay capacity matches the original. You gain a modern processor and dual 2.5GbE ports. You give up redundant power and the specific Synology clustering features. This fits users who need PCIe expansion and strong processing power but do not strictly require redundant power supplies for their setup.
Quick picks
Our 7 picks
Synology 8-Bay Redundant Power RackStation
Best for: shallow rackmount deployments needing high availability
- Drive Bays
- 8 bay
- Included Storage
- Diskless
- RAM Capacity
- 4GB RAM
- Dimensions
- 22.5 × 20.8 × 8.5 inches
View on Amazon: Synology 8-Bay Redundant Power RackStation Affiliate link
This rackmount NAS gives you eight drive bays and a 399 mm chassis depth suited for shallow server racks. You get 4GB of DDR4 memory, sequential speeds reaching up to 2,315 MB/s read and 1,147 MB/s write, and support for Synology High Availability clusters. A built-in PCIe slot allows adding compatible SFP+ or RJ-45 network cards. It suits multi-user business environments that require dense storage inside constrained rack enclosures.
Pros
- Short 399 mm chassis depth fits shallow rack cabinets
- Delivers up to 2,315 MB/s read and 1,147 MB/s write throughput
- PCIe expansion slot supports compatible SFP+ or RJ-45 network cards
- Supports Synology High Availability clustering for minute-level failover
Cons
- Ships diskless without pre-installed storage drives
- Base configuration includes only 4GB DDR4 memory
- High-speed network cards require a separate PCIe add-in purchase
Good fit if
- You need an eight-bay rackmount enclosure that fits shallow 399 mm depth racks.
- You plan to pair two units in a Synology High Availability cluster for service uptime.
- You want to upgrade network bandwidth via an add-in PCIe SFP+ or RJ-45 adapter.
Skip if
- You want a turnkey NAS that arrives with hard drives pre-installed.
- You require more than 4GB of base memory straight out of the box.
Verdict: Synology 8-Bay Redundant Power RackStation delivers eight storage bays and high throughput within a space-saving 399 mm chassis. Its PCIe expansion and high-availability clustering make it a practical fit for compact enterprise racks.
QNAP TS-673-4G 8-Bay NAS
Best for: Users needing expandable 8-bay storage
- 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
View on Amazon: QNAP TS-673-4G 8-Bay NAS Affiliate link
The QNAP TS-673-4G is an 8-bay NAS built for reliability and expansion. It uses an AMD R-Series quad-core processor running at 2.1 GHz and includes 4 GB of DDR4 RAM. You get four 1GbE LAN ports and two PCIe slots for adding 10GbE or graphics cards. Dual M.2 slots support SSD caching. This unit suits users who need scalable storage with room for network upgrades.
Pros
- Eight drive bays for large storage pools
- AMD R-Series quad-core 2.1 GHz processor
- Two PCIe slots for 10GbE or GPU expansion
- Dual M.2 slots for SSD caching
- Four 1GbE LAN ports
Cons
- Base model includes only 4 GB of RAM
- Network ports are limited to 1GbE speeds
- No mention of included hard drives
Good fit if
- You need an 8-bay chassis for bulk storage
- You plan to add 10GbE connectivity later
- You want to use SSDs for caching
Skip if
- You require 10GbE ports built-in
- You need more than 4 GB of RAM pre-installed
- You want a diskless unit without drive bays
Verdict: QNAP 8-Bay NAS AMD Quad-Core offers solid expandability for users who can upgrade their network speed later. It is a practical base for growing storage needs.
Synology 8-Bay Expandable NAS
Best for: desktop deployments needing expandable 8-bay capacity
- Drive Bays
- 8-Bay
- Included Storage
- Diskless
- RAM Capacity
- 8GB RAM
- Dimensions
- 14.6 × 18.1 × 12.6 inches
- Weight
- 16.5 pounds
View on Amazon: Synology 8-Bay Expandable NAS Affiliate link
This 8-bay desktop NAS offers a standalone alternative if you do not use server racks. You get eight hot-swappable drive bays, 8GB of DDR4 memory, and clustering support via Synology High Availability. You can expand capacity up to 18 bays using two DX517 expansion units. It suits you if you need high-capacity data storage and license-free backup tools on a standard desk or shelf.
Pros
- 8-bay capacity expandable to 18 bays with 2 DX517 units
- 8GB DDR4 memory included
- Supports hot-swappable drives and online volume expansion
- Synology High Availability clustering support
Cons
- Tower form factor lacks rackmount chassis
- No redundant power supply listed
- Drives not included
Good fit if
- You need an 8-bay desktop chassis rather than a rackmount server.
- You want 8GB of DDR4 memory with expansion up to 18 drive bays.
- You plan to use Synology High Availability clustering with hot-swappable storage.
Skip if
- You require built-in redundant power supplies for hardware failover.
- You need a standard 19-inch rackmount form factor.
Verdict: Synology 8-Bay Desktop NAS with 8GB RAM delivers eight expandable bays and clustering capabilities for desktop deployments. It provides high scalability without requiring a dedicated server rack.
QNAP 8-Bay Short-Depth Rackmount NAS
Best for: Rackmount setups needing redundant power
- Drive Bays
- 8 Bay
- Network Connectivity
- Dual 2.5GbE
- Processor
- Intel Atom C5125
- RAM Capacity
- 8GB SODIMM DDR4
- M.2 NVMe Slots
- Dual M.2 PCIe Gen 3 x4 NVMe SSD slots
- Included Storage
- Diskless
View on Amazon: QNAP 8-Bay Short-Depth Rackmount NAS Affiliate link
The QNAP TS-855eU is an 8-bay rackmount NAS designed for high-density storage. It features an Intel Atom C5125 8-core processor and 8GB of DDR4 RAM. Dual 2.5GbE ports handle network traffic, while two M.2 NVMe slots offer cache or storage expansion. This diskless unit suits users needing redundant power and expandable PCIe slots for specialized network cards in a 2U form factor.
Pros
- Intel Atom C5125 8-core processor
- Dual 2.5GbE network ports
- Dual M.2 NVMe SSD slots
- Expandable PCIe Gen 3 x4 slots
Cons
- Only 8GB base RAM
- Short depth requires specific rack clearance
- No included hard drives
Good fit if
- You need redundant power for critical data
- You want to add specialized network cards
- You require NVMe cache acceleration
Skip if
- You need 10GbE connectivity out of the box
- You prefer a desktop form factor
- You want pre-installed storage drives
Verdict: QNAP TS-855eU 8-Bay Rackmount NAS provides robust expansion options for IT professionals managing 2U rack space. It fits users who prioritize redundant power and modular network upgrades over high-speed base networking.
Synology 4-Bay 16TB NAS
Best for: turnkey multi-gigabit storage with pre-installed drives
- 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
You get a turnkey desktop setup with the Synology DS925+ 4-Bay 16TB NAS. This bundle includes four 4TB Seagate IronWolf hard drives, an AMD Ryzen V1500B quad-core processor, and dual 2.5 GbE network ports. It also features two M.2 NVMe slots for cache or storage pools. If you want ready-to-use storage with modern multi-gigabit speeds instead of an unpopulated rackmount chassis, this system delivers balanced business capability right out of the box.
Pros
- Includes four 4TB Seagate IronWolf hard drives for 16TB total storage
- Dual 2.5 GbE network ports for multi-gigabit connectivity
- AMD Ryzen V1500B quad-core processor with 4GB DDR4 ECC memory
- Two M.2 NVMe slots for solid-state cache or storage pools
- Supports expansion up to nine drives using a DX525 unit
Cons
- Provides four native drive bays rather than eight
- Lacks redundant power supply support
- Comes with 4GB RAM installed out of 32GB supported capacity
Good fit if
- You want pre-installed drives ready for use immediately.
- You need dual 2.5 GbE networking without buying add-in cards.
- You prefer a compact four-bay unit expandable to nine drives.
Skip if
- You require a rackmount chassis with redundant power supplies.
- You need eight internal drive bays in a single chassis.
Verdict: Synology DS925+ 4-Bay 16TB NAS gives you turnkey pre-populated storage paired with modern dual 2.5 GbE networking and M.2 NVMe expansion. It serves as a capable alternative when you do not need rackmount hardware or redundant power supplies.
Asustor Lockerstor 8-Bay 10GbE NAS
Best for: Users needing 16GB RAM and 10GbE
- Drive Bays
- 8-Bay
- Network Connectivity
- Dual 5GbE, Dual 10GbE
- Processor
- AMD Ryzen Quad-Core 2.3 GHz
- RAM Capacity
- 16GB ECC DDR5
- M.2 NVMe Slots
- 4 slots
- Included Storage
- Diskless
View on Amazon: Asustor Lockerstor 8-Bay 10GbE NAS Affiliate link
The Asustor Lockerstor 8 Gen3 is an 8-bay NAS built for high performance. It features a 2.3 GHz AMD Ryzen Quad-Core processor and 16GB ECC DDR5 RAM. You get four M.2 NVMe slots and dual 5GbE plus dual 10GbE ports. This unit suits users who need significant memory and fast network connectivity for demanding tasks.
Pros
- 16GB ECC DDR5 RAM capacity
- Dual 5GbE and dual 10GbE network ports
- Four M.2 NVMe slots for SSD caching
- AMD Ryzen Quad-Core 2.3 GHz processor
Cons
- Larger physical footprint than standard desktop NAS units
- Diskless design requires separate drive purchase
- No mention of included software or app support
Good fit if
- You need 16GB of RAM for heavy virtualization
- You require 10GbE network speeds for your LAN
- You want to use NVMe SSDs for caching
Skip if
- You prefer a pre-loaded storage solution
- You have limited rack or desk space
- You only need basic 1GbE connectivity
Verdict: Asustor Lockerstor 8 Gen3 16GB RAM NAS provides robust memory and networking for power users. It fits those prioritizing RAM and speed over compact size.
QNAP 8-Bay Rackmount NAS
Best for: Users needing PCIe expansion and dual 2.5GbE
- Drive Bays
- 8-Bay
- Network Connectivity
- 2x 2.5GbE
- Processor
- AMD Ryzen Embedded V1500B
- RAM Capacity
- 4GB DDR4
- Included Storage
- Diskless
- Form Factor
- Rackmount
View on Amazon: QNAP 8-Bay Rackmount NAS Affiliate link
This 8-bay rackmount NAS uses an AMD Ryzen Embedded V1500B quad-core processor running at 2.2 GHz. It includes 4 GB of DDR4 RAM, expandable up to 64 GB. Dual 2.5GbE ports help accelerate file sharing and large transfers. The chassis supports PCIe Gen 3x8 slots for additional cards. It also features multiple USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports for fast external connectivity.
Pros
- AMD Ryzen Embedded V1500B 4-core processor
- Dual 2.5GbE network ports
- Expandable RAM up to 64 GB
- PCIe Gen 3x8 expansion slots
- Multiple USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports
Cons
- Single power supply instead of redundant units
- Base RAM is only 4 GB
- No mention of redundant power in standard configuration
Good fit if
- You need an 8-bay rackmount chassis
- You want PCIe expansion for network cards
- You prefer AMD Ryzen processors in NAS devices
Skip if
- You require redundant power supplies
- You need more than 4 GB RAM pre-installed
- You are looking for a single-bay unit
Verdict: QNAP 8-Bay Rackmount NAS with AMD Ryzen V1500B offers strong expandability and processing power for users who need PCIe slots and dual 2.5GbE ports. It suits those who can upgrade RAM later and do not strictly require redundant power.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Synology 8-Bay Redundant Power RackStation | QNAP TS-673-4G 8-Bay NAS | Synology 8-Bay Expandable NAS | QNAP 8-Bay Short-Depth Rackmount NAS | Synology 4-Bay 16TB NAS | Asustor Lockerstor 8-Bay 10GbE NAS | QNAP 8-Bay Rackmount NAS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drive Bays | 8 bay | 6 Bay | 8-Bay | 8 Bay | 4-Bay | 8-Bay | 8-Bay |
| Network Connectivity | not stated | 4x GbE LAN | not stated | Dual 2.5GbE | 2x 2.5GbE | Dual 5GbE, Dual 10GbE | 2x 2.5GbE |
| Processor | not stated | not stated | not stated | Intel Atom C5125 | AMD Ryzen V1500B Quad-Core | AMD Ryzen Quad-Core 2.3 GHz | AMD Ryzen Embedded V1500B |
| RAM Capacity | not stated | 4GB DDR4 | not stated | 8GB SODIMM DDR4 | 4 GB DDR4 ECC | 16GB ECC DDR5 | 4GB DDR4 |
| M.2 NVMe Slots | not stated | 2 slots | not stated | Dual M.2 PCIe Gen 3 x4 NVMe SSD slots | 2 slots | 4 slots | not stated |
| Included Storage | Diskless | not stated | Diskless | Diskless | 16TB | Diskless | Diskless |
| Form Factor | not stated | not stated | not stated | Rackmount | not stated | not stated | Rackmount |
| Hardware Interface | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | M.2 NVMe | not stated |
| Number of Bays | 8-Bay | 8-Bay | 8-Bay | 8-Bay | 4-Bay | 8-Bay | 8-Bay |
| Processor Cores | not stated | Quad-Core | not stated | 8-Core | not stated | Quad-Core | not stated |
| Dimensions | 22.5 × 20.8 × 8.5 inches | 11 × 10.4 × 7.41 inches | 14.6 × 18.1 × 12.6 inches | 23 × 21 × 8 inches | not stated | not stated | not stated |
| Weight | not stated | 12.3 pounds | 16.5 pounds | 9 pounds | 13.2 pounds | not stated | not stated |
| Size | RS1221RP+ | 4GB RAM | DS1823xs+ | Short Rackmount-RP (Unav.) | 16TB | 42U x 19" x 24" (106.68cm x 48.26cm x 60.96cm) | Single Power |
| Color | Black | Black | Black | Black or Gray | not stated | Black | Black |
| Model | RS1221RP+ | TS-673-4G-US | DS1823xs+ | TS-855EU-RP-8G-US | DS925+/8TB-IW | not stated | TS-873AeU-4G-AM-US |
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Frequently asked questions
Which NAS supports redundant power supplies?
The Synology RS1221RP+ and the QNAP TS-855eU both feature redundant power capabilities. The Synology unit is designed for shallow rackmount deployments needing high availability. The QNAP TS-855eU offers redundant power in a short-depth rackmount form factor. This setup ensures continuous operation if one power supply fails.
What is the maximum RAM capacity available?
The Asustor Lockerstor 8 Gen3 provides the highest memory at 16GB. It pairs this with 10GbE networking for power users. The Synology DS1823xs+ includes 8GB of RAM. The QNAP TS-855eU also comes with 8GB of RAM. Other models in this group typically offer 4GB.
Are there options without rackmount hardware?
Yes, the Synology DS1823xs+ and QNAP TS-673-4G are desktop units. The DS1823xs+ provides eight expandable bays without requiring a dedicated server rack. The QNAP TS-673-4G offers similar expandability in a desktop chassis. These are practical for users who do not need rackmount hardware or redundant power supplies.
Which models offer 10GbE networking?
The Asustor Lockerstor 8 Gen3 is the only listed unit with 10GbE connectivity. It also includes 5GbE ports. Most other alternatives rely on 1GbE or 2.5GbE connections. The QNAP TS-855eU provides 5GbE and 2.5GbE options. The Synology RS1221RP+ focuses on PCIe expansion rather than base 10GbE ports.
Can I use M.2 NVMe drives for caching?
The Asustor Lockerstor 8 Gen3 and Synology DS925+ support M.2 NVMe expansion. The Asustor model includes this hardware interface for speed upgrades. The Synology DS925+ offers dual 2.5 GbE networking alongside NVMe slots. These features allow you to accelerate performance without changing the primary storage bays.
Which NAS has the most processor cores?
The QNAP TS-855eU features an 8-Core processor. It is designed for IT professionals managing 2U rack space. The other listed models use quad-core or AMD Ryzen processors. The Synology DS925+ uses an AMD Ryzen chip. The QNAP TS-855eU provides the highest core count for demanding workloads.