Replacing NAS

[Enquiries]

I have to replace my Netgear ReadyNas Duo due to problems with the SMB1 protocol. I am primarily using my NAS as a music library and as source for backing up. Since I do not have the need for bells and whistles I am looking for a cheap solution but I find it a bit hard to navigate through the recommendations on this and other sites. The ReadyNas is a 2 bay NAS and I guess that RAID is a must. Hto swappable drives is nice to have.

My ReadyNas has been running for years and it has been very reliant. Lately, it does seem to have a speed issue when backing up from my PC. Backups are primarily data (limited storage needs) and photos (large storage needs)

Is the QNAP TS-233, Terramaster F2-223 or the Synology DS223j the best choice? Or is it worth the extra dollars to go to DS224/DS224+? I have read reviews for some time now but I just don't think I have the necessary knowledge to make a good decision. Any help is appreciated.

[ed]

It sounds like you’re looking for a straightforward, reliable NAS to replace your Netgear ReadyNAS Duo for use as a music library and backup source, with a preference for affordability. Let’s break down the options you’ve mentioned and determine the best fit for your needs.

Your Priorities:
Reliable 2-bay NAS with RAID (likely RAID 1 for redundancy).
Support for modern protocols like SMB2/3 (to avoid issues with outdated SMB1).
Cost-effective solution without unnecessary features.
Sufficient speed for backing up data and photos.
Hot-swappable drives as a nice-to-have feature.
Comparing Your Options:
1. QNAP TS-233
Pros:
ARM Cortex-A55 processor (efficient for basic tasks).
Affordable (~€170).
Great QNAP software ecosystem, though more feature-heavy than necessary for your use case.
Cons:
No hot-swappable drives.
Limited upgrade options (e.g., fixed RAM).
2. Terramaster F2-223
Pros:
Intel Celeron N4505 (better performance for file transfers and backups compared to ARM processors).
Affordable (~€210).
Supports hot-swappable drives.
Cons:
Software isn’t as polished or intuitive as Synology’s DSM.
3. Synology DS223j
Pros:
Affordable (~€160).
Synology DSM software is very user-friendly and ideal for home use.
Reliable with decent performance for a basic NAS.
Cons:
No hot-swappable drives.
ARM processor, which might feel slower for large photo backups.
4. Synology DS224 or DS224+
Pros:
Intel Celeron J4125 (DS224+) or J4025 (DS224) with better performance for file transfers, indexing, and future-proofing.
Hot-swappable drives (DS224+).
Synology DSM is intuitive and polished.
Cons:
Higher cost (~€260 for DS224, ~€350 for DS224+).
Possibly overkill for your use case unless speed and future-proofing are priorities.
Recommendations:
Best Budget Option:
Terramaster F2-223:
Offers a balance of performance (Intel processor) and affordability.
Supports hot-swappable drives.
Ideal if you prioritize cost and hardware capabilities over polished software.
Best Value with Polished Software:
Synology DS223j:
Best choice if you want an affordable, simple-to-use NAS for your music library and backups.
Synology’s DSM software is beginner-friendly and reliable, even though it lacks hot-swappable drives.
Worth the Upgrade:
Synology DS224 or DS224+:
If you’re willing to spend more for better performance and hot-swappable drives, the DS224+ is an excellent long-term investment.
Ideal if you plan to expand your NAS use in the future (e.g., media streaming, photo management).
Final Thoughts:
If affordability is your main goal, go with the Terramaster F2-223 or Synology DS223j. If you want to future-proof your investment and don’t mind spending more, the Synology DS224+ is the way to go.