4 hours ago
Hi, thanks for reaching out. Since your DS215j is full and you want a second unit that will handle backups, photos, videos and your design work, moving to a newer four bay model is the right approach. The DS423 is fine for very basic storage, but it uses an older Realtek processor with limited indexing and slower performance for photos, thumbnails, backups and general responsiveness. For your mixed business and private use, the DS423 Plus is the much better option. It has a proper Intel CPU, supports faster indexing in Synology Photos, handles heavier backup tasks, and gives you long term DSM support. It will feel far faster and will last longer.
With your budget of around three hundred to four hundred euros, the DS423 Plus is the model that makes the most sense. You can start with a couple of four terabyte drives and expand later, or fill all four bays gradually as you grow toward twelve terabytes of total space. Your old DS215j can then be reused purely for camera recording, where its limited hardware is still perfectly adequate.
With your budget of around three hundred to four hundred euros, the DS423 Plus is the model that makes the most sense. You can start with a couple of four terabyte drives and expand later, or fill all four bays gradually as you grow toward twelve terabytes of total space. Your old DS215j can then be reused purely for camera recording, where its limited hardware is still perfectly adequate.