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Short answer: choose the UGREEN NASync DXP6800 Ultra if you need two built-in 10GbE ports, two Thunderbolt 4 connections, or a higher manufacturer-listed memory ceiling. Choose the Synology DiskStation DS1621+ if ECC memory, DSM applications, or a documented path to 16 drive bays with two DX517 expansion units matters more. Neither specification sheet proves a universal performance winner, so your workloads, software requirements, validated components, and complete system cost should decide the purchase.
What each NAS is designed to do
Both systems are six-bay desktop NAS appliances with two M.2 NVMe slots. They can consolidate files, backups, media, and application data, but they emphasize different priorities.
The DXP6800 Ultra is positioned as a high-bandwidth system. Its official specification lists dual 10GbE networking, dual Thunderbolt 4 ports, an Intel Core 5 120U processor, and support for up to 96 GB of DDR5 memory. UGREEN describes UGOS Pro support for Docker, virtual machines, and business applications. Its product FAQ presents Thunderbolt 4 as a direct workstation connection for activities such as local video editing and large transfers, while 10GbE is intended for shared or multi-user network access. Those are vendor descriptions, not independent throughput measurements.
The DS1621+ takes a more established storage-platform approach. Synology lists ECC DDR4 memory, four 1GbE ports, a PCIe expansion slot for compatible 10GbE adapters, and DSM features including Synology Drive, Hyper Backup, Snapshot Replication, and Virtual Machine Manager. Synology also documents support for two DX517 expansion units, increasing the total to 16 drive bays.
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The practical choice is therefore less about the newer-looking processor number and more about which constraint would otherwise force an extra purchase or compromise: high-speed networking and direct-attached editing on the UGREEN, or ECC, DSM workflows, and supported disk-bay growth on the Synology.
Hardware comparison
| Area | UGREEN NASync DXP6800 Ultra | Synology DS1621+ | What it means for a buyer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core 5 120U; 10 cores, 12 threads; listed maximum turbo 5.0 GHz | AMD Ryzen V1500B; 4 cores; 2.2 GHz | The UGREEN has the newer headline CPU specification, but no verified head-to-head benchmark establishes how either performs for your particular services. |
| Installed memory | 8 GB DDR5 | 4 GB ECC DDR4 | UGREEN starts with more capacity; Synology explicitly identifies error-correcting memory. |
| Memory expansion | Two slots; manufacturer lists up to 96 GB | Two slots; manufacturer lists up to 32 GB ECC | Use the vendor compatibility list before buying modules. Capacity alone does not predict VM count or reliability. |
| Main drive bays | Six SATA bays for 2.5-inch or 3.5-inch drives | Six SATA bays; main drives documented as hot-swappable | Both accommodate a six-drive storage pool. Synology’s hot-swap statement does not apply to its M.2 slots. |
| M.2 storage | Two M-key 2280 NVMe slots | Two M.2 NVMe slots | Check the applicable compatibility rules. Synology specifies verified SSDs for M.2 storage pools. |
| Built-in networking | Two 10GbE ports | Four 1GbE ports | UGREEN provides high-speed links without an add-in card. Synology requires a compatible PCIe network card for 10GbE. |
| High-speed direct connection | Two Thunderbolt 4 ports | No Thunderbolt port listed in the product specifications | Thunderbolt is relevant only when the workstation, cable, operating system, and workflow support a direct connection. |
| Expansion slot | PCIe x4 listed by UGREEN | PCIe slot with listed support for compatible 10GbE adapters | Confirm the current supported-card list before planning an upgrade. |
| External bay expansion | No equivalent external-bay expansion was established in the reviewed UGREEN specification | Up to two DX517 units, for up to 16 total bays | Synology has the clearer documented route beyond six HDDs. |
Official hardware details: UGREEN DXP6800 Ultra specifications, Synology DS1621+ specifications, and Synology DS1621+ data sheet.
Capacity: why 208 TB and 108 TB are not equivalent
UGREEN lists “up to 208 TB” for the DXP6800 Ultra. That figure combines six SATA drives of up to 32 TB each with two M.2 drives of up to 8 TB each, according to the manufacturer’s stated configuration. It is a hardware configuration maximum, not the usable capacity of a RAID volume.
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- RAID protection consumes capacity. A six-drive redundant array cannot expose all raw disk space to files.
- Filesystem metadata, reserved space, snapshots, and system partitions reduce the amount available to applications.
- M.2 SSDs may be used for cache or a separate pool depending on the platform and supported configuration; they do not automatically enlarge the usable HDD volume.
- Drive compatibility and maximum supported capacities can vary by firmware, region, and vendor list. Verify the exact disks before ordering a full set.
For planning, calculate the protected usable capacity of the specific drives and RAID layout you intend to use, then reserve space for snapshots, backups, and growth. Do not use either headline maximum as your file-storage promise.
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- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Networking and direct-attached workflows
When dual 10GbE is the deciding feature
Two built-in 10GbE ports on the DXP6800 Ultra simplify a high-speed network design: the NAS can connect to a 10GbE switch, a workstation, or separate network paths without buying a PCIe adapter first. Every participating link still matters. A 10GbE NAS connected to a 1GbE switch or client will operate within the slower link’s limits, and storage media, protocol overhead, CPU load, and simultaneous users affect real results.
The DS1621+ starts with four 1GbE ports. Synology lists compatible 10GbE adapters for its PCIe slot, so 10GbE is possible but adds the cost and compatibility work of the card, plus any required switch, transceivers, or cabling.
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UGREEN’s product FAQ describes Thunderbolt 4 for a directly connected workstation, including local video-editing workflows and large transfers. That can be useful when one compatible workstation needs a short, high-bandwidth path without routing every transfer through a shared Ethernet switch. It is not a guarantee that every Thunderbolt-equipped computer will see the NAS as a conventional local disk, nor does it eliminate the need to configure users, permissions, filesystems, and backups.
The DS1621+ specification does not list Thunderbolt. A Synology-based editing setup therefore normally uses Ethernet, with the appropriate network adapter and switching equipment if 10GbE is required.
Questions to answer before choosing ports
- How many clients need high-speed access at the same time?
- Does your workstation actually support Thunderbolt 4 networking or the required direct-attached mode?
- Do your switches, cables, adapters, and transceivers support the same Ethernet speed and connector type?
- Will your HDD or SSD pool sustain the workload, or will disk performance become the bottleneck before the link does?
Memory, ECC, and application workloads
UGREEN: more listed headroom
UGREEN lists 8 GB of DDR5 installed and a maximum of 96 GB across two slots. That larger ceiling is attractive for multiple containers, virtual machines, indexing, and other memory-heavy services. It remains a specification limit, not a measured count of applications or virtual machines. Confirm the accepted module type, capacity per slot, and firmware requirements before upgrading.
Rank #3
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- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Synology: ECC is the explicit feature
Synology lists 4 GB of ECC DDR4 and expansion to 32 GB. ECC can detect and correct certain single-bit memory errors, which is a selection factor for buyers who prioritize that characteristic over maximum capacity. Synology’s data sheet says: “Please select Synology memory modules for optimum compatibility and reliability.” It also states that Synology will not provide complete product warranty or technical support if non-Synology memory modules are used for memory expansion. This is the manufacturer’s support policy, not an independent reliability test.
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Do not infer performance from RAM alone
More memory can prevent swapping and give containers or VMs more room, but it does not establish CPU performance, storage I/O, network throughput, or the number of simultaneous users. Conversely, ECC does not make every workload faster. Match the memory decision to your failure tolerance, software requirements, supported modules, and budget.
Software and services: UGOS Pro versus DSM
UGOS Pro on the DXP6800 Ultra
UGREEN’s official product material describes UGOS Pro support for Docker, virtual machines, and business applications. The platform is therefore a candidate for self-hosted services and lab-style deployments, provided the applications you need are available and maintained for the current UGOS Pro release. Check image architecture, storage permissions, backup integration, update policy, and hardware passthrough requirements for each application rather than assuming generic Docker compatibility covers every use case.
DSM on the DS1621+
Synology’s DS1621+ data sheet lists SMB, NFS, FTP, WebDAV, and Rsync file protocols; Synology Drive for file synchronization and collaboration; Hyper Backup; Snapshot Replication; and Virtual Machine Manager. These named components give a buyer a concrete checklist for file sharing, endpoint synchronization, backup jobs, snapshots, and virtualization.
The available documentation does not establish app-by-app parity between DSM and UGOS Pro, interface quality, update longevity, or support differences. Before buying, list every service you intend to run and verify its current package, container, or virtual-machine support on the chosen platform.
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Expansion beyond six drives
Synology’s documented 16-bay route
Synology documents connecting up to two DX517 expansion units to the DS1621+, for a total of up to 16 drive bays. The DX517 specification recommends keeping volumes physically within one unit for better performance. Treat that as a layout rule when planning arrays: extending one volume across multiple enclosures may be supported in some configurations, but the manufacturer specifically advises keeping each volume inside a single unit for performance.
Expansion units add more than disks. Include enclosure cost, additional drives, cabling, power protection, physical space, and the operational effect of having storage in separate chassis. A larger bay count also increases the need for a tested backup and replacement-disk plan.
UGREEN’s expansion position
The reviewed UGREEN specification lists a PCIe x4 slot, but it does not establish an external drive-bay expansion equivalent to the DX517. If your roadmap requires more than six HDDs in the same platform, obtain written confirmation of supported expansion hardware before selecting the DXP6800 Ultra.
DX517 details are in Synology’s official DX517 specification.
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Both models use six SATA bays and two M.2 NVMe slots, but “fits physically” is not the same as “supported in every mode.” Before purchase:
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
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- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
- Open the current compatibility list for the exact NAS model and region.
- Check the drive’s interface, form factor, capacity, firmware, and intended role (main pool, cache, or separate SSD pool).
- Confirm whether mixed capacities or different models are allowed in the RAID layout you plan to use.
- Verify memory specifications, especially if replacing the installed modules.
- Check whether your planned 10GbE adapter, switch, cables, and transceivers appear on the supported lists.
- Budget for a UPS and a separate backup target; RAID protects availability from some disk failures but is not a backup.
Synology specifically documents verified SSDs for M.2 storage pools and states that its main drive bays are hot-swappable while the M.2 slots are not. Do not remove an M.2 device expecting the same behavior as a front-bay HDD.
Which NAS fits common buyer profiles?
| Buyer or workload | More suitable starting point | Reason and qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Workstation with a compatible Thunderbolt 4 workflow | UGREEN DXP6800 Ultra | Two Thunderbolt 4 ports are built in. Confirm the complete direct-connection setup and application support. |
| Shared network editing or multi-user transfers | UGREEN DXP6800 Ultra | Two 10GbE ports are included. Actual throughput depends on clients, switch, disks, and workload. |
| ECC memory is a firm requirement | Synology DS1621+ | Synology explicitly specifies ECC DDR4; UGREEN’s listed memory is DDR5 without an ECC claim in the cited specification. |
| DSM services such as Synology Drive, Hyper Backup, or Snapshot Replication | Synology DS1621+ | These functions are named in the DS1621+ data sheet. Verify current package support and licensing for your region. |
| Planned growth beyond six HDDs | Synology DS1621+ | Two DX517 units provide a documented path to 16 bays, subject to expansion rules and cost. |
| Many containers or VMs with a high memory ceiling | UGREEN DXP6800 Ultra | UGREEN lists up to 96 GB, but application count and performance require workload-specific validation. |
| 10GbE on a constrained budget | Depends on the complete bill of materials | UGREEN includes ports; Synology may require a PCIe card, but current hardware and networking prices were not established here. |
Total-cost planning
Neither official specification establishes a current street-price winner. Compare the complete system rather than the empty NAS enclosure:
- NAS chassis and any included accessories
- Six HDDs or a smaller initial set with a documented expansion plan
- Optional NVMe SSDs and supported memory
- Synology 10GbE adapter and compatible switch, if required
- 10GbE switch, cables, transceivers, or Thunderbolt accessories
- DX517 units and their drives, if using the 16-bay Synology path
- UPS, backup storage, and off-site or cloud backup services
- Any subscriptions required by your chosen applications
A lower chassis price can disappear once you add networking, memory, expansion, or backup equipment. Conversely, paying for ports you will never use is not value. Build the list around your next three years of storage and service requirements, not only the first six drives.
Decision process before you order
- Write the workload list. Include file protocols, synchronization, backup, snapshots, containers, VMs, media applications, and the number of concurrent users.
- Mark hard requirements. Identify whether dual 10GbE, Thunderbolt 4, ECC, DSM applications, or 16 bays is non-negotiable.
- Validate compatibility. Check current drive, SSD, RAM, and network-adapter lists for the exact model and region.
- Design the network. Draw every link from NAS to switch to client and verify that each component supports the intended speed.
- Plan protected capacity. Choose RAID, reserve space for snapshots and growth, and calculate usable capacity from actual drives.
- Price the complete build. Add expansion, UPS, backup destination, and accessories before comparing totals.
- Confirm support expectations. Review warranty terms, regional support, software update policy, and memory restrictions.
- Buy the backup first in your plan. A redundant array does not protect against deletion, malware, theft, or a failed enclosure.
Important limitations of the published specifications
The CPU, memory, port, and capacity figures above come from manufacturer documentation. They do not establish sequential-read or sequential-write speed, IOPS, power use, noise, transcoding capability, VM density, or comparative reliability. Those results vary with drives, RAID, network topology, software, and workload.
UGREEN’s regional product page includes neighboring-model material, so DXP6800 Ultra claims here rely on its dedicated specification page where possible. Synology’s DS1621+ product specification was last updated October 9, 2025, and the DX517 specification was last updated July 23, 2026. Confirm current firmware, compatibility lists, warranty terms, and regional availability at checkout.
Bottom-line recommendation
Buy the UGREEN NASync DXP6800 Ultra when the built-in dual 10GbE ports, Thunderbolt 4, or 96 GB memory ceiling directly matches your workstation, network, or virtualization plan. Buy the Synology DS1621+ when ECC memory, DSM’s documented backup and collaboration tools, or a supported expansion path to 16 bays is more important than having those high-speed ports built in. If neither set of requirements is decisive, choose only after pricing the drives, networking, expansion, backup, and supported components as one complete system.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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