DS920+ vs DS923+ for virtual machines

Last updated on 28 Oct 2022 📧 Subscribe
Contents hide
1 Understanding Memory Requirements
2 Examples
3 Conclusion

DS920+ vs DS923+. Which one is better for virtual machines?

NAS is nothing more than a computer. The real question here is – do you need fewer and fast-performing VMs or slower, but more virtual machines?

DS920+ Intel Celeron J4125 4-core 2.0 (base) / 2.7 (burst) GHz 8 GB DDR4 non-ECC 2666 MHz

DS923+ AMD Ryzen R1600 2-core 2.6 (base) / 3.1 (turbo) GHz 32 GB DDR4 ECC SODIMM 2666 MHz

 

In short AMD CPU will be around 30% faster compared to Celeron. This also means consuming 5W of energy more thanks to Intel using 10nm chips vs AMD 14nm.

You will have no limits to 8GB of RAM (unofficial RAM upgrades to 32GB)

You will get ECC error correction, which ensures not only general NAS system uptime reliability but also VM reliability in the same stance.

AMD use hyperthreading technology. This allows the same number of VMs (4) compared to Celeron. Some people might prefer to have a dedicated core on its own instead of shared virtual core from Dual core CPU.

You can do the rest of the comparison using the info bellow.

Source : https://www.cpu-monkey.com/en/compare_cpu-intel_celeron_j4125-vs-amd_ryzen_embedded_r1600

Model Max System Memory Installed Recommended Virtual Machine Instances
(with 1 vCPU and 1 GB RAM)
DS1522+ 32 GB (16 GB x 2) 4
DS1520+ 8 GB (4 GB x 2) 4
DS920+ 8 GB (4 GB x 2) 4
DS923+ 32 GB (16 GB x 2) 4
DS620slim 6 GB (2 GB + 4 GB) 2
DS918+ 8 GB (4 GB x 2) 4
DS720+ 6 GB (2 GB + 4 GB) 2
DS420+ 6 GB (2 GB + 4 GB) 2
DS220+ 6 GB (2 GB + 4 GB) 2

 

Here is some info from Synology

Understanding Memory Requirements

The number of virtual machines that you can run on your Synology NAS is determined by the following:

  • Memory available for all virtual machines: This can be calculated after you know the system reserved memory.
  • Memory required by each virtual machine: This is determined by the specifications of virtual machines.
  • System reserved memory
    • After you know the size of system reserved memory, you can calculate how much memory will be available for VMs.
    • If your Synology NAS has 8 GB memory, DSM will reserve 1.5 GB for system use and provide 6.5 GB for VMs. If your Synology NAS has 16 GB memory or above, DSM will reserve 10% of the total memory for system use and provide the rest of the memory for VMs.
  • Specifications of virtual machines
    • Each physical CPU thread can offer 2 vCPUs. You can refer to this article to know how many CPU threads are supported by your Synology NAS.
    • Resources for the hypervisor: Each VM requires 128 MB; each vCPU requires 80 MB; each vDisk requires 32 MB.

Examples

This section takes DS1517+ (8 GB) as an illustrative example when running virtual machines with different specifications.

  • DS1517+
    • Total memory: 8 GB
    • System reserved memory: 1.5 GB
    • Memory available for VMs: 6.5 GB (6656 MB)
    • Number of physical CPU threads: 4
    • Maximum number of vCPUs: 8 (4 x 2)
  • Virtual Machine A
    2 vCPUs + 2 GB memory + 2 vDISKs
    This VM’s memory consumption will be: 128 MB + 80 MB x 2 + 2 GB + 32 MB x 2 = 2400 MB
    DS1517+ (8 GB) can run 2 virtual machines with the same specifications as Virtual Machine A. For the third one, the NAS is short of 544 MB (6656 MB – 2400 MB x 3 = -544 MB).
  • Virtual Machine B
    1 vCPU + 1 GB memory + 4 vDISKs
    This VM’s memory consumption will be: 128 MB + 80 MB + 1 GB + 32 MB x 4 = 1360 MB
    DS1517+ (8 GB) can run 4 virtual machines with the same specifications as Virtual Machine B. For the fifth one, the NAS is short of 144 MB (6656 MB – 1360 MB x 5 = -144 MB).
  • Virtual Machine C
    4 vCPUs + 4 GB memory + 8 vDISKs
    This VM’s memory consumption will be: 128 MB + 80 MB x 4 + 4 GB + 32 MB x 8 = 4800 MB
    DS1517+ (8GB) can run 1 virtual machine with the same specifications as Virtual Machine C. For the second one, the NAS is short of 2944 MB (6656 MB – 4800 MB x 2 = – 2944 MB).
    However, this NAS still has 1856 MB (6656 MB – 4800 MB) left to run 1 Virtual Machine B when 1 Virtual Machine C is already running.

 

https://kb.synology.com/en-au/DSM/tutorial/How_many_virtual_machines_can_I_run_on_my_Synology_NAS

 

 

 

Hardware Specifications
CPU
CPU Model Intel Celeron J4125 AMD Ryzen R1600
CPU Quantity 1 1
CPU Architecture 64-bit 64-bit
CPU Frequency 4-core 2.0 (base) / 2.7 (burst) GHz 2-core 2.6 (base) / 3.1 (turbo) GHz
Hardware Encryption Engine (AES-NI)
Memory
System Memory 4 GB DDR4 non-ECC 4 GB DDR4 ECC SODIMM
Memory Module Pre-installed 4 GB (4 GB x 1)
Total Memory Slots 1 2
Maximum Memory Capacity 8 GB (4 GB + 4 GB) 32 GB (16 GB x 2)
Notes
  • Synology reserves the right to replace memory modules with the same or higher frequency based on supplier’s product life cycle status. Rest assured that the compatibility and stability have been strictly verified with the same benchmark to ensure identical performance.
  • Please select Synology memory modules for optimum compatibility and reliability. Synology will not provide complete product warranty or technical support if non-Synology memory modules are used for memory expansion.
  • Synology reserves the right to replace memory modules with the same or higher frequency based on supplier’s product life cycle status. Rest assured that the compatibility and stability have been strictly verified with the same benchmark to ensure identical performance.
  • Please select Synology memory modules for optimum compatibility and reliability. Synology will not provide complete product warranty or technical support if non-Synology memory modules are used for memory expansion.
  • For more information about the recommended memory configurations, please check the Hardware Installation Guide of your Synology product.
Storage
Drive Bays 4 4
Maximum Drive Bays with Expansion Unit 9 (DX517 x 1) 9 (DX517 x 2)
M.2 Drive Slots 2 (NVMe) 2 (NVMe)
Compatible Drive Type* (See all supported drives)
  • 3.5″ SATA HDD
  • 2.5″ SATA HDD
  • 2.5″ SATA SSD
  • M.2 2280 NVMe SSD
  • 3.5″ SATA HDD
  • 2.5″ SATA SSD
  • M.2 2280 NVMe SSD
Hot Swappable Drive
Notes “Compatible drive type” indicates drives that have been tested to be compatible with Synology products. This term does not indicate the maximum connection speed of each drive bay. “Compatible drive type” indicates drives that have been tested to be compatible with Synology products. This term does not indicate the maximum connection speed of each drive bay.
External Ports
RJ-45 1GbE LAN Port 2 (with Link Aggregation / Failover support) 2 (with Link Aggregation / Failover support)
RJ-45 10GbE LAN Port* 1
USB 3.2 Gen 1 Port* 2 2
eSATA Port 1 1
Notes The USB 3.0 standard was renamed to USB 3.2 Gen 1 by the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF) in 2019.
  • This device’s 1GbE LAN ports have a maximum transmission unit (MTU) size of 1,500 bytes.
  • The USB 3.0 standard was renamed to USB 3.2 Gen 1 by the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF) in 2019.
PCIe
PCIe Expansion 1 x Gen3 x2 network upgrade slot
File System
Internal Drives
  • Btrfs
  • EXT4
  • Btrfs
  • EXT4
External Drives
  • Btrfs
  • EXT4
  • EXT3
  • FAT
  • NTFS
  • HFS+
  • exFAT
  • Btrfs
  • EXT4
  • EXT3
  • FAT
  • NTFS
  • HFS+
  • exFAT
Notes exFAT Access can be installed for free from Package Center in DSM 7.0. In DSM 6.2 or earlier versions, exFAT Access needs to be purchased in Package Center.
Appearance
Size (Height x Width x Depth) 166 mm x 199 mm x 223 mm 166 mm x 199 mm x 223 mm
Weight 2.24 kg 2.24 kg
Others
System Fan 92 mm x 92 mm x 2 pcs 92 mm x 92 mm x 2 pcs
Fan Speed Mode
  • Full-Speed Mode
  • Cool Mode
  • Quiet Mode
  • Full-Speed Mode
  • Cool Mode
  • Quiet Mode
Brightness Adjustable Front LED Indicators
Power Recovery
Noise Level* 19.8 dB(A) 19.8 dB(A)
Scheduled Power On / Off
Wake on LAN / WAN
Power Supply Unit / Adapter 100 W 100 W
AC Input Power Voltage 100V to 240V AC 100V to 240V AC
Power Frequency 50/60 Hz, Single Phase 50/60 Hz, Single Phase
Power Consumption* 32.17 W (Access)
9.69 W (HDD Hibernation)		 52.06 W (Access)
16.71 W (HDD Hibernation)
British Thermal Unit 109.84 BTU/hr (Access)
33.09 BTU/hr (HDD Hibernation)		 177.64 BTU/hr (Access)
57.02 BTU/hr (HDD Hibernation)
Notes
  • Power consumption is measured when it is fully loaded with Western Digital 1TB WD10EFRX hard drive(s).
  • Noise Level Testing Environment: Fully loaded with Seagate 2TB ST2000VN000 hard drive(s) in the idle state. Two G.R.A.S. Type 40AE microphones, each set up 1 meter away from the Synology NAS at the front and rear. Background noise: 16.49-17.51 dB(A); Temperature: 24.25-25.75˚C; Humidity: 58.2-61.8%
  • Power consumption is measured when it is fully loaded with Western Digital 1TB WD10EFRX hard drive(s).
  • Noise Level Testing Environment: Fully loaded with Seagate 2TB ST2000VN000 hard drive(s) in the idle state. Two G.R.A.S. Type 40AE microphones, each set up 1 meter away from the Synology NAS at the front and rear. Background noise: 16.49-17.51 dB(A); Temperature: 24.25-25.75˚C; Humidity: 58.2-61.8%
Temperature
Operating Temperature 0°C to 40°C (32°F to 104°F) 0°C to 40°C (32°F to 104°F)
Storage Temperature -20°C to 60°C (-5°F to 140°F) -20°C to 60°C (-5°F to 140°F)
Relative Humidity 5% to 95% RH 5% to 95% RH
Certification
  • FCC
  • CE
  • BSMI
  • EAC
  • CCC
  • KC
  • VCCI
  • RCM
  • FCC
  • CE
  • BSMI
  • VCCI
  • RCM
  • UKCA
  • EAC
  • CCC
  • KC
Warranty 3-year hardware warranty, extendable to 5 years with EW201 or Extended Warranty Plus 3-year hardware warranty, extendable to 5 years with EW201 or Extended Warranty Plus
Notes
  • Availability varies by region. Before purchasing, please visit the official web pages of EW201/202 and Extended Warranty Plus for a list of eligible regions.
  • The warranty period starts from the purchase date as stated on your purchase receipt. (Learn more)
  • Availability varies by region. Before purchasing, please visit the official web pages of EW201/202 and Extended Warranty Plus for a list of eligible regions.
  • The warranty period starts from the purchase date as stated on your purchase receipt. (Learn more)
Environment RoHS Compliant RoHS Compliant
Packaging Content
  • Main Unit X 1
  • Accessory Pack X 1
  • AC Power Adapter X 1
  • AC Power Cord X 1
  • RJ-45 LAN Cable X 2
  • Quick Installation Guide X 1
  • Main Unit X 1
  • Accessory Pack X 1
  • AC Power Adapter X 1
  • AC Power Cord X 1
  • RJ-45 LAN Cable X 2
  • Quick Installation Guide X 1
Optional Accessories
Notes All memory modules will operate at the maximum frequency specified by the CPU manufacturer.
  • Certain items may not be available in your location. Please contact your local distributors for more information.
  • All memory modules will operate at the maximum frequency specified by the CPU manufacturer.
DSM Specifications
Storage Management
Maximum Single Volume Size* 108 TB 108 TB
Maximum Internal Volume Number 64 64
SSD Read / Write Cache (White Paper)
SSD TRIM
Supported RAID Type
  • Synology Hybrid RAID
  • Basic
  • JBOD
  • RAID 0
  • RAID 1
  • RAID 5
  • RAID 6
  • RAID 10
  • Synology Hybrid RAID
  • Basic
  • JBOD
  • RAID 0
  • RAID 1
  • RAID 5
  • RAID 6
  • RAID 10
RAID Migration
  • Basic to RAID 1
  • Basic to RAID 5
  • RAID 1 to RAID 5
  • RAID 5 to RAID 6
  • Basic to RAID 1
  • Basic to RAID 5
  • RAID 1 to RAID 5
  • RAID 5 to RAID 6
Volume Expansion with Larger HDDs
  • Synology Hybrid RAID
  • RAID 1
  • RAID 5
  • RAID 6
  • RAID 10
  • Synology Hybrid RAID
  • RAID 1
  • RAID 5
  • RAID 6
  • RAID 10
Volume Expansion by Adding a HDD
  • Synology Hybrid RAID
  • JBOD
  • RAID 5
  • RAID 6 (with Expansion Unit)
  • Synology Hybrid RAID
  • JBOD
  • RAID 5
  • RAID 6
Global Hot Spare Supported RAID Type
  • Synology Hybrid RAID
  • RAID 1
  • RAID 5
  • RAID 6 (with Expansion Unit)
  • RAID 10 (with Expansion Unit)
  • Synology Hybrid RAID
  • RAID 1
  • RAID 5
  • RAID 6
  • RAID 10
Notes
  • Usable capacity for each volume will be lower than the maximum volume size and is dependent on the filesystem and the amount of system metadata stored.
  • Each internal volume (may consist of multiple drives) is expandable up to 108TB.
  • Usable capacity for each volume will be lower than the maximum volume size and is dependent on the filesystem and the amount of system metadata stored.
  • Each internal volume (may consist of multiple drives) is expandable up to 108TB.
File Services
File Protocol SMB/AFP/NFS/FTP/WebDAV SMB/AFP/NFS/FTP/WebDAV
Maximum Concurrent SMB/AFP/FTP Connections 1,000 2,000
Maximum Concurrent SMB/AFP/FTP Connections (with RAM expansion) 2,000 2,000
Windows Access Control List (ACL) Integration
NFS Kerberos Authentication
Notes
  • Regarding data concerning tests with RAM expansion, all memory slots are installed with the maximum capacity of supported RAM.
  • The testing standard was based on the maximum number of concurrent connections supported by this model. During the testing, 25% of the connections were used to transfer files concurrently. The transfer process guaranteed that the connections were not interrupted; the minimum transfer speed was not guaranteed.
  • Regarding data concerning tests with RAM expansion, all memory slots are installed with the maximum capacity of supported RAM.
  • The testing standard was based on the maximum number of concurrent connections supported by this model. During the testing, 25% of the connections were used to transfer files concurrently. The transfer process guaranteed that the connections were not interrupted; the minimum transfer speed was not guaranteed.
Account & Shared Folder
Maximum Local User Accounts 2,048 2,048
Maximum Local Groups 256 256
Maximum Shared Folder 512 512
Maximum Shared Folder Sync Tasks 16 32
Hybrid Share
Hybrid Share Folder Number 10 10
Notes For more supported details, please check this article. For more supported details, please check this article.
High Availability
Synology High Availability
Log Center
Syslog Events per Second 800 800
Virtualization
VMware vSphere with VAAI
Windows Server 2016
Windows Server 2019
Citrix Ready
OpenStack
General Specifications
Networking Protocols SMB1 (CIFS), SMB2, SMB3, NFSv3, NFSv4, NFSv4.1, NFS Kerberized sessions, iSCSI, HTTP, HTTPs, FTP, SNMP, LDAP, CalDAV SMB1 (CIFS), SMB2, SMB3, NFSv3, NFSv4, NFSv4.1, NFS Kerberized sessions, iSCSI, HTTP, HTTPs, FTP, SNMP, LDAP, CalDAV
Supported Browsers
  • Google Chrome
  • Firefox
  • Microsoft Edge
  • Safari
  • Google Chrome
  • Firefox
  • Microsoft Edge
  • Safari
Supported Language English, Deutsch, Français, Italiano, Español, Dansk, Norsk, Svenska, Nederlands, Русский, Polski, Magyar, Português do Brasil, Português Europeu, Türkçe, Český, ภาษาไทย, 日本語, 한국어, 繁體中文, 简体中文 English, Deutsch, Français, Italiano, Español, Dansk, Norsk, Svenska, Nederlands, Русский, Polski, Magyar, Português do Brasil, Português Europeu, Türkçe, Český, ภาษาไทย, 日本語, 한국어, 繁體中文, 简体中文
Notes For an updated list of supported browser versions, check the DSM Technical Specifications. For an updated list of supported browser versions, check the DSM Technical Specifications.
Add-on Packages view the complete package list
Antivirus by McAfee (Trial)
Central Management System
Synology Chat
Maximum Users 1,500
Maximum Number of Concurrent Users 100 100
Notes When applicable, tested systems are configured with maximum memory and set to allow the maximum number of connections.
  • Measured with simulated users, each with an average record of 20,000 messages, emojis, or stickers. The required server response time is below ten seconds.
  • When applicable, tested systems are configured with maximum memory and set to allow the maximum number of connections.
Document Viewer
Download Station
Maximum Concurrent Download Tasks 80 80
SAN Manager
Maximum iSCSI Target Number 128 128
Maximum LUN 256 256
LUN Clone/Snapshot, Windows ODX
Notes iSCSI Manager has been renamed to SAN Manager in DSM 7.0.
Synology MailPlus / MailPlus Server
Free Email Accounts 5 (Licenses required for additional accounts) 5 (Licenses required for additional accounts)
Maximum Number of Concurrent Users 100 100
Maximum Server Performance 1,224,000 emails per day, approx. 37GB 1,224,000 emails per day, approx. 37GB
Notes
  • Models with more than 4 bays were installed with two SSDs for SSD cache.
  • For tested models with expandable memory, the maximum amount of RAM was installed.
  • The performance of the mail system will slightly decrease in high-availability mode due to data synchronization between the two servers.
  • Functions that were enabled in all of the tests above: anti-spam, anti-virus, DNSBL, greylist, content scan, full-text search (English only).
  • Models with more than 4 bays were installed with two SSDs for SSD cache.
  • For tested models with expandable memory, the maximum amount of RAM was installed.
  • The performance of the mail system will slightly decrease in high-availability mode due to data synchronization between the two servers.
  • Functions that were enabled in all of the tests above: anti-spam, anti-virus, DNSBL, greylist, content scan, full-text search (English only).
Media Server
DLNA Compliance
Synology Photos
Facial Recognition
Snapshot Replication
Maximum Snapshots per Shared Folder 1,024 1,024
Maximum of System Snapshots 65,536 65,536
Surveillance Station
Maximum IP cam (Licenses required) 40 (including 2 Free License) (see all supported IP cameras) 40 (including 2 Free License) (see all supported IP cameras)
Total FPS (H.264) 1200 FPS @ 720p (1280×720)
1050 FPS @ 1080p (1920×1080)
600 FPS @ 3M (2048×1536)
360 FPS @ 5M (2591×1944)
200 FPS @ 4K (3840×2160)		 1200 FPS @ 720p (1280×720)
1050 FPS @ 1080p (1920×1080)
600 FPS @ 3M (2048×1536)
360 FPS @ 5M (2591×1944)
200 FPS @ 4K (3840×2160)
Total FPS (H.265) 1200 FPS @ 720p (1280×720)
1200 FPS @ 1080p (1920×1080)
1000 FPS @ 3M (2048×1536)
600 FPS @ 5M (2591×1944)
300 FPS @ 4K (3840×2160)		 1200 FPS @ 720p (1280×720)
1200 FPS @ 1080p (1920×1080)
1000 FPS @ 3M (2048×1536)
600 FPS @ 5M (2591×1944)
300 FPS @ 4K (3840×2160)
Total FPS (MJPEG) 680 FPS @ 720p (1280×720)
400 FPS @ 1080p (1920×1080)
300 FPS @ 3M (2048×1536)
200 FPS @ 5M (2591×1944)
Notes
  • Maximum IP cameras and FPS figures are tested with the device fully populated with drives and under a continuous recording setup.
  • Actual system capabilities may differ depending on system configuration, drive performance, number of features enabled, and if additional workloads are present.
  • Maximum IP cameras and FPS figures are tested with the device fully populated with drives and under a continuous recording setup.
  • Actual system capabilities may differ depending on system configuration, drive performance, number of features enabled, and if additional workloads are present.
Synology Drive
Recommended Number of Concurrent Sync Clients 350 (the number of connections that can be maintained when the recommended number of hosted files was reached) 350 (the number of connections that can be maintained when the recommended number of hosted files was reached)
Recommended Number of Hosted Files 5,000,000 (applies to files indexed or hosted by Synology Drive. For file access through other standard protocols, refer to the File Services section above) 5,000,000 (applies to files indexed or hosted by Synology Drive. For file access through other standard protocols, refer to the File Services section above)
Notes
  • Exceeding the recommended numbers above will not block application operations, but may result in longer response time.
  • Utilizing SSD cache can significantly improve performance.
  • For tested models with expandable memory, the maximum amount of RAM was installed.
  • Btrfs file system and non-encrypted shared folders were used during the aforementioned testing.
  • Exceeding the recommended numbers above will not block application operations, but may result in longer response time.
  • Utilizing SSD cache can significantly improve performance.
  • For tested models with expandable memory, the maximum amount of RAM was installed.
  • Btrfs file system and non-encrypted shared folders were used during the aforementioned testing.
Synology Office
Maximum Users 1,200 1,200
Notes
  • Multiple files were opened for testing and each file was edited by 30 users simultaneously.
  • For tested models with expandable memory, the maximum amount of RAM was installed.
  • Client performance may affect maximum simultaneous editing users. Client PCs used for testing: Intel Core i3-3220 / 8GB RAM
  • Multiple files were opened for testing and each file was edited by 30 users simultaneously.
  • For tested models with expandable memory, the maximum amount of RAM was installed.
  • Client performance may affect maximum simultaneous editing users. Client PCs used for testing: Intel Core i3-3220 / 8GB RAM
Video Station
Virtual Machine Manager
Recommended Virtual Machine Instances 4 (Learn more) 4 (Learn more)
Recommended Virtual DSM Number (Licenses required) 4 (including 1 Free License) 4 (including 1 Free License)
Notes The specifications vary depending on system configuration and memory size. The specifications vary depending on system configuration and memory size.
VPN Server
Maximum Connections 40 40

Conclusion

If you only need one or two virtual machines I would go for the new DS923+ because its base frequency is 30% faster. You also get ECC autocorrecting memory and more storage space on your RAM.

If the CPU speed is not important (running things like Home assistant and other iot systems or dockers),  then ds920+ is cheaper and comes with actual 4 cores that are not shared or split into virtual units.

 

 

 


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2 thoughts on “DS920+ vs DS923+ for virtual machines”

    1. If you only need one or two virtual machines I would go for the new DS923+ because its base frequency is 30% faster. You also get ECC autocorrecting memory and more storage space on your RAM. 

      If the CPU speed is not important (running things like Home assistant and other iot systems or dockers),  then ds920+ is cheaper and comes with actual 4 cores that are not shared or split into virtual units. 

      Reply