A New Strategy for Accessible Storage

Synology has officially unveiled its DiskStation neo+ series, a strategic expansion of its product catalog designed to give consumers greater control over initial hardware costs. By adjusting default memory configurations, the company aims to make its robust NAS solutions more accessible without sacrificing the performance or future-proofing capabilities that power users expect.


The neo+ Lineup Overview

The series launches with four distinct models, all of which share foundational hardware with their established Plus Series counterparts:

  • DS1825neo+ (8-bay)
  • DS1525neo+ (5-bay)
  • DS925neo+ (4-bay)
  • DS725neo+ (2-bay)

Performance and Hardware Specifications

Each unit in the new series utilizes 64-bit AMD architecture equipped with a hardware encryption engine. The processing power is divided based on the model tier:

  • DS725neo+: Features the dual-core AMD Ryzen R1600 (4 threads), reaching boost speeds of up to 3.1 GHz.
  • DS925neo+, DS1525neo+, and DS1825neo+: These units are powered by the quad-core AMD Ryzen V1500B (8 threads) running at 2.2 GHz.

While all models ship with 4GB of RAM, Synology has ensured that users can scale their systems, with support for expansion up to 32GB of memory.


Scalability and Professional Features

The larger models, specifically the DS1825neo+ and DS1525neo+, come equipped with PCIe 3.0 slots, allowing for the addition of 10GbE or 25GbE networking cards. Furthermore, integrated M.2 slots facilitate SSD caching to improve system responsiveness. For storage growth, all units feature 2.5GbE connectivity and compatibility with the DX525 expansion unit.

According to Bie-I Chu, Executive Vice President of the Synology NAS Group, the series reflects shifting market dynamics: «As memory market dynamics shift, the neo+ Series reinforces our commitment to accessibility, giving customers the freedom to scale hardware according to their immediate budget and future growth.»


Software Ecosystem

Despite the changes to default hardware configurations, the software experience remains consistent. All neo+ devices operate on the familiar Synology DiskStation Manager (DSM) platform. This includes access to:

  • Synology Drive: For private cloud storage and multi-site file synchronization.
  • Active Backup Suite: Providing comprehensive protection for macOS, Windows, Linux, and virtual machine environments.
  • Surveillance Station: Transforming the NAS into a powerful network video recorder for security management.

The neo+ series will sit alongside the existing Plus Series rather than replacing it, providing users with a wider array of hardware choices depending on their specific budget requirements. The new models are currently rolling out through Synology's global distribution network.