Hardware Improvements:
Processor: It is powered by the Intel Celeron J4125, a quad-core CPU with a base frequency of 2.0 GHz and a turbo frequency of 2.7 GHz, which includes an integrated GPU (Intel UHD Graphics 600) beneficial for tasks like Plex hardware transcoding (Synology) (Android Central).
Memory: Comes with 2GB of DDR4 RAM, expandable up to 6GB (Synology).
Storage Bays: Supports two drive bays for either 3.5" SATA HDDs or 2.5" SATA SSDs (Synology).
Connectivity:
Ports: Includes two 1GbE LAN ports which can be combined using Link Aggregation for improved network throughput, and two USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (Synology) (Android Central).
Software Features:
DiskStation Manager (DSM) 7.2: Runs the latest version of Synology’s operating system, which includes a suite of applications for data management, file sharing, and multimedia streaming (Android Central).
Backup Solutions: Offers extensive backup options for PCs, servers, VMware and Hyper-V VMs, and cloud services like Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace. This includes the ability to create point-in-time snapshots for rapid data restoration (Synology).
Surveillance Station: Capable of managing up to 25 IP cameras, making it a robust solution for video surveillance (Synology).
Synchronization and Collaboration: Features like Synology Drive for file synchronization across devices, Synology Office for productivity applications, and mobile apps for on-the-go access to files and media (Android Central) (Back2Gaming).
Performance:
Data Transfer Rates: Capable of achieving data transfer speeds up to 220MB/s with Link Aggregation enabled (Android Central).
Use Case: Ideal for use as a Plex media server due to its hardware transcoding capabilities, as well as for general data storage and management needs for small to medium-sized teams or branch offices (Android Central) (Back2Gaming).
Energy Efficiency and Noise:
Power Consumption: 14.69 watts during access and 4.41 watts during HDD hibernation, with noise levels around 22 dB(A) (Synology).
Overall, the DS224+ offers significant improvements in processing power, memory capacity, and software features, making it a suitable choice for users needing a reliable and versatile NAS solution for both personal and professional use.