Are you wondering if a Synology NAS is a better choice than building your own network-attached storage (NAS) solution? At COMPARE.EDU.VN, we compare the Synology NAS appliance against a home-built FreeBSD server to help you make the right decision. We deliver detailed, unbiased comparisons, highlighting the pros and cons of each choice, and helping you understand which option best aligns with your needs, technical expertise, and peace of mind, including data integrity, disk management and disaster recovery.
1. What Hardware Is Being Compared?
We are comparing the Synology DS923+ to a home-built NAS leveraging FreeBSD and its excellent ZFS support. The custom-built NAS server was hosted on a PowerMac G5 initially and then upgraded to a 72-core ThinkStation. The Synology DS923+ is a dedicated machine specifically crafted for file sharing.
1.1 How Do The IOPS Compare?
The ThinkStation runs with two 7200 RPM drives in mirror mode, whereas the DS923+ runs with three 5400 RPM drives in RAID 5 mode. However, the 1Gbit NIC on each machine limits the performance, so both can saturate the network.
1.2 What Is the Build Quality Like?
Both the ThinkStation P710 and the DS923+ are impressive machines. The ThinkStation has great cable management and airflow, while the NAS has a lightweight and small form factor. Both are tool-less enclosures.
1.3 Which Is Quieter?
When idle, both machines are equally quiet. The ThinkStation gets very loud under heavy load, especially when the room temperature is warm. The DS923+ remains quiet throughout. The Synology Plus Series HDDs are also quieter due to their slower 5400 RPM drives.
1.4 What About Power Consumption?
A direct power consumption comparison wasn’t conducted due to the lack of a measurement tool. Keeping the ThinkStation online 24×7 with drives that never rest likely consumes more power.
2. What Is FreeBSD and ZFS?
FreeBSD is a Unix-like operating system known for its stability, rational tooling, and modern technology like ZFS and bhyve. ZFS (Zettabyte File System) is a combined file system and logical volume manager that provides a dependable storage solution.
2.1 What Makes FreeBSD a Good Choice for Servers?
FreeBSD offers rational and orthogonal tooling, is quick to maintain, and includes modern technology like ZFS and bhyve. It provides a stable and reliable platform for server applications.
2.2 What Are the Advantages of Using ZFS?
ZFS allows you to create file systems on a pool, create raw volumes for VMs or iSCSI targets, take snapshots, replicate snapshots over the network or to backup USB drives, and scrub the drives to verify data integrity. These features are accessible through simple commands.
2.3 What Are the Drawbacks of ZFS?
ZFS can feel slow compared to traditional file systems, especially when using hard drives. The seek time of hard drives, around 10ms, exacerbates the perceived slowness, particularly when compared to SSDs.
2.4 What Network Connectivity Options Does FreeBSD Offer?
FreeBSD offers NFSv3, NFSv4, FTP, and iSCSI targets in the base system. Additional services like SMB, DLNA, and AppleTalk are available through the ports system. Configuration is done manually over SSH by editing configuration files.
3. What Are Synology’s DSM and Btrfs?
The DS923+ runs Synology’s DiskStation Manager (DSM), a headless-first operating system accessed over the network. The DSM uses a desktop environment with overlapping windows. Under the hood, the DSM is a Linux system that uses the btrfs file system.
3.1 What Is Unique About the DSM Interface?
The DSM offers a desktop environment with overlapping windows, which is unique for a networked device. It provides a user-friendly interface for managing the NAS.
3.2 What Kind of Linux System Is DSM?
The DSM seems to be a Debian derivative, although it lacks obvious remains of a Debian installation. The btrfs file systems are mounted under /volume1, with shared folders created in the UI.
3.3 Can FreeBSD Be Run on the DS923+?
Some have tried to run FreeBSD on the DS923+, but it lacks drivers to control power to the drives. The DS923+ has dedicated hardware to control power to the drive pool via GPIO.
3.4 How Does the DS923+ Boot?
The DS923+ boots from a small 120MB flash drive that acts as the system device. This separation of system vs. drive pool can cause delays when the drive pool shuts off and needs to be powered back on.
3.5 What Network Connectivity Options Does DSM Offer?
The DSM offers SMB, NFS v3, NFS v4, AFP, FTP, and rsync out of the box. It also provides a package management system to install additional services like DLNA support.
4. How Do You Seed the NAS With Data?
Seeding the NAS involves copying data from the old server to the DS923+. Using rsync over SSH is an efficient method for the initial seeding.
4.1 What Protocol Should Be Used for a Quick Copy?
For a quick copy, rsync over SSH is recommended, especially for transferring many small files. SMB and NFS are suitable for large files, but painful for small files.
4.2 How Do You Find the Path to Shared Folders?
The path to shared folders can be found by logging into the machine over SSH and navigating to /volume1/<shared_folder>/.
4.3 What About 2FA Security?
Even with 2FA enabled in the DSM UI, it is not required when accessing the machine over SSH or SMB. This can give a false sense of security, as access can be gained without it.
5. What Are the Peace of Mind Benefits?
The main difference between a custom FreeBSD server and the DS923+ is an increase in “peace of mind.” The DSM offers features that ensure data safety and easy management.
5.1 Does the DSM Offer Encryption?
Yes, the DSM offers to encrypt the pool right from the beginning. The key is stored on the device to allow auto-mounting by default. Additional encryption can be configured on each shared folder for per-user password protection.
5.2 Is a Synology Account Required?
Nowhere in the setup process are you asked to create a Synology account for the NAS to be fully functional. Account creation is optional for certain features.
5.3 Does the DSM Offer System Alerts?
The DSM offers the ability to send email notifications for system alerts. This ensures that you will be notified of anything unusual with the DS932+.
5.4 Is the DSM Configuration Reliable?
The DSM has been built by people who deal with storage all the time, and it is fair to assume that the configuration of the system and the storage pool will be “correct” over time, particularly across upgrades.
6. What Additional Apps Are Available?
The DS923+ can host various software via DSM’s marketplace, including DLNA service, Domain Server, and virtual machines.
6.1 How Do You Add Additional Services?
Additional services can be added via the DSM’s Package Center. These services are curated and come with new configuration panels in the UI and full integration with the system.
6.2 What Are Some Interesting Optional Features?
Interesting optional features include the ability to create virtual machines on the DS923+, which can be useful from time to time.
6.3 How Is the Software Integrated?
The extra pieces of software are curated, meaning you are installing an extension to the DSM, which comes with new configuration panels in the UI and full integration with the system.
7. What Backup Solutions Are Available?
Backups are critically important to protect against data loss due to ransomware, physical damage, and correlated disk failures.
7.1 What Backup Strategy Was Used With FreeBSD?
The FreeBSD setup used zfs send and zfs receive to back up snapshots into two USB drives, with one kept in a fire safe and one kept offsite. Irreplaceable data was also backed up to a OneDrive account using rclone.
7.2 What Challenges Exist When Backing Up a NAS?
Backing up a NAS is difficult because it stores lots of data, requiring large-capacity backup targets. The DS923+’s reduced physical size can make attaching temporary USB drives inconvenient.
7.3 What Is the Cloud Sync Package?
The optional Cloud Sync package allows replicating to many cloud services, including OneDrive. It allows you to install the package, log into your Microsoft account, and configure the specific folders you care about backing up.
7.4 What Other Backup Solutions Does Synology Offer?
Synology offers a variety of products for remote and physical backup, including Snapshot Replication, Active Backup for Business, and Hyper Backup.
8. How Do the Specifications Compare?
Here’s a detailed comparison of the specifications for both the Synology DS923+ and the custom FreeBSD server.
| Feature | Synology DS923+ | Custom FreeBSD Server (ThinkStation P710) |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | AMD Ryzen Embedded R1600 | 2x Intel Xeon E5-2620 v4 (72 Cores) |
| RAM | 4 GB DDR4 (Expandable up to 32 GB) | 64 GB DDR4 |
| Drives | 3 x 5400 RPM in RAID 5 | 2 x 7200 RPM in Mirror Mode |
| Network | 1 x 1Gbit NIC | 1 x 1Gbit NIC |
| Operating System | Synology DSM (Linux-based) | FreeBSD with ZFS |
| File System | Btrfs | ZFS |
| Form Factor | Compact, Tool-less Enclosure | Workstation |
| Noise Level | Quiet | Quiet at Idle, Loud Under Load |
| Power Consumption | Lower | Higher |
| Encryption | Full Pool Encryption, Per-Folder Encryption | Manual Configuration Required |
| Backup Solutions | Cloud Sync, Snapshot Replication, Hyper Backup | ZFS Send/Receive, Rclone |
| Additional Apps | DLNA, Virtual Machine Manager, Domain Server | Manually Configured via Ports/Packages |
| Alerts | Email Notifications | Manual Configuration Required |
| User Interface | Web-based Desktop Environment | Command Line Interface (CLI) |
| 2FA Security | Web UI Only | SSH Keys Recommended |
9. What Are the Pros and Cons of Each System?
Let’s evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of each solution.
9.1 Synology DS923+ Pros
- Ease of Use: User-friendly interface and setup.
- Peace of Mind: Built-in features like encryption and email alerts.
- Additional Apps: Curated apps for expanding functionality.
- Backup Solutions: Comprehensive backup options including cloud sync.
- Form Factor: Compact and quiet.
9.2 Synology DS923+ Cons
- Performance Limitations: Limited by 1Gbit NIC and 5400 RPM drives.
- 2FA Limitations: 2FA not enforced over SSH or SMB.
- Power Management: Delays due to drive pool power management.
- Customization: Limited compared to a DIY solution.
- Price: Higher initial cost.
9.3 Custom FreeBSD Server Pros
- Customization: Full control over hardware and software.
- Performance: Potential for higher performance with better hardware.
- Flexibility: Ability to run any software.
- Cost: Potentially lower cost if reusing existing hardware.
- ZFS: Powerful and flexible file system.
9.4 Custom FreeBSD Server Cons
- Complexity: Requires technical expertise to set up and maintain.
- Maintenance: Manual configuration and updates.
- Time Investment: Significant time investment for setup and troubleshooting.
- Noise: Can be loud under heavy load.
- Power Consumption: Potentially higher power consumption.
10. How Do They Compare in Specific Use Cases?
Here is a comparison table outlining how the Synology DS923+ and a custom FreeBSD server compare across various use cases.
| Use Case | Synology DS923+ | Custom FreeBSD Server |
|---|---|---|
| Home Media Server | Easy setup, DLNA support, quiet operation. | Requires manual configuration, potential for higher performance. |
| Small Business File Storage | User-friendly interface, reliable data protection, easy backup. | Requires technical expertise, but offers greater flexibility. |
| Personal Cloud Storage | Simple cloud sync, easy remote access. | Requires more setup, but allows full data control. |
| Software Development | Limited resources, but can run VMs. | Higher resources, full control, but requires more maintenance. |
| Data Backup | Comprehensive backup solutions, easy setup. | Requires manual configuration, but offers more control over backup methods. |
| Security | Built-in encryption, but 2FA has limitations. | Requires manual configuration, but allows advanced security measures. |
| Ease of Use | Very user-friendly, web-based interface. | Requires technical expertise, command-line interface. |
| Scalability | Limited by hardware, but expandable. | Highly scalable with appropriate hardware. |
11. User Experience and Interface
The user experience and interface are critical factors when choosing between a Synology NAS and a custom FreeBSD server.
11.1 Synology DS923+ User Experience
- Web-Based Interface: The DSM provides a user-friendly, web-based desktop environment.
- Ease of Navigation: Intuitive interface with easy-to-find settings and applications.
- Mobile Apps: Synology offers mobile apps for remote access and management.
- Automated Tasks: Simplifies tasks such as setting up RAID, creating shared folders, and managing backups.
11.2 Custom FreeBSD Server User Experience
- Command Line Interface (CLI): Primarily managed via the command line, requiring technical knowledge.
- Customization: Full control over the system, allowing for tailored configurations.
- Learning Curve: Steep learning curve for new users, requiring familiarity with Unix commands and system administration.
- Automation: Requires manual scripting for automated tasks.
12. Security Considerations
Security is a paramount concern when selecting a NAS solution. Here’s how the Synology DS923+ and a custom FreeBSD server stack up in terms of security features and considerations.
12.1 Synology DS923+ Security
- Built-In Firewall: Configurable firewall to protect against unauthorized access.
- Encryption: Full pool encryption and per-folder encryption to protect data at rest.
- Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Adds an extra layer of security for user accounts, but not enforced over SSH or SMB.
- Automatic Security Updates: Regular security updates to protect against vulnerabilities.
- Security Advisor: Tool that scans the system for security weaknesses and provides recommendations.
12.2 Custom FreeBSD Server Security
- Firewall (pf): Highly configurable packet filter firewall for network protection.
- Encryption (ZFS Native Encryption): Native ZFS encryption to protect data at rest.
- SSH Key Authentication: Secure remote access using SSH keys.
- Manual Security Updates: Requires manual security updates and patching.
- Custom Security Policies: Allows for the implementation of custom security policies and hardening measures.
13. Performance Benchmarks
Let’s compare the Synology DS923+ and a custom FreeBSD server’s performance capabilities.
13.1 Synology DS923+ Performance
- CPU Performance: The AMD Ryzen Embedded R1600 provides adequate performance for file serving and light applications.
- Network Throughput: Limited by the 1Gbit NIC, but supports link aggregation to increase throughput.
- RAID Performance: Btrfs file system offers good performance with RAID configurations.
13.2 Custom FreeBSD Server Performance
- CPU Performance: The Intel Xeon E5-2620 v4 provides higher processing power for demanding applications.
- Network Throughput: Limited by the 1Gbit NIC, but supports multiple NICs for increased throughput.
- ZFS Performance: ZFS file system offers excellent data integrity and performance with appropriate hardware.
14. Pricing and Total Cost of Ownership
When deciding between a Synology DS923+ and a custom FreeBSD server, it’s important to consider the pricing and total cost of ownership (TCO).
14.1 Synology DS923+ Pricing
- Initial Cost: Higher initial cost due to purchasing a pre-built NAS appliance.
- Hardware: Includes all necessary hardware components in one package.
- Software: Includes the Synology DSM operating system with all its features.
14.2 Custom FreeBSD Server Pricing
- Initial Cost: Potentially lower if reusing existing hardware components.
- Hardware: Requires purchasing individual hardware components, such as a motherboard, CPU, RAM, and storage drives.
- Software: Requires installing and configuring the FreeBSD operating system and ZFS.
15. Scalability and Expansion
Scalability and expansion options are critical for future-proofing your NAS solution.
15.1 Synology DS923+ Scalability
- Drive Bays: Offers multiple drive bays for adding more storage capacity.
- Expansion Units: Supports expansion units for increasing the number of drive bays.
- RAM Expansion: Allows for expanding the amount of RAM for improved performance.
- Limited Customization: Limited in terms of hardware customization.
15.2 Custom FreeBSD Server Scalability
- Hardware Flexibility: Allows for selecting and upgrading individual hardware components.
- Drive Bays: Limited only by the number of available drive bays in the server chassis.
- RAM Expansion: Allows for expanding the amount of RAM for improved performance.
- Software Flexibility: Full control over the software stack, allowing for custom configurations and optimizations.
16. Disaster Recovery and Data Integrity
Disaster recovery and data integrity are essential considerations when choosing a NAS solution.
16.1 Synology DS923+ Disaster Recovery
- RAID Support: Supports various RAID configurations for data redundancy and protection.
- Snapshot Replication: Allows for creating and replicating snapshots to a remote Synology NAS.
- Hyper Backup: Comprehensive backup solution for backing up data to various destinations.
- Cloud Sync: Option to sync data to cloud storage providers for offsite backup.
16.2 Custom FreeBSD Server Disaster Recovery
- ZFS Snapshots: ZFS supports snapshots for point-in-time data recovery.
- ZFS Replication: ZFS allows for replicating snapshots to a remote server for disaster recovery.
- Custom Backup Scripts: Requires creating custom backup scripts for backing up data to various destinations.
- Offsite Backup: Option to use third-party tools for offsite backup to cloud storage providers.
17. Community and Support
Community and support resources can be valuable when setting up and maintaining a NAS solution.
17.1 Synology DS923+ Community and Support
- Synology Community Forum: Active community forum for asking questions and sharing knowledge.
- Synology Knowledge Base: Extensive knowledge base with articles and tutorials.
- Synology Support: Direct support from Synology via email, phone, or chat.
17.2 Custom FreeBSD Server Community and Support
- FreeBSD Community: Active community forum for asking questions and sharing knowledge.
- FreeBSD Documentation: Comprehensive documentation for the FreeBSD operating system.
- Third-Party Support: Requires relying on third-party support for hardware and software components.
18. Future Trends in NAS Technology
As technology evolves, understanding future trends in NAS technology is crucial.
18.1 NVMe Caching
NVMe caching improves performance by utilizing NVMe SSDs to cache frequently accessed data.
18.2 2.5GbE and 10GbE Networking
Faster networking speeds enable quicker file transfers and better performance for demanding applications.
18.3 AI and Machine Learning Integration
NAS devices are increasingly integrating AI and machine learning capabilities for tasks such as photo recognition and data analysis.
18.4 Hybrid Cloud Integration
Seamless integration with cloud services allows for hybrid cloud storage solutions.
19. Expert Opinions and Reviews
Consulting expert opinions and reviews can provide valuable insights.
19.1 Professional Reviews
Professional reviews often conduct in-depth testing and provide unbiased assessments.
19.2 User Feedback
User feedback offers real-world perspectives on the day-to-day usage of the NAS device.
19.3 Independent Benchmarks
Independent benchmarks provide comparative performance data.
20. Final Recommendations
Based on the comparison, here are final recommendations for choosing between a Synology NAS and a custom FreeBSD server.
20.1 Choose Synology DS923+ If
- You prefer a user-friendly interface and ease of setup.
- You value peace of mind with built-in features and automated tasks.
- You need comprehensive backup solutions and cloud integration.
- You require additional apps for expanding functionality.
20.2 Choose Custom FreeBSD Server If
- You have technical expertise and enjoy full control over hardware and software.
- You need maximum performance and flexibility.
- You want to customize the system to your specific needs.
- You are comfortable with command-line interface and manual configuration.
FAQ: Compare Synology NAS
1. What Is a NAS, and Why Do I Need One?
A NAS (Network Attached Storage) is a dedicated file server that allows you to store and share files across a network. You need one for centralized data storage, backup, and media streaming.
2. What Are the Key Differences Between a Synology NAS and a DIY NAS?
Synology NAS offers ease of use, integrated software, and support, while a DIY NAS provides customization, flexibility, and potentially lower cost.
3. How Do I Choose the Right Synology NAS for My Needs?
Consider your storage requirements, number of users, performance needs, and budget. Models like the DS923+ are great for small to medium-sized businesses.
4. Can I Use SSDs With a Synology NAS for Better Performance?
Yes, you can use SSDs with a Synology NAS, especially for caching or as primary storage for improved performance.
5. What RAID Configuration Should I Use for My Synology NAS?
RAID 5 or RAID 6 are recommended for balanced performance and redundancy. RAID 1 or RAID 10 are suitable for higher performance needs.
6. How Do I Back Up My Synology NAS?
Use Synology’s Hyper Backup, Snapshot Replication, or Cloud Sync to back up your NAS to external drives, remote servers, or cloud storage.
7. What Are the Security Best Practices for a Synology NAS?
Enable two-factor authentication, use strong passwords, keep the DSM updated, configure the firewall, and regularly audit security settings.
8. Can I Use a Synology NAS for Media Streaming?
Yes, Synology NAS devices support media streaming via DLNA, Plex, and other media server software.
9. How Do I Set Up Remote Access to My Synology NAS?
Use Synology’s QuickConnect service or set up port forwarding and a dynamic DNS to access your NAS remotely.
10. What Is Btrfs, and Why Is It Used in Synology NAS?
Btrfs is a modern file system offering advanced features such as data integrity checks, snapshots, and storage pooling, enhancing reliability and flexibility.
Choosing between a Synology NAS and a DIY FreeBSD server depends on your technical expertise, budget, and specific needs. A Synology NAS offers ease of use and integrated features, while a DIY solution provides greater customization and flexibility. At COMPARE.EDU.VN, we aim to provide you with the information needed to make an informed decision.
Ready to make a choice? Head over to COMPARE.EDU.VN to explore more detailed comparisons and reviews to find the perfect solution for your needs. Contact us at 333 Comparison Plaza, Choice City, CA 90210, United States or via Whatsapp at +1 (626) 555-9090. Our team at compare.edu.vn is here to help you find the best NAS solution!
