The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Choose the UGREEN NASync DXP8800 Ultra if you need built-in 10GbE, Thunderbolt 4, a newer processor platform, or substantially more memory headroom. Choose the Synology DiskStation DS1821+ if SHR, DSM’s documented snapshot and backup tools, or a defined expansion route to 18 drives is more important than newer hardware. Both have eight SATA bays and two M.2 slots, so bay count alone does not decide this comparison.
The decision also depends on total system cost. The UGREEN listing was $1,779.99 diskless in the United States on October 13, 2026. Synology lists the DS1821+ as discontinued, although DSM updates and technical support are marked full. Add drives, memory, networking equipment and, for Synology, possible expansion hardware before deciding which system is cheaper.
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At a glance: the meaningful differences
| Decision area | UGREEN NASync DXP8800 Ultra | Synology DiskStation DS1821+ |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core 7 150U, 10 cores and 12 threads | AMD Ryzen V1500B, four cores at 2.2 GHz |
| Installed and maximum memory | 8GB DDR5 listed; expandable to 96GB | 4GB DDR4 ECC listed; maximum 32GB (two 16GB modules) |
| Built-in networking | Two 10GbE ports; UGREEN says they can be aggregated | Four 1GbE ports; optional 10/25GbE networking through the PCIe slot |
| Drive bays and cache | Eight SATA bays and two M.2 NVMe slots | Eight SATA bays and two NVMe slots |
| Expansion | PCIe Gen 4 x4 slot; no equivalent named multi-bay expansion path is listed | Two optional DX517 units can expand the system to 18 drives |
| External ports | Two Thunderbolt 4 ports, SD 4.0 reader and HDMI listed up to 8K | Four USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports and two eSATA expansion ports |
| Storage management listed | JBOD, Basic, RAID 0/1/5/6/10 | SHR, Basic, JBOD and RAID 0/1/5/6/10 |
| Software evidence | UGOS; a TechRadar review dated October 10, 2026, reported that UGOS Pro did not offer hybrid RAID or ZFS at that time | DSM with documented Btrfs snapshots, restoration, self-healing and backup applications |
| Availability context | US product page showed $1,779.99 diskless on October 13, 2026 | Synology status page lists the model as discontinued; stock condition was not verified |
These are published specifications, not a controlled head-to-head benchmark. Drives, RAID layout, network switches, client adapters, cables, protocols and workload can change real throughput substantially.
Hardware: newer platform versus a proven appliance design
CPU and memory headroom
The DXP8800 Ultra’s Intel Core 7 150U is listed with 10 cores and 12 threads, compared with four 2.2GHz cores in the DS1821+’s AMD Ryzen V1500B. UGREEN also lists 8GB of DDR5 and a 96GB maximum, while Synology lists 4GB of DDR4 ECC and a 32GB ceiling. Those figures give UGREEN more theoretical room for virtual machines, containers, simultaneous services and large caches.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
They do not establish a fixed speed advantage. NAS performance is often limited by disks, network links, protocol overhead or a particular application. A file server serving a few users may not use the extra cores, whereas transcoding, indexing or multiple isolated services can make additional compute and memory useful. Treat the CPU and memory specifications as capacity for future workloads, not as a promised percentage improvement.
Synology recommends its own memory modules for compatibility and warns that warranty or technical-support coverage may not be complete when non-Synology expansion memory is used. That policy matters if you plan to upgrade the DS1821+; confirm the current terms before buying third-party modules.
Networking included in the chassis
Two 10GbE ports are the DXP8800 Ultra’s clearest practical advantage. They can support a 10GbE workstation, a high-speed switch or separate networks without immediately purchasing an adapter. UGREEN says the ports can be aggregated, but aggregation does not turn them into a guaranteed 20Gbps connection for one client. A single transfer is normally limited by the client interface, protocol and storage path; multiple clients or flows are where aggregation can help.
The DS1821+ includes four 1GbE ports. Synology’s specifications and datasheet describe optional 10GbE or 25GbE networking through the PCIe slot, so faster service is possible but not built in. Budget for the card, a compatible switch, transceivers or cables and client-side adapters. If your existing network is entirely 1GbE, the Synology’s ports may be sufficient and the UGREEN premium may not produce an immediate benefit.
Drive bays, NVMe and expansion
Both enclosures provide eight SATA bays and two M.2 NVMe slots. That lets either system combine large hard drives for capacity with NVMe devices for cache or other supported storage functions. The exact behavior of NVMe drives depends on the operating system and its current release; do not assume that every M.2 slot can be used as a general data volume without checking the applicable documentation.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Synology documents a specific growth path: two DX517 expansion units can take the DS1821+ from eight internal drives to 18 total drives. The datasheet’s figure is tied to revision 006 from 2021, so verify present compatibility and availability before treating the expansion units as a guaranteed purchase. The DXP8800 Ultra has a PCIe Gen 4 x4 slot, but the supplied specifications do not identify an equivalent, named multi-bay expansion enclosure.
Storage layouts and usable capacity
What the advertised 272TB means
UGREEN advertises up to 272TB using eight 32TB SATA drives plus two 8TB M.2 SSDs. That is a raw configured-capacity calculation, not the usable capacity of a protected volume. RAID parity, filesystem overhead, hot spares and reserved snapshot space reduce what users can store. The result also depends on whether the NVMe devices are assigned to storage, cache or another role.
The DS1821+ specification does not provide an equivalent maximum-capacity headline in the cited material. Its eight bays accept the supported SATA configurations, and its expansion design is documented to reach 18 drives with two DX517 units. Compare the drive models and protection level you actually plan to use rather than comparing a raw marketing maximum with an unspecified Synology total.
RAID choices
| Layout | DXP8800 Ultra listing | DS1821+ listing | Decision implication |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic/JBOD | Listed | Listed | Flexible or independent disks, but no array-level protection |
| RAID 0 | Listed | Listed | Performance-oriented striping with no disk-failure protection |
| RAID 1 | Listed | Listed | Mirroring; usable capacity is roughly one drive in a two-drive set |
| RAID 5 | Listed | Listed | One-drive parity protection; rebuild time and risk rise with large disks |
| RAID 6 | Listed | Listed | Two-drive parity protection, useful for larger arrays where capacity allows |
| RAID 10 | Listed | Listed | Mirrored stripes; usable capacity is approximately half of raw capacity |
| SHR | Not listed in the cited UGREEN specification | Listed | Synology’s flexible approach to mixed-drive expansion is a major software distinction |
SHR can be decisive when you expect to add disks of different sizes over time. If your plan is a fixed set of identical drives and a conventional RAID level, the difference may be less important. Changing an array’s layout later can require a backup, re-creation and restore, so choose with your replacement and expansion cycle in mind.
Software and data protection
UGOS and the current caveat about hybrid RAID
UGREEN lists UGOS and the conventional RAID types shown above. A TechRadar review published October 10, 2026, described UGOS Pro as lacking hybrid RAID and ZFS at the time of review. Software capabilities can change through updates, so verify the current release notes and interface before purchase if either feature is essential. The absence of a listed feature should not be converted into a permanent claim about every future UGOS version.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
For a straightforward file share, media library or backup target, the listed RAID modes may be enough. For a mixed-drive array that will grow one disk at a time, the lack of documented hybrid RAID in that review creates more planning work: you may need to match drive sizes, reserve bays for a future rebuild or accept a more disruptive migration.
DSM’s documented tools
Synology’s datasheet describes DSM as “Synology’s unified operating system built for data management.” It specifically documents Btrfs snapshots, file and folder restoration, self-healing, Hyper Backup, Active Backup and Snapshot Replication. Those named tools matter when you need point-in-time recovery, protection against accidental deletion, workstation or server backups and replication to another system.
The presence of a tool is not the same as a configured backup. Snapshots do not replace an off-device copy, and RAID does not protect against theft, fire, ransomware that reaches every mounted share or an administrator deleting data everywhere. Whichever NAS you choose, define a second copy and test restoring representative files.
Performance: how to read the numbers without being misled
Synology’s DS1821+ datasheet reports 113,458 4K random-read IOPS and 2,312MB/s sequential write in Synology-published tests under stated conditions. Those figures are useful as manufacturer reference points, but they are not a direct comparison with the DXP8800 Ultra: the systems use different processors, operating systems, drives, network configurations and test methods, and no matched UGREEN benchmark is supplied here.
Similarly, UGREEN’s “20G” aggregate wording refers to the combined link capability of two 10GbE ports. It should not be presented as a single-client transfer guarantee. To estimate your own results, identify the slowest part of the path: hard-drive media, NVMe cache behavior, RAID parity, PCIe adapter, switch uplink, client storage and file protocol can each become the bottleneck.
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Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Price, availability and the real system budget
UGREEN’s listed price
UGREEN’s US product page displayed $1,779.99 for a diskless DXP8800 Ultra when checked October 13, 2026. This is a volatile direct-store price, not a guaranteed current price or a drive-included bundle. Confirm regional tax, shipping, warranty terms and stock at checkout.
Buying a discontinued DS1821+
Synology’s product-status page lists the DS1821+ as discontinued. It marks DSM updates and technical support as full, but the status page does not guarantee that a particular retailer still has new stock. A used or refurbished unit can differ in drive sleds, warranty, fan condition, included memory and return rights. Confirm the seller’s condition and supportability before comparing its price with a new enclosure.
Build a complete cost sheet
- Eight NAS-rated 3.5-inch SATA drives, or the number you will install initially.
- Any NVMe devices intended for cache or supported storage roles.
- Additional memory, including Synology’s compatibility and support conditions.
- A 10GbE or 25GbE card for the DS1821+ if faster networking is required.
- A switch, transceivers, cables and client adapters for a multi-gigabit network.
- Two DX517 units if the DS1821+ must grow to 18 drives.
- Backup storage separate from the NAS and, where appropriate, an uninterruptible power supply.
Only after adding those items can you make a meaningful total-cost comparison. A lower enclosure price can disappear once networking, expansion and drives are included.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which NAS fits common buying situations?
Choose the DXP8800 Ultra for a 10GbE-first workstation
If your editing workstation, virtualization host or high-speed file workflow already uses 10GbE, the two built-in 10GbE ports reduce adapter purchases and simplify the initial design. The Core 7 150U and 96GB listed memory ceiling also leave more room for compute-heavy services. Confirm that your switch and clients can use the links; otherwise much of that advantage remains unused.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsChoose the DS1821+ for SHR and DSM workflows
SHR, Btrfs snapshots, restoration, self-healing and DSM backup applications favor the DS1821+ when data management is the priority. It is particularly attractive if you already operate another DSM system and want familiar administration or replication tools. Account for the model’s discontinued status and verify that the unit you find has acceptable warranty and condition.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Choose Synology when 18 bays are part of the plan
The DS1821+ is the only option here with a documented path to 18 drives: two DX517 expansion units. That path costs more and adds external hardware, but it is clearer than relying on an unspecified future enclosure. Check current DX517 availability and compatibility before basing a long-term archive plan on it.
Choose neither on specifications alone
If your workload is ordinary file sharing on a 1GbE network, both platforms may satisfy the basic requirement. In that case, prioritize the operating system you can administer confidently, the backup workflow you will actually maintain, drive compatibility and the seller’s support terms. The published CPU and port counts do not predict every application’s real-world experience.
Installation and planning checklist
Before ordering
- List the services you need: file shares, workstation backup, snapshots, containers, virtual machines, media serving or remote replication.
- Measure current and three-year storage needs, then reserve capacity for parity, snapshots and replacements.
- Map every network link from NAS to switch to client. Decide whether 1GbE is enough or whether 10GbE hardware must be purchased.
- Choose a protection layout and write down how a failed disk will be replaced and rebuilt.
- Check the current product pages, software release notes, drive-compatibility information and regional warranty terms.
When deploying either NAS
- Install matched, approved drives where possible and record each drive’s serial number and warranty.
- Update the operating system before creating shares, then enable administrator multi-factor authentication if supported.
- Create the storage pool with the intended RAID or SHR layout; do not treat a temporary Basic or JBOD setup as an easy future conversion.
- Set separate accounts and least-privilege share permissions rather than using one administrator login for every device.
- Configure snapshots or equivalent recovery points, then create a separate backup target using the platform’s available tools.
- Test restoring a file, a folder and a complete service configuration. A backup that has never been restored is an assumption, not a verified recovery plan.
- Monitor drive health, pool capacity, temperatures and failed-login events, and schedule replacement drives before the array reaches critical utilization.
Common pitfalls and how to avoid them
Mistaking link aggregation for one 20Gbps connection
Two aggregated 10GbE ports can serve multiple clients or flows, but a single client may still be limited to one link. Use a compatible switch and configure both ends correctly; otherwise the second port may provide no useful aggregate capacity.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Confusing raw capacity with protected capacity
The DXP8800 Ultra’s 272TB headline combines eight 32TB drives and two 8TB NVMe devices before RAID and filesystem overhead. Calculate usable space from the actual array layout and leave room for snapshots, rebuilds and growth.
Assuming a discontinued product is automatically unsupported
Synology currently marks DSM updates and technical support for the DS1821+ as full even though the hardware is discontinued. Verify the exact support status at purchase and distinguish official support from a retailer’s warranty or a used seller’s return policy.
Installing unverified memory
Synology recommends its own memory and warns that non-Synology modules may affect warranty or technical-support coverage. Check the current compatibility list and keep the original module if you test an upgrade.
Using RAID as the only backup
RAID keeps an array available after certain drive failures; it does not provide an independent historical copy. Keep a separate backup and test it before you need it.
Recommended Free Tools
Decision framework
| If your highest priority is… | Better starting point | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Built-in 10GbE and newer CPU hardware | UGREEN DXP8800 Ultra | Two 10GbE ports and a 10-core/12-thread Core 7 150U are listed as standard |
| Large memory headroom for services | UGREEN DXP8800 Ultra | 8GB installed and 96GB maximum are listed, versus 4GB and 32GB for Synology |
| SHR and DSM’s named backup/snapshot tools | Synology DS1821+ | SHR, Btrfs snapshots, restoration, self-healing and several backup applications are documented |
| Incremental growth to 18 drives | Synology DS1821+ | Two DX517 units are the documented expansion route |
| A new, currently listed enclosure | UGREEN DXP8800 Ultra | The UGREEN product page was active when checked; DS1821+ is marked discontinued |
| Lowest complete project cost | Depends on configuration | Drive count, network upgrades, memory, expansion units and backup hardware determine the total |
Bottom line
The DXP8800 Ultra is the stronger hardware-oriented choice: it brings 10GbE, Thunderbolt 4, a newer CPU generation and a 96GB listed memory ceiling. The DS1821+ remains the more software-defined choice for buyers who value SHR, DSM’s documented recovery ecosystem or the named 18-drive expansion path. Neither specification sheet proves a universal performance winner. Price the complete system, verify current software and support status, and select the platform whose storage and recovery workflow you will still be comfortable operating years after the initial installation.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
