Synology DiskStation DS224+ 2-Bay NAS Review: Quad-Core Performance in a Compact Package

The Synology DS224+ lands at a crowded intersection: affordable enough for home use, capable enough for a small office, and backed by the kind of software ecosystem that makes cheaper competitors look unfinished. At its core is an Intel Celeron J4125 quad-core processor running at 2.0 GHz (burst to 2.7 GHz), paired with 2GB of DDR4 RAM and a 2.5 GbE primary port. That combination, on paper and in published testing, puts it meaningfully ahead of entry-level ARM-based NAS devices that top out at 1 GbE and struggle with simultaneous workloads.

Specs Analysis

The J4125 is the same processor Synology used in several DS920+ and DS720+ units, and benchmarks published by NAS Compares and ServeTheHome confirm it delivers real-world transcoding capability. Synology rates the DS224+ for 4K HEVC hardware transcoding via Plex or its own Video Station app, with the J4125’s Quick Sync engine handling the heavy lifting. That matters for households that store large media libraries and want smooth playback without burning down CPU cycles.

Memory starts at 2GB DDR4 non-ECC SODIMM, which is adequate for file serving and basic Docker containers. The maximum supported RAM is 6GB (a 4GB SODIMM added to the existing 2GB slot), a modest ceiling compared to the DS923+‘s 32GB maximum. For light workloads, 2GB is fine. For running multiple Docker containers alongside active file sharing, you will want to max it out early.

Networking is a genuine highlight. The primary port is 2.5 GbE, and a secondary 1 GbE port is included. If your router or switch supports 2.5 GbE, read and write throughput to the NAS can approach the drive speed ceiling rather than being choked at 125 MB/s. Published tests from NAS Compares show sequential read speeds exceeding 230 MB/s over the 2.5 GbE link with compatible drives installed.

Storage capacity depends entirely on your drives. The bundled configuration here pairs the DS224+ with two 4TB Seagate IronWolf drives, giving you 4TB of usable storage in a mirrored RAID 1 configuration (or SHR, Synology’s own RAID variant that adds some flexibility for mixed-capacity upgrades later). IronWolf drives are NAS-rated, carry a three-year warranty, and are listed on Synology’s official compatibility list, so there are no surprises at setup.

The Btrfs file system deserves a mention. Unlike older EXT4-based NAS devices, Btrfs enables snapshot-based data protection. Synology’s implementation lets you take scheduled snapshots of shared folders and recover individual files or entire folder states without a full backup restore. For families storing irreplaceable photos or documents, that is a meaningful safety net on top of any offsite backup strategy.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• The 2.5 GbE primary port delivers real throughput gains over 1 GbE units when paired with a capable switch, with verified sequential reads above 230 MB/s
• Intel Celeron J4125 supports hardware transcoding for 4K HEVC, confirmed by Synology’s spec sheet and third-party benchmark testing
• DSM 7.2 (DiskStation Manager) is widely regarded as the most polished NAS operating system available, with regular security updates and a full app ecosystem
• Btrfs snapshots add a fast, low-overhead layer of data protection that ARM-based budget NAS units typically cannot match
• The included IronWolf drives are on Synology’s compatibility list, so the bundle ships ready to configure with no guesswork
• RAM is user-upgradeable to 6GB with a standard SODIMM, keeping future flexibility open

Cons:

• Maximum 6GB RAM ceiling limits Docker and virtualization headroom compared to the DS923+ or DS1522+
• Two bays only: you hit the storage ceiling fast if your media library grows, and there is no expansion unit compatible with the DS224+
• The diskless enclosure alone is typically priced around $300 to $350, so this bundled price reflects the drive cost, not a NAS premium
• No 10 GbE option, even as an upgrade path, which rules it out for prosumer workflows that push large file transfers consistently
• USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports are present but limited to one front and one rear, which is tight for simultaneous external backup drives

Who the DS224+ Is For

This NAS makes the most sense for a specific type of buyer. A household running three to five devices, storing a growing photo and video library, and wanting a reliable offsite backup target (using Synology’s Hyper Backup to a cloud destination) will get strong value here. The 4K transcoding capability means Plex or Jellyfin can serve multiple streams without stuttering on the J4125, something that cannot be said of ARM-based competitors at similar price points.

Small home offices that need a central file share with snapshot-based version history are also a natural fit. DSM’s file permissions system and Active Directory integration are genuinely capable at this scale, and the 2.5 GbE link keeps file transfers from becoming a daily frustration.

Where it does not fit is equally important to understand. Anyone anticipating more than two bays of storage within the next two years should look at the DS423+ or DS923+ instead. The DS224+ has no expansion capability, so when those two drives fill up, the only path forward is migrating to a new unit entirely. Similarly, anyone planning to run a half-dozen Docker containers alongside active media serving and backups will hit the 6GB RAM ceiling uncomfortably fast.

Bottom Line

The DS224+ is not a budget NAS trying to look premium. It is a legitimate mid-range unit with real processor capability, a meaningful networking upgrade over 1 GbE predecessors, and the best NAS operating system currently available. The J4125 processor, 2.5 GbE port, and Btrfs snapshot support represent a concrete step up from the entry-level competition, and Synology’s long track record on DSM updates means this unit will receive security patches and new features for years.

The 8TB bundle with two IronWolf drives at $981 is a fair total-cost entry point when you factor in the price of compatible NAS drives purchased separately, and having the drives already on the compatibility list removes one common setup headache.

The two-bay limitation is real, and buyers who might outgrow it quickly should size up now rather than later. But for the target use case, central home or small office storage with solid performance and reliable software, the DS224+ delivers exactly what it promises.

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