Choosing between an external enclosure and a server designed for rack hardware is the central NAS storage & drives decision here. Synology DS423 and QNAP TS-809U point to those two directions, with different connection details and different package wording. The useful comparison is not just the number of bays: physical format, network access, compatibility, and what you still need to add all affect the fit.
Quick verdict
For Ethernet connectivity and PC compatibility, choose Synology DS423. For an explicitly rackmount chassis with remote access, choose QNAP TS-809U. The deciding split is practical: Synology reads as an external enclosure, while QNAP reads as a rack-oriented server with a more specific hardware brief.
Listed-price and attribute comparison
| Detail | Synology DS423 | QNAP TS-809U |
|---|---|---|
| Listed price | USD 350.00 | USD 270.75 |
| Condition | Used | Used |
| Drive type supported | HDD | HDD |
| Listed product type | External Drive | NAS |
| Gap between listed prices | USD 79.25 | USD 79.25 |
Where each product wins
- Synology DS423 wins for Ethernet and PC compatibility. Those are concrete details that make it the more direct fit for a network-attached setup connecting to a PC. The description also calls the unit fully functional after replacement by a newer model. The important caveat is condition: small imperfections such as scratches may be present. This is the more direct path when the connection details matter more than rack hardware, but it remains an enclosure without drives.
- QNAP TS-809U wins for a 2U rackmount format and remote access. Its 2U designation is explicit, and remote access is named as a feature. The 1 GB cache is another concrete attribute to weigh, although the number itself does not establish a performance advantage. The trade-off is that the title says no HDDs and no caddies, so the drive hardware and caddies are outside the package. QNAP is the clearer match when rack structure and remote access are central to the plan.
Product notes
Synology DS423 4-Bay Network Attached Storage Enclosure
Synology DS423 suits shoppers who want an enclosure described as fully functional after replacement by a newer model. That is concrete context for choosing it when the purchase centers on the unit itself rather than on rack hardware. The limitation is condition and completeness: small imperfections such as scratches may be present, and no drives are included. The description frames the unit as an enclosure for a separate storage build, so it is not the pick for someone expecting hard drives in the package. Select it when the external enclosure format fits the plan; the used condition and possible cosmetic imperfections remain part of the trade-off.
QNAP TS-809U 8-Bay 2U Rackmount NAS Storage Server No HDDs No Caddies
The QNAP TS-809U is a concrete match for shoppers whose environment aligns with its Memory Vault compatibility entry. That named compatibility is a reason to consider it for a matching setup. The limitation is explicit: the title says No HDDs and No Caddies, so the drive hardware and caddies are outside the package. The description also labels the unit Grade B, making condition another practical consideration. The server-oriented format gives the purchase a specific role, but the storage build still needs separate hardware. Choose QNAP when that named compatibility and the package wording fit the plan.
Final choice by use case
- External enclosure use case: Choose Synology DS423. Its external-drive-enclosure type makes that direction clear, with a listed price of USD 350.00.
- NAS-server use case: Choose QNAP TS-809U. Its NAS type and server wording make that direction clear, with a listed price of USD 270.75.
- Price-led choice: QNAP is USD 270.75 versus USD 350.00 for Synology, a USD 79.25 gap. Choose on price only when the server brief still fits your space and setup.
