Synology NAS Decision

[Hazily2019]

'Ello.

I am trying to decide between Synology NAS DS1522+ and the Synology NAS DS1621+. If anyone has either of these units please fill me in as to what you like vs don't like about these units.

 

[BlueFox]

DS1621+, while a year older, gets you a better CPU, extra drive bay, and the ability to use a regular PCIe 10GbE NIC (get an Intel one, not the Synology branded ones) vs the expensive proprietary ones. I have multiple DS2419+, so I can't speak as to those two models specifically, but can give you a rundown as to what I do and don't like about Synology in general if that would be of interest. Software wise, they're really all the same.

 

[Hazily2019]

See I am able to get either the DS1522+ with a 10GB NIC and an extra 8GB RAM or the DS1621+ with a 10GB NIC and 8GB RAM extra module for $850 vs $950 refurbished. I am just trying to pick which one would be nicer to have. My use case is mostly desktop backups (incremental and differentials) and to host a couple of VMs ... just the basic stuff.

 

[BlueFox]

Double the core count for VMs would be a compelling reason to go with the DS1621+ then I'd say given the small price difference. Outside of that, you're going to notice no real difference between the two.

 

[NerdAshes]

DS1621+, while a year older, gets you a better CPU, extra drive bay, and the ability to use a regular PCIe 10GbE NIC (get an Intel one, not the Synology branded ones) vs the expensive proprietary ones. I have multiple DS2419+, so I can't speak as to those two models specifically, but can give you a rundown as to what I do and don't like about Synology in general if that would be of interest. Software wise, they're really all the same.

I agree with the DS1621+ over the DS1522+

It can also use the E25G21-F2 dual 25gps NIC.

I too wouldn't mind talking about the Synology walled-garden pros and cons... and why you should see what BlueFox has for sale, that you can use as superior NAS for a lot less $$$.

The AMD based Synology NAS devices, are also not very good as media servers - just something to think about if that is in your plans.

 

[Hazily2019]

Basically need this for a work to back up 4 computers....

 

[NerdAshes]

Basically need this for a work to back up 4 computers....

I have plopped a ton of Synology into SMBs over the years (was even a partner with them for a bit). They never gave me issues and they were simple for me to remotely manage. That said - they are expensive for what you get. Your 4 PC backup and a couple VMs, needs are very small.

• How experienced are you with installing a Linux OS, setting up network shares and using QEMU?

If the above is "I can copy paste into a CLI", then you can save a lot of cash setting up your own NAS.
If the above is "I can't and don't have the time to look into it" then a Synology NAS DS1522+ is more than enough NAS for your needs and the $100 more, does get you slightly better box, for not a lot of extra cash, in the DS1621+. The "RackStations" are nice too - if you have a rack and get a deal on them.

 

[Hazily2019]

Thanks everyone for your input.