SSD nas synology

[Enquiries]

Hello,
I would like to setup a ssd nas server, preferably synology.
I wonder is it better to use 3 disks, each 2tb, in raid 5 or to buy 2 disks, each 4tb. In case of failure of one of the disks it looks as it would be better to use lower size to replace failed one, but what are other advantages/disadvantages?
I was eyeing 2,5" SATA 2TB WD Red WDS200T2R0A as a candidate for my use.
I would also like to know your opinion about what unit to choose. I'd prefer rack unit, but its not a must-requirement. I plan to use unit in 2,5gbe networking environment so it should has 10gbe upgrade card?
I found RS1221 - are there better alternatives? How long will this product be supported by synology? Is there a chance of synology rolling 24 series unit in upcoming months?
And lastly, do you have any networking switches with 8-ports and 2,5gbe networking that you could recommend? I found QNAP QSW-1108-8T, do you have maybe better alternatives?
Thank you in advance
Regards,
Thomas

[ed]

Setting up an SSD NAS with Synology is a great choice, especially for performance and reliability. Let's go through your questions and help you make the best decisions.

1. RAID Configuration: 3 x 2TB in RAID 5 vs. 2 x 4TB in RAID 1
3 x 2TB in RAID 5:

Pros:
Storage Efficiency: You get the storage capacity of two drives (4TB in this case) with redundancy. If one drive fails, you don't lose your data.
Performance: RAID 5 offers better read performance since data is striped across multiple drives. This can be beneficial for tasks requiring faster data access.
Cons:
Rebuild Time: If a drive fails, the rebuild process can be time-consuming, which may impact performance.
Slightly More Complexity: RAID 5 setups are more complex compared to RAID 1, but modern NAS units manage this well.
2 x 4TB in RAID 1:

Pros:
Simplicity and Reliability: RAID 1 is straightforward, mirroring data between two drives. If one drive fails, you have an exact copy on the other.
Faster Rebuild: Rebuilding RAID 1 is quicker because it's just a simple copy operation.
Cons:
Less Storage Efficiency: You only get the storage capacity of one drive. In your case, that’s 4TB with two 4TB drives, compared to the 4TB usable with three 2TB drives in RAID 5.
Given your plans for SSDs and a 2.5GbE networking environment, RAID 5 with 3 x 2TB SSDs might be a better choice, offering a balance of capacity, performance, and redundancy.

2. NAS Unit Choice: Synology RS1221+
The Synology RS1221+ is indeed a strong candidate:

Performance: The RS1221+ features an AMD Ryzen quad-core processor, which is powerful enough for SSD operations, running multiple applications, and handling network tasks efficiently.
Expandability: It supports a 10GbE network card, making it future-proof if you decide to upgrade to faster networking in the future.
Form Factor: It's a compact rackmount unit, making it suitable for a neat and organized setup.
Support and Longevity: Synology provides long-term support for their NAS models, especially their "+" series. You can expect software updates and security patches for several years. As for a new "24 series," Synology hasn’t announced anything specific, but their regular updates to product lines suggest you’d have several years of support for the RS1221+ before needing to think about upgrading.
3. Networking Switch Recommendations
Since you’re looking for an 8-port 2.5GbE switch, here are some options:

QNAP QSW-1108-8T: This is a solid choice for an 8-port 2.5GbE switch, providing good performance at a reasonable price.
Netgear MS510TX: If you need more flexibility with port speeds, the Netgear MS510TX offers a mix of 1GbE, 2.5GbE, 5GbE, and 10GbE ports, which can be beneficial for a diverse setup.
TP-Link TL-SG108-M2: Another affordable 2.5GbE switch that offers good performance for home and small office environments.
For more information on 2.5GbE and 10GbE switches, you might find these guides helpful:

Cheapest 10GbE Switches
Cheapest 2.5GbE Switches

https://nascompares.com/cheapest-2-5gbe-switches/

https://nascompares.com/2018/01/19/cheap...-switches/