Synology DiskStation DS925+
Not the improve you need
The DiskStation DS925+ brings a number of key upgrades, resembling 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+ in case you want somewhat little bit of further energy, however the positive factors are overshadowed by a controversial HDD coverage. Basically, you possibly can’t use another 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 onerous 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
In opposition to
- Closely restricted in what HDDs you should use
- No approach so as to add 10GbE networking down the road
- No {hardware} transcoding in Plex
Synology DiskStation DS923+
Nonetheless an excellent alternative
If it’s important to select a mannequin from these two, I would recommend going with the DiskStation DS923+. It makes use of a dual-core Ryzen platform, nevertheless it’s a lot quick in every day use, and also you get the most effective software program platform round. Though the DS923+ is a couple of years outdated at this level, the NAS would not have any limitations past the Gigabit Ethernet ports, and in case you want multi-Gigabit connectivity, you possibly can improve to a 10GbE card with no problem. And contemplating there aren’t 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+
In opposition to
- 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 an identical. 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 building means it’s sturdy. I have not had any points with the DS923+ by any means even with prolonged use, and the DS925+ must be the identical. The facility button is positioned on the fitting, 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 must you want to take action. Putting in 3.5-inch HDDs is about as easy because it will get, and it would not require any instruments. If that you must slot in a 2.5-inch SSD as a substitute, 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 an excellent improve over the DS923+, which has Gigabit Ethernet connectivity. The DS925+ additionally makes use of USB-C to increase drives ought to that you must down the road, with the DS923+ coming with an eSATA port as a substitute.
Whereas it is nice to see multi-Gigabit connectivity out there by default, the DS925+ would not have a method to change to 10GbE networking — not like the DS923+. You may simply add a 10GbE card to the DS923+ due to the connector on the rear, and it provides the NAS larger 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 somewhat further headroom. The remainder of the {hardware} is an identical, with each NAS methods coming with 4GB RAM pre-installed.
The principle cause to purchase Synology NAS servers is the DiskStation Supervisor (DSM) software program, and the model continues to do an excellent job delivering helpful options and standout cellular purchasers. It is easy to add pictures and knowledge out of your telephones routinely to both NAS, and also you get highly effective utilities that present an area different to cloud-based options.
The most important concern with the DiskStation DS925+ is the limitation round onerous drive use. Whereas you should use any Seagate IronWolf, WD Purple, or another onerous 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 accomplish that, you will not even be capable to set up the DSM software program and boot into the NAS.
This arbitrary restriction has big 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 larger reliability, nevertheless it hasn’t printed any significant knowledge round how its drives last more than different NAS HDDs.
Each servers do an excellent job as a Plex NAS; there aren’t 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 characteristic. That is true with each the DS925+ and DS923+, so in case you use Plex Go and wish transcoding,
Synology DiskStation DS925+ vs. DiskStation DS923+: Make the fitting alternative
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 onerous drive restrictions curb its usability to a noticeable extent. Do not get me improper; the DS925+ continues to be an excellent NAS, and in case you do not care concerning the onerous drive limitations, you must 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 an extra $100, and there aren’t any restrictions round HDD use — you should buy any Seagate, Toshiba, and WD drive you need and slot it into the NAS.
Given the adjustments with the DS925+, I would 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 excellent alternative
In the event you want a strong 4-bay NAS to make use of as a Plex server and retailer all of your knowledge, you must simply get the DiskStation DS923+. However with the DS925+ slated to go on sale globally in Could, you may have to act quick if you wish to purchase the DS923+.
