In comparison with Synology DS218+, its other variant, the DS718+ is a more favorable option as it features a Quad-Core processor which grants it higher read/write speeds. Moreover, its design is more innovative and has an extra LAN port.
The good and the bad about DS718+
- It has a Quad-core processor while its peer has a Dual-core processor.
- It has a greater raw capacity.
- It has higher read/write speeds.
- It has a more innovative design.
- It is easier to install.
- It is less noisy as compared to its competitor.
- And it is expensive.
(This would give you a rough idea of what going on)
The Synology DS718+ has a 1.5 GHz Intel Celeron Quad-Core processor with 2GB of installed memory.
Its raw capacity is up to 84TB. Its maximum memory capacity is about 6GB.
It has two LAN ports, three USB 3.0 ports and two hard drive bays. Five RAID modes are affiliated with it. Its speed is much higher as compared to its counterpart and has a more efficient design.
On the other side, the Synology DS218+ possesses a 2.0 GHz Intel Celeron Dual-Core processor. It also has a 2GB RAM but its raw capacity is limited to 24TB.
And again, it also has 6GB of maximum memory capacity.
It has a single LAN port, three USB 3.0 ports and two drive bays. Just like its counterpart, it has 5 RAID modes but its read/write speeds are lower.
Moreover, its design is not as innovative as that of its counterpart.
But that’s personal.
Table of Contents
Comparing Both Devices:
| Specifications | DS718+ | DS218+ |
| Processor | 1.5 GHz Intel Celeron J3455 Quad-core | 2.0 GHz Intel Celeron J3355 Dual-core |
| Installed Memory | 2 GB DDR3L | 2 GB DDR3 |
| Maximum Raw Capacity | 84TB (12TB x 7) | 24TRush B (12TB x 2) |
| Maximum Memory Capacity | 6 GB | 6 GB |
| Drives Included | 2 | 2 |
| Interface | SATA | SATA |
| Ports | 2 x GbE LAN 3 x USB 3.0 | 1 x GbE LAN 3 x USB 3.0 |
| Number of Bays | 2 x 2.5”/3.5” | 2 x 2.5”/3.5” |
Comparison of their speed:
The 1.5 GHz Quad-core processor of Synology DS718+ with a burst frequency of 2.3 Hz allows it to deliver 226 Mbps of read and 184 Mbps of write speed, giving it an edge over its counterpart.
Whereas, DS218+ features a 2.0 GHz Dual-core processor which restricts its reading and writing speed up to 113 Mbps and 112 Mbps respectively.
So, it is not as effective as its peer in the case of speed.
| Speeds | DS718+ | DS218+ |
| Reading (Mbps) | 226 | 113 |
| Writing (Mbps) | 184 | 112 |
Design comparison
The front panel of DS718+ is given an innovative and modified design which replaces the formal designs of its ancestors.
It has a drive status indicator at the top with status and LAN indicators on its left side.
Beneath them there is a USB copy button and a USB 3.0 port.
At the lower-left corner, there is a power button indicator.
Drive tray locks cover the bottom of the front panel.
Its rear panel features a system fan and below it there is a LAN port, power port, reset button, Kensington security slot, USB 3.0 ports and eSATA port.
DS218+ highlights the ancestral design of Synology with a status, LAN and drive status indicators running down vertically from its top-left corner.
Below them, there is a USB 3.0 port, USB copy button and power button and indicator.
The rear panel of this device is similar to that of its counterpart, featuring a system fan, power port, LAN port, reset button, Kensington security slot, USB 3.0 ports and eSATA port.
Both devices have been given a polished matte-black finish and are almost equal in dimensions but DS718+ weighs more.
Moreover, its front panel grants it a more attractive outlook.
| Physical Properties | DS718+ | DS218+ |
| Physical Dimensions (L x W x H) | 9.13” × 4.07” × 6.18” | 9.14” x 4.25” x 6.5” |
| Weight (lbs) | 3.84 | 2.87 |
How to set up these devices
To install DS718+ following steps should be considered:
- Pop out the handle by pressing the lower part of the hard drive tray.
- Put the drives in the tray.
- Insert the drive tray loaded with drives into the empty drive bay.
- To hold the hard drive tray in place, press the handle in flush with the front panel.
- Plop the hard drive tray key into the tray lock and turn it clockwise to lock the handle of the hard drive tray.
- Repeat the same steps to install the second drive.
- After installing the drives attach the AC adapter to the power port, connect one end of the AC power cable to the AC power adapter and the other end to the power outlet.
- Press the power button to turn on your device.
DS218+’s installation involves the following steps:
- Push the bar upward and pull the handle to remove the drive tray from the device.
- Load the drives in the tray.
- Inject the loaded drive tray into the drive bay. You will hear a click when the tray is locked properly.
- Repeat the same steps to install the second drive.
- Recover your drive bays after the installation of hard drives.
- After installation, connect the AC power adapter to the power ports of your device. Connect one end of the AC cable to the AC power adapter and the other end to the power outlet.
- In the end, press the power button to turn on your DiskStation.
As compared to its peer, DS718+ is easier to install as you don’t have to remove any case or cover to access its drive bays.
Backup and Sharing
Synology serves its users with a protected backup which ensures the security of your files and folders.
Both comparative devices provide safe, valid and accessible backup solutions that allows you to back up your files and folders and prevent accidental data loss.
Moreover, both are equally good in sharing and syncing files and are supported by same protocols (CIFS, AFP, NFS, FTP).
Both devices offer the same backup solutions and are equally good in storing and sharing files.
So, in this case, both are convenient option for the users.
Devices Operating Noise:
Both devices operate at user-friendly environmental conditions and have the same operating and storage temperatures.
They have the same operating humidity but their 1 x 92 mm cooling fans are likely to produce noise.
This noise production is more by DS218+ as compared to its rival.
Are they pricey?
There is a big difference in the price of both devices. DS718+’s price is much higher as compared to its peer.
The expensiveness of DS718+ reflects its better processing and higher speed.