A Comprehensive Review of Synology RackStation RS1221 Plus

A Comprehensive Review of Synology RackStation RS1221 Plus

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Overview of the Synology RackStation RS1221 Plus
• Design and Specifications
• Power Supply Options
• Expandability and Customization
• Performance and Cooling
• Synology DiskStation Manager
• Pros of the Synology RackStation RS1221 Plus
• Cons of the Synology RackStation RS1221 Plus
• Conclusion

Introduction

In this article, we will take an in-depth look at the Synology RackStation RS1221 Plus. We will explore its design, specifications, power supply options, expandability, performance, cooling, and the features offered by Synology DiskStation Manager. By the end of this article, you will have a comprehensive understanding of the pros and cons of the Synology RackStation RS1221 Plus and be able to make an informed decision about whether it is the right solution for your needs. So let's dive in!

Overview of the Synology RackStation RS1221 Plus

The Synology RackStation RS1221 Plus is a powerful and versatile rack-mounted storage solution. It comes in two models - the RS1221 Plus with a single power supply and the RS1221RP Plus with dual power supplies. While the two models have the same motherboard and specifications, there are some notable differences in their design and functionality.

Design and Specifications

The design of the Synology RackStation RS1221 Plus is distinct, with a unique placement of the power supply. Unlike traditional server-style hot-swap power supplies found in most rack-mounted devices, the RS1221 Plus has the power supply mounted sideways underneath the motherboard. While this design choice may seem peculiar, it does come with some implications for accessibility and maintenance.

Power Supply Options

The RS1221 Plus offers two power supply options - the single power supply model and the dual power supply model. The single power supply model has a more challenging process for removing and replacing the power supply since it is located underneath the motherboard. Swapping the power supply in this model requires removing the motherboard, which can be time-consuming and inconvenient. On the other HAND, the dual power supply model provides redundancy and easier access to the power supplies for maintenance purposes.

Expandability and Customization

The Synology RackStation RS1221 Plus offers expandability through its PCIe slot. This allows users to add additional functionality and tailor the device to their specific needs. However, it is important to note that the RS1221 Plus does not come with built-in support for NVMe cache or 10 Gigabit Ethernet. If these features are essential to your workflow, Synology does offer a separate 10 Gigabit Ethernet and M.2 SSD cache card that can be installed in the device.

Performance and Cooling

The RS1221 Plus is powered by an AMD Ryzen V1500B processor, which provides four cores and eight Threads for efficient multitasking and processing power. The device also features four one-gigabit Ethernet ports and supports ECC memory for data integrity. In terms of cooling, the RS1221 Plus has two large fans at the back of the device, ensuring efficient airflow and temperature management. During our testing, the fans remained quiet, and the device maintained optimal operating temperatures.

Synology DiskStation Manager

The RS1221 Plus runs on Synology DiskStation Manager (DSM) 6.23, the latest version of Synology's operating system for NAS devices. DSM offers a user-friendly interface with a wide range of features and applications. This includes file sharing, data backup and recovery, virtualization support, Docker integration, and more. With DSM, users can easily manage and customize their RS1221 Plus according to their storage and application needs.

Pros of the Synology RackStation RS1221 Plus

• Powerful and efficient AMD Ryzen processor
• ECC memory support for data integrity
• Expandable through the PCIe slot
• User-friendly interface with a wide range of features
• Efficient cooling system with low noise levels

Cons of the Synology RackStation RS1221 Plus

• Power supply placement can make maintenance more challenging
• No built-in support for NVMe cache or 10 Gigabit Ethernet
• Limited to a single PCIe slot for expansion

Conclusion

The Synology RackStation RS1221 Plus is a reliable and versatile rack-mounted storage solution. It offers powerful performance, expandability options, and a user-friendly interface through Synology DiskStation Manager. While there are some minor limitations, such as the power supply placement and lack of built-in support for certain features, these can be overcome with additional hardware and customization. Overall, the RS1221 Plus is a solid choice for organizations and individuals looking for a flexible and efficient storage solution.

Resources

• Synology