A new 4-bay NAS for 2013 has been released. We take a look at the Synology DiskStation DS413j and see what this entry-level product has to offer.
Product on Review: Synology DS413j
Manufacturer and Sponsor: Synology
Street Price: £293 / $409 (At time of review)
Another week and another release from Synology. Last week we had the pleasure of taking a look at the new 2013 2-bay NAS; DS213, and this week we are taking a look at the 2013 4-bay NAS; DS413j. Expectations were high, and they delivered – this week we are expecting more of the same.
The DS413j is the successor to DS411j. Synology didn’t actually release a 2012 variant of this 4-bay NAS and so there is no DS412j. If you aren’t familiar with Synology’s naming system it’s very intuitive – Diskstation (DS) Number of bays (4) Year of production (13). The variable at the end of each of the product range such as + or j symbolise – Performance (+) Entry Level, storage focussed (j) or no symbol for a mixture of the both – performance and storage. So the unit that we are focussing on today is entry level and aimed at small business users.
Synology on DS413j
Synology DiskStation DS413j is a budget-friendly 4-bay NAS server for small offices and home use, specifically designed to provide a solution for file storage and sharing with data protection for your home environment with low power consumption, quiet operation and reliability.
Features & Specifications
• Optimal Price/Performance Ratio
• Features SuperSpeed USB 3.0
• Hardware Encryption Engine
• Cool and Quiet Design
• Effective Backup Solutions
• Rich Office Applications
• Hassle Free Installation
• Running on Synology DiskStation Manager (DSM)
Hardware Specifications
• CPU Frequency: 1.6GHz
• Hardware Encrypted Engine
• Memory: DDR3 512MB
• Internal HDD/SSD: 3.5″ or 2.5″ SATA(II) X4 (Hard drive not included)
• Max Internal Capacity: 16TB (4X 4TB HDD) (Capacity may vary by RAID types) (See All Supported HDD)
• Hot Swappable HDD
• External HDD Interface: USB 2.0 Port X 2
• Size (HxWxD) : 184 X 168 X 230 mm
• Weight: 2.23Kg
• LAN: Gigabit X1
• Wake on LAN/WAN
• System Fan: 80x80mm x2
• Wireless Support (Dongle)
• Noise Level : 18.9 dB(A)
• Power Recovery
• AC Input Power Voltage: 100V to 240V AC
• Power Frequency: 50 / 60Hz, Single Phase
• Power Consumption: 31.56W (Access) ; 7.68W (HDD Hibernation)
• Operating Temperature: 5°C to 35°C (40 to 95°F)
• Storage Temperature: -10°C to 70°C (15 to 155°F)
• Relative Humidity: 5% to 95% RH
• Maximum Operating Altitude: 6,500 feet
• Certification: FCC Class B, CE Class B, BSMI Class B
• Warranty: 2 Years
• Hardware Encrypted Engine
• Memory: DDR3 512MB
• Internal HDD/SSD: 3.5″ or 2.5″ SATA(II) X4 (Hard drive not included)
• Max Internal Capacity: 16TB (4X 4TB HDD) (Capacity may vary by RAID types) (See All Supported HDD)
• Hot Swappable HDD
• External HDD Interface: USB 2.0 Port X 2
• Size (HxWxD) : 184 X 168 X 230 mm
• Weight: 2.23Kg
• LAN: Gigabit X1
• Wake on LAN/WAN
• System Fan: 80x80mm x2
• Wireless Support (Dongle)
• Noise Level : 18.9 dB(A)
• Power Recovery
• AC Input Power Voltage: 100V to 240V AC
• Power Frequency: 50 / 60Hz, Single Phase
• Power Consumption: 31.56W (Access) ; 7.68W (HDD Hibernation)
• Operating Temperature: 5°C to 35°C (40 to 95°F)
• Storage Temperature: -10°C to 70°C (15 to 155°F)
• Relative Humidity: 5% to 95% RH
• Maximum Operating Altitude: 6,500 feet
• Certification: FCC Class B, CE Class B, BSMI Class B
• Warranty: 2 Years
Packaging & Bundle
Packaging has remained the same between DS413j and its predecessor DS411j (Synology didn’t release a 2012 variant). So the packaging is essentially a white box – the front identifies some key features of DS413j whilst the sides and back go into even more detail.
Inside, all of the items within the bundle are sectioned off into compartments via cardboard and the NAS itself is well protected within a padded cover. The bundle consists of:
• Documentation – Quick start
• AC power pack/cables
• Screws for attaching drives to HDD trays
• Installation CD – Guide, setup utility, data replicator 3
DS413j details key features
Included items within the bundle
On the next page we will take a closer look at the DS413j itself.
Closer Look
Keeping with tradition, Synology have maintained exactly the same external design with DS413j compared to DS411j. As opposed to the higher spec versions, our j model has a clinical approach – being predominantly white and silver. DS413j has a metal cover that spans the sides and top of the unit, on either side the Synology insiginia is engraven.
A vibrant external design
Sleel and elegant
Moving to the front of the unit the DS413j has a glossy plastic fascia with ventilation, a button and LED indicators. Again, this is in keeping with DS411j. The available functions on this front panel include:
• Status LED
• LAN LED
• Large power button
• 4x HDD indicator LEDs
Dark glossy front panel
Spinning the DS413j round to the back we see the unit still has a dual 80mm exhaust fans to extract unwanted heat from the HDDs and components. Beneath these fans are 2x USB 2.0 ports and a RJ45 Gigabit LAN port. Also on the back panel is the AC connector (Clover leaf type) and a label with the mac address and serial number should you need these details for technical requirements.
The back of DS413j with dual USB 2.0 ports and Gigabit LAN functionality
HDD Installation – Inside DS413j
In order to gain access to the inside of DS413j four thumbscrews must be removed, upon removing the back panel of the NAS drops down. With this panel now open there are four plastic trays to install HDDs. It’s possible to install either 3.5” or 2.5” drives within these trays; screws simply need attaching.
Once attached, the tray slides into the NAS and the SATA connectors on the HDD plug into the NAS for connectivity.
Back panel drops down for access to HDD trays
Plastic trays can accommodate 2.5” or 3.5” drives
Due to the orientation of the trays within DS413j, we can get a brief glimpse of the hardware Synology are using. The PCB is blue and in the centre there is a small heatsink covering the CPU. The hardware within DS413j consists of:
• CPU Frequency: 1.6GHz
• Hardware Encrypted Engine
• Memory: DDR3 512MB
• Internal HDD/SSD: 3.5″ or 2.5″ SATA(II) X4
• Max Internal Capacity: 16TB (4X 4TB HDD)
• Hardware Encrypted Engine
• Memory: DDR3 512MB
• Internal HDD/SSD: 3.5″ or 2.5″ SATA(II) X4
• Max Internal Capacity: 16TB (4X 4TB HDD)
DS413j has been given some upgrades over its predecessor DS411j; the CPU has been bumped up from 1.2GHz to 1.6GHz and the memory now has 512MB DDR3 instead of 128MB DDR2. The maximum capacity has remained the same – 16TB. Whilst these improvements may not be hugely significant they are definitely welcomed, especially the memory upgrade.
A look at the internal components within DS413j
Synology DSM 4.x (With video overview)
Back at the beginning of the year Synology unveiled DSM 4.0 BETA. As we have reported in the past DSM is vast in its usability, pleasing the eye and is a firm favourite. DSM 4.0 integrates Cloud features, Apps-on-demand and of course multi-tasking is a key element too. To gain access to the NAS and begin using the D413j the Synology Assistant must be installed and the latest version of DSM via a .pat file.
Synology Assistant gives access to available NAS’ on the network
Installing latest DSM via .pat file from Synology website
The next stage of installation is to set the credentials – setting the password and naming the server. Once you are happy with the details submitted – click the next button.
Setting up credentials
During the installation of DSM, networking settings are applied and configuration files are transferred. This process involves applying network protocols, formatting the drives and adding partitions ready to be used for storage. This process doesn’t take very long at all – it will of course depend on how large the drives are though. Once complete, the installation wizard reboots the NAS.
DSM during various installation stages
Upon completing the installation of DSM we can now log into the system. Login details are “admin” and the password that was specified during setup.
Login screen after installing DSM
Inside the GUI there are lots of features to look at and use. Compared to previous versions, DSM 4.x is even better. The interface is fluid, interactive and very extensive. Rather than show its functionality via screenshots, here is a brief overview of what you can find inside.
VIDEO – DSM 4.0 Control Panel Overview
Audio streaming – Mobile phone
VIDEO OVERVIEW – DS Audio in action!
Amongst many of the class leading features within DSM 4.x we have the ability to store files on the NAS and stream them to mobile devices such as Android ready devices. For the purpose of this review I thought it would be a worthwhile inclusion to show the functionality between the NAS and mobile device for audio files with DS Audio by Synology. About Synology DS Audio.
Synology DiskStations not only offer a great storage solution for media files, but now you can access your music collection directly from your iPhone or iPod Touch. Synology’s DS audio application allows users to access their music collections stored on the Synology DiskStation and stream that music through the iPhone or iPod Touch across an internet connection.
NOTE: Sound station will need to be enabled from the Control Panel of DSM 4.x
The first thing to do is download the App from Android Market. Performing a search for Synology returns lots of different Apps and the best thing is, they are all free! DS Audio is the one we want.
Android market has many Synology Apps – all are free!
After installing the app, we are met with a login screen (just put in the IP, username and password) and then you come to a home screen which gives you different options. I select “Folder” and can then navigate to where I have put an MP3 on the DS413j.
The DS Audio loading up
MP3s listed on the NAS
I can then play the file directly from the DS413j from anywhere within range of the wireless connection the NAS is being hosted on. So if you have a docking station with speakers you can ideally have the music playing off the NAS within another room. Perfect if you are entertaining guests and want some ambience!
From start to finish – installing software onto the NAS is very easy. Once DSM is installed we then have a plethora of features to take advantage of that allows seamless operation for almost any task a user could want.
Power & Transfer Performance
We have looked at some of the features that DSM 4.x brings with DS413j but how does this affect performance? What are typical transfer rates like over a Gigabit network? Is power consumption reasonable? These are all questions that you might be asking and we are here to answer them.
Test System Specifications
CPU Intel Core i5 2500K
Motherboard ASRock Z68 Extreme4 Gen3
Memory 8GB Kingston HyperX 1600MHz DDR3
Graphics NVIDIA GTX 580
PSU Thermaltake Toughpower Grand 750W
Motherboard ASRock Z68 Extreme4 Gen3
Memory 8GB Kingston HyperX 1600MHz DDR3
Graphics NVIDIA GTX 580
PSU Thermaltake Toughpower Grand 750W
Devices
– Belkin N1 Gigabit Router
– Synology DS213
– Synology DS411
– Synology DS411j
– Synology DS211
– Synology DS410
– Toshiba STORE Steel USB
– Synology DS213
– Synology DS411
– Synology DS411j
– Synology DS211
– Synology DS410
– Toshiba STORE Steel USB
First of all, for the purpose of real world testing I bundled together 6 files which were in 2 folders amounting to 3.2GB. I wanted to discover the incoming and outgoing transfer times between the DS212 and the computer – against other devices on a Gigabit network. Here are the results.
Whilst performing these tests load power consumption was monitored. The power consumption was also monitored whilst being in an idle state. There are actually two states, idle after usage and hibernation which the unit falls into after 10 minutes of non-usage. Hibernation figures were recorded.
Conclusion
Last week DS213 impressed us, this week DS413j has impressed us too. There really is no stopping Synology.
Between DS413j and its predecessor DS411j there has been a slight improvement where CPU frequency is concerned but the memory is where we have seen the biggest change – from a measily 128MB DDR2 up to 512MB of DDR3. Although there have been changes internally, externally the design has been untouched. The design, colour and materials remain the same. We don’t mind this since the quality and style of the previous generations as always been faultless and very good.
Synology’s DSM Operating System covers every aspect a consumer could ever want from a NAS. Its feature-set exceeds expectations and gives users control and flexibility they need. To name but a few of the packages available: Media Server, Audio Station, Photo Station, Download facilities, Mail Server, Surveillance Station via IP cameras and much more.
The only aspect that could be improved (same with the DS213) with this unit is the SATA 3 functionality. Although you can drop in a SATA 3 drive and it will work, you won’t see the full benefits since DS413j is SATA 2 ready. Prices for mechanical and solid state drives with the SATA 3 interface have plummeted as of late and so it would be nice to see such drives having full support within these NAS units.
Priced at £289 / $409 the DS413j isn’t that expensive when you look at other NAS units or even the expertise and hardware needed to build a custom unit yourself. And as other NAS units go DSM is flawless and difficult to rival.
Synology’s new DS413j is perfect for small businesses that require a 4-bay NAS with complete flexibility and control. DSM increases productivity and has the capabilities of satisfying all users’ needs. We have been impressed yet again, DS413j attains our Gold award.
Pros
+ Excellent build quality and aesthetics
+ Improved CPU/Memory specifications
+ Excellent performance
+ Ultra quiet fans
+ Feature rich DSM OS
+ Support for both 2.5” and 3.5”
Cons
– No SATA 3 support
+ Excellent build quality and aesthetics
+ Improved CPU/Memory specifications
+ Excellent performance
+ Ultra quiet fans
+ Feature rich DSM OS
+ Support for both 2.5” and 3.5”
Cons
– No SATA 3 support
Click here for an explanation of our awards at Vortez.net.
