Quick Answer+
Quick Answer: The Synology DS923+ (~$550) is the best 4-bay NAS for most home users and small businesses. It features an AMD Ryzen R1600 CPU, optional 10GbE upgrade, NVMe storage pools (a first for this lineup), and expandability to 9 drives. Excellent for file sharing, backup, Docker, Plex (direct play), and surveillance. The sweet spot between budget models and premium units like the DS1522+.
The Synology DS923+ represents Synology’s best-selling NAS category — the 4-bay “Plus” series. Released in late 2022, it brought significant upgrades over the DS920+, including AMD Ryzen power, 10GbE capability, and the ability to create NVMe storage pools (not just cache).
This comprehensive review covers everything you need to know: specifications, performance, Plex capabilities, upgrade options, and who should buy this popular NAS.
DS923+ Price & Availability
| Product | Capacity | Price | $ / TB | Price Drop | Brand | Interface |
|---|
The DS923+ has an MSRP of $600 but regularly sells for $500-550 at major retailers. This positions it as the value leader in Synology’s Plus lineup — more affordable than the 5-bay DS1522+ ($700) while offering nearly identical features.
Optional 10GbE Module
Synology E10G22-T1-Mini 10GbE Module
10GBASE-T RJ-45 | Backward Compatible 1/2.5/5GbE | Plug-and-Play | For DS923+, DS1522+
Add 10GbE connectivity to your DS923+ without consuming a PCIe slot. Simple installation into the dedicated network upgrade port. Supports auto-negotiation down to 1GbE for compatibility with any network.
DS923+ Specifications
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| CPU | AMD Ryzen R1600 (2-core/4-thread, 2.6 GHz base / 3.1 GHz turbo) |
| RAM | 4GB DDR4 ECC (expandable to 32GB) |
| Drive Bays | 4x 3.5″/2.5″ SATA HDD/SSD |
| M.2 Slots | 2x M.2 2280 NVMe (cache OR storage pools*) |
| 1GbE Ports | 2x Gigabit RJ-45 |
| 10GbE Option | E10G22-T1-Mini slot (sold separately) |
| USB Ports | 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 |
| eSATA Port | 1x (for DX517 expansion) |
| PCIe Slot | PCIe 3.0 x2 |
| Max Expansion | Up to 9 drives (with DX517) |
| Max Raw Capacity | 72TB (4x 18TB) / 162TB with expansion |
| Max IP Cameras | 40 (Surveillance Station) |
| File System | Btrfs, ext4 |
| RAID Support | SHR, SHR-2, RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, JBOD |
| Hot Swappable | Yes |
| Power Consumption | 32W (access) / 13W (HDD hibernation) |
| Noise Level | 20.7 dB(A) |
| Dimensions | 166 x 199 x 223 mm |
| Weight | 2.24 kg (diskless) |
| Warranty | 3 years (extendable to 5) |
*NVMe storage pools require Synology-branded SSDs. Third-party NVMe works for caching only.
Key Features & What Sets It Apart
AMD Ryzen R1600 Processor
The DS923+ marked Synology’s shift from Intel Celeron to AMD Ryzen in the mainstream Plus lineup. The dual-core/4-thread R1600 offers:
- Higher clock speeds: 2.6 GHz base, 3.1 GHz turbo (vs 2.0/2.7 GHz on Celeron J4125)
- Better multi-threaded performance: Faster Docker, VMs, and concurrent operations
- ECC memory support: Error-correcting RAM for data integrity
- Hardware AES encryption: Fast encrypted file transfers
The trade-off: AMD’s Ryzen R1600 has limited hardware transcoding compared to Intel Quick Sync. More on this in the Plex section below.
NVMe Storage Pools (First in Lineup)
The DS923+ is the first Synology “Plus” NAS to support NVMe drives as primary storage — not just cache. This is huge for users who want ultra-fast storage for databases, VMs, or frequently-accessed files.
Important caveat: NVMe storage pools only work with Synology-branded SSDs (SNV3410, SNV3510 series). Third-party NVMe drives are limited to caching functions.
10GbE Upgrade Path
Like the DS1522+, the DS923+ features a dedicated slot for Synology’s E10G22-T1-Mini 10GbE module (~$110). Benefits:
- Simple plug-and-play installation
- RJ-45 connector (Cat6a compatible)
- Auto-negotiates 1/2.5/5/10GbE
- Doesn’t consume the PCIe slot
With 10GbE and NVMe cache, the DS923+ achieves over 1,000 MB/s sustained transfers — a massive upgrade from the ~110 MB/s ceiling of Gigabit Ethernet.
PCIe 3.0 x2 Expansion Slot
Beyond the 10GbE module slot, the DS923+ has a separate PCIe 3.0 x2 slot for additional expansion:
- M.2 SSD adapter cards
- Additional network cards
- Other PCIe accessories
Note: The PCIe slot is x2 bandwidth, which limits 10GbE cards to approximately half speed. Use the dedicated 10GbE module slot for full performance.
Expandability to 9 Drives
The “9” in DS923+ refers to maximum capacity with expansion:
- 4 internal bays
- + 5 bays via DX517 expansion unit
- = 9 total drives
With 9× 18TB drives in RAID 6, you can achieve approximately 126TB usable storage.
Plex on DS923+: The Full Story
Plex performance on the DS923+ is a nuanced topic. Here’s the complete picture:
Direct Play: Excellent
For direct play (no transcoding), the DS923+ handles unlimited simultaneous streams. If your clients support the source format, performance is flawless — even for 4K HDR content.
Transcoding: Limited
The AMD Ryzen R1600’s integrated Radeon graphics provide some hardware acceleration, but it’s limited:
- 1080p transcoding: 1-2 simultaneous streams
- 4K transcoding: Not practical (software fallback)
- Hardware decode: H.264, HEVC (limited)
Recommendation
For heavy Plex transcoding, consider Intel-based alternatives like the DS920+ (if still available) or DS224+. For direct play setups (modern TVs, Apple TV, Shield), the DS923+ is excellent.
Pro tip: Configure Plex clients to “Original” or “Maximum” quality to avoid transcoding. Most modern devices handle direct play perfectly.
Ideal Use Cases
Home File Server & Backup
The DS923+ excels as a centralized home storage hub:
- Synology Drive: Personal cloud sync across all devices
- Synology Photos: AI-powered photo management with facial recognition
- Time Machine: Native Mac backup support
- Active Backup: PC and server backup (license-free)
Small Business File Sharing
For offices with 5-20 users:
- Active Directory integration: Windows domain support
- SMB/NFS/AFP: Cross-platform file sharing
- Synology Office: Collaborative document editing
- QuickConnect: Secure remote access without VPN setup
Docker & Home Lab
The AMD Ryzen CPU handles containerized workloads well:
- Container Manager: Native Docker support in DSM
- Popular containers: Home Assistant, Pi-hole, Nextcloud, Jellyfin
- Virtual Machine Manager: Run Windows/Linux VMs
Upgrade to 16-32GB RAM for heavy Docker/VM workloads.
Surveillance System
Surveillance Station supports up to 40 IP cameras (2 licenses included). The DS923+ has enough processing power for motion detection, recording, and AI analytics on supported models. See our Synology Surveillance NAS Guide.
Recommended Drives for DS923+
Best Value NAS Drives
| Product | Capacity | Price | $ / TB | Price Drop | Brand | Interface |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Western Digital 14TB WD Red Plus NAS Internal Hard Drive HDD - 5400 RPM, SATA 6 Gb/s, CMR, 512 MB Cache, 3.5" - WD140EFFX (Renewed) | 14.00 TB | $379.99 | $27.14 | +0% | Western Digital | SATA |
| Western Digital 12TB WD Red Plus NAS Internal Hard Drive HDD - 7200 RPM, SATA 6 GB/s, CMR, 512 MB Cache, 3.5" - WD120EFBX | 12.00 TB | $332.59 | $27.72 | -4% | Western Digital | SATA |
| QNAP TR-004-44WD-US 4 Bay DAS (USB Type-C) with 12TB Storage Capacity, Preconfigured RAID 5 WD Red Plus HDD Bundle | 12.00 TB | $649.00 | $54.08 | +0% | QNAP | USB |
| Western Digital 4TB WD Red Plus NAS Internal Hard Drive HDD - 5400 RPM, SATA 6 Gb/s, CMR, 128 MB Cache, 3.5" -WD40EFZX (Renewed) | 4.00 TB | $452.00 | $113.00 | +0% | Western Digital | SATA |
| Product | Capacity | Price | $ / TB | Price Drop | Brand | Interface |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seagate (Recertified) IronWolf Pro 16TB NAS Internal Hard Drive HDD – CMR 3.5 Inch SATA 6Gb/s 7200 RPM 256MB Cache for RAID Network Attached Storage (ST16000NE000) | 16.00 TB | $349.00 | $21.81 | +0% | Seagate | SATA |
| Seagate IronWolf NAS 7200RPM Internal SATA Hard Drive 12TB 6Gb/s 3.5-Inch ST12000VN0007 (Renewed) | 12.00 TB | $289.99 | $24.17 | +0% | Seagate | SATA |
| Seagate 6TB IronWolf NAS SATA 6Gb/s NCQ 128MB Cache 3.5-Inch Internal Hard Drive (ST6000VN0041) (Renewed) | 6.00 TB | $169.99 | $28.33 | +0% | Seagate | SATA |
| Seagate IronWolf 12TB, Interne Harde Schijf, voor NAS RAID, NAS, 3.5", SATA 6 GB/s, 7200 RPM, 265 MB cache, FFP, Data Rescue Service (ST12000VNZ008) | 12.00 TB | $368.88 | $30.74 | +0% | Seagate | SATA |
Pro Drives (24/7 Heavy Workloads)
| Product | Capacity | Price | $ / TB | Price Drop | Brand | Interface |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seagate (Recertified) IronWolf Pro 16TB NAS Internal Hard Drive HDD – CMR 3.5 Inch SATA 6Gb/s 7200 RPM 256MB Cache for RAID Network Attached Storage (ST16000NE000) | 16.00 TB | $349.00 | $21.81 | +0% | Seagate | SATA |
| Seagate IronWolf Pro 14TB NAS Internal Hard Drive HDD – 3.5 Inch SATA 6Gb/s 7200 RPM 256MB Cache for RAID Network Attached Storage, (ST14000NE0008) (Renewed) | 14.00 TB | $514.00 | $36.71 | +0% | Seagate | SATA |
| Seagate IronWolf Pro SATA III 3.5" Internal NAS Hard Drive, 7200 RPM - 16TB, 4-Pack | 16.00 TB | $1,481.02 | $92.56 | +0% | Seagate | SATA |
For most DS923+ users, WD Red Plus or Seagate IronWolf (non-Pro) drives provide excellent value. Upgrade to Pro variants for 24/7 business use or drives larger than 12TB.
See our complete Synology Compatible Drives Database for verified compatibility.
DS923+ vs Alternatives
| Feature | DS923+ (~$550) | DS423+ (~$470) | DS1522+ ($700) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bays | 4 | 4 | 5 |
| CPU | AMD Ryzen R1600 | Intel Celeron J4125 | AMD Ryzen R1600 |
| RAM | 4GB ECC (max 32GB) | 2GB (max 6GB) | 8GB (max 32GB) |
| 10GbE Option | ✅ E10G22-T1-Mini | ❌ No | ✅ E10G22-T1-Mini |
| NVMe Storage Pools | ✅ Yes (Synology SSDs) | ❌ No NVMe slots | ❌ Cache only |
| PCIe Slot | PCIe 3.0 x2 | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Plex Transcoding | Limited | Good (Intel QSV) | Limited |
| Max Expansion | 9 drives | 4 drives (no expansion) | 15 drives |
| Best For | All-around performance | Plex, multimedia | More capacity, RAM |
DS923+ vs DS423+
Choose DS923+ if: You want 10GbE capability, NVMe storage pools, PCIe expansion, or ECC memory. Better for Docker/VMs and future-proofing.
Choose DS423+ if: Plex transcoding is your primary use case (Intel Quick Sync), or you need a simpler, lower-cost solution.
DS923+ vs DS1522+
Choose DS923+ if: 4 bays are sufficient, you want NVMe storage pools, or budget is a factor (~$150 savings).
Choose DS1522+ if: You need 5 bays, want 8GB RAM out of the box, or plan to expand beyond 9 drives.
RAID Configuration Recommendations
| Configuration | RAID Level | Usable Capacity | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4× 4TB | SHR | 12TB | Budget home setup |
| 4× 8TB | SHR | 24TB | Home media server |
| 4× 12TB | SHR | 36TB | Large media library |
| 4× 16TB | SHR | 48TB | Power user |
| 4× 8TB | RAID 10 | 16TB | Maximum performance |
| 4× 8TB | RAID 6 | 16TB | Maximum protection |
For most DS923+ users, SHR (Synology Hybrid RAID) provides the best balance of protection and capacity. Use RAID 6 or SHR-2 with 12TB+ drives where rebuild times are lengthy.
Use our RAID Calculator to plan your specific configuration.
Performance Benchmarks
Real-world performance with 10GbE and NVMe cache:
| Test | 1GbE | 10GbE | 10GbE + NVMe Cache |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sequential Read | ~115 MB/s | ~625 MB/s | ~1,000+ MB/s |
| Sequential Write | ~115 MB/s | ~559 MB/s | ~940+ MB/s |
| Random 4K Read | ~70 MB/s | ~350 MB/s | ~800+ MB/s |
Performance varies based on RAID level, drive choice, and network configuration.
Frequently Asked Questions
For direct play, yes — the DS923+ handles unlimited simultaneous streams. For transcoding, it’s limited to 1-2 1080p streams due to AMD’s GPU capabilities. Configure Plex clients for direct play when possible. If heavy transcoding is required, consider Intel-based models like the DS423+ or DS224+.
Yes, via the E10G22-T1-Mini upgrade module (~$110). This plugs into a dedicated slot on the back panel — no PCIe slot consumed. With 10GbE and NVMe cache, the DS923+ can achieve over 1,000 MB/s sustained transfers.
Yes. Third-party NAS drives (WD Red, IronWolf, Toshiba N300) work perfectly. DSM displays compatibility warnings but functionality is unaffected. After DSM 7.3+, warnings are less intrusive. The only restriction: NVMe storage pools require Synology-branded SSDs.
The DS923+ offers significant upgrades: faster AMD CPU, 10GbE support, NVMe storage pools, PCIe slot, and ECC memory. However, the DS920+ has better Plex transcoding (Intel Quick Sync). Upgrade if you want 10GbE or better Docker/VM performance; stick with DS920+ if Plex transcoding is critical.
The stock 4GB is sufficient for basic file sharing and backup. Upgrade to 8-16GB for Docker containers or multiple services. Upgrade to 32GB for virtual machines or heavy workloads. The DS923+ supports ECC memory for improved data integrity.
Yes. The DS923+ fully supports SHR (1-drive fault tolerance) and SHR-2 (2-drive fault tolerance), as well as traditional RAID levels (0, 1, 5, 6, 10). SHR is recommended for most home users.
Verdict: Who Should Buy the DS923+?
| ✅ Buy DS923+ If… | ❌ Skip DS923+ If… |
|---|---|
| You want the best all-around 4-bay NAS | Heavy Plex transcoding is essential |
| 10GbE upgrade is important | You need more than 4 bays now |
| Running Docker/VMs | Budget under $450 |
| You value future-proofing | Intel Quick Sync is required |
| NVMe storage pools interest you | You already have a DS920+ |
Our recommendation: The Synology DS923+ is the best 4-bay NAS for most users in 2026. It offers the ideal balance of performance, expandability, and value. The AMD Ryzen CPU, 10GbE option, NVMe storage pools, and PCIe slot make it significantly more capable than previous generations. Only skip it if Plex transcoding is your primary use case — in that scenario, the Intel-based DS423+ is a better choice.
Related Resources
- Best Synology NAS 2026 — Complete buying guide
- Synology DS1522+ Review — 5-bay alternative
- Synology DS423+ Review — Intel-based alternative
- DS925+ vs DS923+ — Newest generation comparison
- Synology Compatible Drives Database
- SHR Explained — Understanding Hybrid RAID
- RAID Calculator — Plan your storage
Last Updated: February 2026 | Prices and specifications verified