Synology DiskStation DS418j Review

1. Introduction2. Synology DiskStation DS418j / Packaging & Bundle3. Synology DiskStation DS418j / Design4. DSM 6.15. Usability6. Testing Methodology7. CrystalDiskMark8. ATTO Disk Benchmark9. Intel NASPT10. IOMeter11. RAID 5/6 Encryption 12. Real Life File Testing13. Power14. Closing Thoughts15. View All Pages

Synology's DiskStation J series NAS drives are aimed at entry level home use, with a range that encompasses single, 2-bay and 4-bay models including the mini DS416slim using 2.5in drives. The latest 4-bay NAS to join the lineup is the DiskStation DS418j, the first DSx18 model to be released.

Synology regularly refresh their product lines with models sporting upgraded hardware over previous models. The DS418j is the replacement for the DS416j which was launched in 2016, with a faster processor and more modern memory. In place of the dual core 1.3GHz Marvell CPU of the DS416j, the DS418j has a 64-bit, 1.4GHz Realtek RTD1293. The memory has not only doubled in size from 512MB to 1GB it has also gone from DDR3 to DDR4.

Synology quote Sequential throughput figures for the DS418j at up to 112.94MB/s for reads and 108.88MB/s for writes when in a RAID 5 array, which we were able to confirm with the ATTO benchmark tool. When tested in a RAID 5 array the review unit produced a read figure of 118MB/s and 117MB/s for writes, a little better than the official figures.

At a massive 108TB, the DiskStation DS418j supports a much, much larger single volume size than the DS416j which was limited to a mere 16TB. The DS418j also brings support for hard drives up to and including 12TB.

It's also slightly more energy efficient than its predecessor with a quoted rating of 21.22W when in use and 8.97W when in HDD hibernation mode compared to the DS416j's 21.6W for access and 12.75W when the disk are in hibernation.

in Synology's DSM (DiskStation Manger) continues to be one of the best NAS OS out there. Quick and easy to install, DSM is continually updated by Synology to add even more features, refine existing ones and add more apps to an already impressive list in the Package Center.

We found the Synology DiskStation DS418j on Overclockers UK for £299.99 HERE.

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Pros

• Overall performance.
• DSM software.
• Price.

Cons

• Disks are not hot swappable.

Kitguru says: For an entry-level NAS, Synology's DiskStation DS418j is a powerful device and one that could be used in a small office enviroment where data traffic isn't particularly heavy.

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