Welcome to our review of the Synology DS1823xs+, where we uncover its true potential. This powerful storage solution has surpassed our expectations, offering impressive performance and versatility. With up to 18 drive bays and seamless storage management, this diskless unit provides the flexibility and scalability we desire. While users have praised its exceptional CPU performance and convenient file sharing, we also address some concerns raised. Join us as we evaluate the Synology DS1823xs+ and explore its worth, cost, and alternatives.
Key Takeaways
- Synology DS1823xs+ is a powerful storage solution with up to 18 drive bays
- It offers license-free solutions for backup, replication, and recovery
- The device provides hot-swappable drives and online volume expansion for easy storage management
- It features Synology High Availability clustering for data accessibility and protection
Product Overview
Let's dive into the product overview of the Synology DS1823xs+, a fast and efficient storage solution that offers unparalleled performance and functionality. This 8-bay DiskStation can handle up to 18 drive bays when paired with 2 Synology DX517 Expansion Units. It provides license-free solutions for backup, replication, and recovery, giving you complete control over your data. With hot-swappable drives and online volume expansion, managing your storage has never been easier. The Synology High Availability clustering feature ensures that your data is always accessible and protected. To set up the DS1823xs+ and explore its full potential, check out the Synology knowledge center or their YouTube channel. For specific software or application information, refer to the product specification page. With its exceptional performance and functionality, this storage solution puts you in control.
Key Features
Let's take a closer look at the key features of the Synology DS1823xs+. The specs of this 8-bay DiskStation include the ability to attach up to 2 Synology DX517 Expansion Units for additional drive bays, as well as license-free solutions for backup, replication, and recovery. With hot-swappable drives and online volume expansion, along with Synology High Availability clustering, this NAS device offers efficient and flexible storage options.
Specs
The Synology DS1823xs+ offers an impressive array of key features that make it a standout choice in the market. Here are the specifications of this powerful NAS device:
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Drive Bays | 8 |
| Maximum Capacity | Up to 288TB |
| Processor | Intel Xeon D-1541 |
| RAM | 8GB DDR4 ECC |
| Ethernet Ports | 4x 1GbE, 2x 10GbE |
With its 8 drive bays and support for up to 288TB of storage, the DS1823xs+ provides ample space for all your data needs. The Intel Xeon D-1541 processor ensures excellent CPU performance, while the 8GB DDR4 ECC RAM guarantees efficient organization and management of large photo/video collections. Furthermore, the device offers convenient file sharing and family-targeted servers, allowing you to have full control over your data. The DS1823xs+ is truly a powerhouse in terms of performance and functionality.
Pros & Cons
We found several pros and cons while reviewing the Synology DS1823xs+. One major positive aspect is its fast and efficient performance, exceeding our expectations. However, one concern we have is the limitation on NAS drive compatibility, which may require users to invest in expensive Synology enterprise drives instead of industry standard ones.
- Increased flexibility in choosing NAS drives from different brands
- Ability to use existing drives and avoid the need for expensive Synology enterprise drives
- Potential compatibility issues with certain NAS drives
- Limited support and warranty coverage for non-Synology drives
What We Like
Our appreciation for the Synology DS1823xs+ is based on its impressive performance and functionality. We like this NAS device for several reasons:
- Fast and Efficient: The DS1823xs+ exceeds expectations with its exceptional CPU performance and efficient organization and management of large photo/video collections. It ensures smooth and seamless file sharing and provides targeted servers for the whole family.
- Priceless RAID Storage: With the ability to attach up to 18 drive bays, including expansion units, this NAS offers a huge storage capacity for a variety of needs. Whether you're a professional or a home user, the DS1823xs+ provides priceless storage solutions.
For those who desire control over their NAS drive choices, the ability to use drives from different brands can be a significant advantage. It allows users to select drives based on their specific needs, preferences, and budget. Additionally, being able to use existing drives can save both time and money. However, it is important to note that using non-Synology drives may come with some risks, such as potential compatibility issues and limited support. Ultimately, the decision to improve NAS drive compatibility should be weighed against the potential benefits and drawbacks for each individual user.
Ideal use cases
The ideal use cases for the Synology DS1823xs+ include small to medium-sized businesses and professional photographers or videographers. This powerful NAS device offers the control and efficiency needed to meet the demands of these specific users. For small to medium-sized businesses, the DS1823xs+ provides a reliable and scalable storage solution for managing large amounts of data, ensuring seamless collaboration and efficient workflows. Professional photographers and videographers will appreciate the DS1823xs+'s ability to efficiently organize and manage their extensive photo and video collections, allowing for quick and easy access to files. With its impressive performance and extensive features, the Synology DS1823xs+ is the perfect choice for those who desire control over their data and want a storage solution that can keep up with their demanding needs.
Buy or Avoid
Let's dive into whether you should consider purchasing or avoiding the Synology DS1823xs+ NAS device. If you desire control over your storage solutions, this device is definitely worth considering. With its impressive performance and efficient management of large collections, it exceeds expectations. The convenience of hot-swappable drives and online volume expansion allows for easy organization and scalability. Additionally, the Synology High Availability clustering feature ensures high reliability and uptime. However, it's important to note that there are some concerns. The choice to not support industry standard NAS drives and the requirement to purchase expensive Synology enterprise drives may be disappointing for some users. Furthermore, the inability to migrate existing drives to the new device can be a drawback. Considering these factors, it's crucial to carefully weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.
FAQ's
Now that we've covered the pros and cons of the Synology DS1823xs+, let's address some common questions users may have. We'll discuss troubleshooting steps, compatibility with different devices, expansion options and limitations, warranty and support information, as well as recommended accessories and add-ons. By addressing these frequently asked questions, we hope to provide a comprehensive understanding of the device and assist users in making informed decisions.
Common Troubleshooting Steps
We often encounter common troubleshooting steps (FAQ's) when using the Synology DS1823xs+ that can help resolve various issues. If you are experiencing problems with your device, there are a few steps you can take to troubleshoot the issue. First, ensure that all cables are securely connected and that the power source is working properly. Next, check for any software updates and install them if necessary. If you are experiencing network connectivity issues, try restarting your router or modem. Additionally, you can try resetting the device to its factory settings, but be aware that this will erase all data on the device. If these steps do not resolve the issue, it is recommended to contact Synology support for further assistance.
Compatibility With Different Devices
Moving on to compatibility with different devices, we can address some frequently asked questions (FAQ's) regarding the Synology DS1823xs+. One common question is whether this device is compatible with Mac computers. The answer is yes, the DS1823xs+ is compatible with Mac operating systems, making it a versatile option for Mac users. Another question often asked is whether the DS1823xs+ can be used with mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. Again, the answer is yes. Synology offers mobile apps that are compatible with both iOS and Android devices, allowing users to access and manage their data on the go. Overall, the DS1823xs+ offers great compatibility with a wide range of devices, providing users with the flexibility and control they desire.
Expansion Options and Limitations
Discussing the expansion options and limitations of the Synology DS1823xs+ brings attention to the capabilities and restrictions of this device. When it comes to expansion, the DS1823xs+ offers the ability to attach up to 2 Synology DX517 Expansion Units, allowing for a total of 18 drive bays. This provides ample room for storage expansion and scalability. However, it's important to note that the DS1823xs+ does not support industry standard NAS drives, which can be a limitation for some users who prefer those drives. Additionally, users may not be able to migrate existing drives to the new device, which can be a drawback for those looking to upgrade. Overall, while the expansion options are sufficient, there are certain limitations that users should be aware of before making a decision.
Warranty and Support Information
Continuing with the topic of warranty and support information for the Synology DS1823xs+, it is important to address the frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding these aspects. Here are some FAQs that users often have:
- What is the warranty period for the DS1823xs+? The DS1823xs+ comes with a 5-year limited warranty, which provides peace of mind and ensures that any hardware issues will be taken care of within this period.
- What kind of support does Synology offer? Synology provides comprehensive technical support through various channels, including online resources, community forums, and email support. They also have a dedicated support team that can assist with any issues or questions that may arise.
- Can I extend the warranty period? Yes, Synology offers the option to extend the warranty period for an additional fee. This can be a good option for users who want to further protect their investment and have added peace of mind.
- How do I contact Synology support? Synology provides multiple channels for contacting their support team, including phone, email, and live chat. They also have a support website where users can submit support tickets and access helpful resources.
Recommended Accessories and Add-Ons
We highly recommend exploring the available accessories and add-ons for the Synology DS1823xs+ to enhance its functionality and meet your specific needs. By adding compatible accessories, you can further expand the storage capacity, improve data transfer speeds, and optimize the performance of your NAS device. Some recommended accessories include additional hard drives, such as the Seagate IronWolf or Western Digital Red drives, which are specifically designed for NAS systems and offer reliable performance and high storage capacities. Additionally, consider investing in a Synology Expansion Unit, such as the DX517, to increase the number of drive bays and expand your storage capacity even further. Other useful add-ons include network adapters, SSD cache drives, and UPS devices to ensure uninterrupted power supply. By carefully selecting and integrating these accessories, you can customize your Synology DS1823xs+ to suit your specific requirements and maximize its capabilities.
Helpful Resources
We found several helpful resources when setting up and using the Synology DS1823xs+ NAS. The Synology knowledge center and YouTube channel were particularly useful for setting up the NAS and finding additional information. We also found it helpful to check the product specification page for the specific software or application we wanted to use, as it provided valuable insights and compatibility information. These resources allowed us to have better control over the setup and configuration process, ensuring a smooth and efficient experience with the DS1823xs+. Additionally, the availability of good tech support was a significant advantage, as it provided prompt assistance and solutions to any issues or concerns that arose during the setup or usage of the NAS.