Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the Synology DiskStation DS920+, a network-attached storage (NAS) device that's become a favorite for home and small business users alike. But the big question on everyone's mind is: what's the deal with the price, and is it actually worth your hard-earned cash? Let's break it down!

What is Synology DS920+?

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of pricing, let's quickly recap what the Synology DS920+ actually is. This is a 4-bay NAS, meaning it can hold up to four hard drives or solid-state drives (SSDs). It's designed to be a central hub for all your data, offering features like file sharing, media streaming, data backup, and even running virtual machines. Think of it as your own personal cloud, sitting right in your home or office.

Under the hood, the DS920+ is powered by an Intel Celeron J4125 quad-core processor and comes with 4GB of DDR4 RAM (expandable up to 8GB). This gives it enough horsepower to handle most tasks you throw at it, from serving up files to running various applications. It also supports Synology's DiskStation Manager (DSM) operating system, which is known for being user-friendly and feature-rich. With DSM, you get access to a ton of apps and services that can extend the functionality of your NAS, like Plex for media streaming, Docker for containerization, and Synology Drive for file syncing and sharing.

Why is a NAS like the DS920+ useful? Well, imagine having all your photos, videos, documents, and other files stored in one central location that you can access from any device, anywhere in the world. That's the power of a NAS. Plus, it provides redundancy and data protection, so you don't have to worry about losing your precious files if a hard drive fails. The DS920+ supports various RAID configurations, which allow you to mirror your data across multiple drives, ensuring that your data is safe and sound.

Current Market Price of the Synology DS920+

Okay, let's get down to brass tacks: how much does the Synology DS920+ actually cost? The price can fluctuate depending on where you buy it and any ongoing deals or promotions. Generally, you can expect to find the DS920+ priced around $500 to $600 USD without any hard drives included. Keep in mind that this is just the enclosure itself; you'll need to factor in the cost of the drives you want to install. This can significantly increase the overall investment.

Where can you find the best deals? Major online retailers like Amazon, Newegg, and B&H Photo Video are good places to start. Also, check Synology's website for authorized resellers in your area. Sometimes, local computer stores or electronics shops might have competitive pricing. It's always a good idea to compare prices from multiple sources before making a purchase.

Don't forget to factor in sales tax and shipping costs when calculating the total price. These can add a bit extra to the final bill. And if you're planning to expand the RAM to 8GB, that's another expense to consider. While 4GB is sufficient for basic use, upgrading to 8GB can improve performance, especially if you're running multiple applications or virtual machines.

Factors Influencing the Price

So, what exactly makes the Synology DS920+ cost what it does? Several factors come into play. First and foremost, it's a Synology product, and Synology is known for its high-quality NAS devices and excellent software. You're paying for the brand reputation and the reliability that comes with it.

The components inside the DS920+ also contribute to the price. The Intel Celeron J4125 processor is a decent performer for a NAS, and the 4GB of DDR4 RAM is a good starting point. The enclosure itself is well-built and designed to last. All of these things add up.

Software is another key factor. Synology's DSM operating system is a major selling point, and it's constantly being updated with new features and improvements. The development and maintenance of DSM require significant investment, which is reflected in the price of the DS920+. Plus, the wide range of apps and services available through DSM adds value to the overall package.

Market demand also plays a role. If the DS920+ is in high demand and short supply, prices may increase. Conversely, if there's a lot of competition or if Synology is trying to clear out inventory for a newer model, you might see discounts or promotions. Keep an eye out for these opportunities to save some money.

Is the DS920+ Worth the Investment?

Now for the million-dollar question: is the Synology DS920+ worth the investment? The answer, as always, depends on your specific needs and budget. If you're just looking for a simple way to share files between a few devices, there might be cheaper alternatives available. However, if you need a reliable, feature-rich NAS for data backup, media streaming, and running applications, the DS920+ is definitely worth considering.

Here's a breakdown of who might benefit most from the DS920+: Small businesses that need a central file server for collaboration and data protection. Home users who want to consolidate their media libraries and access them from anywhere. Creative professionals who need a secure and reliable way to store and back up their work. Anyone who wants to run their own private cloud and have more control over their data.

But what about the downsides? The initial cost can be a barrier for some people. You'll need to factor in the price of the enclosure, the hard drives, and potentially RAM upgrades. Also, setting up a NAS can be a bit technical, although Synology's DSM makes it relatively easy. If you're not comfortable with computers or networking, you might need some help getting started.

Alternatives to Consider

If the DS920+ is a bit too pricey for your budget, or if you don't need all of its features, there are some alternatives to consider. The Synology DS220+ is a 2-bay NAS that offers similar features to the DS920+ but at a lower price point. It's a good option for home users who don't need as much storage capacity.

Another alternative is the QNAP TS-453D, which is a 4-bay NAS that competes directly with the DS920+. It offers similar performance and features, but some people prefer QNAP's QTS operating system over Synology's DSM. It's worth checking out both to see which one you like better.

If you're on a tight budget, you might also consider building your own NAS using a spare computer and some open-source software like FreeNAS or OpenMediaVault. This can be a more cost-effective solution, but it requires more technical expertise and effort.

Tips for Finding the Best Price

Alright, so you've decided that the Synology DS920+ is the right NAS for you. Now, how can you find the best possible price? Here are a few tips:

• Shop around: Don't just buy from the first retailer you find. Compare prices from multiple sources to see who has the best deal.
• Look for sales and promotions: Keep an eye out for sales events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and back-to-school sales. Synology and its retailers often offer discounts during these times.
• Consider buying used: If you're comfortable buying used electronics, you might be able to find a used DS920+ at a lower price on eBay or Craigslist. Just be sure to inspect the device carefully before buying it to make sure it's in good condition.
• Check for bundle deals: Some retailers offer bundle deals that include the DS920+ along with hard drives or other accessories. These can be a good way to save money if you need those extra items anyway.
• Be patient: Prices can fluctuate, so if you're not in a hurry, wait for a good deal to come along. Set up price alerts on websites like CamelCamelCamel to track price changes and get notified when the price drops.

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice

So, is the Synology DS920+ worth the price? Ultimately, the decision is up to you. Consider your needs, budget, and technical expertise when making your choice. If you need a reliable, feature-rich NAS for data backup, media streaming, and running applications, the DS920+ is definitely a strong contender.

Just remember to shop around for the best price, factor in the cost of hard drives and RAM upgrades, and consider whether you really need all of the features that the DS920+ offers. With a little research and planning, you can make an informed decision and get the best value for your money. Happy NAS-ing, everyone!