Synology DiskStation DS925+
Not the improve you need
The DiskStation DS925+ brings a number of key upgrades, corresponding to twin 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet ports on the again, and a quad-core Ryzen platform. The result’s that the NAS has a particular edge over the DS923+ when you want a bit little bit of extra energy, however the positive aspects are overshadowed by a controversial HDD coverage. Basically, you’ll be able to’t use every other model’s HDDs with the DS925+, and that severely restricts your selections. Not having the ability to use common Seagate and WD drives, and having to purchase costlier Synology-branded laborious drives simply does not make sense, and it in the end makes the DS925+ a non-starter.
For
- Twin 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet ports
- Highly effective {hardware}
- Good as a Plex server
- Class-leading software program
- USB-C extensibility
- Twin M.2 slots can be utilized as storage
In opposition to
- Closely restricted in what HDDs you should utilize
- No approach so as to add 10GbE networking down the road
- No {hardware} transcoding in Plex
Synology DiskStation DS923+
Nonetheless a terrific selection
If it’s a must to select a mannequin from these two, I would counsel going with the DiskStation DS923+. It makes use of a dual-core Ryzen platform, nevertheless it’s loads quick in each day use, and also you get the very best software program platform round. Though the DS923+ is a number of years outdated at this level, the NAS does not have any limitations past the Gigabit Ethernet ports, and when you want multi-Gigabit connectivity, you’ll be able to improve to a 10GbE card with out a trouble. And contemplating there are not any restrictions round HDD use, the DS923+ makes higher sense than the DS925+ — so seize it whereas it is nonetheless obtainable.
For
- Good {hardware}
- No points with Plex
- No restrictions with HDD use
- M.2 slots can be utilized as storage
- Identical software program as DS925+
In opposition to
- Gigabit Ethernet connectivity as commonplace
- No transcoding
Synology DiskStation DS925+ vs. DiskStation DS923+: Design and options
Synology hasn’t modified its design in 10 years, so each the DiskStation DS925+ and the DiskStation DS923+ are virtually equivalent. They each use the identical black chassis with a vented design on the sides to permit passive cooling, and there are twin 92mm followers on the rear.
The design is unobtrusive, and the aluminum development means it’s sturdy. I have never had any points with the DS923+ by any means even with prolonged use, and the DS925+ needs to be the identical. The facility button is positioned on the precise, and also you get standing LED indicators and a USB-A port on the identical facet.
The drive bays are simple to entry, and they are often locked do you have to want to take action. Putting in 3.5-inch HDDs is about as simple because it will get, and it does not require any instruments. If it is advisable to slot in a 2.5-inch SSD as an alternative, you will have to mount it to the drive bay.
Switching to the again, you get a USB port as commonplace, and the underside of each NAS servers has two M.2 slots if you wish to add SSDs. The DiskStation DS925+ is notable because it comes with two 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet ports, giving it a superb improve over the DS923+, which has Gigabit Ethernet connectivity. The DS925+ additionally makes use of USB-C to broaden drives ought to it is advisable to down the road, with the DS923+ coming with an eSATA port as an alternative.
Whereas it is nice to see multi-Gigabit connectivity obtainable by default, the DS925+ does not have a strategy to change to 10GbE networking — not like the DS923+. You may simply add a 10GbE card to the DS923+ because of the connector on the rear, and it offers the NAS better flexibility.
Synology DiskStation DS925+ vs. DiskStation DS923+: Software program and real-world use
Each NAS fashions have the very same software program, so there is not something to distinguish both product on this space. That stated, the DiskStation DS925+ comes with a quad-core Ryzen V1500B, and it holds up higher with demanding workloads. That is not to say that the DS923+ is any slouch on this space — it is simply that the DS925+ has a bit extra headroom. The remainder of the {hardware} is equivalent, with each NAS methods coming with 4GB RAM pre-installed.
The primary purpose to purchase Synology NAS servers is the DiskStation Supervisor (DSM) software program, and the model continues to do a terrific job delivering helpful options and standout cell shoppers. It is easy to add images and information out of your telephones routinely to both NAS, and also you get highly effective utilities that present a neighborhood various to cloud-based options.
The largest difficulty with the DiskStation DS925+ is the limitation round laborious drive use. Whereas you should utilize any Seagate IronWolf, WD Purple, or every other laborious drive within the DiskStation DS923+, that is not doable with the DS925+; Synology is now implementing the usage of its personal drives, and until you accomplish that, you will not even be capable of set up the DSM software program and boot into the NAS.
This arbitrary restriction has large ramifications, as Synology’s drives are likely to price greater than their equal Seagate and Western Digital rivals. The model says it’s doing this to make sure better reliability, nevertheless it hasn’t printed any significant information round how its drives last more than different NAS HDDs.
Each servers do a superb job as a Plex NAS; there are not any points with playback, and distant streaming is straightforward to arrange and use. That stated, the AMD-based {hardware} does not include transcoding, so that you miss out on this characteristic. That is true with each the DS925+ and DS923+, so when you use Plex Go and wish transcoding,
Synology DiskStation DS925+ vs. DiskStation DS923+: Make the precise selection
It simply does not make a lot sense to purchase the DiskStation DS925+. Whereas it has higher {hardware} and multi-Gigabit connectivity out of the field, the laborious drive restrictions curb its usability to a noticeable extent. Do not get me unsuitable; the DS925+ continues to be a terrific NAS, and when you do not care concerning the laborious drive limitations, it is best to contemplate getting it.
However with the DiskStation DS923+ nonetheless obtainable, the older NAS is a more sensible choice in 2025. Whereas the Gigabit Ethernet ports are exhibiting their age, you’ll be able to add a 10GbE networking card by shelling out an extra $100, and there are not any restrictions round HDD use — you should purchase any Seagate, Toshiba, and WD drive you need and slot it into the NAS.
Given the modifications with the DS925+, I would counsel getting the DS923+ whereas it is nonetheless obtainable. It continues to be a dependable 4-bay Plex NAS in 2025, and it is not deliberately hobbled.
Synology DiskStation DS923+
Nonetheless a terrific selection
Should you want a strong 4-bay NAS to make use of as a Plex server and retailer all of your information, it is best to simply get the DiskStation DS923+. However with the DS925+ slated to go on sale globally in Might, you will have to act quick if you wish to purchase the DS923+.
