Many years, users have criticized the manufacturer Synology for the lack of hardware flexibility. On one hand, quite powerful hardware and fault tolerance. But on the other hand – no upgrade options, except for replacing disks. The new Synology DiskStation DS723+ promises to fix all these nuances. Considering the company’s reputation, the future owner gets a media server for many years of operation ahead.
Synology DiskStation DS723+ for Professionals
The main feature is the ability to expand RAM and cache memory of the first order. Also, the ability to install additional expansion cards. Given the presence of a powerful processor, which in 2023 is simply not needed for a media server, the performance reserve of the new product is quite interesting.
Synology DS723+ is aimed at professionals, not home users. The manufacturer emphasizes this point to the buyer. But there are many nuances. For example, a powerful platform that encodes video from surveillance cameras (up to 200 frames per second in 4K) in very high quality. And you can connect up to 40 cameras. But only 2 licenses are included. Additional expenses are required. Or, for office use, as a server storage. And only 100 users are supported, with synchronization limited to 8 users (simultaneously).
But that’s if you nitpick. After all, Synology declared professional use. No one forced them. For personal professional use – yes, the new DiskStation DS723+ will be interesting. Overall, privately, it’s an excellent solution with a reserve of at least 10 years ahead.
Technical specifications of Synology DiskStation DS723+
| Processor | AMD R1600, 2.6-3.1 GHz, 2 cores, 4 threads, 14 nm, 64-bit |
| Memory | 2 GB, 2 DDR4 ECC slots up to 32 GB (16×2) |
| Persistent Storage | 2 bays for 3.5 or 2.5-inch disks
2 M.2 slots (HBMe) 1 USB 3.2 Gen 1 port 1 eSATA port |
| Wired Network | 2x RJ-45 1GbE (Link Aggregation/Failover) |
| PCIe Expansion | Available |
| Power Consumption | 65 W |
| Noise Level | 20.7 dB |
| Cooling | Active, with fan speed regulation (92×92) |
| Dimensions | 166x106x223 mm |
| Weight | 1.51 kg (without disks) |
Regarding technical questions:
- Why was the AMD R1600 processor chosen instead of its Intel Pentium counterpart? This chip does not support the most popular codecs: H264, H265, VP9, AV1, AVC at the hardware level. Unleashed power and software encoding with Plex Media Server? Some kind of versatility.
- Use of ECC memory. Yes, it’s a server. Error correction is correct. But not for such a device. Plus, DDR4 ECC prices are significantly higher than regular ones. And why not DDR5 ECC already?
- No hot-swappable disks. A sore point for all devices. It’s unclear why it’s a problem to put a board. On AliExpress, it costs pennies.
Declared software features of Synology DS723+
In 10 years, nothing has changed – if you want to work “at full” with RAID, install an expansion module. By default, only the hybrid RAID array Synology is available. In fact, it’s enough. That is, you can create JBOD, RAID 0, RAID 1, hybrid or basic. For RAID 5, 6, 10 – install an expansion board. Working with files, as in early NAS versions, is very convenient:
- Protocols SMB/AFP/NFS/FTP/WebDAV work reliably for 500 users.
- Support for 2048 user accounts.
- Current network protocols: SMB1 (CIFS), SMB2, SMB3, NFSv3, NFSv4, NFSv4.1, Kerberized NFS sessions, iSCSI, HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, SNMP, LDAP, CalDAV.
- No support for Windows Server 2019 and below.
- Support for 4 virtual machines.
- Support for iOS and Android.
In conclusion about NAS Synology DS723+
It’s the same Synology NAS. Which guarantees fault tolerance and always provides full access from any IT device. Despite the minor details that administrators constantly crave, it is one of the best solutions for home and business.
Yes, far from Blade Server products from Synology. But agree, they also have a six-figure price tag. And demanding more makes no sense. For most business tasks, the new Synology DS723+ is definitely suitable. The processor is incredibly powerful. 4 virtual machines – that’s, roughly, 4 business systems. Cool and practical.
And for home use – it’s a jackpot. Store files, download movies from the internet, and display them on the TV. Or create a cloud and synchronize all mobile devices with it. Although, that’s excessive. Better to buy something cheaper. For example, NAS Synology DS218.
