
Local LLMs on Synology DS224+: Is it Even Possible?
We test running local LLMs on a Synology DS224+ NAS. See what's truly possible for home AI.
Running local Large Language Models (LLMs) on a Synology DS224+ NAS is a question that keeps coming up in the self hosting community. The short answer is: it’s possible, but you need to manage expectations. This isn't about running the latest, biggest models; it’s about understanding the hardware limitations and what you can realistically achieve for home AI use. We tested the limits of the DS224+ to see what kind of local LLM experience is actually viable on a 2 bay NAS. The core challenge here isn't the...

Synology DS224+ Review: Is 2-Bay Still Enough for 2026 Backups?
We review the Synology DS224+ to determine if a 2-bay NAS is still adequate for modern backup needs heading into 2026.
The question isn't whether the Synology DS224+ works ; it’s whether a two bay enclosure is enough for what you plan to back up by 2026. If your data footprint is growing rapidly—think high resolution video archives, dozens of professional photoshoots, or multiple family members streaming 4K content—a 2 bay NAS is going to feel tight, fast. We’re looking at the DS224+ to see if its current architecture can handle the demands of modern, growing data sets without forcing you into an immediate, expensive upgrade...