Specifications

The NAS features a dual-core Atom CPU clocked at 2.13 GHz and 1 GB of RAM. The two provide a very well-performing package with the propriety Linux operating system to even a small business environments, with dozen of clients accessing the server at the same time. The only downside here is that the RAM cannot be upgraded easily, which would surely enhance the NAS server's performance under heavy loads.

Only SATA II is supported by the DS713+, not the newer and faster SATA III protocol. That said, NAS servers predominantly use mechanical HDDs, so its lack of SATA II is not a significant con, since only fast SSDs can actually make use of the faster SATA III connectivity. To avoid compatibility problems, make sure to check Synology's HDD compatibility list before buying any HDDs for the NAS.

Two Gigabit Ethernet NICs equip the NAS, and the other I/O ports include two USB 3.0, one USB 2.0, and an eSATA port. The latter, is also used by the two expansion units this NAS supports.

The DS713+'s dimensions are really compact because it only has two bays and uses an external power brick that can deliver up to 72 W, which is about twice as much as the NAS will consume with even a heavy load—its power consumption is kept very low.

The NAS comes with a three-year-long warranty, giving it an edge over the competition offering a year less. Its price is quite stiff, but the NAS targets business environments where cost comes third, after performance and reliability.