6 Best Alternatives to the Synology 12-Bay Redundant Power Expansion (2026)
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The Synology RX1223RP offers twelve drive bays and redundant power supplies to prevent single points of failure. If you need synology rx1223rp 12 bay redundant power alternatives, you might look for different form factors or standalone capabilities. This expansion unit is diskless and designed to integrate seamlessly with existing Synology NAS systems via DSM. It measures 16.9 inches by 27.2 inches by 3.5 inches and weighs 38.5 pounds. While it provides reliable storage expansion, some users prefer a complete NAS with more RAM or faster network ports.
The alternatives on this list were chosen because their specs overlap with the original in key areas. Many options also feature twelve bays, ensuring you can maintain high storage density. You might choose a rackmount model for better server room integration or a standalone unit for virtualization tasks. Some alternatives include 10GbE or 2.5GbE networking for faster data transfer. Others offer higher RAM capacities for more demanding workloads. This guide compares these models based on their published specifications to help you find the right fit.
Our top pick: Synology 12-Bay Redundant Power Expansion Unit.
How alternatives differ from RX1223RP
Asustor Lockerstor 12-Bay Rackmount NAS
The Asustor Lockerstor 12RD is a standalone rackmount NAS rather than an expansion unit. It includes a quad-core processor and 8GB of RAM, allowing for virtualization and 2.5GbE networking without a host NAS. You get 5GbE and 2.5GbE ports for faster local access. However, it lacks the redundant power supply found in the Synology RX1223RP. You must install your own drives and manage the system independently. Choose this if you need high RAM expandability and independent operation, rather than simple storage expansion for an existing Synology array.
Synology 12-Bay DiskStation Expansion Unit
The Synology DX1215II is also a diskless expansion unit, but it lacks redundant power supplies. It connects to your existing Synology NAS via eSATA or USB to add twelve bays. This model is lighter and smaller than the RX1223RP, weighing 19.9 pounds compared to 38.5 pounds. You save money and space but lose the redundancy that protects against power supply failure. This is the practical choice for users who already have a robust Synology NAS and need more drive bays without the cost or weight of redundant power components.
Synology 12-Bay Quad-Core NAS
The Synology DS2422+ is a standalone 12-bay NAS with a quad-core processor and 4GB of RAM. It is not an expansion unit but a complete system. You can expand it to 24 bays by adding a separate expansion unit later. This offers more flexibility than the RX1223RP, which only adds bays to an existing system. You get independent management and upgradeable RAM. Pick this if you are building a new system from scratch or need to scale to 24 bays later, rather than just expanding an existing NAS.
Synology 12-Bay Xeon Desktop Enclosure
The Synology DS3622xs+ is a high-performance rackmount NAS with a Xeon processor and 16GB of RAM. It supports Fibre Channel connectivity for enterprise environments. Unlike the RX1223RP, this is a standalone server with significant processing power and memory. You gain 16GB of RAM for heavy workloads and professional-grade networking options. You lose the simplicity of a plug-and-play expansion unit. This is for data centers or professionals needing Xeon power and Fibre Channel, rather than simple storage expansion for a standard Synology NAS.
BUFFALO TeraStation 51220RH 12-Bay 240TB
The BUFFALO TeraStation 51220RH is a 12-bay rackmount NAS that comes pre-loaded with 240TB of storage. It is a complete, standalone system with built-in security features. You get immediate high-capacity storage without buying drives separately. However, it lacks the redundant power supply of the RX1223RP and is not designed to expand an existing Synology NAS. Choose this if your team needs immediate, dense storage with security features, rather than a diskless expansion unit for an existing Synology infrastructure.
BUFFALO TeraStation 12-Bay 80TB Rackmount NAS
The BUFFALO TeraStation 12-Bay 80TB NAS offers 10GbE networking for enterprise speed. It is a standalone rackmount unit with 80TB of pre-installed storage. You get fast 10GbE connectivity and robust data protection features. Unlike the RX1223RP, it is not an expansion unit and does not integrate with Synology DSM. You also lack redundant power supplies. This is ideal for IT environments prioritizing 10GbE networking and immediate high-performance storage, rather than seamless expansion of an existing Synology NAS system.
Quick picks
Our 7 picks
Synology 12-Bay Redundant Power Expansion Unit
Best for: expanding Synology NAS storage with redundancy
- Drive Bays
- 12-Bay
- Included Storage
- Diskless
- Dimensions
- 32.7 × 25.7 × 8.27 inches
- Weight
- 38.5 pounds
View on Amazon: Synology 12-Bay Redundant Power Expansion Unit Affiliate link
This diskless expansion unit adds up to 12 additional 3.5-inch or 2.5-inch SATA drives to your existing Synology NAS. It features redundant power supplies to prevent single points of failure. The unit measures 16.9 by 27.2 by 3.5 inches and weighs 38.5 pounds. You can integrate it quickly using Synology DSM tools. It is designed for users needing significant storage growth without buying a new server.
Pros
- Supports up to 12 additional SATA drives
- Redundant power supply prevents single points of failure
- Integrates via Synology DSM unified tools
- Backed by a 5-year limited warranty
Cons
- Diskless design requires existing Synology NAS
- Heavy at 38.5 pounds
- Large footprint at 16.9 by 27.2 inches
Good fit if
- You need to expand storage on a Synology NAS
- You require redundant power for data safety
- You want to add drives without replacing your main unit
Skip if
- You do not own a compatible Synology NAS
- You need a standalone NAS with its own CPU
- You have limited space for a large expansion unit
Verdict: Synology 12-Bay Redundant Power Expansion Unit is ideal for Synology users needing reliable, high-capacity storage expansion. It fits those who prioritize data redundancy and seamless integration over standalone functionality.
Asustor Lockerstor 12-Bay Rackmount NAS
Best for: virtualization and 2.5GbE networking
- Drive Bays
- 12 Bay
- Processor
- Intel Atom C3538
- RAM Capacity
- 8 GB DDR4-2133
- Included Storage
- Diskless
- Form Factor
- Rackmount
- Network Connectivity
- 5GbE, 2.5GbE
View on Amazon: Asustor Lockerstor 12-Bay Rackmount NAS Affiliate link
The Asustor Lockerstor 12RD is a 12-bay rackmount NAS built for performance. It uses an Intel Atom C3538 quad-core CPU and includes 8GB of DDR4 RAM. You get two 2.5GbE and two Gigabit Ethernet ports, with a PCIe slot for 10GbE upgrades. This unit is diskless, allowing you to choose your drives. It supports virtualization and Docker, making it a strong alternative to the Synology RX1223RP.
Pros
- Intel Atom C3538 quad-core processor
- 8GB DDR4 RAM expandable to 128GB
- Dual 2.5GbE and dual Gigabit Ethernet ports
- PCIe slot for 10GbE network upgrades
- Supports virtualization and Docker applications
Cons
- Comes diskless without included storage drives
- Limited to 2.5GbE speeds without extra cards
- Heavier build at 25.8 pounds
Good fit if
- You need expandable RAM for virtualization
- You want 2.5GbE connectivity out of the box
- You prefer a rackmount form factor
Skip if
- You require pre-installed hard drives
- You need 10GbE connectivity without upgrades
- You prefer a compact desktop design
Verdict: The Asustor Lockerstor 12RD 12-Bay NAS fits users who need high RAM expandability and fast 2.5GbE ports for virtualization. It is a solid choice for those willing to install their own drives.
Synology 12-Bay DiskStation Expansion Unit
Best for: expanding storage on existing Synology NAS
- Drive Bays
- 12-Bay
- Included Storage
- Diskless
- Dimensions
- 18.5 × 17.1 × 16.5 inches
- Weight
- 19.9 pounds
View on Amazon: Synology 12-Bay DiskStation Expansion Unit Affiliate link
The Synology DX1215II is a diskless expansion unit adding 12 drive bays to your existing Synology NAS. It uses a plug-and-play design for easy upgrades and works with Synology HAT5300 SATA HDDs. This unit measures 17.1 inches wide and weighs 19.9 pounds. It is ideal if you need more storage space without buying a new server. You get a 5-year limited warranty for peace of mind.
Pros
- Adds 12 additional drive bays
- Plug-and-play design for easy upgrades
- Compatible with Synology HAT5300 SATA HDDs
- Backed by a 5-year limited warranty
Cons
- Diskless design requires separate purchase of hard drives
- Requires an existing Synology DiskStation to function
- No independent network interface or management port
Good fit if
- You need to expand storage on an existing Synology NAS
- You want a simple plug-and-play upgrade
- You already own compatible Synology HDDs
Skip if
- You need a standalone NAS server
- You do not have an existing Synology DiskStation
- You want pre-installed hard drives
Verdict: Synology DX1215II 12-Bay Expansion is a practical add-on for users who already have a Synology NAS and need more drive bays. It fits those who prefer simple expansion over buying a new system.
Synology 12-Bay Quad-Core NAS
Best for: Users needing 24-bay expansion potential
- 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
View on Amazon: Synology 12-Bay Quad-Core NAS Affiliate link
This 12-bay Synology DiskStation offers a quad-core processor and 4GB DDR4 RAM. It delivers up to 2,201 MB/s read speeds. You can expand storage to 24 bays using a DX1222 unit. The system supports up to 32 GB of memory and 10/25GbE networking. It is a diskless chassis designed for users needing high capacity and scalable performance.
Pros
- 12-bay capacity for high storage density
- Quad-core CPU for steady processing
- Up to 2,201 MB/s sequential read speed
- Expandable to 24 bays with DX1222
- Supports up to 32 GB RAM upgrade
Cons
- Base 4GB RAM is lower than competitors
- Diskless design requires separate hard drives
- Larger physical footprint at 18.5 inches deep
Good fit if
- You need to scale storage to 24 bays
- You want to upgrade RAM to 32 GB
- You require high sequential read speeds
Skip if
- You need pre-installed hard drives
- You want more than 4GB base RAM
- You need a compact desktop form factor
Verdict: Synology DS2422+ 12-Bay NAS suits users who need to expand to 24 bays later. It is best for those who plan to upgrade RAM and drive storage themselves.
Synology 12-Bay Xeon Desktop Enclosure
Best for: high-performance virtualization and Fibre Channel
- Drive Bays
- 12-Bay
- Processor
- 6-core Intel Xeon
- Included Storage
- Diskless
- RAM Capacity
- 16GB RAM
- Dimensions
- 17 × 18.3 × 17 inches
- Weight
- 21.6 pounds
View on Amazon: Synology 12-Bay Xeon Desktop Enclosure Affiliate link
This 12-bay Synology unit features a 6-core Intel Xeon processor and 16GB of RAM. It delivers over 260,000 4K random read IOPS and up to 4,700 MB/s sequential read speeds. You can expand storage to 36 bays using two DX1222 units. The chassis measures 17 inches in height and weighs 21.6 pounds. It suits users needing high performance for virtual machines or video management systems.
Pros
- 6-core Intel Xeon processor for heavy workloads
- Up to 48 GB memory support
- Over 260,000 4K random read IOPS
- 10/25GbE and Fibre Channel support
Cons
- 21.6-pound weight requires sturdy mounting
- 17-inch height limits placement options
- Diskless design needs separate drives
Good fit if
- You need high IOPS for virtualization
- You plan to use Fibre Channel
- You want to scale to 36 bays
Skip if
- You prefer a compact desktop unit
- You need pre-installed drives
- You require built-in Wi-Fi
Verdict: Synology 12-Bay Rackmount NAS suits professionals needing Xeon power and Fibre Channel connectivity. It fits data centers requiring scalable storage and high performance.
BUFFALO TeraStation 51220RH 12-Bay 240TB
Best for: Teams needing immediate high-capacity storage
- Drive Bays
- 12-Bay
- Network Connectivity
- 10GbE
- Included Storage
- 240TB (12x20TB)
- RAID Support
- RAID 0, 6
- Form Factor
- Rackmount
- Dimensions
- 29 × 3.4 × 18.9 inches
View on Amazon: BUFFALO TeraStation 51220RH 12-Bay 240TB Affiliate link
This is a 12-bay rackmount NAS with 240TB of pre-installed storage. It includes a native 10GbE port for fast data transfers. The system uses RAID 6 for data protection and offers snapshots for quick recovery. You get 256-bit drive encryption and two-factor authentication. It supports cloud sync with major providers. This unit is ready to use out of the box with hard drives included.
Pros
- 240TB capacity with 12 enterprise-grade drives included
- Native 10GbE port for high-speed transfers
- Snapshots for instant data backup and recovery
- 256-bit drive encryption and two-factor authentication
Cons
- Closed system limits custom software flexibility
- No mention of dual redundant power supplies
- Heavier at 55.4 pounds than diskless units
Good fit if
- You need a fully populated 12-bay solution
- You require native 10GbE connectivity
- You want enterprise-grade security features included
Skip if
- You prefer open-source operating systems
- You need redundant power supplies
- You want to buy drives separately
Verdict: BUFFALO TeraStation 51220RH 12-Bay 240TB NAS fits teams needing immediate, high-capacity storage with built-in security. It suits users who prioritize speed and data protection over software customization.
BUFFALO TeraStation 12-Bay 80TB Rackmount NAS
Best for: Enterprise 10GbE network storage
- Drive Bays
- 12-Bay
- Network Connectivity
- 4x 10GbE
- Processor
- Intel Xeon
- Included Storage
- 80TB (4x20TB)
- Form Factor
- Rackmount
- Dimensions
- 29 × 3.5 × 18.9 inches
View on Amazon: BUFFALO TeraStation 12-Bay 80TB Rackmount NAS Affiliate link
The BUFFALO TeraStation 71210RH is a 12-bay enterprise rackmount NAS with 80TB of pre-installed storage. It features four native 10GbE ports for high-speed data transfer and an Intel Xeon processor. The system supports PCIe Gen 4x8 slots for expansion and includes Btrfs snapshots for rapid data recovery. This unit suits businesses needing robust, scalable storage with strong encryption and backup features.
Pros
- Four native 10GbE network ports
- Intel Xeon processor for high performance
- Btrfs snapshots for instant data recovery
- 256-bit drive encryption and two-factor authentication
- Expandable CPU and RAM with PCIe slots
Cons
- Heavy 54.2-pound build requires sturdy rack mounting
- Large 29-inch length may not fit all standard enclosures
- Only 80TB capacity in this specific configuration
Good fit if
- You need 10GbE connectivity for fast network transfers
- You require enterprise-grade security and encryption
- You want a pre-populated 12-bay rackmount solution
Skip if
- You need a diskless expansion unit
- You prefer a smaller desktop form factor
- You want a lower capacity for basic home use
Verdict: BUFFALO TeraStation 12-Bay 80TB NAS delivers enterprise speed and security for businesses needing dense, high-performance storage. It fits IT environments that prioritize 10GbE networking and robust data protection over compact size.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Synology 12-Bay Redundant Power Expansion Unit | Asustor Lockerstor 12-Bay Rackmount NAS | Synology 12-Bay DiskStation Expansion Unit | Synology 12-Bay Quad-Core NAS | Synology 12-Bay Xeon Desktop Enclosure | BUFFALO TeraStation 51220RH 12-Bay 240TB | BUFFALO TeraStation 12-Bay 80TB Rackmount NAS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drive Bays | 12-Bay | 12 Bay | 12-Bay | 12-Bay | 12-Bay | 12-Bay | 12-Bay |
| Network Connectivity | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | 10GbE | 4x 10GbE |
| Processor | not stated | Intel Atom C3538 | not stated | Quad Core | 6-core Intel Xeon | not stated | Intel Xeon |
| RAM Capacity | not stated | 8 GB DDR4-2133 | not stated | 4GB DDR4 | not stated | not stated | not stated |
| Included Storage | Diskless | Diskless | Diskless | Diskless | Diskless | 240TB (12x20TB) | 80TB (4x20TB) |
| RAID Support | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | RAID 0, 6 | not stated |
| Form Factor | not stated | Rackmount | not stated | not stated | not stated | Rackmount | Rackmount |
| Number of Bays | 12-Bay | 12-Bay | 12-Bay | 12-Bay | 12-Bay | 12-Bay | 12-Bay |
| Processor Cores | not stated | Quad-Core | not stated | Quad-Core | not stated | not stated | not stated |
| Dimensions | 32.7 × 25.7 × 8.27 inches | 21.1 × 17.3 × 3.46 inches | 18.5 × 17.1 × 16.5 inches | 18.5 × 17 × 16.5 inches | 17 × 18.3 × 17 inches | 29 × 3.4 × 18.9 inches | 29 × 3.5 × 18.9 inches |
| Weight | 38.5 pounds | 25.8 pounds | 19.9 pounds | 20.9 pounds | 21.6 pounds | 55.4 pounds | 54.2 pounds |
| Size | 16.9" x 27.2" x 3.5" | 5.5"(W) x 7.5"(H) x 9.1"(D) | 270 mm x 300 mm x 340 mm | 12-bay; 4GB DDR4 | DS3622xs+ | 240TB (12x20TB) | 80TB (4x20TB) |
| Color | Black | AS6512RD | Black | Black | Black | Black | Black |
| Model | RX1223RP | AS6512RD | DX1215II | DS2422+ | DS3622xs+ | TS51220RH24012 | TS71210RH8004 |
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the Asustor Lockerstor 12RD as a standalone NAS?
Yes, the Asustor Lockerstor 12RD functions as a standalone NAS. It includes a quad-core processor and 8GB of RAM. This allows you to run virtualization and utilize 2.5GbE networking independently. You do not need a host NAS to operate it, unlike the Synology RX1223RP which requires expansion.
Does the BUFFALO TeraStation 51220RH come with pre-installed drives?
Yes, the BUFFALO TeraStation 51220RH includes pre-installed drives. It ships with 12x20TB drives for a total capacity of 240TB. This setup provides immediate high-capacity storage for teams. You get built-in security and speed without the need to purchase and install individual drives separately.
Which alternative offers 10GbE networking for enterprise use?
The BUFFALO TeraStation 12-Bay 80TB NAS offers 10GbE networking. It is designed for enterprise environments that prioritize high-speed data transfer. This model provides robust data protection and dense storage. It fits IT setups requiring faster connectivity than the standard ports found on other alternatives.
Can the Synology DS2422+ expand to 24 bays later?
Yes, the Synology DS2422+ can expand to 24 bays. It starts with 12 bays but supports additional expansion units. This suits users who plan to upgrade drive storage themselves. It also allows for RAM upgrades, making it a flexible choice for growing storage needs.
Is the Synology DS3622xs+ suitable for virtualization tasks?
Yes, the Synology DS3622xs+ is suitable for virtualization. It features 16GB of RAM and a Xeon processor. It also includes Fibre Channel connectivity for high performance. This model is ideal for professionals and data centers requiring scalable storage and robust processing power for demanding workloads.
What is the weight difference between the Synology DX1215II and the RX1223RP?
The Synology DX1215II weighs 19.9 pounds, while the RX1223RP weighs 38.5 pounds. The DX1215II is significantly lighter. This makes the DX1215II a practical add-on for existing setups. The RX1223RP is heavier due to its redundant power supply components and larger chassis design.
Does the Asustor Lockerstor 12RD support rackmount installation?
Yes, the Asustor Lockerstor 12RD supports rackmount installation. It is designed as a rackmount NAS for structured environments. The unit includes 5GbE and 2.5GbE ports for network connectivity. This form factor allows it to fit into standard server racks alongside other enterprise equipment.