Testing
The following system was used to test the NAS:
– Processor: Intel i9 9900K @ 5GHz
– Motherboard: ASRock Z390 Phantom Gaming X
– RAM: Ballistix Tactical Tracer 16GB DDR4 @ 2666MHz
– GPU: MSI GeForce RTX 2070 Super Gaming X Trio
– SSD: Crucial MX500
– Mass Storage: Neo Forza NFP075 2 TB
– CPU Cooler: Cooler Master MasterLiquid 240
– PSU: Seasonic Snow Silent 750W Platinum
– Case: be quiet! Silent Base 802 White
File Copy Test
This test serves as only an example of the performance you can get with the Synology DS720+. However, please keep in mind that the performance of the NAS will vary based on what storage drives you use and your internet connection.
Final thoughts
The Synology DS720+ is priced at 400 USD, and even though you only have two storage bays, the Synology DS720+ can be expanded in the future by adding a second hard drive or upgrading both.
When we talk performance, that’s a different matter. Using the NAS is easy and thanks to the Intel low power quad core CPU, the system is fluid with no lagging present.
The transfer speeds are solely dependent on two factors: The hard drives or SSDs you decide to use and the network connection you have at home or work. In my case, I was able to reach upwards of 100mb/s in reading speeds and around 80mb/s in writing speeds. Which is quite good for two hard drives over a regular gigabit internet connection.
The build quality is great, the casing of the DS720+ is made from metal, with the only plastic elements being the storage trays. Speaking of which, while these trays are good, they have no insulation and vibration dampening present. A rubber strip or foam would have lowered the overall noise of the HDD.
However, the biggest advantage you get when choosing a Synology NAS is the DiskStation Manager. An operating system which will handle almost everything needed to safely use the NAS daily. This piece of software is easy to install and update and it is user friendly.
In conclusion, the Synology DS720+ is a great home NAS that can handle up to two 3.5” drives and can use M.2 SSDs as its cache. While not cheap, with a price tag of 400USD, the DS720+ is good value when looking at the products offered by the competition. The highlight of this NAS is the DiskStation Manager OS, which is a great help for beginners and a step in the right direction for automated backups at home, without the hassle of an enterprise software.
