Need advice Is it still a good time in 2024 to buy a DS916+?

[SdeGat]

I’ve had a DS 718+ for 5 years with zero problems but I keep running out of space (despite using more and more cloud storage).

So am thinking about getting the reasonably affordable DS 916+ and be able to stick in it the two drives I took out of the 718+ when I upgraded to larger drives.

Why am I thinking about the 916+? Because it is pretty much the only affordable 4-bay NAS that should be as reliable as my 718+. Right?

My usage is only data storage and backups. As such, I want good transfert rate through my 1gbps router connection.

Thoughts and insightful advice will be appreciated.

 

[Rusty]

If you can consider the 920+ instead. The x16 models will be completely deprecated soon in terms of current DSM version, while the x20 still have a few years of support for sure.

While your use case is pure backup and storage it might be worth investing in the best possible model that is still compatible with your current x18 device. The 718 and 920 share more in common then going backwards, the only question now is the price. Also, it might be easier to grab the x20 model as well.

my2c

 

[SdeGat]

Thanks @Rusty, the problem is that the 916+ is $500cdn and the 920+ is $1100cdn.
$1100 is just not justifiable for my situation.

 

[Telos]

Since budget is an issue, have you considered a used DX517... I haven't shopped around much, but I see this around 670 CDN.

I'm also not seeing your current configuration... perhaps a pair of 18 TB drives would resolve your space issue.

 

[SdeGat]

Thanks @Telos, the DX517 is too big for my desktop (and likely noisy?).

I have to say that getting larger HDDs is becoming an interesting option. Although a pair of 12TB will cost me more than the 916+ (I currently have a pair of 8TB in my 718+ (and a pair of 4TB in a drawer doing nothing).

Is there anything wrong with the 916+ other than being an older model?
Would the 916+ give me good transfer rates?

 

[Telos]

Nothing wrong per se, it sounds as the more affordable option.

 

[EAZ1964]

It was a very capable NAS In 2016. Now, almost 9 years after release, It is still ok, but a risk, even though price may appear low, you will soon be out of support and some parts may start showing their age.
I do agree with Rusty and may advice is to look for a model that is a few years younger.
Having said that, my DS415+ is still running fine after 10 years. That fact that software is no longer up to date is even for a offsite 2nd backup device a possible issue sooner than later, and I will replace it as soon as any issue pops up.

 

[Rusty]

Another thing that also might become an issue, but tbh it is not often due to Synology's long package support, is the incompatibility between the source and destination backup packages. Because they are dependent on the DSM version, with a greater generation gap you risk the packages not working as well.

As an example, DSM 6 vs DSM 7 HB versions are compatible just fine, but going beyond that you could end up having issues if, for example, some feature inside the apps/DSM will become a prerequisite. Ofc, this is just one potential reason and a reason to not have a too big generation gap.

 

[SdeGat]

Thanks @Rusty, @EAZ1964 and @Telos.

I guess I should’ve bought a four-bay version from the start.
I don’t know what I’ll do now.

Would a 423+ be better than the 916+ ?
Would the 4gb RAM from my 718+ fit in the 423+ ?

 

[Rusty]

Would a 423+ be better than the 916+ ?

Ofc it would. It's last year's update meaning it will be supported almost till 2030 (sw vise). From a HW perspective, it also has a more up-to-date CPU, and it can do a lot.

Would the 4gb RAM from my 718+ fit in the 423+ ?

What RAM are you using in 718?

 

[SdeGat]

Ofc it would. It's last year's update meaning it will be supported almost till 2030 (sw vise). From a HW perspective, it also has a more up-to-date CPU, and it can do a lot.


What RAM are you using in 718?

I’m using the OEM memory:

Isn’t the CPU in 423+ a bit outdated?

 

[fredbert]

Isn’t the CPU in 423+ a bit outdated?

The DS423+ is pretty well the DS920+ without a couple of things (such as support for DX517. I forget what else, if any). It's the last Intel CPU in the smaller end of the DSM NAS range. Though looks like Synology are using a CPU from the same family in an up coming BeeStation.

 

[Rusty]

Isn’t the CPU in 423+ a bit outdated?

Ofc it is compared to the current CPU lineup, but not when compared with how Synology uses those same CPUs. What I was comparing was 916 and 423 .

I’m using the OEM memory

That module will not work, as the 423 uses DDR4 memory (2666).

 

[SdeGat]

Thanks @fredbert and @Rusty.

I see the DS423+ on sale at $700cdn but I assume I would have to buy a RAM stick to get better performance, right?

Any advice on third party memory?
This guy says it’s doable: Synology DS423+ NAS Unofficial Memory Upgrade Guide - Crucial, Kingston & Sabrent Modules