Synology DiskStation DS413j Review
Positive:
Serves so many purposes and works very well and fit for purpose. Quiet and green tech. Read and Write speeds were up to standards and support for various RAID configurations.Negative:
Not USB 3.0Synology DiskStation DS413j is a budget-friendly 4-bay NAS server for small offices and home use, specifically designed to provide a solution for file storage and sharing with data protection for your home environment with low power consumption, quiet operation and reliability.
Synology DiskStation DS413j is a 4-bay NAS server designed for home users and small business owners in need of large storage space and maybe the capability to collaborate from one location. Synology DiskStation DS413j can be described as a solution for those with a need for much storage and backup functionality.
What’s in the box?
In the box you will find:
- Synology DiskStation DS413j
- Installation CD
- Bag of screws
- Power supply and power cord
- Network Cable
DiskStation DS413j can take 4x 2.5 “or 3.5″ SATA disks.
Specifications
- 1.6 GHz Processor
- 512MB DDR3 RAM
- 4x 2.5 “or 3.5″ (Max 16TB, 4x 4TB)
- Gigabit Ethernet
- 2x USB 2.0
- Noise 18.9 dB
- User 31.56 W by activity and 7.68 W for Sleep.
- Measures 184 x 168 x 230 mm
- Weighs 2.23 kg.
Design
Similar in looks to the DiskStation DS411j , the Synology DiskStation DS413j is a fairly large measuring 184 x 168 x 230 mm and weighs 2.23 kg without hard drives so it would weigh more once you have installed your hardrives or depending on how many hardrives you install.
The front of Synology DiskStation DS413j is glossy white plastic vent in the top and bottom. At the top is the power button and LEDs that show how many discs that sit in the NAS, and LED activity and on / off. The upper part is a very dark color, which nicely breaks the white front. The back has 2 fans , a single LAN port, 2 USB 2.0 ports, input power supply and a reset button. The single LAN port means lack of Fail Over and no eSATA, USB 3.0 although data transfer speeds might no be affected by the USB 2.0.
Installing
Synology DiskStation DS413j is opened via the 4 thumbscrews at the rear – part taken out, and up to 4 drives mounted with the included screws and pushed back. Then tighten the 4 thumbscrews again so it was all so easy to install and no need for any heavy tools.
Synology DiskStation DS413j has a new new feature called “Synology Web Assistant” which is a fast way to help install the software and firmware for the DS413j rather than spend time downloading a firmware from a CD or manually via Synology’s website.
Functionality
The Synology DiskStation DS413j comes with the new DSM 4.1 (Disk Station Manager), with some new features and support for many more third party applications. The Synology DiskStation DS413j is very easy to manage and configure using the user-friendly web interface. It is so user friendly that if you do not wish to do any advanced configuration, you will not have to hence why it is suitable for home users as well as small business owners.
The DS413jserves so many purposes for business or home user. Users can use it for file sharing, surveillance, cloud applications, FTP server, use for downloading Torrent files, stream music and other media files, and those are just to mention a few. You can also use it backing up your important files and most important is that it is also compatible with Apple’s Time machine system.
To mention a few, Synology DiskStation DS413j supports:
Antivirus Essential
A free antivirus application installed to make sure that your data is virus free.
Audio Station
A music player that can run directly from the web interface or from an app for Android or iOS; your DS413j can serve as a music server to hold all your music and with the friendly user interface, you can browse your library anywhere in the premises as long as you care connected to the same network.
Cloud Station
This is great for collaboration and file sharing if you have a small network of PC, Mac or even mobile devices; using Synology’s Cloud Services you can enjoy the benefits of automatic file sync between computers, one-click Internet setup and a cost free DDNS service.
Download Station
Use Synology DiskStation DS413j as a download server/station so you can download your torrent files straight to the NAS drives. You also have the power to control when it is performed in case you have a time when the network is needed most, this will help you avoid putting stress on your bandwidth during busy hours.
Photo Station
You can browse your stored photos through web interface or via app for Android or iOS; DSM allows you to control who sees what.
Surveillance Station
IF you have compatible IP cameras installed, you can connect from anywhere in the world to view live cam feeds or stored video files captured via your camera; there are also app for Android and iOS for this feature.
Video Station
Video Station lets you stream all your TV series, movies and video clips you have on Surveillance Station, directly to your iPad or iPhone as long as you are connected to the same network.
Performance
Synology DiskStation DS413j was tested using
- Windows 7 PC with Gigabit Ethernet,
- DS413j connected to a Gigabit router
- One 2TB hard drive.
File transfer speeds
Network Speed Test
Conclusion
Equipped with storage space for up to 16TB hard drive (4 x 4TB) and a user friendly interface for your PC, Mac , Android and iOS devices, you can even use the web interface that is available, the DS413j is such an amazing unit that serves its purpose very well. From what was mentioned earlier with how functional it is, it can be used at home or even with business with few stations networked for file sharing and better productivity.
It is also equipped with excellent ventilaiton and built so that it is very quiet and if you are a big fan of green tech, then look no further. The onlly negative point we have is that it is not USB3.0 but baring in mind that it will connect to your network, file transfer speeds may vary upon your network speeds.
