Ugreen DXP8800 Ultra vs Synology DS1821: 8-Bay NAS

The Ugreen DXP8800 Ultra and the Synology DS1821+ are both 8-bay NAS enclosures, but they serve different users. The Ugreen is the performance-first choice for those who want modern hardware, 10GbE networking, and the flexibility of a DIY-friendly OS, while the Synology is the reliability-first choice for those who prioritize a mature, polished software ecosystem and long-term support over raw specs. This article breaks down the key differences to help you decide which one fits your needs, budget, and technical comfort level.

Background: Two Very Different Design Philosophies

Synology has been a dominant name in the NAS market for over two decades. The DS1821+ (released in late 2020) is part of their Plus series, which targets power users and small businesses. It runs DiskStation Manager (DSM), a highly polished and intuitive operating system that is widely considered the gold standard for NAS software. Synology’s strength lies in its software: DSM offers a vast package library, seamless mobile apps, and a user experience that feels more like a consumer product than a server tool.

Ugreen is a newer entrant to the NAS space, traditionally known for charging cables and docks. The DXP8800 Ultra (released in 2023) is part of their push into the prosumer market. It runs on an Intel Core i5 processor (the 1235U, a 10-core, 12-thread chip) and comes with 10GbE networking built-in. Its main selling points are raw performance and hardware value. It ships without a pre-installed OS—you can install TrueNAS, Unraid, or even Windows—which appeals to tinkerers who want to build their own storage solution.

Hardware Comparison: Specs That Matter

The hardware differences are stark and will likely be the deciding factor for most buyers.

• Processor: The Ugreen has an Intel Core i5-1235U (2+8 cores, 12 threads) while the Synology has an AMD Ryzen V1500B (4 cores, 4 threads). The Ugreen is several times faster in multi-threaded tasks, which matters for Plex transcoding, running VMs, or handling heavy file transfers.
• Memory: The Ugreen comes with 8GB of DDR4 RAM (expandable to 64GB). The Synology comes with 4GB of ECC DDR4 (expandable to 32GB). ECC memory can correct data corruption, which is a plus for data integrity, but the Ugreen’s higher capacity and upgradeability give it an edge for memory-hungry workloads.
• Networking: The Ugreen has two 10GbE ports (SFP+ and RJ45). The Synology has four 1GbE ports (which can be aggregated to 4Gb/s). For large file transfers or multiple users, 10GbE is a game-changer—it’s 10x faster than a single gigabit connection.
• Expansion: Both have PCIe slots. The Synology has one PCIe 3.0 x8 slot (for a 10GbE card or M.2 adapter), while the Ugreen has one PCIe 4.0 x4 slot. The Ugreen also has two built-in M.2 NVMe slots for caching, while the Synology has none (you’d need to buy a separate adapter).
• Drive Bays: Both have 8 SATA bays (3.5″/2.5″). The Ugreen also has two additional 2.5″ SATA slots internally, giving it a total of 10 drive slots.

In short, the Ugreen offers significantly more compute power, faster networking, and better expansion options out of the box. The Synology’s only hardware advantage is ECC memory, which is a niche benefit for those who prioritize data integrity above all else.

Software: The Real Differentiator

Hardware is only half the story. The software experience is where these two diverge dramatically.

Synology DSM: DSM is a mature, user-friendly OS that is regularly updated. It includes a suite of first-party apps like Synology Photos (for photo management), Synology Drive (for file sync), and Active Backup for Business (for backing up PCs and servers). The package center has hundreds of third-party apps, and the mobile apps are polished and reliable. For most users, DSM “just works� with minimal configuration. The downside is that DSM is a closed system—you’re limited to what Synology allows, and some advanced users find it restrictive.

Ugreen with TrueNAS/Unraid: The Ugreen ships with no OS, so you must install one yourself. The most popular options are:

• TrueNAS Scale: A free, open-source NAS OS based on Linux. It offers ZFS, which provides advanced data protection features like snapshots, replication, and bit-rot protection. It’s powerful but has a steep learning curve.
• Unraid: A paid OS (starting around $49) that allows mixing drives of different sizes and uses a simple parity-based protection scheme. It’s popular among home lab enthusiasts for its ease of use and Docker support.
• Windows/Linux: You can even install a full desktop OS and use it as a general-purpose PC, though that’s not typical for a NAS.

The Ugreen’s flexibility is a double-edged sword: you can build exactly what you want, but you’re responsible for setup, updates, and troubleshooting. If you’re not comfortable with command lines and configuration files, this can be a dealbreaker.

How to Choose: What Matters Most to You?

To decide, ask yourself these questions:

1. How technical are you? If you want a plug-and-play experience with minimal fuss, the Synology is the obvious choice. If you enjoy tinkering and learning, the Ugreen offers more room to grow.
2. Do you need 10GbE? If you work with large files (video editing, database backups, etc.) or have multiple users, 10GbE is a huge advantage. The Ugreen has it built-in; with the Synology, you’d need to buy a 10GbE card (~$100-200) and use its PCIe slot.
3. What is your budget? The Ugreen DXP8800 Ultra typically retails around $900 (without drives). The Synology DS1821+ is around $900-1000 (without drives). Prices vary, but they’re in the same ballpark. However, the Ugreen includes 10GbE and a faster CPU, so it offers more raw value.
4. What is your data integrity tolerance? If you want ECC memory and a proven, battle-tested OS, the Synology is safer. If you’re willing to trade that for speed and flexibility, the Ugreen is fine for most home users.

In short: pick the Synology if you value software polish and out-of-the-box reliability. Pick the Ugreen if you want maximum performance and are willing to invest time in setup.

Common Problems and Misconceptions

Misconception: “Ugreen is a cheap brand, so the NAS is low quality.� While Ugreen is newer to NAS, the DXP8800 Ultra is a well-built metal chassis with hot-swap bays and a solid power supply. It’s not a toy.

Problem: “The Ugreen runs hot.� Some users report that the stock fans are loud under load. You can adjust fan curves in the BIOS, but it’s worth noting that the Core i5 runs hotter than the AMD V1500B.

Problem: “Synology’s 1GbE is a bottleneck.� For most home users, 1GbE (about 110 MB/s) is fine for streaming and backups. But if you’re editing 4K video directly off the NAS, you’ll feel the limitation. The DS1821+ supports link aggregation, but that doesn’t increase single-stream speeds—it only helps with multiple clients.

Misconception: “You need ECC memory for a NAS.� ECC is a nice-to-have, but for home use, the risk of memory corruption is low. The Ugreen’s non-ECC RAM is fine for 99% of users.

Costs and Expansion

Beyond the initial purchase, consider ongoing costs:

• Drives: 8 bays means you’ll likely want at least 4 drives to start. A single 4TB NAS drive costs around $100-150, so expect to spend $400-600 on drives alone.
• OS licenses: If you choose Unraid on the Ugreen, that’s an extra $49-119 depending on the tier. TrueNAS is free.
• 10GbE switch: If you want to take advantage of 10GbE, you’ll need a switch that supports it (around $200+).
• UPS: A battery backup is essential for any NAS to prevent data corruption during power outages. A basic UPS costs $100-200.

Both systems support expansion via USB and PCIe, but the Synology’s expansion units (like the DX517) are proprietary and expensive. The Ugreen’s PCIe slot is more universal, but you’ll have to find compatible cards.

Alternatives to Consider

If neither of these feels right, here are other 8-bay options:

• QNAP TS-873A: A similar prosumer device with an AMD Ryzen V1500B, 2.5GbE, and PCIe expansion. It runs QTS, which is more feature-rich than DSM but less polished.
• TrueNAS Mini X+: A pre-built TrueNAS appliance with 8 bays, but it’s more expensive and requires more networking knowledge.
• DIY build: You can build a custom 8-bay NAS with a used server motherboard, a Fractal Design Node 804 case, and TrueNAS or Unraid. This gives you total control but requires the most effort.

For most users, the Synology is the safer bet, but the Ugreen is the better value if you’re willing to learn.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Ugreen run Synology DSM? No. DSM is proprietary and only runs on Synology hardware. You cannot install it on the Ugreen.

Which is better for Plex transcoding? The Ugreen is significantly better. Its Core i5 has Intel Quick Sync, which can transcode 4K video in real-time. The Synology’s Ryzen V1500B has no iGPU, so it can’t transcode 4K—you’d need to use hardware transcoding on a separate Plex server or use the DS1821+ only for direct play.

Can I mix drive sizes in either NAS? Yes, but with caveats. In a RAID array (like RAID 5), all drives are treated as the size of the smallest drive. Unraid on the Ugreen allows mixing sizes more flexibly. Synology’s SHR (Synology Hybrid RAID) also allows mixing sizes, which is a plus.

How much power do they consume? The Ugreen with 8 drives idle is around 40-50W, while the Synology is around 30-40W. Under load, the Ugreen can draw up to 80W. Over a year, the difference is a few dollars a month.

Which has better customer support? Synology has a well-established support system with a knowledge base, forums, and email support. Ugreen’s support is newer and less extensive, but they do have English-language support and an active community on their forum.

Can I run Docker containers on both? Yes. Synology has Docker in its package center, and TrueNAS/Unraid on the Ugreen also support Docker. The Ugreen’s faster CPU will handle more containers simultaneously.

Related

• Pixel 8 Pro Specs Leaked? Full Breakdown
• Clean Up External Drives? A Practical Guide
• Home Assistant Update Fear: The One Rule That Fixes It