Choosing NAS storage & drives often means deciding whether to prioritize a particular enclosure layout or a more specifically defined connection setup. The two choices here point in different directions, so the useful comparison is practical: what is stated about the enclosure, what remains to be supplied, and how much the listed prices differ. That keeps the decision tied to the setup you actually want rather than to a vague idea of which name sounds stronger.
Quick verdict
The 5-Bay Black Network Attached Storage NAS Enclosure w/ Drive Trays is the lower-cost route at USD 170.00, but its power indicator turns on while no additional testing has been done. Synology DS423 costs USD 350.00, includes no drives, and has a specific hardware profile. The USD 180.00 difference matters, but it should be weighed against how much setup definition you want and how much untested operation you are willing to accept.
Compact comparison
| Comparison point | 5-Bay NAS Enclosure | Synology DS423 |
|---|---|---|
| Listed price | USD 170.00 | USD 350.00 |
| Bay count and format | 5 bays; NAS enclosure; drive trays | 4 bays; NAS enclosure |
| Stated details | Black; used | Black; used; Ethernet; HDD support; PC compatibility |
Where each product wins
5-Bay Black NAS Enclosure
The 5-Bay Black Network Attached Storage NAS Enclosure w/ Drive Trays wins when enclosure layout is the main filter. Five bays and drive trays are named directly, making it the direct match for a shopper who wants that physical storage format. Its home-or-small-office role adds useful context without establishing a performance result. Choose it for the clearly specified enclosure format rather than assuming that the bay count predicts speed or reliability.
Synology DS423
Synology DS423 wins when a shopper needs a PC-compatible enclosure. PC compatibility is named directly, giving a straightforward computer-use filter. That is a fit distinction for shoppers with that requirement, not a claim that the enclosure is inherently superior. The model's other stated connection and drive details can then be considered against the intended setup.
Product notes
5-Bay Black NAS Enclosure
The 5-Bay Black Network Attached Storage NAS Enclosure w/ Drive Trays is a sensible fit for a home or small-office shopper focused on storing and sharing files, photos, and videos across multiple devices. That purpose is concrete, and the power indicator turns on. The limitation is the testing status: no additional testing has been done, so that power indication should not be treated as a broader operating result. The unit is used, and the exterior and interior have no visible damage. Choose it for the stated multi-device storage role, not for an assumed performance result.
Synology DS423
The Synology DS423 4-Bay Network Attached Storage Enclosure suits a shopper who wants a clearly identified DS423 model and a unit described as fully functional. That gives the purchase a concrete identity before setup begins. The main limitation is practical: no drives are included, so the enclosure is not a drive-filled purchase. Small imperfections such as scratches may also be present because it is used. Choose Synology DS423 when the model identity and stated condition fit your plans; separate storage hardware is still needed for a drive-filled setup.
Final choice by use case
For home or small-office sharing of files, photos, and videos across multiple devices, choose 5-Bay Black Network Attached Storage NAS Enclosure w/ Drive Trays. That use case is a direct match for the enclosure's stated purpose.
For a setup where Ethernet and HDD support are the deciding filters, choose Synology DS423 4-Bay Network Attached Storage Enclosure. Those connection and drive details provide a concrete way to match the enclosure to the intended arrangement. The choice is straightforward: prioritize the first enclosure's storage-sharing role, or choose the DS423 when its connection profile is the requirement.
