Plan a backup outside the single drive
If this NAS holds the only copy, an internal drive failure loses access to that data. Choose an external USB disk or remote destination and verify restoration.[1]
Synology · NAS buying guide
Synology DS124 NAS Buying Guide
Product facts and dated cost
Synology DS124 · Exact identity: DS124
1 primary bays · Realtek RTD1619B · 4-core · 1GB DDR4 · 1 × 1GbE · Diskless: hard drives cost extra
Catalog amount: $159.99 · recent · Price record: 2026-10-09T03:58:55.468041+00:00. Tax and shipping excluded.
Price observed at the store on the shown date. Confirm the current price and availability at the store.
DS124: specifications and dated store comparison →Compact one-drive storage with a separate backup
Diskless enclosure; 1 GB fixed RAM. Buy a SATA drive separately.
Based on Synology documentation, 2 original reviews and dated US merchant listings. We have not tested this NAS ourselves. See the review evidence ↓
Is the DS124 right for you?
Backup destination
A modest second NAS can hold a copy of data kept elsewhere.[1]
Main family storage
One disk offers no mirror; keep a recoverable external copy.[1]
Photo browsing
The owner account found browsing less immediate than iCloud.[3]
Growing applications
Fixed 1 GB RAM and Gigabit networking limit future upgrades.[1]
Key NAS specifications
Full specifications ↗Follow any specification for its full conditions and sources.
Living with it
Single-bay storage and DSM setup
Fit a hard drive or an SSD in the one bay
A 3.5-inch SATA HDD fits natively. A 2.5-inch SSD needs the optional holder; neither option leaves space for a second internal drive.[1]
Size Drive and Office use around fixed 1 GB RAM
Drive and Office guidance is five users under specific vendor workloads. It is not permission to run every package and backup job simultaneously.[1]
Allow time to configure DSM backups
FAZ found the backup choices flexible but potentially confusing for beginners.[2]
What original reviews found
Our buying advice combines official specifications with the original reviews below. We have not tested this product ourselves. Expand a review for its setup, measurements and limitations.
F.A.Z. Kaufkompass
Michael Seemann
Gigabit transfer and power figures with method limits
FAZ’s DS124 table reports 113/112 MB/s read/write and 10.8 W during writes, 8.6 W idle and 2.9 W asleep. The exact drive is unspecified; the roundup’s generic two-drive RAID 1 method cannot apply to DS124.
Read the original reviewTest setup, measurements & limitations
Die beste NAS für Einsteiger
Updated Jun 5, 2026
Tested: Exact DS124 unit; single bay and fixed 1 GB. Drive MPN/capacity, DSM build and client not disclosed. General methodology specifies two-drive RAID 1, which cannot apply to this model.
Applies to: Practical software and backup configuration.
- Backup jobs allow granular choices, but setup can overwhelm a beginner.Source location: DS124 section
| Measurement | Result | Conditions & source location |
|---|---|---|
| File transfer read / write | 113 /112 MB/s | DS124 column in comparison table; drive/client/build unspecified; generic RAID 1 method cannot apply to one bayDS124 comparison column |
| Power write / idle / hibernation / off | 10.8 /8.6 /2.9 /1.1 W | DS124 comparison column; exact drive/meter unspecifiedComparison table |
Limits to keep in mind
- Comparison table includes DS124-specific results but the generic two-drive RAID 1 method cannot describe its one-bay configuration.
- Affiliate funding disclosed; unit terms and test duration not stated.
Shigapapa
ShigapapaMay 16, 2026
Photo storage with a separate USB backup
Shigapapa used a 2 TB WD internal HDD and a separate 2 TB USB backup drive with an iPhone and MacBook. Photo storage was useful, but browsing sometimes felt slower than iCloud. This owner experience is not a controlled speed comparison.
Read the original reviewTest setup, measurements & limitations
Synology DS124レビュー｜NAS初心者の私が選んだ理由と感想
Tested: One Western Digital 2 TB internal HDD and a separate WD 2 TB USB backup drive; iPhone and MacBook. Exact drive MPNs, network path, DSM build and filesystem not stated; 1 GB fixed RAM.
Applies to: Everyday photo browsing and backup decisions.
- Photo storage was useful, though browsing sometimes felt slower than the owner’s iCloud experience.Source location: Actual use: drawbacks
Limits to keep in mind
- Owner account, not a controlled lab comparison; duration and sample terms unspecified. Affiliate disclosure present.
- Informal 2–3-second waits are not a reproducible performance benchmark. Container claims are not used as current package-compatibility evidence.
Common HDD combinations
Examples ordered by recorded drive unit price, which may be historical or an editorial reference. Check capacity, vendor compatibility, included storage and price evidence before choosing. These are component checks, not compatibility certifications.
- DS124 + 1 × WD Red Plus 2TB (WD20EFPX, 2TB each) →
Component total: $314.98 · historical · Oldest price record: 2026-10-09T01:23:41.974420+00:00 · 2TB raw, before redundancy.
Historical price estimate. Calculated from separately purchased components, not a complete-system offer. NAS price record: 2026-10-09T03:58:55.468041+00:00; drive price record: 2026-10-09T01:23:41.974420+00:00. Price observed at the store on the shown date. Confirm the current price and availability at the store. Historical price observation. Recheck the price and availability before buying; this is not a current offer. Recheck component prices, stock, shipping and tax at the stores before purchase; even recent checks do not guarantee live prices.
- DS124 + 1 × IronWolf 4TB (ST4000VN006, 4TB each) →
Component total: $349.98 · recent · Oldest price record: 2026-10-09T03:58:24.994342+00:00 · 4TB raw, before redundancy.
Dated price estimate. Calculated from separately purchased components, not a complete-system offer. NAS price record: 2026-10-09T03:58:55.468041+00:00; drive price record: 2026-10-09T03:58:24.994342+00:00. Price observed at the store on the shown date. Confirm the current price and availability at the store. Price observed at the store on the shown date. Confirm the current price and availability at the store. Recheck component prices, stock, shipping and tax at the stores before purchase; even recent checks do not guarantee live prices.
- DS124 + 1 × WD Red Plus 4TB (WD40EFZZ, 4TB each) →
Component total: $354.98 · historical · Oldest price record: 2026-09-27T13:58:17.239646+00:00 · 4TB raw, before redundancy.
Historical price estimate. Calculated from separately purchased components, not a complete-system offer. NAS price record: 2026-10-09T03:58:55.468041+00:00; drive price record: 2026-09-27T13:58:17.239646+00:00. Price observed at the store on the shown date. Confirm the current price and availability at the store. Historical price observation. Recheck the price and availability before buying; this is not a current offer. Recheck component prices, stock, shipping and tax at the stores before purchase; even recent checks do not guarantee live prices.
Before you buy
DS124 prices and ownership costs
Buy the storage and backup separately
This is the empty enclosure. Include an internal SATA drive and an independent backup destination in the total cost.[1]
Plan the interruption after a failure
Snapshots on the internal disk cannot survive loss of that disk. Keep a recoverable external or remote copy.[1]
Keep ongoing costs visible
Optional cloud backup, extra surveillance camera licenses and eligible warranty extensions can add fees.[1]
Match published workload figures to the installed memory
The full specifications retain manufacturer test conditions. Some application limits use maximum supported RAM or SSD volumes; extra RAM, SSDs and licenses can add to the enclosure cost.[7]
Compare stores for this exact model
Diskless enclosure; 1 GB fixed RAM. Buy a SATA drive separately. Check the total delivered price at the store.
Lowest observed price
$159.99
In stock at observation
Currency not confirmed
6 stores · 1 recent price observation
Amazon
Sold by Amazon.com
$159.99
Observed price
Currency not confirmed
In stock at observation · Condition not recorded
Observed Oct 9, 2026, 3:58:55 AM UTC[13]
View exact product at AmazonB&H Photo Video
Seller not recorded
$159.99
Historical price
Currency not confirmed
Stock not confirmed · Condition not recorded
Observed Sep 27, 2026, 5:25:06 AM UTC[10]
View exact product at B&H Photo VideoNewegg
Sold by Newegg
$159.99
Historical price
Stock not confirmed · New
DS124; factory configuration; diskless enclosure
Observed shipping: $5.99
Observed Oct 9, 2026, 1:17:47 AM UTC[11]
View exact product at NeweggWalmart
Sold by Newegg Inc.
$166.98
Historical price
Currency not confirmed
Stock not confirmed · Condition not recorded
Observed Sep 27, 2026, 9:28:07 AM UTC[14]
View exact product at WalmartAdorama
Seller not recorded
$169.99
Historical price
Currency not confirmed
Stock not confirmed · Condition not recorded
Observed Sep 27, 2026, 4:11:29 AM UTC[12]
View exact product at AdoramaBest Buy
Sold by Newegg Official
$175.99
Historical price
Stock not confirmed · New
Diskless enclosure; factory 1 GB
Free shipping to displayed ZIP 20146; pickup unavailable. New marketplace offer; zero drives included; page uses a comma decimal separator.
Observed Sep 8, 2026, 3:58:39 PM UTC[5]
View exact product at Best BuyPrices are dated observations. Confirm the model, seller, condition, stock and delivered total at the store. Older prices remain visible as history. Links may earn a commission.
Questions before buying
Can I install two drives with the SSD holder?
No. The holder adapts the single bay for a 2.5-inch drive; it does not add storage positions.[1]
Can I upgrade the RAM or network?
No user RAM expansion or network-card slot is provided. The built-in connection is Gigabit Ethernet.[1]
Does Btrfs replace a backup?
No. Snapshots help restore older file states while the underlying storage is healthy. A separate copy is needed if the internal drive or enclosure is lost.[1]
Is the disk hot-swappable?
No. Shut the system down before replacing its single internal drive.[1]
Sources
Research updated Sep 11, 2026. Individual source check dates are listed below. Measurements belong to the named reviewers; tested configurations and software versions may differ from the product you buy.
- [1] Synology DS124 product specifications ↗
Checked Sep 11, 2026 · Hardware + DSM tables, last updated Aug 6, 2026
- [2] F.A.Z. Kaufkompass beginner NAS test ↗
Checked Sep 11, 2026 · DS124 qualitative vs BeeStation; methodology uses IronWolf
- [3] shigapapa DS124 owner review ↗
Checked Sep 11, 2026 · WD 2 TB + USB backup; photo browsing vs iCloud
- [4] B&H Photo Video DS124 diskless listing ↗
Checked Sep 8, 2026 · Exact identity and current new offer
- [5] Best Buy DS124 diskless listing ↗
Checked Sep 8, 2026 · Exact identity and current new offer
- [6] Adorama DS124 diskless listing ↗
Checked Sep 8, 2026 · Exact identity and current new offer
- [7] Synology DS124 product page ↗
Checked Sep 11, 2026 · Same current US product page
- [8] Amazon — DS124 ↗
Checked Sep 10, 2026 · Selected buy-box seller; Product information model; New offers. MAP-hidden main price is not inferred from other sellers or recommendations.
- [9] Newegg — DS124 ↗
Checked Sep 11, 2026 · Exact-model title, specification table, buybox price/seller and Add to cart; parent captured source
- [10] B&H product price observation ↗
Checked Sep 27, 2026 · Captured observation; sha256:28058df683c7641ffcec83059e5bbffa2305485cbdeae51c7fe3c2f400ff85cd
- [11] Newegg product price observation ↗
Checked Oct 9, 2026 · newegg-main-item; sha256:8124e7524ca72ebcb81d4fa9ee70b25bd536bc4e317b3e9493e2cdf864a61f61
- [12] Adorama product price observation ↗
Checked Sep 27, 2026 · Captured observation; sha256:08e2d15a5773c0cf9ec7699736a4dfec783ed7080e934a86ab08571ef836f7aa
- [13] Amazon product price observation ↗
Checked Oct 9, 2026 · Captured observation; sha256:b7b6e7fffd4aeefbad3123dcce475e4dbb94d21ad8dc21ce1c0aedb20665f391
- [14] Walmart product price observation ↗
Checked Sep 27, 2026 · Captured observation; sha256:b222c74e9106d90a01e2a857283da574519e334fcae24067a1230448bca43ba2
Research and review record
- Research: Grok 4.6 · Source research and data update
- Self-check: Grok 4.6 · Researcher self-check
- Independent review: GPT-6 (Codex) · Independent available original prose, official hardware/software tables and recorded chart review. Source-specific contradictions resolved or excluded. Current Newegg buyboxes checked; inaccessible merchants retain historical dates. Full videos not reviewed.
- Editorial integration: GPT-6 (Codex) · Editorial integration and validation
Independent review completed for the scope recorded in the audit.
Source evidence and review history (JSON)