The 2017 Synology DS1817+ NAS versus the 2017 QNAP TVS-873 NAS – NAS of the Year?

VALUE

Althrough this might not be the cheapest 5-Bay NAS in the market, the Synology DS1817+ 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 DS1817+ 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 DS1817+ 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 DS1815+) 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 DS1817+ 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 DS1817+ 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

VALUE

It may be expensive, but you are paying for a one stop NAS solution and this comes at a Price. We recommend the QNAP TVS-873 NAS for all Enterprise NAS users

FEATURES

With the exception of Thunderbolt2 Connectivity, this NAS can do EVERYTHING. With the exception of the QNAP TVS-1282, you are going to struggle to find a more powerful 8 Bay NAS

PERFORMANCE

The TVS-873 can handle just about anything you throw at it. If you want to buy a NAS in 2017 and want to be sure that it will do anything you need, the TVS-873 is for you

DESIGN

It’s a BIG NAS, but you get alot for your money! Plus, it does look fantastic in Rose Gold / Copper. If you are looking for a NAS for your Photo or Video Editing studio that has some style? THIS 8-Bay NAS is the NAS for you!

VALUE

It’s hard to fault the TVS-873. At a push, I would say that if you have a tight budget, then perhaps you should hold fire and buy the TVS-871 or TS-853A. This NAS has better functionality but ultimately that comes at a price

FEATURES

If you are Brand faithful and want to stick with Intel, this AMD Graphically enhanced CPU may not be for you – however it is a BEAST

PERFORMANCE

As mentioned, the lack of Thunderbolt3 NAS functionality, compared with the TVS-128T3 released later in 2017, may make some NAS buyers hold off and wait

DESIGN

If you want a less ostentatious 017 QNAP NAS – maybe play it safe with the QNAP TS-853A