Overview

Synology DS420+ 4Bay NAS is a high-performance network-attached storage device tailored for home users and small offices. With four 3.5-inch/2.5-inch drive bays, it offers ample storage capacity for data backup, file sharing, and media streaming. The standout feature is the dual built-in M.2 SSD slots for cache acceleration, which significantly boosts random I/O performance for applications like photo indexing and database queries. The DS420+ runs on Synology DiskStation Manager (DSM), providing a rich ecosystem of apps for backup, multimedia, and productivity.

Connectivity & Compatibility

The DS420+ is equipped with two Gigabit Ethernet ports supporting link aggregation and failover, ensuring reliable network connectivity. It also includes two USB 3.0 ports for connecting external drives or printers. The NAS supports hot-swappable 3.5-inch SATA HDDs and 2.5-inch SATA HDDs/SSDs. It is compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux clients via SMB, AFP, NFS, FTP, and other protocols. The Btrfs file system enables advanced features like snapshots, data integrity checks, and compression.

Product Info

Released in 2020, the Synology DS420+ sits in the mid-range segment of 4-bay NAS units. It is powered by an Intel Celeron J4025 dual-core processor (2.0 GHz base, up to 2.9 GHz) and comes with 2 GB DDR4 RAM (expandable to 6 GB). Sequential read and write speeds are rated at 226 MB/s and 225 MB/s, respectively. The device includes two M.2 NVMe slots for SSD caching. The warranty period is two years. In the market, the DS420+ offers a balanced mix of performance and features for its price, making it a versatile choice for home storage needs.

Best Use Cases

Home users who need centralized storage for photos, videos, and documents The DS420+ excels with Synology Moments and Drive, offering automatic backup and indexing. SSD cache accelerates thumbnail generation for large photo libraries. Not ideal for: Users who require 4K video transcoding or virtual machines; consider DS720+ or DS920+ for those tasks. Small office/home office (SOHO) users setting up a file server or backup target Link aggregation on two Gigabit ports improves multi-client access. Btrfs snapshots provide easy versioning and recovery. Not ideal for: Environments needing 10GbE or heavy concurrent access; consider higher-end models like DS1522+. Media enthusiasts running Plex or Video Station for direct play streaming The DS420+ lacks hardware transcoding, so it works best for direct stream playback. It handles file sharing and streaming reliably. Not ideal for: Real-time transcoding requirements; choose DS720+ or DS920+ with better CPU. Home automation or surveillance recording with Surveillance Station Supports up to 20 cameras, but high-resolution recording may stress the CPU. Not ideal for: Heavy multi-camera setups; consider DS723+ or DS923+ for higher performance.

Product Disclosure (Amazon)

  • Manufacturer: Synology
  • Seller: Shop in Field
  • Fulfilled by: Shop in Field
  • ASIN: B088V71WGH
  • Note: This article covers a manufacturer-made product based on Amazon listing details.