Synology DiskStation DS925+
Not the improve you need
The DiskStation DS925+ brings a number of key upgrades, similar 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+ in the event you want a bit little bit of extra energy, however the features are overshadowed by a controversial HDD coverage. Basically, you’ll be able to’t use another model’s HDDs with the DS925+, and that severely restricts your decisions. Not with the ability to use common Seagate and WD drives, and having to purchase costlier Synology-branded exhausting 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
Towards
- Closely restricted in what HDDs you should utilize
- No method so as to add 10GbE networking down the road
- No {hardware} transcoding in Plex
Synology DiskStation DS923+
Nonetheless an awesome alternative
If you need to select a mannequin from these two, I might counsel going with the DiskStation DS923+. It makes use of a dual-core Ryzen platform, however it’s a lot quick in each day use, and also you get one of the best software program platform round. Though the DS923+ is a couple of years previous at this level, the NAS does not have any limitations past the Gigabit Ethernet ports, and in the event you want multi-Gigabit connectivity, you’ll be able to improve to a 10GbE card and not using a trouble. 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
- Similar 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 similar. 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+ in any way even with prolonged use, and the DS925+ needs to be the identical. The facility button is positioned on the correct, 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 simple because it will get, and it does not require any instruments. If that you must slot in a 2.5-inch SSD as an alternative, you may must 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 superb improve over the DS923+, which has Gigabit Ethernet connectivity. The DS925+ additionally makes use of USB-C to develop drives ought to that you must 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+ does not have a technique to swap to 10GbE networking — not like the DS923+. You possibly can 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 mentioned, 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 similar, with each NAS techniques 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 cellular shoppers. It is easy to add photographs 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 challenge with the DiskStation DS925+ is the limitation round exhausting drive use. Whereas you should utilize any Seagate IronWolf, WD Crimson, or another exhausting drive within the DiskStation DS923+, that is not doable with the DS925+; Synology is now imposing the usage of its personal drives, and except 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 likely to value greater than their equal Seagate and Western Digital rivals. The model says it’s doing this to make sure larger reliability, however it hasn’t printed any significant knowledge round how its drives last more than different NAS HDDs.
Each servers do a superb job as a Plex NAS; there aren’t any points with playback, and distant streaming is straightforward to arrange and use. That mentioned, 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 in the event you use Plex Go and want transcoding,
Synology DiskStation DS925+ vs. DiskStation DS923+: Make the correct alternative
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 exhausting drive restrictions curb its usability to a noticeable extent. Do not get me fallacious; the DS925+ continues to be an awesome NAS, and in the event you do not care concerning the exhausting drive limitations, you need to think about 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 displaying their age, you’ll be able to add a 10GbE networking card by shelling out a further $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 modifications with the DS925+, I might counsel 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 alternative
When you want a robust 4-bay NAS to make use of as a Plex server and retailer all of your knowledge, you need to simply get the DiskStation DS923+. However with the DS925+ slated to go on sale globally in Could, you may must act quick if you wish to purchase the DS923+.
