Synology DS223j: a solid low-cost server – News Block

Here is some good news for those who want to cautiously move to a real NAS server. Synology today announces the availability of its 2023 entry-level dual-bay NAS server, the DiskStation DS223j, as an upgrade to the DS220j that came out three years ago.

As the name suggests, the new server is part of the J-series, Synology’s lowest-level server that can perform multiple tasks. Still, the DS223j is a formidable step up from any router-based NAS solution. And it is also the most advanced server within this low-cost series.

Synology DS223j: A formidable server from the modest J series

Generally, though limited, the DS223j is similar to any Synology server. As a result, you can expect it to handle multiple IP cameras (up to 12) and it comes with two free licenses (not required if you use Synology cameras) for your Surveillance Station app.

The server also supports a number of useful features and apps common to personal and local cloud storage, including the versatile Synology Drive, which turns the server into private cloud storage with data sync and backup on real time.

Most importantly, running DSM 7.2, the DS223j is the first in the J-series to support the Btrfs file system, and with it Synology’s powerful snapshot replication function, which creates frequent snapshots at a point in time. the time for users to undo unwanted or accidental. file changes.

Still, compared to high-end Synology servers like the Plus series, the DS223j is unsurprisingly disappointing.

The new server runs on a 1.7GHz 4-core Realtek RTD1619B CPU and 1GB of DDR4. It has a single Gigabit port and two USB 3.0 ports. There’s no hardware upgradability other than its internal storage, where you can choose two standard SATA hard drives or SSDs of your choice.

But even on the storage front, the DS223j leaves a lot to be desired. Like previous servers in the series, it does not feature easily accessible drive bays with tool-less installation. Instead, you will have to use a screwdriver to open its case, which is inconvenient and time consuming.

Synology says the new DS223j can handle up to 36TB of raw storage space, but that’s only because the company currently offers hard drives up to 18GB. In general, the server works with third-party hard drives and your storage space depends on the capacities you choose.

When it comes to storage space, more is always better, and for most situations, a dual-bay server is minimal as it can also offer redundancy via RAID 1. The DS223j is also RAID 0 compatible, SHR and JBOB.

Availability and prices

Synology says that the DS223j is available today with the suggested retail price of $189.99 (without drive). In general, you only need one drive to start using the server, but two, preferably of equal capacity, are required for a RAID configuration.

Want to get into real network storage in a small way? Consider this server today!