Getting my first NAS

[Enquiries]

I'm looking for an entry into the NAS world. I'm techy but I'd like to keep it simple and casual so that's why I've been looking at Synology.

My main use case - back up family photos and videos and centralise the files from various small drives I have.

I'll probably try out Docker for fun.

I'm looking at DS423+ and 2x 8TB drives. I already own an IronWolf 8TB with about 4TB of stuff already on it.

I'd setup the NAS with 2x 8TB drives and then copy the files before I add my IronWolf as a 3rd HDD.

Should I get Synology drives or can I go for the cheaper IronWolfs?

Also I'm looking at APC BE850G2 UPS (520W/850VA) and I'll need a cheap 5 port 1gig switch as well.

Most of the time I'll access the NAS over Wi-Fi from my laptop and smartphone.

Does my plan make sense?

Cheers for the advice!

[ed]

Thanks for reaching out—and welcome to the NAS world! You’re definitely on the right track with your plan. The DS423+ is a solid choice, especially for someone who’s techy but wants a smooth experience. Synology’s DSM interface is clean and intuitive, and Docker support is great for when you want to start experimenting.

To answer your questions:
Drives: You don’t need to go with Synology-branded drives unless you really want the quieter acoustics and tighter integration. IronWolf drives are absolutely fine (and officially supported on the DS423+), especially if you already own one. Just make sure the drive's SMART status looks good before reusing it.

Storage Plan: Setting up 2x8TB first, copying your data over, and then adding the existing IronWolf as a third drive is a logical and safe approach. Start with SHR (Synology Hybrid RAID), as it gives you flexibility later when mixing different drive sizes.

UPS: The APC BE850G2 is a great match for a small NAS setup. It’ll give you safe shutdowns in case of power cuts and help prolong your NAS’s lifespan.

Network: A basic 5-port 1Gbps switch is perfect for your setup. If you want to spend just a little more, switches from TP-Link or Netgear tend to be reliable.

Wi-Fi Access: Totally fine for everyday photo backups and streaming. Just keep in mind, big transfers (like the first full backup or large video files) will be faster if you can plug into Ethernet temporarily.