Synology 2U Rackmount Redundant Power Alternatives: 6 Similar Picks Compared
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You need synology rx1217rp redundant power expansion alternatives if your current setup requires different form factors or storage densities. The original unit offers diskless expansion with dual power supplies for uptime, but it lacks built-in drives. You might prefer a complete NAS with pre-installed storage or a tower model that does not require rack rails. This list compares 6 similar picks based on their published specifications. We selected these options because their specs overlap with the original unit’s core requirements for redundancy and capacity.
Some alternatives provide higher RAM or multi-core processors for virtualization tasks. Others offer desktop footprints for offices without server racks. A few include redundant power supplies similar to the Synology model, ensuring high availability. We focused on products that match your need for reliable storage expansion. The following comparisons highlight how each device’s dimensions, bay count, and connectivity differ from the RX1217RP. This helps you choose the right hardware for your specific infrastructure constraints.
Our top pick: Synology 2U Rackmount Redundant Power Expansion Unit.
How Alternatives Compare To RX1217RP
Asustor Lockerstor 10 Pro 10-Bay NAS
The Asustor Lockerstor 10 Pro replaces the RX1217RP’s diskless expansion with a complete 10-bay NAS. You gain enterprise virtualization capabilities and higher RAM expansion options, which the expansion unit cannot provide. However, you lose the specific redundant power supply design and the seamless DSM-managed online volume expansion. This unit is a standalone desktop tower rather than a rackmount add-on. It suits users who prioritize CPU power and network throughput over the specific uptime guarantees of redundant hardware. You trade the original’s seamless integration for broader processing and memory flexibility in a non-rack environment.
Synology 8-Bay Redundant Power RackStation
The Synology 8-Bay Redundant Power RackStation offers a complete NAS solution with eight drive bays and 4GB of RAM, unlike the diskless RX1217RP. It features High Availability clustering for failover, providing robust uptime without requiring additional expansion units. The chassis depth is 22.5 inches, which is shallower than the RX1217RP’s 27.4 inches, making it suitable for short-depth racks. You get built-in storage and networking rather than just expansion capacity. This option is ideal for short-depth rack environments where you need high availability and expandable networking in a single, space-saving unit.
BUFFALO TeraStation 5420DN 32TB Desktop NAS
The BUFFALO TeraStation 5420DN is a desktop NAS with 32TB of pre-installed storage, contrasting sharply with the RX1217RP’s diskless design. It provides 10GbE speed and a secure desktop footprint, removing the need for rackmount rails. You gain immediate storage capacity and encryption features but lose the redundant power supply and rackmount flexibility. This unit is best for desktop users who prioritize high-speed networking and pre-loaded drives over expandability. It serves those who need a secure, high-capacity solution without the complexity of managing separate expansion units or redundant power configurations.
BUFFALO TeraStation 5420RN 4-Bay 32TB
The BUFFALO TeraStation 5420RN is a rackmount NAS with 32TB of pre-installed storage, offering a complete alternative to the diskless RX1217RP. It includes 10GbE connectivity and built-in encryption, which the expansion unit lacks. The unit is 7.9 inches deep, significantly shallower than the RX1217RP, and weighs 27.2 pounds. You gain immediate storage and security features but lose the ability to seamlessly expand online volumes via DSM. This choice suits businesses needing secure, pre-loaded rackmount storage with high-speed networking, prioritizing built-in encryption and snapshots over open platform flexibility.
QNAP 12-Bay 8-Core Tower NAS
The QNAP 12-Bay 8-Core Tower NAS provides a standalone desktop solution with 12 drive bays and 128GB of memory, unlike the RX1217RP. It delivers multi-gigabit connectivity and multi-core processing without requiring server rack installation. You gain heavy memory allocation and a larger drive capacity but lose the redundant power supply and rackmount form factor. This unit is ideal for setups needing high processing power and large storage outside a rack. It serves users who require a powerful desktop NAS with extensive expansion capabilities, trading the original’s specific uptime features for raw performance and capacity.
Synology 8-Bay Expandable NAS
The Synology 8-Bay Expandable NAS offers an eight-bay tower design with 8GB of RAM, contrasting with the RX1217RP’s diskless, rackmount nature. It allows scaling up to 18 drives using add-on expansion units, providing Synology clustering and volume management without rack rails. You gain a desktop footprint and higher initial RAM but lose the redundant power supply and integrated rackmount design. This option is best for users needing expandable desktop storage without rack installation. It delivers similar DSM-managed tools and scalability, offering flexibility for those who do not require the specific redundancy of the original expansion unit.
Quick picks
Our 7 picks
Synology 2U Rackmount Redundant Power Expansion Unit
Best for: expanding RackStation capacity with redundant power
- Included Storage
- Diskless
- Dimensions
- 27.4 × 17 × 3.46 inches
- Weight
- 29.5 pounds
View on Amazon: Synology 2U Rackmount Redundant Power Expansion Unit Affiliate link
The Synology 2U Rackmount Expansion Unit is a 2U rackmount storage enclosure designed for direct pairing with compatible RackStation systems. It measures 17 inches wide, 3.46 inches high, and 27.4 inches deep, weighing 29.5 pounds. Equipped with redundant power supplies, it supports on-the-fly online volume expansion through Synology DiskStation Manager (DSM). This unit suits you if you need seamless capacity upgrades with built-in hardware power redundancy.
Pros
- Redundant power supplies maintain uptime during power line failures
- Online volume expansion adds storage without taking pools offline
- Plug-and-use design pairs directly with host RackStation hardware
- Centrally managed directly through Synology DiskStation Manager (DSM)
Cons
- Ships diskless with zero included storage drives
- Long 27.4-inch depth requires a full-depth server rack
- Heavier empty unit weight at 29.5 pounds
Good fit if
- You need dual redundant power supplies for enterprise server uptime.
- You want to perform on-the-fly volume expansion via Synology DSM.
- You have a server rack that fits a 27.4-inch deep chassis.
Skip if
- You need a standalone independent NAS server with its own CPU.
- You require an expansion unit that arrives populated with drives.
Verdict: Synology 2U Rackmount Expansion Unit delivers critical power redundancy and seamless DSM-managed capacity expansion for compatible rack environments. It keeps your storage running continuously during drive additions without requiring downtime.
Asustor Lockerstor 10 Pro 10-Bay NAS
Best for: Enterprise virtualization and high RAM expansion
- Drive Bays
- 10 Bay
- Network Connectivity
- 1x 10GbE, 3x 2.5GbE
- Processor
- Intel Xeon E-2224
- RAM Capacity
- 8GB DDR4
- M.2 NVMe Slots
- 2
- Included Storage
- Diskless
View on Amazon: Asustor Lockerstor 10 Pro 10-Bay NAS Affiliate link
The Asustor Lockerstor 10 Pro is a diskless 10-bay NAS built for enterprise workloads. It uses an Intel Xeon E-2224 quad-core processor and includes 8GB of expandable DDR4 RAM. You get 10 Gigabit Ethernet plus three 2.5 Gigabit ports for flexible networking. The unit supports VMware, Citrix, and Hyper-V virtualization. It also features two M.2 NVMe slots for caching.
Pros
- Intel Xeon E-2224 quad-core CPU up to 4.6GHz
- 10 Gigabit Ethernet and three 2.5 Gigabit ports
- 8GB DDR4 RAM expandable to 64GB
- Two M.2 NVMe PCIe Gen2 SSD slots
- Supports VMware, Citrix, and Hyper-V virtualization
Cons
- Only 10 Gigabit Ethernet; no 25GbE or 40GbE
- No redundant power supply included
- Uses PCIe Gen2 NVMe slots instead of Gen3 or Gen4
Good fit if
- You need enterprise virtualization support for VMware or Citrix
- You want expandable RAM up to 64GB for heavy workloads
- You require multiple network interfaces for traffic separation
Skip if
- You require redundant power for critical uptime
- You need 25 Gigabit or higher network speeds
- You prefer a rackmount form factor
Verdict: The Asustor Lockerstor 10 Pro 10-Bay NAS fits users who need enterprise virtualization and high network throughput without rackmount constraints. It is ideal for businesses prioritizing CPU power and RAM expansion over redundant hardware.
Synology 8-Bay Redundant Power RackStation
Best for: short-depth racks requiring high availability failover
- 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 diskless 8-bay rackmount NAS provides up to 2,315 MB/s read and 1,147 MB/s write speeds for multi-user setups. Measuring 399 mm deep, the chassis fits shallow server racks while offering 4GB of RAM and a PCIe slot for optional SFP+ or RJ-45 network upgrades. You will find it suits compact deployments that need dual-unit Synology High Availability failover and expandable network storage.
Pros
- Short depth of 399 mm fits into shallow server racks
- Sequential speeds reach up to 2,315 MB/s read and 1,147 MB/s write
- PCIe slot supports add-on SFP+ or RJ-45 network cards
- Supports Synology High Availability clustering for minute-level failover
Cons
- Comes configured with 4GB of base RAM
- Diskless enclosure requires purchasing hard drives separately
Good fit if
- You need an 8-bay rackmount enclosure with a compact 399 mm depth.
- You want to set up Synology High Availability failover between two units.
- You plan to expand network speeds using a PCIe SFP+ or RJ-45 adapter.
Skip if
- You need a system that includes pre-installed hard drives.
- You want more than 4GB of system memory pre-installed.
Verdict: Synology 8-Bay RackStation NAS delivers high-speed multi-user data throughput and High Availability clustering within a space-saving 399 mm chassis. It is a solid choice when you need expandable networking and eight drive bays in a shallow depth.
BUFFALO TeraStation 5420DN 32TB Desktop NAS
Best for: Desktop users needing 10GbE and 32TB storage
- Drive Bays
- 4-Bay
- Network Connectivity
- Native 10GbE port
- Included Storage
- 32TB (4x8TB)
- RAID Support
- RAID 5, RAID 6, RAID 0
- Form Factor
- Desktop
- Dimensions
- 14.1 × 12.2 × 14.3 inches
View on Amazon: BUFFALO TeraStation 5420DN 32TB Desktop NAS Affiliate link
The BUFFALO TeraStation 5420DN is a 4-bay desktop NAS with 32TB of pre-installed storage. It features a native 10GbE port for fast transfers and 256-bit drive encryption. This unit includes four 8TB drives in a RAID 5 configuration, offering 24TB of usable space. It suits users who need a ready-to-use solution with hybrid cloud sync capabilities and strong data protection features.
Pros
- Native 10GbE port for high-speed file transfers
- 32TB capacity with four 8TB NAS-grade drives included
- 256-bit drive encryption and two-factor authentication
- Snapshots for instant data backup and ransomware mitigation
Cons
- Desktop form factor limits rackmount installation options
- Smaller 4-bay capacity compared to 8-bay or 10-bay alternatives
- No mention of redundant power supply units
Good fit if
- You need a pre-configured 32TB storage solution
- You require native 10GbE connectivity
- You prefer a desktop setup over rackmount
Skip if
- You require redundant power supplies
- You need a rackmount form factor
- You require more than four drive bays
Verdict: BUFFALO TeraStation 5420DN 32TB Desktop NAS provides a secure, high-capacity desktop solution for users who prioritize 10GbE speed and pre-installed drives over rackmount flexibility.
BUFFALO TeraStation 5420RN 4-Bay 32TB
Best for: Secure 32TB rackmount storage with 10GbE
- Drive Bays
- 4-Bay
- Network Connectivity
- Native 10GbE port
- Included Storage
- 32TB (4x8TB)
- RAID Support
- RAID 5, RAID 6, RAID 0
- Form Factor
- Rackmount
- Dimensions
- 7.9 × 23 × 21.3 inches
View on Amazon: BUFFALO TeraStation 5420RN 4-Bay 32TB Affiliate link
This 4-bay rackmount NAS ships with 32TB of storage across four 8TB drives. It features a native 10GbE port for fast data transfers and supports RAID 5 or 6 configurations. The system includes 256-bit drive encryption and snapshot capabilities for ransomware protection. It is designed for business environments needing secure, high-capacity storage with hybrid cloud integration options.
Pros
- Includes 32TB capacity with four 8TB NAS-grade drives
- Native 10GbE port for high-speed file transfers
- 256-bit drive encryption and two-factor authentication
- Snapshot feature for instant data recovery
Cons
- Only 4 bays, limiting expansion compared to 8 or 10-bay competitors
- Closed system architecture restricts third-party app installation
- No redundant power supply option listed
Good fit if
- You need a pre-configured 32TB rackmount solution
- You require native 10GbE connectivity for fast transfers
- You prioritize data encryption and snapshot recovery
Skip if
- You need redundant power supplies
- You require more than 4 drive bays
- You want to install third-party apps
Verdict: BUFFALO TeraStation 5420RN 4-Bay 32TB Rackmount suits businesses that need a secure, pre-loaded 32TB rackmount unit with 10GbE speed. It fits users who value built-in encryption and snapshots over open platform flexibility.
QNAP 12-Bay 8-Core Tower NAS
Best for: large-capacity desktop deployments needing 128GB memory
- Drive Bays
- 12BAYS
- Network Connectivity
- 2X 2.5Gigabit Ethernet Port
- Processor
- Atom C5125 8-core 2.8GHz
- RAM Capacity
- 128GB (4×32GB)
- Included Storage
- No HDD
- Number of Bays
- 12-Bay
View on Amazon: QNAP 12-Bay 8-Core Tower NAS Affiliate link
This unit is a high-capacity tower storage server featuring 12 drive bays. It runs an 8-core Atom C5125 processor clocked at 2.8GHz paired with 128GB of system memory. Network traffic passes through two 2.5-gigabit Ethernet ports. If you want extensive drive capacity and high memory in a standalone tower format instead of a standard 2U rack enclosure, this system fits your deployment needs.
Pros
- 128GB total memory installed across four 32GB modules
- 8-core Intel Atom C5125 processor at 2.8GHz
- 12 drive bays for local storage capacity
- Dual 2.5-gigabit Ethernet network ports
Cons
- Tower form factor instead of a rackmount chassis
- Ships without storage drives included in the bays
Good fit if
- You need 12 drive bays in a standalone tower chassis.
- You require 128GB of pre-installed system RAM.
- You want dual 2.5-gigabit network connectivity.
Skip if
- You require a native 2U rack-mounted enclosure.
- You need hard drives included with the chassis.
Verdict: QNAP 12-Bay 8-Core Tower NAS delivers heavy memory allocation and 12 drive bays in a standalone desktop footprint. It serves setups that require multi-gigabit connectivity and multi-core processing outside a server rack.
Synology 8-Bay Expandable NAS
Best for: expandable desktop storage without rack installation
- 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
You get a desktop tower instead of a 2U rack enclosure. This system comes with eight drive bays and 8GB of memory for data storage and system tasks. You can expand it up to 18 bays by connecting two external expansion units. It supports hot-swappable drives, online volume expansion, and high availability clustering. It suits you if you need large Synology storage capacity without installing rackmount hardware.
Pros
- Eight built-in SATA drive bays
- Scales up to 18 bays using two DX517 expansion units
- Includes 8GB of DDR4 memory
- Supports hot-swappable drives and online volume expansion
Cons
- Desktop tower design rather than rackmount chassis
- No redundant power supply listed in the specifications
Good fit if
- You need eight drive bays with room to expand up to 18 bays.
- You prefer a standalone tower form factor over rack rails.
- You want Synology High Availability clustering and hot-swappable drives.
Skip if
- You need a standard 2U rackmount chassis.
- You require factory-integrated dual redundant power supplies.
Verdict: Synology 8-Bay Desktop NAS provides an eight-bay tower design with room to scale up to 18 drives using add-on expansion units. It delivers Synology clustering and volume management tools without requiring server rack rails.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Synology 2U Rackmount Redundant Power Expansion Unit | Asustor Lockerstor 10 Pro 10-Bay NAS | Synology 8-Bay Redundant Power RackStation | BUFFALO TeraStation 5420DN 32TB Desktop NAS | BUFFALO TeraStation 5420RN 4-Bay 32TB | QNAP 12-Bay 8-Core Tower NAS | Synology 8-Bay Expandable NAS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drive Bays | not stated | 10 Bay | 8 bay | 4-Bay | 4-Bay | 12BAYS | 8-Bay |
| Network Connectivity | not stated | 1x 10GbE, 3x 2.5GbE | not stated | Native 10GbE port | Native 10GbE port | 2X 2.5Gigabit Ethernet Port | not stated |
| Processor | not stated | Intel Xeon E-2224 | not stated | not stated | not stated | Atom C5125 8-core 2.8GHz | not stated |
| RAM Capacity | not stated | 8GB DDR4 | not stated | not stated | not stated | 128GB (4×32GB) | not stated |
| M.2 NVMe Slots | not stated | 2 | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated |
| Included Storage | Diskless | Diskless | Diskless | 32TB (4x8TB) | 32TB (4x8TB) | No HDD | Diskless |
| RAID Support | not stated | not stated | not stated | RAID 5, RAID 6, RAID 0 | RAID 5, RAID 6, RAID 0 | not stated | not stated |
| Form Factor | not stated | not stated | not stated | Desktop | Rackmount | not stated | not stated |
| Hardware Interface | not stated | M.2 NVMe | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated |
| Number of Bays | not stated | not stated | 8-Bay | 4-Bay | 4-Bay | 12-Bay | 8-Bay |
| Processor Cores | not stated | Quad-Core | not stated | not stated | not stated | 8-Core | not stated |
| Dimensions | 27.4 × 17 × 3.46 inches | 15.7 × 14.6 × 13.8 inches | 22.5 × 20.8 × 8.5 inches | 14.1 × 12.2 × 14.3 inches | 7.9 × 23 × 21.3 inches | 19.7 × 19.7 × 11 inches | 14.6 × 18.1 × 12.6 inches |
| Weight | 29.5 pounds | 2.2 pounds | not stated | not stated | 27.2 pounds | 9.92 pounds | 16.5 pounds |
| Size | 2U x 24" x 36" | 10 Bay | RS1221RP+ | 32TB (4x8TB) | 32TB (4x8TB) | not stated | DS1823xs+ |
| Color | Black | Lockerstor Pro | Black | black or dark gray | Black | not stated | Black |
| Model | RX1217RP | 90-AS7110T00-MD30 | RS1221RP+ | TS5420DN3204 | TS5420RN3204 | TS-1655-8G | DS1823xs+ |
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Frequently asked questions
Which NAS offers redundant power similar to the Synology RX1217RP?
The Synology 8-Bay Redundant Power RackStation (RS1221RP+) is the closest alternative. It features a high availability failover design within a 399 mm chassis. This unit supports eight drive bays and includes 4GB of RAM. It is ideal for short-depth racks requiring high availability without the diskless nature of the RX1217RP.
Can I get a rackmount NAS with pre-installed drives instead of expansion?
Yes, the BUFFALO TeraStation 5420RN 4-Bay 32TB is a rackmount option. It comes with 32TB of storage installed across four 8TB drives. It includes 10GbE speed and built-in encryption. This unit weighs 27.2 pounds and suits businesses needing secure, pre-loaded rack storage rather than an empty expansion chassis.
What is the best budget-friendly desktop alternative with high speed?
The BUFFALO TeraStation 5420DN 32TB Desktop NAS is a strong budget choice. It provides a secure, high-capacity solution with pre-installed 32TB of storage. It features 10GbE connectivity for fast data transfer. This desktop unit prioritizes speed and capacity over the rackmount flexibility of the Synology RX1217RP expansion unit.
Which option supports enterprise virtualization and high RAM expansion?
The Asustor Lockerstor 10 Pro 10-Bay NAS fits users needing enterprise virtualization. It offers high network throughput and significant RAM expansion capabilities. This 10-bay unit does not use a rackmount form factor but replaces the diskless expansion with a complete NAS. It is ideal for businesses prioritizing CPU power over redundant hardware designs.
Is there an 8-bay Synology option that is expandable but not rackmount?
The Synology 8-Bay Expandable NAS (DS1823xs+) is a suitable tower alternative. It provides eight drive bays with 8GB of RAM. You can scale up to 18 drives using add-on expansion units. This design delivers Synology clustering and volume management tools without requiring server rack rails, offering flexibility outside a rack environment.
Which NAS provides the highest memory capacity for desktop deployments?
The QNAP 12-Bay 8-Core Tower NAS supports up to 128GB of memory. It features an 8-core processor and 12 drive bays in a standalone desktop footprint. This unit serves setups requiring multi-gigabit connectivity and multi-core processing. It is designed for large-capacity desktop deployments that need heavy memory allocation outside a server rack.