DS212j vs DS212 vs DS212+ vs DS411 Slim

[houmie]

Hi,

I am very interested in buying a Synology NAS server, but I can't make up my mind yet.

I wouldn't have too much data to share, so two hard disks should be alright I suppose.

- But then the price of DS411 Slim is the same as the higher DS212 anyway. But some claim the DS411 Slim had heating issues.

- According to performance benchmarks the difference between DS212 and DS212+ is completely negligible, how is the additional 256 MB Ram beneficial in anyway?


- DS212j is slower than DS212 but its still enough for streaming HD/blueray content anyway, so why should I pay more? What advantages do I get from DS212?

Thanks

[canumaso]

I currently own two DS109, one DS209 and one DS211J.

IMO, the regular models (i.e. DS212) is sufficient for most home or small office use. I wouldn't recommend the economic "J" models for anyone who might be running multiple applications or really doing anything more than streaming to one user at a time. It's slower to wake up from sleep and is the only one of my synologies that have had any issues whatsoever (the external USB ports lose connection every once in a while). That said, if you wait an extra five seconds for it to wake up from sleep, the J models can stream an HD movie as efficiently as the regular models, though perhaps not more than one at a time (I've never tried).

Between the regular models and the "plus" models, the difference is negligable unless you really intend to max out all of your synology's capabilities. Let me put it this way. My DS209, which has a slower processer than the DS212, has been able to stream three different HD movies simultaneously, while I running a sync backup at the same time, without any noticeable lag whatsoever. I also run a photo server off that unit and while it is slow to process the images when you initially load them up, this is a function of the processer, not the memory, so you would get no boost from upgrading to the "plus" model. If your uses are anything like mine, I wouldn't bother with the plus model. Get the DS212.

Lastly, what you heard about the "slim" is true. A friend of mine bought one based on the price without reading the reviews, and quickly discovered why the price was so low. This model was a failure and is priced inexpensively as a result. I don't envision there will be a DS412-slim, or at least, they will have to make substantial modifications if they plan on continuing that product line. Stay away. I'm planning on upgrading to a four bay unit soon and will likely go for the DS411 as the DS412 is not out yet.

Hope this helps.

[houmie]

Hi Canumaso,

Thank you very much for the detailed review of these models. This has really helped me a lot to make a decision. Also thanks for confirming the problems with the slim model. It was indeed highly suspicious why it was so cheap.

I am now considering a DS212 or DS212+. But looking at your review and Synology's own benchmarks, the performance difference is marginal, as higher memory is not really that important. So I might just save the money and go with DS212 instead.

A pity the harddisk prices are so high due the flooding in Thailand. DS212 can do both 2.5" and 3.5", correct? I should have two new ones at home, which I replaced by SSDs right after I bought my PC and laptop. So I could use them for now and upgrade later to better harddisks.

Thanks,

[Forssis]

Hi, all. Borrowing this one for a while. Have similar questions but let me start by apologizing for my bad English. I know there is room for improvement. So see my funny way of writing as guy from Sweden who really is trying =)

Im suppose to order my first NAS tonight or in the morning at the latest. My experience in this area is about zero but im confident in the fact that I will learn what I need to learn when I have the stuff in front of me.
I had pretty much decided for the 212j before I took a look at the 212 and now Im really confused and a bit stressed out. I have a couple of questions and I realize that they might be a bit dumb.
But if you don’t ask you don’t learn. Asking for your patience here =) Been reading every post in here but I still feel the need of writing so here it comes:

Im planning to use the nas for streaming blu-ray content and music as well as backing up my files (I now its not really backup). The download station will be used 24/7.
Im a bit worried that the 212j wont be able to serve me multitasking needs. Can anyone confirm that it can stream at least one HD movie, download a couple of torrents and stream music over the internet do my phone at the same time?

My biggest concern is that the NAS wont keep up with me in the future. The 212j probably is enough for now but im scared of being forced to buy a new one in two years or so.
The 212 as a faster processor. Is it worth the extra money? It also as one extra USB and 3.0. At the moment I don’t have any 3.0 equipments but I like the thought of being able to buy it in the future.
Ive been told that I can use me 2.0 stuff in the 3.0 connections. Correct?
If I need more USB ports then the model I choose provide can I use some kind of USB switch? Does that work?

Is it correct that I can use my Ipad to start a mp3 with the DSaudio app and then get the sound from my speakers connected to the NAS? I don’t want the music coming out from the Ipad, I want to used as a remote. Will it work?

The speakers im planning on use in the beginning doesent have an USB connection but a regular 3.5plug. Im being told that I can connect the 3.5 to the nas buy using a USB soundcard.
Is that correct or im I forced to buy new speakers?

The really big advantage the 212 have in my opinion is the WOL. I like the idea of not always have the NAS on. Starting it up over the internet is something that I like.

To sum in up:
Faster processor, an extra USB and 3.0, and WOL. Is it worth the extra money. I don’t have a lot of them but I don’t wanna mess up by being cheap. Shuld i lay down the extra bucks?

I realize that reading this post might I have been a bit confusing. Im all over the place and the little red thread (a Swedish saying, don’t now if u use it?) might be hard to find.

Anyway, I would be grateful for your thought about my thought. How small or big they might be. Every single word you guys write would be very appreciated

Help a stupied Swedish guy out =)
Best regards,
Niklas

[houmie]

I am not an expert myself, but based on the previous advice (2nd post), I would go for 212. You need the faster processor. And dont worry streaming one HD is no problem with ANY NAS model.

212j seems to also have some other issues and being a bit slower to wake up. Its not worth it as teh price difference is marginal. Go with 212 and be on the safe side.

[Forssis]

Thank you, Houmie, for your answer.
I agree, Canumasos advice seems like a good one. And knowing that you feel the same makes it easier.

I have a problem, you see. When I buy tech i often get a bit blinded and buy models with functions that i dont really need or use. Trying to change that and save money but perhaps now is not the time to start.

The thing that really is pusching me over to 212 is the WOL. And im also a bit worried with only having two USB ports with the 212j. I proberbly could use some kind of swith but i still like the thought of having at least three.

Anyway, Thank you for taking the time to both read and answer my questions.

[houmie]

No Worries Forsis. Glad I could help.

I also have a question to Canumaso,

I have two new harddisks at home, both are 2.5", 500Gb and 320GB respectively and both run at 7200.

Can I use them in the 212, or do they have to be the same size? How about Raid 1?

Thanks,

[dlin95123]

I am debating between DS212 and DS212j. All I want to use it for is file backup. I have my PC as the file server for various applications such as SqueezeServer, photo sharing, etc. For my application, will a DS212j be sufficient?

My question is regarding the lack of WOL. Does DS212j go in the sleep mode when idle? How does it wake up?

Thanks.

[Ltek]

I am debating between DS212 and DS212j. All I want to use it for is file backup. I have my PC as the file server for various applications such as SqueezeServer, photo sharing, etc. For my application, will a DS212j be sufficient?

My question is regarding the lack of WOL. Does DS212j go in the sleep mode when idle? How does it wake up?

Thanks.

The DS can go into hibernation, thus no WOL is needed - unless you want to completely power down the unit. WOL is for turning the device on - from being completely off (basically the NIC keeps enough power to look for a WOL packet.

I use the 212J and it does hibernate (sleep) if you set it to.

I have not attempted to max my 212J yet... I'm just starting to learn all the ins/outs but I suspect streaming an HD video and music and downloading torrents at the same time will not likely ma the system... we'll see.

Unfortunately, Synology's help determining sizing is NON-EXISTENT and their documentation is close to that. I like the unit but thier support is below sub-standard IMO.

[RobertdeHoop]

Hi,

I am thinking about the DS212 and DS212+ as well. And would like to know which one you would advice when I am using usenet downloads (NZB) for movies (HD ±20GB). I would like to use PAR, ZIP and RAR.

Do I need the DS212+ for this or would the DS212 be strong enough?


Thanks in advance.

by the way, the previous answers helped me a lot.

[wpsirois]

This post has been extremely helpful confirming my decision to go with the 212 over the 212J. I will be using it to back up my laptops and to store all my picture, music, and video content and stream to multiple locations. The one question I have is what is the best way to get existing CD and DVD content onto the box and in what format to best stream at the highest quality. I am assuming its not possible to load one of the DVD/CD Ripping software programs onto the box and connect a USB DVD rom to directly transfer the content? I am assuming I need to load the software on a PC and then let it rip the media, find lable covers, etc. and then transfer it to the NAS. Is this a correct assumption and what is the best file format to store music and video in on the NAS for streaming and what software have folks found the best to use for ripping CD and DVD's.

Thanks in Advance.

[dlin95123]

I am also looking at Netgear ReadyNAS Ultra 2/2+. Are there areas that DS212 would do better than Ultra 2/2+?

Thanks.

[scratch009]

I am also looking at Netgear ReadyNAS Ultra 2/2+. Are there areas that DS212 would do better than Ultra 2/2+?

Thanks.

applications... I must say Synology has a very nice user interface, iOS and android apps and other features like a built in surveillance station (you can record IP cameras directly to the NAS..). I also own an older ReadyNAS Duo and the UI is very basic, maybe the newer versions offer more, but from reading.. Synology and Qnap rule...

[keiron99]

I have owned the 410j since xmas and just about got it doing what I want.

However, on a similar theme to the topics discussed here, would I notice an improvement in speeds if I went for a non "J" model?

For example, Squeezebox is unusable (maybe the 128mb RAM), and the DS Audio app is just that second or so slow enough to cause irritation.

Would higher spec models resolve those issues?

[HarryPotter]

Yes of course it will.
SqueezeCenter for example should not run with less than 256 MB RAM, better is 512 MB.