Comparing the Synology DS1517+ and the DS1515+ NAS
What can both NAS server’s do? Before I get down to which of these units is better at what task, I think it is important to know the things that BOTH of these NAS devices can do. So, whether you decide upon the Synology DS1517+ released recently, or the Synology DS1515+ released in 2015, you will definitely be able to:
- Host a Virtualisation or Container Platform – setup and run multiple VMs, supporting multiple Operating systems and enhanced by the Docker app, Container Station
- Full access to your media from mobile devices, PC, Laptop and console devices
- Serve as a cross platform service – bridging connections and transfers of files between Mac and Windows systems over the network
- Heavily support background data checks and comprehensive snapshot technology meaning you will have an equal amount of backup options whichever you go for. As well as migration, connection and interaction with existing cloud services like dropbox, Google Drive ElephantDrive
- Create a comprehensive Surveillance solutions, supporting multiple IP cameras and even arriving with some licences included
- Access exactly the same NAS OS that is updated regularly and has a huge app store to really customise your setup to make it your own
What are the Pros and Cons of the DS1517+ Synology NAS release?
VALUE Although this might not be the cheapest 5-Bay NAS in the market, the Synology DS1517+ NAS is the go-to NAS server for Mac users, those who want a streamlined and user-friendly UI and most importantly of all, the people who want a NAS that sits there doing the job it needs and don;t want to tinker. An excellent NAS server and some fantastic product output buy the joint best NAS providers of 2017. FEATURES The remarkably powerful Quad-Core CPU that the DS1517+ arrives with is an excellent multi-tasking and single task NAS. Those who are familiar with the Synology software and the Synology range will take one look at this unit and what it can do and fall in love! Also, arriving with either 2GB or 8GB or DDR3 memory (which can be expanded further to 16GB!!!) whatever you did in your previous desktop Synology NAS, the DS1517+ and DS1817+ will do it better! PERFORMANCE With this being the highest powered Synology Desktop NAS yet (if you overlook the DS3617xs) then it won;t come as a shock that the DS1517+ and DS1817+ are two of the best performing NAS ever released from Synology. Whatever you need your NAS to do, however you need it to perform, this unit can do it. And don’t forget that to expand your storage, you can always use two of the DX517 Synology NAS Expansion devices to add an extra 10 HDD to your storage capacity. This can be independent storage, one GIANT RAID combining all potential 15 HDD bays, or used as a synchronised backup from the NAS to the expansion. A terrific and full featured NAS server DESIGN If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it! That is the motto of Synology by the look of their chassiS design this last few years and in the DS1517+ NAS from Synology, this is kept in check! A great combination of metal and plastic where it count, this unit much like it’s predecessor (the DS1515+) factors like noise and heat are kept low and this enclosure definitely ticks the boxes for all the Mac users out there – plus looks really nice on your desk! Not exactly vital, but in an age of modern design, a welcome addition |
VALUE If you are of a mind to upgrade more, to tinker with the hardware, to play with your device in the settings, direct access and generally are of a slightly more technical mind, then the Synology DS1517+ might seen a little too expensive for what you get. For you, I recommend the QNAP TVS-671, TVS-673 or the TVS-682. All 6-Bays and all in a similar price range to the DS1517+ NAS FEATURES Synology NAS still lack functions like HDMI, LCD, DAS connectivity, Thunderbolt, remote controls and more. A little bit of a pity that we are still yet to see more action from Synology on this, as QNAP really dominate on these areas PERFORMANCE Because the DS1517+ NAS is a closed system (no direct access), all performance and application use is limited to network only. Of course, given the improved encryption system ‘AES-NI’ in use and all login and access permissions and credentials are checked constantly and the BTRFS file system for background checks and snapshots, this is only a partial disadvantage DESIGN features like a lack of LCD, remote control and one touch copy button will put some users off – if you need these features, then then QNAP TVS-473 may well be the NAS server for you
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What are the Pros and Cons of the DS1515+ NAS released in 2014?
VALUE At the time of it’s release, the Synology DS1515+ was a real breath of fresh air in terms of valau for money. The specs it arrived with were a big jump from the ARM single and dual core Units currently available. Likewise the expandable memory and expansion of HDD was a welcome addition. Now the price has come down a little, it is certainly an attractive NAS server from Synology to consider and if you need the more reasonably priced 5-Bay in 2017, you can really pick this unit up at a good price in many places FEATURES Featuring the flagship apps, hardware options and compatibility with both Windows and Mac systems that Synology is famous for, you will struggle to find a better Synology NAS. It is still very much in my top 5 Synology NAS devices currently and with whatever Synology uncover for 2017 as he year goes on, it is safe to say that this device lived up to the expectations it promised. Fantastic Plex support, SHR RAID configurations, Excellent VM coverage, Surveillance software and hardware support, everything a home or small business user needs in their 1 st of 2nd NAS server. PERFORMANCE The Synology DS1515+ performs remarkably well in most respects. What it lacks in terms of direct connectivity like a QNAP NAS, it gains in being a remarkably stable NAS platform for popular industries like photo and video editing. Likewise the user-friendly approach to technical matters (the DSM NAS operating system will hide the technical jargon in the background to ease hassle, but it is still available if you need it) means that many will consider the Synology DS1515+ an excellent performance NAS based on it’s fluidity and stability alone. DESIGN The design of the DS1515+ is the least surprising element of all. Maintaining the Synology brand series of compact, black modern chassis. The Synology DS1515+ is a very attractive NAS for your home or business setting. Likewise the device is noticably quieter than alot of NAS devices – not silent, but the fully controllable fans and mixture of metal and plastic chassis mean that noise is certainly lessened. that said, more enterprise and metallic HDD like a WD Red Pro or Seagate Ironwolf Pro drive will make more vibration noise on the whole |
VALUE That said, you are still buying a NAS that was released in the closing stages of 2015 in terms of your money lasting x-number of years, the Synology DS1515+ is not the best choice for those looking for future proofing. FEATURES There are number of new features such as the improved BTRFS file system, DSM software collaboration tools and PCIe options that have been added or improved upon since this unit was released and are either not available on this older 2015 NAS or are supported in a much more limited fashion. Once again, do not buy the DS1515+ if you want to take advantage of the software and hardware innovations fo the last 2 years. PERFORMANCE It should be highlighted that there is a recognised issue with the CPU (the Intel Atom c2000 series) and although Synology have released a fix, it is still a worry for many and has prompted Synology to increase the warranty on the Synology DS1515+ from 3 years to 4 years. DESIGN Only arrives in the colour, which surprising can put come users off as they work in single tone workspaces or white or slate grey (how far we have come in technology that people can comfortably complain about the colour of the stuff!). Lacking the PCIe slot and ports of it’s big brother, the Synology DS1517+, it is clear that synology is not against ALL changes in design physically – but a long standing Synology user may be getting a little underwhelmed |
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