Synology DiskStation DS925+
Not the improve you need
The DiskStation DS925+ brings a number of key upgrades, akin 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+ for those who want a bit of little bit of extra energy, however the positive factors are overshadowed by a controversial HDD coverage. Basically, you possibly can’t use some other model’s HDDs with the DS925+, and that severely restricts your decisions. Not having the ability to use common Seagate and WD drives, and having to purchase costlier Synology-branded laborious drives simply would not make sense, and it finally 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
Towards
- 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 an awesome selection
If you must select a mannequin from these two, I might recommend going with the DiskStation DS923+. It makes use of a dual-core Ryzen platform, but it surely’s loads quick in day by day use, and also you get the very best software program platform round. Though the DS923+ is just a few years previous at this level, the NAS would not have any limitations past the Gigabit Ethernet ports, and for those who want multi-Gigabit connectivity, you possibly can improve to a 10GbE card with out a problem. 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 out there.
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+
Towards
- Gigabit Ethernet connectivity as customary
- 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+ ought to be the identical. The ability button is positioned on the best, and also you get standing LED indicators and a USB-A port on the identical facet.
The drive bays are straightforward to entry, and they are often locked must you want to take action. Putting in 3.5-inch HDDs is about as simple because it will get, and it would not require any instruments. If it is advisable to slot in a 2.5-inch SSD as an alternative, you may have to mount it to the drive bay.
Switching to the again, you get a USB port as customary, 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 very good improve over the DS923+, which has Gigabit Ethernet connectivity. The DS925+ additionally makes use of USB-C to increase 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 out there by default, the DS925+ would not have a method to swap to 10GbE networking — not like the DS923+. You’ll be able to simply add a 10GbE card to the DS923+ because of the connector on the rear, and it offers the NAS higher 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 of extra headroom. The remainder of the {hardware} is equivalent, with each NAS methods coming with 4GB RAM pre-installed.
The primary cause to purchase Synology NAS servers is the DiskStation Supervisor (DSM) software program, and the model continues to do an awesome job delivering helpful options and standout cell purchasers. It is easy to add images and knowledge out of your telephones robotically to both NAS, and also you get highly effective utilities that present a neighborhood various to cloud-based options.
The largest subject with the DiskStation DS925+ is the limitation round laborious drive use. Whereas you should utilize any Seagate IronWolf, WD Pink, or some other laborious drive within the DiskStation DS923+, that is not attainable with the DS925+; Synology is now imposing the usage of its personal drives, and until you achieve this, you will not even have the ability to set up the DSM software program and boot into the NAS.
This arbitrary restriction has enormous ramifications, as Synology’s drives are inclined to price greater than their equal Seagate and Western Digital rivals. The model says it’s doing this to make sure higher reliability, but it surely hasn’t revealed any significant knowledge round how its drives last more than different NAS HDDs.
Each servers do a very good job as a Plex NAS; there are not any points with playback, and distant streaming is simple to arrange and use. That stated, the AMD-based {hardware} would not include transcoding, so that you miss out on this function. That is true with each the DS925+ and DS923+, so for those who use Plex Go and wish transcoding,
Synology DiskStation DS925+ vs. DiskStation DS923+: Make the best selection
It simply would 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 fallacious; the DS925+ continues to be an awesome NAS, and for those who do not care concerning the laborious drive limitations, it’s best to contemplate getting it.
However with the DiskStation DS923+ nonetheless out there, the older NAS is a more sensible choice in 2025. Whereas the Gigabit Ethernet ports are exhibiting their age, you possibly can add a 10GbE networking card by shelling out a further $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 might recommend getting the DS923+ whereas it is nonetheless out there. It continues to be a dependable 4-bay Plex NAS in 2025, and it is not deliberately hobbled.
Synology DiskStation DS923+
Nonetheless an awesome selection
When you want a robust 4-bay NAS to make use of as a Plex server and retailer all of your knowledge, it’s best to simply get the DiskStation DS923+. However with the DS925+ slated to go on sale globally in Might, you may have to act quick if you wish to purchase the DS923+.