Synology 4-Bay Rackmount NAS RS422+ - Compact 1U RackStation

Our review of the Synology 4-Bay Rackmount NAS RS422+ finds it best suited for small businesses and home lab owners who need reliable, compact rackmount storage. The single biggest reason to buy is its combination of space-saving 1U chassis design and consistently fast sequential throughput, which supports stable data transfers for backups, file sharing, and light virtualization. The unit ships diskless, runs Synology's DiskStation Manager, and balances performance with a straightforward setup experience that many customers described as easy and dependable.

Key Features

• Sequential throughput: Over 601/516 MB/s sequential read/write throughput delivers stable performance for large file transfers and regular backup windows.
• Compact 1U chassis: The 327.5 mm depth with server handles installed saves rack space and fits into shallow rack environments without compromise.
• Dual 1GbE ports: Built-in dual 1GbE supports network failover and load balancing to keep services available during link issues.
• Upgradeable networking: Plug-and-play network upgrade modules make it simple to add 10GbE RJ-45 ports when higher network throughput is needed.
• Synology DSM: The DiskStation Manager operating system provides an all-in-one platform for data sharing, synchronization, and backup workflows.

Who It's For

The RS422+ is aimed at small IT teams, creative studios, and home lab users who want a compact rackmount NAS that balances cost, performance, and an approachable software ecosystem. Its diskless design lets buyers choose their preferred HDDs or SSDs and scale capacity as needed.

Those who require very high sustained multi-client performance for enterprise virtualization, extremely quiet consumer NAS for living-room use, or an all-included turnkey appliance with preinstalled drives should look elsewhere; the RS422+ targets practical rack deployments rather than silent, consumer-focused setups.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Strong sequential read/write speeds provide reliable transfers for backups and media workflows.
• Compact 1U depth fits shallow racks and saves space in standard rack cabinets.
• Easy network upgrades to 10GbE via plug-and-play modules for futureproofing.
• Synology DSM offers mature features for backup, file sharing, and synchronization.

Cons

• Noise levels are mixed in customer feedback, with some users reporting a louder fan under load.
• Diskless configuration requires separate drive purchases, adding to initial setup cost.

Specifications

Product type	4-bay rackmount NAS (1U)
Chassis depth	327.5 mm with server handles installed
Drive bays	4 bays (diskless)
Network	Dual 1GbE ports; supports 10GbE via upgrade modules
Throughput	Over 601/516 MB/s sequential read/write
Operating system	Synology DiskStation Manager (DSM)

Our Verdict

The Synology RS422+ is a practical, value-minded rackmount NAS for small businesses and home labs that need compact hardware and dependable transfer speeds. It is a smart buy for those who plan to choose their own drives and may add 10GbE later; just be aware of mixed reports on noise and the added cost of purchasing disks separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the RS422+ come with drives?
The unit is diskless and requires separate HDDs or SSDs to be purchased and installed.

Can I add 10GbE networking?
Yes, plug-and-play network upgrade modules allow you to add 10GbE RJ-45 ports for higher throughput.

Is it suitable for small business backups?
Yes, the combination of Synology DSM and strong sequential throughput makes it suitable for routine backups and file sharing.