The Ryzen R1600 processor and expandable ECC RAM up to 32 GB ensure excellent stability and performance for a homelab.
Based on the technical specifications and 2.5 GbE network ports suited for fast transfers.
10 GbE + 2.5 GbE connectivity and 8 GB of DDR5 RAM expandable to 64 GB provide high performance, but the processor is less powerful than the other models.
👍 What we like
- ✓Enhanced stability thanks to ECC RAM (Synology DS923+).
- ✓Flexible network connectivity with 1 GbE ports and optional 10 GbE (Synology DS923+).
- ✓HDMI output useful for multimedia projects (QNAP TS-464).
- ✓M.2 SSD caching slots to improve performance (UGREEN NASync DXP4800 Plus).
👎 What to watch
- ✕Network connectivity limited to 1 GbE by default (Synology DS923+).
- ✕Processor less powerful than some competitors (UGREEN NASync DXP4800 Plus).
- ✕RAM is expandable but not guaranteed to be ECC (QNAP TS-464 and UGREEN NASync DXP4800 Plus).
🏆 Our picks
Affiliate links · same price for you
QNAP TS-464
Amazon · price and availability on the listing
UGREEN NASync DXP4800 Plus
Amazon · price and availability on the listing
See all our recommended gear in the shop.
📑 Contents ▾
In 2026, 4-bay NAS units remain versatile solutions for self-hosting and homelabs. Their ability to manage multiple drives, automatic backups, and multimedia services makes them essential devices for tech enthusiasts. However, not all models are equal in terms of performance, flexibility, or advanced features. This technical comparison focuses on three flagship 4-bay NAS units: the Synology DS923+, the QNAP TS-464, and the UGREEN NASync DXP4800 Plus. Their respective technical specifications determine their strengths and limitations, without empirical testing. The goal is to help you choose the model that best fits your needs, whether for homelab use, personal NAS, or self-hosting.
Why this choice matters
A 4-bay NAS unit in 2026 is far more than just a file storage device. For a homelab, it serves as the backbone of your infrastructure, capable of running services like Nextcloud, Plex, or virtual machines. The processor and RAM determine the available power for these tasks: a model like the Synology DS923+ with a Ryzen R1600 and expandable ECC RAM offers enhanced stability for critical services. The QNAP TS-464, with its Intel N5105 processor and HDMI output, is perfect for multimedia projects or environments where a graphical interface is useful. The UGREEN NASync DXP4800 Plus stands out with its dual network connectivity (10 GbE + 2.5 GbE) and 8 GB of DDR5 RAM expandable to 64 GB, ideal for fast data transfers and intensive uses. These technical choices directly influence the NAS’s ability to scale with your needs while remaining performant and reliable over the long term.
Buying criteria
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Processor: The processor choice impacts the overall performance of the NAS. A model like the Synology DS923+ with an AMD Ryzen™ R1600 is suited for demanding tasks such as running virtual machines or continuous services. The QNAP TS-464 uses an Intel N5105 processor, which offers a good balance between performance and power consumption, while the UGREEN NASync DXP4800 Plus features an Intel Pentium Gold 8505 5-core processor, sufficient for less intensive uses.
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RAM: The amount of RAM determines the ability to run multiple services simultaneously. The Synology DS923+ supports up to 32 GB of ECC RAM, ensuring better stability for critical applications.
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Network connectivity: The network ports influence data transfer speeds. The Synology DS923+ offers 2 x 1 GbE RJ-45 ports, with an optional 10 GbE module for expansion. The QNAP TS-464 includes 2 x 2.5 GbE RJ45 ports, allowing combined bandwidth up to 5 Gbps. The UGREEN NASync DXP4800 Plus provides 1 x 10 GbE and 1 x 2.5 GbE port, ideal for high-speed transfers.
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HDMI output: This feature is useful for multimedia projects or homelabs requiring a graphical interface. The QNAP TS-464 offers an HDMI 2.0 output up to 4K 60Hz, like the UGREEN NASync DXP4800 Plus (4K 60Hz per its spec sheet); the Synology DS923+ has no HDMI output.
To rank these models, we analyzed their technical specifications based on typical homelab or self-hosting uses. Criteria such as processor, RAM, network connectivity, and HDMI output were prioritized to determine their suitability for different user profiles. The scores reflect this analysis, without empirical testing.
Presentation of the 3 recommended products
1. Synology DS923+
This 4-bay NAS is designed for users seeking a stable and high-performance solution for homelabs or intensive personal use. According to its technical specifications, it features an AMD Ryzen™ R1600 dual-core (4-threads) processor with a maximum frequency of 3.1 GHz, suitable for demanding tasks like running virtual machines or continuous services. The expandable ECC RAM up to 32 GB ensures better error handling, essential for data reliability. However, its network connectivity limited to 1 GbE (with optional 10 GbE) may be a bottleneck for large file transfers.
2. QNAP TS-464
The QNAP TS-464 is better suited for users exploring multimedia projects, with its HDMI output (4K 60Hz) and 2.5 GbE network ports. Its Intel N5105 processor offers a good balance between performance and power consumption, while the HDMI output enables direct use as a streaming server or for graphical applications. The 2.5 GbE ports allow for fast transfers, though not as high as 10 GbE.
3. UGREEN NASync DXP4800 Plus
This model is intended for users seeking high-speed network connectivity for their homelab. It features an Intel Pentium Gold 8505 5-core processor and 8 GB of DDR5 RAM expandable to 64 GB, sufficient for intensive uses. The 10 GbE + 2.5 GbE network connectivity enables fast transfers, while its 2 M.2 NVMe slots provide SSD caching capacity suited for performance needs. However, the processor is less powerful than that of the Synology DS923+, which may limit performance for the most demanding tasks.
Comparison table
| Criterion | Synology DS923+ | QNAP TS-464 | UGREEN NASync DXP4800 Plus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | AMD Ryzen™ R1600 dual-core (4-threads), up to 3.1 GHz | see specs | Intel Pentium Gold 8505 5-core |
| RAM | 4 GB DDR4 ECC SODIMM (expandable up to 32 GB) | see specs | 8 GB DDR5 (expandable up to 64 GB) |
| Network ports | 2 x 1 GbE RJ-45 (10 GbE optional) | 2 x 2.5 GbE RJ45 (combined bandwidth up to 5 Gbps) | 1 x 10 GbE and 1 x 2.5 GbE |
| HDMI output | None | HDMI 2.0, up to 4K 60Hz | 4K 60Hz |
All information is sourced directly from the manufacturers’ technical specifications. No power consumption or performance measurements were conducted or estimated.
Use cases
For a beginner in homelabs, the Synology DS923+ is an excellent choice thanks to its intuitive user interface and stability. The expandable ECC RAM up to 32 GB allows adding services like Nextcloud or automatic backups without risking data corruption. The QNAP TS-464 is better suited for users looking to explore multimedia projects, with its HDMI output (4K 60Hz) and 2.5 GbE network ports. Finally, the UGREEN NASync DXP4800 Plus is a budget-friendly option, offering high-speed network connectivity (10 GbE + 2.5 GbE) and DDR5 RAM expandable up to 64 GB, but with a less powerful processor.
For a family looking to centralize backups and share files, the Synology DS923+ is recommended for its simplicity and reliability. The QNAP TS-464 may also be suitable, especially if the family wants to use the NAS for streaming or graphical applications. The UGREEN NASync DXP4800 Plus is a good compromise for families with high-speed file transfer needs, though it may lack power for advanced services.
For a high-demand homelab, the Synology DS923+ is the best choice thanks to its AMD Ryzen™ R1600 processor and expandable ECC RAM up to 32 GB. This allows running multiple virtual machines or continuous services without risking overload. The QNAP TS-464 and UGREEN NASync DXP4800 Plus, while strong in network connectivity, may be limited by their less powerful processors.
Pitfalls to avoid
One of the most common mistakes is underestimating the power consumption of 4-bay NAS units. In practice, a NAS with a powerful processor like the Synology DS923+ consumes more than a model with a basic processor like the UGREEN NASync DXP4800 Plus. Always check the technical specifications to anticipate energy costs.
Another pitfall is neglecting the importance of RAM. If you plan to run multiple services or virtual machines, expandable and high-performance RAM is crucial. The Synology DS923+ offers expandable ECC RAM up to 32 GB, while the other models provide expandable RAM, though without ECC guarantees.
Finally, network connectivity is often misjudged. If you need fast transfers or manage multiple data streams, a NAS with 10 GbE or 2.5 GbE ports is essential. The Synology DS923+ offers an optional 10 GbE module, while the QNAP TS-464 and UGREEN NASync DXP4800 Plus include 2.5 GbE or 10 GbE ports. Always verify the available network ports on your model before purchasing to avoid any inconvenience.
Verdict
The Synology DS923+ is clearly the best choice for a homelab in 2026, thanks to its AMD Ryzen™ R1600 processor and expandable ECC RAM up to 32 GB. These features ensure optimal stability and performance for demanding services like virtual machines or continuous applications. The option to add a 10 GbE module also makes it a flexible solution for high-speed data transfers.
The QNAP TS-464 is a high-performance alternative, especially for users interested in multimedia projects. Its HDMI output (4K 60Hz) and 2.5 GbE network ports make it well-suited for streaming or graphical management needs.
The UGREEN NASync DXP4800 Plus is a budget-friendly option, offering high-speed network connectivity (10 GbE + 2.5 GbE) and DDR5 RAM expandable up to 64 GB. However, its processor is less powerful than the Synology DS923+‘s, which may limit performance for the most demanding tasks.
In summary, if you’re looking for a 4-bay NAS for a high-demand homelab, the Synology DS923+ is the recommended model. For multimedia or family use, the QNAP TS-464 or UGREEN NASync DXP4800 Plus may be suitable, depending on your priorities between performance and budget. Visit the Recommended hardware page for more details on configurations suited to your needs.