Choose Between the DS925+ and the DS923+
Faster built-in networking against a 10GbE slot and a freer drive policy
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The DS925+ replaces the DS923+ with a Ryzen V1500B and two 2.5GbE ports, and it gives up the DS923+'s network upgrade slot, so the older model is the only one of the two that can reach 10GbE. The other difference is policy: the DS925+ falls under Synology's 2025 drive rules, which since DSM 7.3 allow third-party hard drives but still block unlisted M.2 drives from cache and storage pools, while the DS923+ is not restricted. Buy the DS925+ for 2.5GbE out of the box; keep or buy the DS923+ if you need 10GbE.
DS925+ vs DS923+, row by row
| DS925+ | DS923+ | |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | AMD Ryzen V1500B | AMD Ryzen R1600 dual-core |
| Memory | 4GB DDR4 ECC, up to 32GB | 4GB DDR4 ECC, up to 32GB |
| Memory slots | 2 | 2 |
| Drive bays | 4 | 4 |
| M.2 slots | 2 x M.2 2280 NVMe | 2 x M.2 2280 NVMe |
| Most bays possible | 9 with one DX525 (USB Type-C) | 9 with one DX517 (eSATA) |
| Network ports | 2 x 2.5GbE | 2 x 1GbE |
| Network or PCIe upgrade | None listed | Slot for the E10G22-T1-Mini 10GbE module |
| Power draw | 37.91W access, 12.33W hibernation | Not in the datasheet |
| Noise | 20.5 dB(A) | Not in the datasheet |
| Hardware warranty | 3 years | 3 years |
| Drive policy | 2025 policy (DSM 7.3): third-party HDDs allowed, unlisted M.2 blocked | Pre-2025: not restricted, unlisted drives show as Unverified |
Where the figures come from
Each row is from Synology's own specification page or datasheet for the model, read on October 12, 2026. Power and noise are Synology's test figures with the bays fully populated, not our measurements. A cell that says a figure is not in the datasheet means Synology does not publish it there, so we do not state one.
The DS925+ specification page lists no network upgrade slot and no PCIe slot. The DS923+ datasheet lists a Network Upgrade Slot that takes the E10G22-T1-Mini 10GbE module.
Checked on October 12, 2026. Sources: Synology DS925+ specifications; Synology DS923+ datasheet; Synology Knowledge Center: Drive compatibility policies for systems from 2025 (DSM 7.3 and above); Synology press release, 8 October 2025: DiskStation Manager 7.3.
What actually changed
Three things. The processor moves from the Ryzen R1600 to the Ryzen V1500B. The two network ports move from 1GbE to 2.5GbE. And the expansion unit changes: the DS925+ connects a DX525 over USB Type-C, where the DS923+ connects a DX517 over eSATA. Both top out at nine bays.
Memory did not change: both ship with 4GB of DDR4 ECC in one of two slots and take up to 32GB. Both have four SATA bays and two M.2 2280 NVMe slots, and both carry a three-year hardware warranty.
The trade: 2.5GbE now, or 10GbE later
This is the decision. With a 2.5GbE switch the DS925+ is faster on day one with no extra parts. But 2.5GbE is its ceiling, because its specification page lists no upgrade slot. The DS923+ starts slower at 1GbE and can be taken to 10GbE with Synology's own module.
If you edit video over the network or already own 10GbE switching, that slot matters more than the newer processor. If your network is 1GbE or 2.5GbE and will stay that way, the DS925+ is the simpler buy.
Drive policy: where the two really differ
The DS925+ is a 2025 model. On DSM 7.3 it installs and builds storage pools on third-party hard drives and 2.5-inch SATA SSDs, but an M.2 NVMe drive that is not on Synology's compatibility list cannot create a cache or a storage pool on it. That list contains Synology SNV drives only.
The DS923+ predates the policy, and Synology states the policy is not retroactive. A drive that is not on its list shows as Unverified in Storage Manager and gets limited support, but it is not blocked. M.2 storage pools on the DS923+ still need Synology M.2 drives.
Which one for which job
| Use case | Best choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5GbE home network | DS925+ | Two 2.5GbE ports built in; the DS923+ has 1GbE ports. |
| 10GbE editing or backup | DS923+ | It has the slot for the E10G22-T1-Mini; the DS925+ lists no upgrade slot. |
| Third-party hard drives | Either | Allowed on both: by DSM 7.3 on the DS925+, and never restricted on the DS923+. |
| Existing DX517 owners | DS923+ | The DS925+ uses the DX525 over USB Type-C instead. |
DS925+ and DS923+ on Amazon.com today
Frequently asked questions
Is the DS925+ faster than the DS923+?
It has a newer processor, the Ryzen V1500B in place of the Ryzen R1600, and 2.5GbE ports in place of 1GbE. Synology does not publish a like-for-like benchmark between the two on their specification pages, so we do not quote a percentage.
Can the DS925+ do 10GbE?
Not according to its specification page, which lists two 2.5GbE ports and no network upgrade or PCIe slot. The DS923+ datasheet lists a Network Upgrade Slot for the E10G22-T1-Mini 10GbE module.
Can I use Seagate or WD drives in the DS925+?
Yes, on DSM 7.3 or later, for hard drives and 2.5-inch SATA SSDs. The restriction that remains is on M.2 NVMe drives, which must be on Synology's compatibility list to create a cache or a storage pool.
Should a DS923+ owner upgrade to the DS925+?
Rarely. Bays, memory and M.2 slots are identical. The gain is 2.5GbE and a newer processor; the loss is the 10GbE slot and a stricter M.2 policy.