Which Synology NAS is best for me.

[Enquiries]

Hello NAS Compares,

Which Tower form factor Synology NAS do you recommend to me? I do not have a budget, but I would like the best performance possible. I understand I can just buy the most expensive model, but I would rather not spend the extra $$$$$ for 1% increase in performance or features I w0n't use. I can wait for the recently confirmed 2025 releases. I am looking to use the NAS to perform these tasks:

1) Host a Windows 10 virtual machine that will run home automation software (Homeseer). This software is *not* CPU or ram intensive. 8 GB system ram is okay. Would like to have snapshot backups of this VM.
2) Run Surveillance Station for 10 - 3 megapixel IP cameras. 24/7 recoding.
3) File server for about 6 TB of data, mostly photos. Would like file backup versioning and plan on doing 3 - 2 - 1 backup to C2 cloud and an offsite Synology NAS.
4) No transcoding/PLEX needed.
5) 1-4 concurrent users.

Thank you!
Peter

[ed]

Thanks for reaching out! Based on your requirements, you don’t need to go for the absolute highest-end Synology NAS model, but you'll want something that can handle your virtual machine, surveillance setup, and file storage efficiently. Here are a few options that balance performance with value, considering your needs:

Synology DS923+
Perfect for: Virtualization (Windows 10 VM), surveillance with up to 9 cameras, and file server duties.
Specs:
Quad-core AMD Ryzen CPU with 4GB RAM (expandable to 32GB).
Great for file storage with ample room for upgrades.
Supports 4 bays for 3.5" drives (you could easily get to 30TB with 8TB drives).
Offers excellent backup features and supports Synology C2 cloud backup.
Why it's good: Offers a solid balance between performance and cost. It's efficient enough for your tasks without the extra performance overhead that you'd get in the higher-end models.
Synology DS1522+
Perfect for: If you want a little more power or room for expansion.
Specs:
Same quad-core CPU as DS923+, but with 5 bays.
Can scale up to 90TB with expansion units, which means more flexibility down the line.
It offers plenty of RAM (upgradable to 32GB), making it a good choice for your VM needs and surveillance station.
Why it's good: More storage potential with the extra drive bay and good overall performance. It's also slightly better for multi-user access compared to the DS923+.
Synology DS1825xs+ (2025 release)
Perfect for: If you are willing to wait and want a future-proof NAS.
Specs:
Intel Xeon CPU with a 10GbE port, 8GB of RAM (expandable to 32GB).
Supports 8 bays, making it great for large storage setups like yours (you could easily fill it with 30TB+).
Excellent for virtualization, surveillance, and running multiple concurrent users.
Why it's good: Offers the best performance with its Intel Xeon processor and would easily handle everything you want to do now and in the future. It’s more of a “set it and forget it” type of machine that won’t need upgrading for a long time.
Key Factors for Your Use Case:
Surveillance: Since you're running 10 cameras with 24/7 recording, the Synology DS923+ or DS1522+ are good options. You don’t need the Xeon-based DS1825xs+ unless you're looking for ultra-fast processing and future scalability.
Virtual Machine (VM): Both DS923+ and DS1522+ will be sufficient for running your home automation software (Homeseer), but the DS1522+ gives you the added flexibility for expansion.
File Storage & Backup: All the mentioned models offer sufficient storage for 6TB of data and can handle versioning and backup tasks. Synology's Hybrid RAID system would be great for this as well.
My Recommendation:
If you don’t mind waiting for the 2025 releases, the DS1825xs+ offers the most future-proof option, but if you're looking for a more immediate solution, the DS923+ is an excellent value with strong performance for your specific use cases.