Synology Releases 3 New DiskStations

by Adam Armstrong October 28, 2017

written by Adam Armstrong October 28, 2017

Synology announced even more ’18 models to its popular DiskStation line of NAS this week. The company announced the new DS218play, DS218j, and DS118. These new NAS devices are all on the smaller side, 1- to 2-bays, and are all powered by the award-winning DSM.

Synology refreshes its line of NAS devices every year or so. It’s smaller NAS, like those announced this week, are aimed more toward media enthusiast or SOHO looking for reliable backup with all the features of DSM. Synology has refreshed its media-centric ‘play model with DS218play, its value model with DS218j, and its single bay model with DS118.

The new DS218play is equipped with a 64-bit quad-core 1.4 GHz processor with a hardware encryption engine and 1GB RAM. According to the company it can hit encrypted sequential reading/writing throughput at over 110 MB/s. Synology goes on to state the that DS218play supports real-time single channel 10-bit H.265 4K Ultra HD or single channel full HD video transcoding.

DS218play key specifications:

CPU: Realtek RTD1296 quad-core 1.4GHz
Memory: 1GB DDR4
Compatible drive type: 2 x 3.5" or 2.5" SATA SSD / HDD (drives not included)
External port: 2 x USB 3.0 port
Size (HxWxD): 165 x 100 x 225.5 mm
Weight: 0.87 kg
LAN: Gigabit (RJ-45) x 1
System fan: 92 x 92 x 25mm
AC input power voltage: 100V to 240V AC
Power frequency: 50/60Hz, single phase
Operating temperature: 5°C to 40°C (40°F to 104°F)
Storage temperature: -20°C to 60°C (-5°F to 140°F)
Relative humidity: 5% to 95% RH

On the value side of things, the DS218j is powered by a dual-core 1.3 GHz processor with a hardware encryption engine and 512MB RAM. The DS218j is quoted to deliver speeds of sequential reading throughput at over 113 MB/s and writing throughput at over 112 MB/s. This value NAS is not only cost-effective on purchase, it can save on OPEX by only using 17.48W during peak usage and 7.03W when hibernating.

DS218j key specifications:

CPU: Marvell Armada 385 88F6820 dual-core 1.3GHz
Memory: 512MB DDR3
Compatible drive type: 2 x 3.5" or 2.5" SATA SSD / HDD (drives not included)
External port: 2 x USB 3.0 port
Size (HxWxD): 165 x 100 x 225.5 mm
Weight: 0.87 kg
LAN: Gigabit (RJ-45) x 1
System fan: 92 x 92 x 25mm
AC input power voltage: 100V to 240V AC
Power frequency: 50/60Hz, single phase
Operating temperature: 5°C to 40°C (40°F to 104°F)
Storage temperature: -20°C to 60°C (-5°F to 140°F)
Relative humidity: 5% to 95% RH

For users looking for backup, DSM functionality, or perhaps a cost-effective method of cross-platform file sharing, Synology has its 1-bay tower NAS, the DS118. The DS118 comes with a 64-bit quad-core 1.4 GHz processor and 1GB RAM. From a performance perspective, the DS118 is quoted at hitting over 110MB/s sequential read/write throughput.

DS118 key specifications: