Side-by-side specifications of the Synology DS213j and DS214, from official datasheets. Differences are highlighted.
| DS213j | DS214 | |
| CPU | Marvell Kirkwood 1.2GHz | Marvell Armada XP Dual Core 1.066GHz |
| Cores / threads | 1 core / 1 thread | 2 cores / 2 threads |
| RAM (base) | 512MB DDR3 | 512MB DDR3 |
| RAM (max) | 512MB | 512MB |
| Drive bays | 2 | 2 |
| Expandable to | 0 | 0 |
| M.2 slots | 0 | 0 |
| Network | 1× Gigabit | 1x Gigabit |
| 10GbE | no | no |
| Max raw capacity | 8TB (2×4TB) | 8TB |
| Hot-swap | no | yes |
| Form factor | Desktop | Desktop |
| Released | 2013 | 2013 |
| Power consumption | 19.82 W / 3.65 W | — |
| DSM at launch | — | — |
Choose the DS214 if you want the better platform: it has the faster CPU and more RAM headroom than the DS213j. Both are 2-bay units with no expansion to 4 bays, and neither supports 10GbE or M.2. If your use is basic backup/file sharing, the DS213j is enough; for smoother multitasking and longer useful life, pick the DS214.