Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the Synology DiskStation DS920+ 4-Bay NAS, a powerhouse for anyone looking to step up their data storage game. Whether you're a home user, a small business owner, or somewhere in between, a NAS (Network Attached Storage) device can be a game-changer. So, let's break down what makes the DS920+ tick, its features, and whether it's the right fit for you. This in-depth Synology DS920+ review will help you understand all the ins and outs. This is not just a review; it's your ultimate guide to understanding this fantastic piece of tech.

Unboxing and Initial Impressions of the Synology DS920+

First impressions matter, right? When you unbox the Synology DS920+, you're greeted with a sleek, minimalist design that fits seamlessly into any environment. It’s a 4-bay NAS, meaning it can house up to four hard drives or SSDs. The DS920+ has a professional look, and it's built to last. The build quality feels solid, and the front panel has indicator lights to show the status of the drives and the network connection. Inside the box, you'll find the DS920+ itself, an AC power adapter, an Ethernet cable, and a quick installation guide. The setup process is surprisingly straightforward, even for those new to NAS devices. Synology has done a great job of making the initial setup user-friendly. The focus here is on ease of use. This is where it sets itself apart from the competition. With the Synology DiskStation DS920+, you're not just buying a NAS; you're investing in a user-friendly data storage solution.

The DS920+ supports both 3.5-inch and 2.5-inch drives, giving you flexibility in choosing your storage options. The front panel has easy-to-access drive bays, which makes installing and swapping drives a breeze. The entire design is well-thought-out, ensuring that it's both functional and aesthetically pleasing. You'll notice the two Gigabit Ethernet ports on the back, along with USB 3.0 ports for connecting external devices. Overall, the unboxing experience and the initial design leave a positive impression, signaling that Synology has put a lot of thought into the user experience. The DS920+ is ready to handle your data storage needs from the moment you plug it in. The design is not only practical but also aesthetically pleasing, making it a welcome addition to any home or office.

Key Features and Specifications

Alright, let's get into the nitty-gritty of what the Synology DS920+ has to offer. This NAS is packed with features designed to cater to various needs, from simple file storage to complex media streaming and data backup solutions. One of the standout features is its powerful processor. The DS920+ is powered by an Intel Celeron J4125 quad-core processor. This processor ensures smooth performance even when running multiple applications simultaneously. This is critical for users who plan to use the NAS for media streaming, running virtual machines, or handling large file transfers. This is especially true if you are planning to run several applications on the Synology DiskStation DS920+ NAS.

The DS920+ comes with 4GB of DDR4 RAM, which is sufficient for most users. If you need more, the RAM is expandable, which is a great bonus. The NAS also supports Synology's proprietary DSM (DiskStation Manager) operating system. DSM is known for its intuitive interface and extensive features. DSM makes managing your data a breeze. The DS920+ also supports various RAID configurations, including RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, and 10, giving you flexibility in balancing performance and data protection. This is a crucial feature for anyone concerned about data security. The NAS has two built-in Gigabit Ethernet ports, which can be used for link aggregation to improve network performance. The DS920+ also has two USB 3.0 ports for connecting external drives, printers, or other USB devices. The features are abundant, but the ability to configure your NAS to your specific needs is what makes this NAS stand out.

Other notable features include:

• Hardware Transcoding: The DS920+ can transcode 4K video on the fly, making it perfect for streaming to devices that don’t support the original video format. That's a huge plus for media enthusiasts!
• File Sharing: Seamlessly share files across different platforms and devices. The DS920+ supports various file-sharing protocols, including SMB, AFP, and NFS. So, sharing your data is super easy.
• Data Backup: Comprehensive backup solutions, including support for Time Machine (for macOS users) and Synology's Active Backup for Business for backing up PCs, servers, and virtual machines.
• Surveillance Station: Turn your NAS into a surveillance center with support for multiple IP cameras. This adds an extra layer of security to your setup.
• Expandability: The DS920+ supports the Synology DX517 expansion unit, allowing you to add up to five additional drives. This gives you room to grow as your storage needs increase. This is something to consider if you foresee your storage needs increasing rapidly.

Performance Testing and Real-World Usage

Now, let's talk performance. How does the Synology DS920+ perform in the real world? In my testing, the DS920+ consistently delivered impressive results. File transfer speeds were fast, both over the local network and the internet. The Intel Celeron J4125 processor and the 4GB of RAM worked together to ensure smooth performance even when I was streaming 4K video, running multiple applications, and backing up data simultaneously. This means a seamless experience for you and the other users of the NAS device. The file transfer speeds will depend on the hard drives or SSDs you use and your network setup. However, the DS920+ is designed to maximize the performance of your storage drives.

I tested the NAS with both hard drives and SSDs and saw significant performance gains when using SSDs. If you prioritize speed, SSDs are the way to go. The Synology DS920+ handles the demanding tasks. The Synology DS920+ review shows that the NAS is a reliable choice for various tasks. I was able to stream 4K video without any buffering or lag. The NAS handled large file transfers quickly and efficiently. The intuitive DSM interface makes it easy to manage your data, set up user accounts, and configure backup solutions. The performance of the Synology DS920+ is impressive, and it's well-suited for demanding tasks such as media streaming, data backup, and running multiple applications. The NAS is a reliable and powerful storage solution that won't disappoint.

Here’s a quick breakdown of my real-world usage experience:

• Media Streaming: Flawless 4K video streaming to multiple devices simultaneously. The hardware transcoding capabilities of the DS920+ are a significant advantage here.
• File Transfer: Fast and reliable file transfer speeds. I transferred large files and folders quickly and without any issues.
• Data Backup: Simple and effective backup solutions. The NAS offers various backup options, including backing up to the cloud or other NAS devices. Backups are critical, and the DS920+ makes them easy.
• Surveillance: The Surveillance Station feature worked flawlessly with my IP cameras, providing a secure and reliable surveillance system. The Surveillance Station is a neat feature for home users.

Setting up and Configuring the Synology DS920+

Setting up the Synology DS920+ is a straightforward process, thanks to Synology’s user-friendly DSM operating system. First, you'll need to install your hard drives or SSDs into the drive bays. The drive bays are tool-less, which means you don't need any tools to install your drives. After inserting the drives, you can connect the NAS to your network and power it on. Then, you'll need to go to find.synology.com or use the Synology Assistant to locate your NAS on the network. This will guide you through the initial setup process, which includes installing the DSM operating system. The process is easy to follow and should not take more than a few minutes. From there, you'll be prompted to create an administrator account and set up your storage volume. You can choose from various RAID configurations to balance performance and data protection. This is where you decide on your storage configuration. This part of the setup is critical to ensure that your data is safe and your NAS is running smoothly.

DSM offers a wide range of applications and features that you can install to customize your NAS to your specific needs. Setting up user accounts, shared folders, and setting up access permissions is simple and easy to do. Synology’s DSM interface is intuitive. Setting up the NAS is easy, even for those unfamiliar with NAS devices. DSM is very well-designed. Setting up and configuring the DS920+ is a breeze. It's designed to be user-friendly, with a clear and intuitive interface. Synology has made sure that even beginners can easily set up and manage the NAS. The DSM interface is very well-designed, with a clear and intuitive layout. All the features and settings are easy to find and configure.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to setting up your DS920+:

1. Install Drives: Insert your HDDs or SSDs into the drive bays.
2. Connect to Network: Connect the NAS to your network via an Ethernet cable.
3. Power On: Plug in the power adapter and turn on the NAS.
4. Find the NAS: Use find.synology.com or Synology Assistant to locate the NAS on your network.
5. Install DSM: Follow the on-screen instructions to install the DSM operating system.
6. Create Admin Account: Set up an administrator account.
7. Create Storage Volume: Choose your RAID configuration and create a storage volume.
8. Install Apps: Install the apps you need, like Media Server or Active Backup for Business.

Synology DS920+ vs. the Competition

When choosing a NAS, it's essential to consider the competition. The Synology DS920+ has some great competition, including the QNAP TS-453D and the Western Digital My Cloud Pro Series PR4100. Let's see how the DS920+ stacks up. The QNAP TS-453D is another popular 4-bay NAS. It also offers excellent performance and features. The QNAP has a slightly faster processor, but the Synology DS920+ has the edge in terms of software and user-friendliness. The DSM operating system is considered to be one of the best. The Western Digital My Cloud Pro Series PR4100 is another option. The WD NAS is a good choice for those looking for a simpler NAS solution. The WD NAS is not as powerful as the Synology DS920+ or the QNAP TS-453D. The Synology DS920+ stands out because of its excellent performance, its versatile features, and its user-friendly interface. The Synology DS920+ is designed to be user-friendly, so you'll be able to set it up quickly.

Here’s a quick comparison:

• QNAP TS-453D: Strong performance, a wide range of features, but the software interface can be less intuitive than Synology's.
• Western Digital My Cloud Pro Series PR4100: Simple setup, good for basic storage needs, but lacks the advanced features and performance of the Synology DS920+.

The Synology DS920+ is the clear winner in terms of ease of use, feature set, and overall performance. The DS920+ offers a perfect balance of power and user-friendliness.

Pros and Cons of the Synology DS920+

Let’s summarize the pros and cons of the Synology DS920+ to give you a clear overview. Understanding the pros and cons will help you decide if it's the right NAS for you.

Pros:

• Excellent Performance: The Intel Celeron J4125 processor and 4GB RAM deliver smooth and responsive performance.
• User-Friendly DSM: Synology’s DSM operating system is intuitive and easy to use, even for beginners.
• Versatile Features: The DS920+ supports a wide range of applications and features, including media streaming, data backup, and surveillance.
• Hardware Transcoding: Built-in hardware transcoding makes it easy to stream 4K video to multiple devices.
• Expandability: Supports the Synology DX517 expansion unit, allowing you to increase your storage capacity.
• Reliable and Stable: Synology products are known for their reliability and stability.

Cons:

• Price: The DS920+ is a bit more expensive than some of the competition.
• RAM Upgrade: While the RAM is upgradeable, it requires removing the NAS's cover, which might void the warranty.
• No 2.5GbE: It lacks 2.5GbE support, which is becoming more common in newer NAS devices.

Who Is the Synology DS920+ For?

The Synology DiskStation DS920+ is an excellent choice for a wide range of users. Whether you're looking for a home media server, a secure backup solution, or a reliable storage solution for your small business, the DS920+ has something to offer. If you're a home user who loves media streaming, the DS920+ is an excellent choice. The hardware transcoding capabilities make it easy to stream 4K video to all your devices. If you're running a small business, the DS920+ can serve as a central storage hub, enabling file sharing, data backup, and remote access.

Here’s a breakdown of who would benefit most:

• Home Users: Ideal for media streaming, photo and video storage, and backing up computers and mobile devices.
• Small Businesses: Excellent for file sharing, data backup, and running business applications.
• Media Enthusiasts: The hardware transcoding capabilities and comprehensive media server apps make it a perfect fit.
• Tech-Savvy Users: Those who want a NAS with a wide range of features and customization options.

Conclusion: Is the Synology DS920+ Worth It?

So, is the Synology DiskStation DS920+ worth the investment? Absolutely, yes. The DS920+ is a top-tier NAS device that combines excellent performance, a user-friendly interface, and a comprehensive set of features. The performance is good. The DS920+ offers a perfect balance of power and ease of use. If you're looking for a reliable, feature-rich NAS, the DS920+ is an excellent choice. The DSM operating system is one of the best, and the hardware is powerful enough to handle a variety of tasks. The Synology DS920+ review concludes that this NAS is a solid investment. It's a versatile, reliable, and powerful NAS that will meet the needs of most users. If you're serious about data storage, the DS920+ is a worthwhile investment. The Synology DS920+ is a fantastic NAS, and I highly recommend it!