Synology DS420J Budget NAS Revealed

Synology Reveal the DS420J Cost-Effective 4-Bay Diskstation

Another new piece of kit revealed at the Synology 2020 launch event and this time it is the affordable Synology DS420J 4-Bay NAS. This cost-effective NAS drive is the follow up to the DS418j released back in Q3 of 2017. Featuring a new CPU, but a familiar chassis. This 4 HDD/SSD server is designed for those that want access to the features and functionality of DSM, but are doing it on a tighter budget. Supporting everything from Synology Hybrid RAID and maybe even BTRFS (though that 1GB memory might be a barrier), this may seem like a small jump from that of the DS418J, but let’s take a closer look at what this NAS device can do.

Synology DS220J NAS Hardware Specifications

As the new DS420j uses the same rear-access chassis design as it’s predecessor, we already know quite a few things about it’s design. This mostly metal casing looks very different from the rest of the designs in the Diskstation series, with no support for hot-swapping, memory upgrades or NIC upgrades, this is a NAS that arrives at a low price point sure, but also arrives with a glass ceiling. That said, the specifications are very similar to those of the DS418 and DS218play (with differences in RAM quantities). This 4 Bay NAS also arrives with the standard ports you would expect, but nothing that will blow your socks off.
CPU: Realtek RTD1296
CORES: 4
FREQUENCY: 1.4Ghz
MEMORY: 1GB DDR4
BAYS: x4 (Non Expandable)
RAID SUPPORT: RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, SHR
NUMBER OF FANS: x2
USB 3.0 PORTS: x2
RJ45 LAN PORTS: x1
EXPANSION PORTS: N/A
Hot-Swap: No
CHASSIS MATERIAL: Metal

Synology DS220J NAS Software Specifications

It certainly has enough to support DSM 6.2 and likely DSM 7.0 when it is released in beta at the start of 2020, as well as the other key popular applications in the Synology app center. If you are a business user looking for a central backup server, this will certainly do the trick on a budget. Along with that, you have access to the majority of the collaboration suite applications that you can build a business around. Additionally, if you are a home user, this will serve as a great data storage solution for you and your family. Though that CPU does support 4K and 1080p, it will certainly struggle in Plex Media server and it is recommended that you use this NAS for more native/Synology owned applications. As this CPU has been featured already in recent times, we know that it comfortably supports 10-12 cameras in the surveillance station application and will likely arrive with two camera licences. As previously mentioned, the limits in this device are less about the CPU inside, but the 1GB memory limitations and inability to upgrade it further that prevent many applications not being usable.
BTRFS Support: Yes (TBC)
Synology Hybrid RAID: Yes
Snapshot Support: Yes
4K Support: Yes
Transcoding Support: Yes
Synology Multimedia Suite*: Yes
Synology Moments: Yes
Synology Drive: Yes
Synology Chat: Yes
Synology Active Backup: No
Synology Surveillance Station: Yes
Synology Virtual Machine Manager: No
Synology High Availability: No
— INSERT CONTENT —
Synology Mail: Yes
Synology Office: Yes
Docker: TBC
Synology CMS Yes
Synology Download Station: Yes
Hyper Backup:TBC
Plex Media Server: Yes (but low end and without transcoding)
iTunes Server: Yes
WordPress: Yes
*Video Station, Audio Station, PhotoStation, Media Server, Mobile Apps, etc

Synology DS220J NAS Price and Release Date

Very little is known about the price and release of the new Synology DS420J NAS Drive. As it has been one of the first units to be revealed, we can likely assume that it will arrive pretty soon. As for the price point, I cannot see Synology being able to justify a price point much higher than the £250+ (ex.VAT) of the DS418J NAS. I know for many of you, this device is not the most interesting of the bunch and may look weedy in comparison with the majority of the PLUS series, but for those of you looking for a modest NAS that gives you a solid NAS experience and DSM too, this is a tough price to beat!
Alternative to the Synology DS220J NAS
If the Synology DS420J NAS 4-Bay is not the NAS that you have been waiting to buy, it is understandable that you might want to look at the current/older generation. Right now, the best alternative to the DS420J that is available to buy RIGHT NOW is the Synology DS218. Though it is a 2Bay, it arrives with the same CPU, Twice the available memory at 2GB and is around £35 cheaper! Give it a look:


📧 SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER 🔔


    🔒 Join Inner Circle

    Get an alert every time something gets added to this specific article!


    Want to follow specific category? 📧 Subscribe

    This description contains links to Amazon. These links will take you to some of the products mentioned in today's content. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Visit the NASCompares Deal Finder to find the best place to buy this device in your region, based on Service, Support and Reputation - Just Search for your NAS Drive in the Box Below

    Need Advice on Data Storage from an Expert?

    Finally, for free advice about your setup, just leave a message in the comments below here at NASCompares.com and we will get back to you. Need Help? Where possible (and where appropriate) please provide as much information about your requirements, as then I can arrange the best answer and solution to your needs. Do not worry about your e-mail address being required, it will NOT be used in a mailing list and will NOT be used in any way other than to respond to your enquiry.

      By clicking SEND you accept this Privacy Policy
      Question will be added on Q&A forum. You will receive an email from us when someone replies to it.
      🔒Private Fast Track Message (1-24Hours)

      TRY CHAT Terms and Conditions
      If you like this service, please consider supporting us. We use affiliate links on the blog allowing NAScompares information and advice service to be free of charge to you.Anything you purchase on the day you click on our links will generate a small commission which isused to run the website. Here is a link for Amazon and B&H.You can also get me a ☕ Ko-fi or old school Paypal. Thanks!To find out more about how to support this advice service check HEREIf you need to fix or configure a NAS, check Fiver Have you thought about helping others with your knowledge? Find Instructions Here  
       
      Or support us by using our affiliate links on Amazon UK and Amazon US
          
       
      Alternatively, why not ask me on the ASK NASCompares forum, by clicking the button below. This is a community hub that serves as a place that I can answer your question, chew the fat, share new release information and even get corrections posted. I will always get around to answering ALL queries, but as a one-man operation, I cannot promise speed! So by sharing your query in the ASK NASCompares section below, you can get a better range of solutions and suggestions, alongside my own.

      ☕ WE LOVE COFFEE ☕

        This description contains links to Amazon. These links will take you to some of the products mentioned in today’s video. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases

      locked content ko-fi subscribe

      DISCUSS with others your opinion about this subject.
      ASK questions to NAS community
      SHARE more details what you have found on this subject
      CONTRIBUTE with your own article or review. Click HERE
      IMPROVE this niche ecosystem, let us know what to change/fix on this site
      EARN KO-FI Share your knowledge with others and get paid for it! Click HERE

      ASK YOUR QUESTIONS HERE!

      One thought on “Synology DS420J Budget NAS Revealed