Raspberry Pi 4B vs. Synology 923 for a Glance Dashboard

We evaluate two hardware options, the Raspberry Pi 4B and Synology DS923+, for hosting a lightweight system monitoring dashboard, considering performance, power, and display capabilities.

TL;DR

Best for: Dedicated display of a system monitoring dashboard: Raspberry Pi 4B. For hosting a web-based dashboard as one of many services: Synology DS923+. Skip if: You need direct display output from your Synology. You need high-performance compute beyond basic monitoring from your Raspberry Pi. Bottom line: The Raspberry Pi 4B is the superior choice for a dedicated, low-power 'glance dashboard' with direct display, while the Synology DS923+ is overkill for this specific task if not already running other services.

METHODOLOGY

This v0 review draws on general hardware specifications and common use cases for system monitoring dashboards, such as the glances tool or similar web-based interfaces. Independent benchmarks comparing the Synology DS923+ and Raspberry Pi 4B for this specific workload are pending. We will re-test when claims diverge from observed behavior in future versions. This review covers the theoretical suitability and performance characteristics of the Synology DS923+ (assuming the common DS923+ model) and Raspberry Pi 4B, based on their published specifications and typical operating environments. The source signal is a Reddit post from UncleDrew2222 on r/selfhosted on May 26, 2026, asking for a performance and suitability comparison. What is not covered includes long-term workflow integration, specific edge cases of the 'glance dashboard' implementation, or detailed power consumption measurements under load. Our assessment focuses on the core question of which device is better suited for the task as described.

WHAT IT DOES

Hosting a Glance Dashboard

A 'glance dashboard' typically refers to a system monitoring interface that displays real-time metrics such as CPU usage, memory consumption, disk I/O, network activity, and running processes. Tools like glances (a popular cross-platform curses-based and web-based monitoring tool) are common for this purpose. These dashboards are generally lightweight, requiring minimal CPU and RAM resources to collect and present data. The primary function is to provide an at-a-glance overview of system health.

Synology DS923+ Capabilities

The Synology DS923+ is a four-bay Network Attached Storage (NAS) device, powered by an AMD Ryzen R1600 dual-core processor (2.6 GHz base, 3.1 GHz boost) and expandable RAM (up to 32GB). It runs Synology's DiskStation Manager (DSM) operating system, which supports Docker containers, virtual machines, and a wide array of network services. Designed for 24/7 operation, the DS923+ is a robust server platform capable of handling multiple concurrent tasks, including file serving, media streaming, backups, and application hosting.

Raspberry Pi 4B Capabilities

The Raspberry Pi 4B is a single-board computer featuring a Broadcom BCM2711 quad-core ARM Cortex-A72 processor clocked at 1.5 GHz, with 2GB, 4GB, or 8GB of LPDDR4 RAM. It includes dual micro-HDMI ports for video output, USB 3.0, Gigabit Ethernet, and Wi-Fi. The Pi 4B is highly versatile, capable of running various Linux distributions (like Raspberry Pi OS) and is frequently used for embedded projects, home automation, media centers, and lightweight servers. Its low power consumption and direct display output make it ideal for dedicated display applications.

WHAT'S INTERESTING / WHAT'S NOT

For a 'glance dashboard,' the most interesting aspect of the Raspberry Pi 4B is its direct video output. With dual micro-HDMI ports, the Pi can directly drive a display, making it a self-contained unit for a physical dashboard. This is a significant advantage if the user intends to connect the dashboard device to a monitor for continuous display. Its low power consumption is also a key benefit, allowing it to run 24/7 without incurring substantial electricity costs. The Pi's quad-core ARM processor, while less powerful than the Synology's Ryzen, is more than sufficient for running a lightweight monitoring tool and a web server to serve the dashboard.

Conversely, the Synology DS923+ offers considerable overkill for a simple glance dashboard. Its AMD Ryzen R1600 CPU and robust NAS architecture are designed for much heavier workloads, such as serving multiple users, running virtual machines, or handling intensive data operations. While it can easily host a glances web server in a Docker container, it lacks direct video output. This means the dashboard would need to be accessed via a web browser on a separate device, diminishing its utility as a dedicated 'glance' display. Using a DS923+ solely for this purpose would waste its significant computational and storage capabilities and consume more power than necessary. The Synology's strength lies in its ability to consolidate many services, not in being a dedicated display device.

PRICING

• Synology DS923+: Typically ranges from $599 - $799 USD (diskless), observed May 2026. (Note: User already owns this hardware.)
• Raspberry Pi 4B: Varies by RAM configuration, typically $35 (2GB) - $75 (8GB) USD, observed May 2026. (Note: User already owns this hardware.)

VERDICT

For the specific task of running a 'glance dashboard,' the Raspberry Pi 4B is the more suitable and efficient choice. Its direct video output capabilities make it ideal for a dedicated display, allowing the dashboard to be shown on a connected monitor without requiring a separate viewing device. The Pi's low power consumption ensures cost-effective 24/7 operation, and its quad-core ARM processor provides ample performance for lightweight monitoring applications. The Synology DS923+, while technically capable of hosting the dashboard as a web service, is significantly over-provisioned for this task and lacks the direct display functionality that makes a 'glance dashboard' truly convenient. We recommend using the Raspberry Pi 4B for a dedicated dashboard display.

WHAT WE'D TEST NEXT

For a v2 review, we would conduct direct performance benchmarks. This would involve deploying glances (or a similar lightweight dashboard tool) on both a Raspberry Pi 4B (4GB model) and a Synology DS923+ (running glances in Docker). We would measure CPU and RAM utilization under idle conditions and during data collection, as well as the latency of the web interface. We would also assess the ease of setup for direct display on the Pi versus accessing the Synology's hosted dashboard remotely. Power consumption measurements for both devices under a constant dashboard load would provide concrete data on operational costs. Finally, we would explore the integration of peripheral sensors with the Pi for a more comprehensive environmental dashboard.

Pull quote: “For the specific task of running a 'glance dashboard,' the Raspberry Pi 4B is the more suitable and efficient choice.”