Synology NAS VS MiniPC with DAS

[Enquiries]

Looking to implement a home NAS solution, only used locally.
I want to have (1) family mobile phones back up photos on it, (2) be able to store and share documents, and (3) store and stream movies/tv shows to local area network devices (wired and wireless).

I was wondering if its worth buying the Synology DS723+ VS buying a N200/i3 1220p mini-PC and attaching a DAS to it. I am worried about (1) ease of deployment/config, (2) supported apps to do the 3 things above, and (3) safety (hacks/attacks).

Anything helps! Thank you

[ed]

Thank you for your question! Both the Synology DS723+ and a mini-PC with a DAS attached are viable options for your home NAS needs. I'll break down the factors you're concerned about to help you decide:

Ease of Deployment/Configuration:

Synology DS723+: Synology NAS devices are well-known for their user-friendly setup. With DSM (DiskStation Manager), you’ll have a straightforward, guided process for setting up your NAS, and it’s very easy to configure apps for your needs (photo backup, document sharing, and media streaming). Synology also has strong community support and extensive tutorials.
Mini-PC with DAS: A mini-PC will require more technical knowledge to set up, particularly if you're using Linux or Windows for NAS-like functionality. You'll need to install software (such as FreeNAS/TrueNAS, OpenMediaVault, or Windows Server) and configure it manually. While not overly complicated, it's definitely more hands-on compared to a Synology device.
Supported Apps for Your Use Cases:

Synology DS723+: Synology’s DSM comes with a wide array of built-in apps for tasks like photo backup, file sharing, and media streaming (including Plex and Synology’s own Video Station). The app ecosystem is well-developed, and you’ll be able to easily install apps for your needs.
Mini-PC with DAS: With a mini-PC, you can also run Plex or similar media servers and install file management software. However, you might need to manually install and configure these applications. This gives you more flexibility, but it's also more work.
Safety (Hacks/Attacks):

Synology DS723+: Synology has a good reputation for security, but it's important to enable features like 2FA and regularly update DSM to protect against vulnerabilities. You’ll have access to their security packages to guard against threats.
Mini-PC with DAS: Security will depend on the OS you choose. For example, with FreeNAS/TrueNAS, security features are robust, but you'd need to configure them yourself. Windows or Linux might also require additional configuration for secure access and protection.
Final Thoughts:

If you're looking for something easy to set up and manage, the Synology DS723+ is the better option. It’s designed specifically for users who want a hassle-free experience and solid security out of the box.
If you enjoy tinkering and want more control over your setup, a mini-PC with DAS will give you more flexibility but requires more technical effort. It could be the right choice if you want to build a custom solution or need more powerful hardware options.
Given your use cases, I'd recommend the Synology DS723+ for simplicity, reliability, and a solid range of apps.