Choosing among these four network storage listings comes down to how much hardware you want inside, how much you're comfortable spending, and whether a used unit works for you. The two Synology models are complete diskless systems, the Iron Cow Zero 1 is a new unit, and the Linksys NAS200 is a used unit sold for parts.
Quick Take
The Synology DS725+ is the highest-priced option and offers the most detailed hardware list in this set. The Synology DS225+ gives you a lower listed price from the same family. The Iron Cow Zero 1 and the Linksys NAS200 are the two non-Synology entries, with the latter listed as for parts.
Listed Price Comparison
| Product | Listed Price | Bar |
|---|---|---|
| Synology DS725+ Diskless System Network - Storage | USD 560.99 | |
| Synology DS225+ Diskless System Network - Storage | USD 372.49 | |
| IRON COW ZERO 1 NETWORK STORAGE SYSTEM 2-BAY NAS ENCLOSURE 2.5GbE LAN | USD 79.95 | |
| for Parts* Linksys NAS200 Network Storage System NAS Enclosure w/ Power Adapter | USD 30.00 |
Decision Matrix
| Product | Best for | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Synology DS725+ | RAID flexibility and a faster CPU | Highest listed price in this set |
| Synology DS225+ | Backup and streaming with lower power draw | 2GB DDR4 is half the RAM of the DS725+ |
| Iron Cow Zero 1 | New unit at a modest price | Listed details focus on hardware and an app-based interface, with RAID options not covered |
| Linksys NAS200 | A cost-conscious used project | Sold for parts; rattle and wear noted |
Product Notes
Synology DS725+ Diskless System Network - Storage
At USD 560.99, this is the highest-priced item in the roundup, and it also has the most thorough hardware description. The 2-bay diskless NAS lists an AMD Ryzen R1600, 4GB DDR4 ECC SODIMM, SATA interfaces, and RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, and JBOD support. If your priority is RAID flexibility and a more capable processor, this Synology is the strongest match in the comparison. The limitation is the price: it is the highest listed price in this group, and you still need to add your own drives.
Synology DS225+ Diskless System Network - Storage
The DS225+ is listed at USD 372.49, which is $188.50 less than the DS725+ in this set. It is also a 2-bay diskless NAS with SATA interfaces, and it comes with 2GB DDR4. The listed details highlight backup and media streaming as primary uses and list power consumption of 16.98W under access and 6.08W during HDD hibernation. If you want a Synology system with lower power draw and a lower price, this is the balanced pick. The trade-off is that its installed RAM is 2GB, compared with 4GB ECC SODIMM on the DS725+, and the DS225+ focuses on backup and streaming rather than RAID modes.
IRON COW ZERO 1 NETWORK STORAGE SYSTEM 2-BAY NAS ENCLOSURE 2.5GbE LAN
From merchant u7Ev4zWSl, this unit is priced at USD 79.95. The title highlights the 2-bay design and the 2.5GbE LAN port. The listed details add an RK3568 4-core 2GHz processor, an ARM Mali G52 GPU, an NPU, HDMI, and support for two 24TB drives. If you want a NAS enclosure with a 2.5GbE LAN port at a modest listed price, this is the clearest option in the list. The limitation is that the storage-management side gets less attention in the listed information: the focus is on hardware and an app-based interface, with RAID and configuration choices not spelled out.
for Parts* Linksys NAS200 Network Storage System NAS Enclosure w/ Power Adapter
Listed at USD 30.00, this is the lowest-priced item and the only used unit in the group. The title says "for Parts," and the item powers on, was previously connected to a PC, and comes with a power adapter and Ethernet cable, but has a rattle and is sold as-is. If you want an inexpensive enclosure to tinker with and already expect to do some troubleshooting, this Linksys could be a starting point. The limitation is the condition: normal wear, a rattle, and a for-parts designation mean you should not expect a flawless plug-and-play NAS.
Final Recommendation by Use Case
- For the highest-spec two-bay NAS in this list: start with the Synology DS725+.
- For a lower-priced Synology with backup and streaming in mind: look at the Synology DS225+.
- For a 2.5GbE LAN port at a low price: look at the Iron Cow Zero 1 from merchant u7Ev4zWSl.
- For a low-budget used project: the Linksys NAS200 is the one.
