Choosing NAS storage & drives comes down to a practical fork: do you need a defined enclosure for a network setup, or is a lower-priced NAS device enough? The Synology DS423 4-Bay Network Attached Storage Enclosure and Seagate BlackArmor NAS 400 series answer that question differently. Synology emphasizes a specified enclosure format, while Seagate puts the listed price first.
Quick verdict
Short answer: Synology is the more explicitly configured enclosure, while Seagate is the lower-priced NAS device. Choose based on whether hardware specificity or a lower listed price matters more. The Synology is aimed at shoppers who already know the kind of enclosure they want; Seagate suits shoppers who want to keep the initial listed cost central.
Price and format comparison
| Product | Listed price | Condition | Key listed distinction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Synology DS423 4-Bay Network Attached Storage Enclosure | USD 350.00 | Used | 4-bay enclosure; HDD support; Ethernet |
| Seagate BlackArmor NAS 400 series | USD 39.00 | Used | NAS device; External Drive |
Both choices are marked Used, so condition is not the main differentiator. The meaningful split is the more specifically defined enclosure versus the lower-priced external-drive format.
Where each choice wins
Synology DS423
Synology wins on configuration clarity. The DS423 is identified as an enclosure with a defined bay count, drive type, and interface, giving a shopper concrete criteria for a network storage setup. That makes it easier to match the enclosure to a planned multi-drive arrangement. The tradeoff is practical: it is Used, and no drives are included, so the purchase is for the enclosure itself rather than a filled storage bundle.
Seagate BlackArmor NAS 400 series
Seagate wins on price separation. The absolute listed-price spread is $311, which is the clearest reason to choose it when initial cost leads the decision. The title identifies a NAS device and its Type is External Drive, giving the choice a plainly stated format. The tradeoff is that it is marked Used. Choose Seagate when the lower listed amount outweighs the more specifically configured Synology enclosure.
Product notes
Synology DS423 4-Bay Network Attached Storage Enclosure
For a shopper whose setup centers on a PC, the Synology DS423 has a concrete matching point: PC compatibility is named alongside an Ethernet interface. The black enclosure and Used condition are also specified, making the physical description straightforward. Its main limitation is that no drives are included, so the purchase covers the enclosure rather than a ready-filled storage bundle. The $350 listed price is also the larger outlay beside the Seagate's $39 listing, a meaningful consideration when comparing the two formats. The DS423 makes sense when PC compatibility and the enclosure format fit the intended network arrangement; shoppers who need included hard drives should not choose it.
Seagate BlackArmor NAS 400 series
Price-first shoppers have a concrete reason to consider Seagate BlackArmor NAS 400 series: it is listed at $39. That amount is the reason to put it ahead of a higher-priced enclosure when the goal is to limit the initial outlay. Its main limitation is the Used condition, which matters to anyone specifically seeking a new unit. The name identifies a NAS device, keeping the choice aligned with the intended storage category. Choose Seagate when the $311 gap answers the need; choose Synology when the more specifically configured enclosure matters.
Final choice by use case
- Four-bay network setup: Choose Synology DS423. The 4-bay enclosure title, HDD support, and Ethernet interface are the concrete match. No drives are included, so it is not the fit for a ready-filled storage bundle.
- Price-first choice: Choose Seagate BlackArmor NAS 400 series when the lower listed price shown above is the deciding factor.
- PC compatibility: Choose Synology because PC compatibility is explicitly named.
