If you are looking for a network-attached storage device that is perfect for home and personal use, you should read my Synology DS220j review.
With Synology DiskStation DS220j external storage device, you will be able to enjoy the same benefits of additional file storage space, data protection, and centralizes sharing of data, but in lower power consumption that is just right for your home environment.
You can store in all your music, videos, movies, and other pertinent documents in the storage, less the worry of losing it all in one crash as it has also added security.
The NAS is available diskless. You will have to purchase 2.5″ or 3.5″ hard drives separately.
Please keep in mind that installing 2.5″ drives will require getting optional brackets.
Contents
Synology DS220j Features
Aside from its features, the best advantage of using the Synology DS220j is that it is designed and made solely for home purposes.
Carrying the name of Synology, you just know that the DS 220j NAS is a quality tool. It has robust access control, polished features, and delivers superior performance.
If you are wondering if you should upgrade to DS220j from the older DS216j and DS218j model, please see our DS220j vs DS218j comparison below.
Energy Efficient
It has 24-hour power-saving download server which operates with a low power consumption of 17.48 watts in access mode, or 7.03 watts hibernated. Among other things, one of the most important benefits of using this NAS device is that it has a smart energy management feature.
The latter is responsible for the energy efficiency that it can deliver. This is made possible by the presence of a 92mm fan that provides the cooling mechanism that is necessary to prevent using a lot of energy in its functioning.
Compact
Besides, Synology 2 bay NAS Diskstation DS220j is only 2 lbs / 0.88 kg pounds (without hard drives) which is very lightweight and compact, that you may put it just about anywhere in your house as it won’t take that much space.
If you are looking for NAS for business workgroup use, Synology DS218 will be a better choice.
Connectivity
Moreover, it is running on Synology DiskStation Manager which makes it faster and more customizable which proves its worth and reliability. It also provides enough backup for all your files, so you won’t have to worry when your computers crash down.
Another thing that makes this product benefit is that it will allow you to have the files easily accessed, regardless of the time and location.
It has QuickConnect and EZ-Internet configurations that will allow the users to exert minimal effort in having it set to enjoy NAS, even in times last expected.
The DS220j 2 disk storage device is also known for the safety of the data that is managed by such. This is an essential thing, especially if the files are confidential and if it is meant only for the intended users.
The 24/7 Download Portal can also be beneficial, mainly because it provides the opportunity to download a variety of content anytime. The best thing is that the downloaded material will be fed directly to its storage.
Specifications
- Processor CPU Frequency: 1.4 GHz Quad Core
- Processor CPU Model: Realtek RTD1296
- Memory: Fixed DDR4 512 MB DDR4
- Synology RAM Upgrade: Synology DS218j RAM upgrade is not possible
- Internal HDD/SSD capacity: 2 x 3.5″ SATA or 2.5″ SATA or 2.5″ SSD. Optional 2.5″ disk holder required for use with 2.5 inch HDDs/SSDs
- Max Internal Capacity: 32 TB (2 x 16 TB)
- Hot Swapp Function: No
- External HDD Interfaces: 2 x USB 3.0 Ports
- LAN: 1 RJ-45 Gigabit port
- Size (HxWxD): 165 x 100 x 225.5 mm
- Weight: 0.88 kg (without the HDDs)
A full list of specs is available on the Synology website.
Pros And Cons
Advantages
From the many reviews, this device seems to satisfy every user’s needs and wants in a NAS.
It is fast to accommodate all personal files, including music, movies, and other related stuff. The power-saving feature also does a lot of good to save power that is just enough for household use. It also provides an efficient way to share these files with all the members of the family.
Though there is undoubtedly a broad range of NAS that people can choose from, this model separates itself as a NAS exclusively designed for home use.
You don’t have to get a NAS that packed a lot of features that you necessarily don’t need. This saves you a lot of power (and money).
Also, since it targets households, the price is lower compared to NAS that could also be used for businesses, e.g., DS218. So if you really just want a personal one, this is the way to go.
In case 2 disks are not enough for your, the 4 disk model DS420j is available as an option.
Disadvantages
If you read the reviews about this model, it can be easily seen that one of the most essential reasons why it is a standard option for many people is its ease of use.
The installation and configuration is a snap to accomplish, which can be done by just following the comprehensive instructions that have been provided.
It is also common for its users to commend the data speed. This may not be the fastest within the product category, but it can precisely deliver what has been identified with the specifications. Users of such were no longer surprised by how it can meet their expectations when it comes to its functionality.
Other things that can be attributed as reasons for the high level of satisfaction of its users include its ability to control UPS, having a mobile app that offers flexibility regarding how it can be managed, having a download manager, and its affordable price tag.
The latter is perhaps one that separates it from many others. In spite of its price, many people have reported that they are in awe of how it functions.
In spite of the kind words that have been expressed by its users, it is undeniable that there were also some areas of dissatisfaction.
Just like many other products on the market, this is not perfect. For instance, there were some who did not like the long time that will be required on the part of the user when it comes to re-indexing files.
Some people notice that the system in Synology DiskStation DS220j 2-bay NAS server hard disk makes some noise if it is placed in a quiet room like a bedroom. Using SSD drives will eliminate this problem.
Though, many people note that the noise is not loud or annoying that would bother you. This, however, does not affect in any way the performance of the device.
So if you can live with a little sound, then getting this model is not a bad choice.
Synology Diskstation DS220j Comparisons
Synology DS2220j vs DS216j vs DS218j
Should You Upgrade From Synology 216j To 218j?
After comparing the new Synology DS218j with the older model, I have discovered that it is not worth it to upgrade if you already have the DS216j.
DS216j And DS218j Differences
The DS218j storage device has few improvements. The most prominent difference is a bit faster CPU clocking 1.3GHz vs 1.0GHz of the 216j model. The latest DS220j features even more advanced quad core processor clocking 1.6GHz.
The difference is small enough to make upgrading unreasonable.
Synology DS218j vs DS218+ vs DS218play
I am working on a comparison of all DS218 models.
Conclusion
When looking for products that can deliver when it comes to functions related to file sharing and storage, the Synology Disk Station DS220j can prove to be one of the best options that can be possibly taken into account.
In the absence of dedicated IT support, which is impossible for small businesses with a shortage of financial resources, this piece of equipment will be a reliable gadget to have.
This can provide you with the opportunity to manage a large amount of data, in a way that is effective and secured.
Its high performance has been highly commended, which makes it easier to understand why it is popular.
If you have more questions after reading my Synology DS220j review, please leave a comment below!
Frequently Asked Questions
That is the 220j wattage?
This 2 bay NAS consumes 17.48 Watts in access mode and 7.03 Watts in HDD Hibernation mode.