Synology (Finally) Reveals Managed PoE 10GbE Switches â The PS Series
At Computex 2025, Synology formally unveiled its new PS Series of PoE switchesâmarking the companyâs first venture into dedicated network switching hardware. Designed specifically for surveillance environments, these switches are not meant to replace general-purpose managed switches, but rather to complement Synologyâs Surveillance Station ecosystem. The lineup includes three models: the high-capacity PS2600+, the compact PS1000+, and the entry-level PS500. Each model is tailored for powering PoE cameras and streamlining IP surveillance setups, with features like centralized control through Surveillance Station and fanless operation. While this launch addresses a long-standing gap in Synologyâs ecosystem, it is clear that these devices are intended for a niche surveillance role rather than enterprise-wide or enthusiast-grade switching solutions.
Why is a Synology Switch so Highly Demanded? And Why is This Not Quite What Everyone Wanted?
For years, users of Synologyâs NAS and surveillance solutions have speculated about the company expanding into networking hardware, particularly switches. Given Synologyâs existing ecosystem of NAS units, cameras, routers, and software like Surveillance Station and SRM, a managed PoE switch seemed like the logical next step to unify its offerings under a single, tightly integrated platform. Many envisioned a Synology switch that could serve not just surveillance but also general-purpose networking, VLAN management, and broader SMB/enterprise deploymentsâeffectively competing with established names like Ubiquiti, Netgear, or QNAP.
However, the PS Series unveiled at Computex 2025 diverges from that expectation. The PS2600+ and PS1000+ are exclusively intended for use with Synologyâs Surveillance Station, lacking broader Layer 3 management tools outside of this context. Meanwhile, the PS500 is a basic, unmanaged unit aimed more at simple deployments than network optimization. There are no bundled camera licenses, limited software extensibility, and no SRM integration. As a result, while these switches will likely appeal to users looking for a seamless Synology surveillance setup, they fall short of the more versatile, all-encompassing switch that many long-time Synology users were hoping for.
Synology PS2600+ 26 Port L2+ Managed PoE Switch
The PS2600+ is the flagship switch in Synologyâs new lineup, featuring 24 PoE+ ports and 2 additional 10GbE SFP+ uplink ports. Designed for rackmount or desktop use, the PS2600+ is completely fanless, making it suitable for noise-sensitive environments. It delivers a total PoE power budget of 185W, allowing it to power multiple IP cameras, particularly in larger surveillance setups. It is fully managed and integrates directly with Synologyâs Surveillance Station for centralized control, including power management, port diagnostics, and network topology mapping.
In terms of network performance, the PS2600+ offers a switching bandwidth of 88 Gbps and a forwarding rate of 65.47 Mpps. It supports Layer 2+ features, including inter-VLAN routing and DHCP server capabilities, allowing it to segment and route traffic in more complex surveillance deployments. However, its software integration is limited exclusively to Surveillance Station, and it lacks any compatibility with Synologyâs SRM (Router OS) or general-purpose network management tools. It is best suited for installations where the switch, NAS, and cameras are all part of a single, unified Synology surveillance environment.
Feature
PS2600+
Ports (Total)
26
RJ45 1GbE Ports
24 (PoE+)
10GbE SFP+ Ports
2
Console Port
Yes (RS-232 over RJ45)
Switching Bandwidth
88 Gbps
Forwarding Performance
65.47 Mpps
MAC Address Table
16K
Jumbo Frame Support
10,000 Bytes
Available PoE Power
185W
Extended Mode
Yes
Power Supply
Internal
Dimensions (H x W x D)
44 x 441 x 270 mm
Cooling
Fanless
Mounting
Rackmount / Desktop
L3 Features
Static Routing, Inter-VLAN Routing, DHCP
Surveillance Integration
Yes (via Surveillance Station CMS)
Synology PS500 5 Port Unmanaged PoE Switch
The PS500 is the most basic model in Synologyâs PS Series and is designed primarily for entry-level surveillance setups. It offers a total of five ports, four of which support PoE+ for powering IP cameras or other devices. Unlike the other models, the PS500 is completely unmanagedâthere is no software-based configuration, no VLAN support, and no integration with Surveillance Station CMS. It is intended for plug-and-play functionality, making it suitable for simple installations where centralized management is not required.
Despite its simplicity, the PS500 still delivers up to 60W of total PoE power and supports jumbo frames up to 9000 bytes. It is passively cooled and uses an external power supply, emphasizing its role as a compact, low-maintenance switch for desktop or wall-mounted deployments. While it doesnât offer the flexibility or control of the PS2600+ or PS1000+, it fills a gap for users seeking a straightforward power delivery solution for small-scale IP camera installations.
Feature
PS500
Ports (Total)
5
RJ45 1GbE Ports
5 (4 PoE+)
SFP Ports
None
Console Port
No
Switching Bandwidth
10 Gbps
Forwarding Performance
7.44 Mpps
MAC Address Table
2K
Jumbo Frame Support
9000 Bytes
Available PoE Power
60W
Extended Mode
No
Power Supply
External (72W)
Dimensions (H x W x D)
26 x 121 x 75 mm
Cooling
Fanless
Mounting
Desktop / Wall-mount
L3 Features
None
Surveillance Integration
No
Synology PS1000+ 10 Port L2+ Managed PoE Switch
The PS1000+ serves as the mid-range offering in Synologyâs PS Series, targeting smaller surveillance deployments that still benefit from centralized management. It includes 8 PoE+ RJ45 ports and 2 standard 1GbE SFP ports for uplink or fiber connectivity. Like the PS2600+, this model is fanless and supports both rackmount and desktop installations. It offers a total PoE power budget of 65W, which is sufficient for a modest number of IP cameras or access points in home or SMB setups.
From a network performance standpoint, the PS1000+ provides 20 Gbps of switching bandwidth and a forwarding rate of 14.88 Mpps. It also supports VLANs, static routing, and DHCP services, and is managed entirely through Synologyâs Surveillance Station interface. Its role is clearly focusedâbridging NAS units and IP cameras under one platform, without offering broader Layer 3 functionality or third-party network integration. For users with Synology NAS-based NVR setups and fewer cameras, the PS1000+ provides a compact, low-noise, managed switch option.
Feature
PS1000+
Ports (Total)
10
RJ45 1GbE Ports
8 (PoE+)
1GbE SFP Ports
2
Console Port
Yes (RS-232 over RJ45)
Switching Bandwidth
20 Gbps
Forwarding Performance
14.88 Mpps
MAC Address Table
Not Listed
Jumbo Frame Support
10,000 Bytes
Available PoE Power
65W
Extended Mode
Yes
Power Supply
Internal
Dimensions (H x W x D)
44 x 265 x 183 mm
Cooling
Fanless
Mounting
Rackmount / Desktop
L3 Features
Static Routing, Inter-VLAN Routing, DHCP
Surveillance Integration
Yes (via Surveillance Station CMS)
Synology PS Series Switches, Conclusion and Verdict
Synologyâs entry into the network switch market with the PS Series marks a significant, though narrowly focused, expansion of its surveillance ecosystem. These switches are clearly designed with Surveillance Station users in mind, offering streamlined power and network management for PoE camera deployments. While the PS2600+ and PS1000+ provide useful managed features for larger and mid-sized surveillance environments, and the PS500 delivers a simple plug-and-play option, none of these models address general networking needs outside of Synologyâs surveillance scope. For those seeking a unified Synology environment for NVR deployments, these switches may be a welcome additionâbut broader adoption will likely remain limited until Synology delivers more versatile, multi-role networking solutions.
This description contains links to Amazon. These links will take you to some of the products mentioned in today's content. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Visit the NASCompares Deal Finder to find the best place to buy this device in your region, based on Service, Support and Reputation - Just Search for your NAS Drive in the Box Below
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At Computex 2025 in Taipei, Minisforum introduced the MS-R1 â a new class of mini PC that marks a distinct departure from its usual reliance on x86 architecture. This compact system is built around the ARM-based CIX P1 processor, an emerging 12-core chip aimed at redefining performance standards for ARM in desktop computing. The MS-R1 combines this processor with dual 10GbE networking, PCIe Gen 4 expansion, and up to 64GB of onboard LPDDR5 memory â all within a chassis under 5 cm thick. Unlike traditional Minisforum models that have leaned on AMD Ryzen or Intel Core platforms, this system positions itself as a versatile option for edge computing, AI acceleration, and lightweight server tasks.
The MS-R1 is clearly still in development, but its early prototype already suggests Minisforum is exploring wider horizons beyond conventional desktop replacement PCs. It leverages many of the strengths typically associated with ARM â such as power efficiency and thermally lightweight design â while mitigating common limitations through generous I/O and expansion capabilities. Whether this signals a broader shift in the companyâs product direction remains to be seen, but the MS-R1 offers an intriguing glimpse into how ARM-based platforms might coexist with, or even challenge, traditional x86 solutions in the years ahead.
Minisforum MS-R1 PC Hardware Specifications
The Minisforum MS-R1 is equipped with the newly announced CIX P1 (CP8180) processor, a 12-core, 12-thread ARM-based SoC built on the ARMv9.2-A architecture. Manufactured using a 6nm process, the CPU combines eight performance cores and four efficiency cores, operating at up to 2.6 GHz. It is complemented by a 10-core Arm Immortalis GPU, likely the G720 series, which supports advanced graphical output and light AI rendering. Additionally, the chip includes a 30 TOPS-capable neural processing unit (NPU), bringing the total onboard AI compute power to 45 TOPS. This SoC runs Linux systems with kernel 6.6 or later and offers a UEFI-compatible BIOS with ACPI support â a rare but increasingly essential feature for ARM-based systems targeting general desktop or server use.
Component
Details
CPU
CIX P1 (CP8180) â 12-core (8P + 4E), ARMv9.2-A, up to 2.6 GHz
The MS-R1 includes 64GB of onboard LPDDR5 memory configured in a 128-bit arrangement. The memory is soldered and therefore non-user-upgradable, though the capacity and bandwidth are positioned to meet the needs of multitasking and light-to-midweight computational tasks, including AI inference. For primary storage, the system features a PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 slot compatible with both 2280 and 22110-length NVMe SSDs, supporting drives up to 4TB. In addition to internal storage, a separate M.2 2230 slot provides wireless connectivity via Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2 modules. On the video output side, the device supports HDMI 2.0 (4K at 60Hz) and two USB Type-C ports with DisplayPort 1.4 alternate mode â one of which is capable of up to 8K at 60Hz, enabling high-resolution display setups in professional or creative environments.
Where the MS-R1 notably differentiates itself is in its high-speed I/O and expandability. Dual 10GbE copper LAN ports deliver enterprise-grade networking capability, especially valuable for file servers, edge compute nodes, or hybrid NAS use cases. A full-length PCIe x16 slot (operating at PCIe 4.0 x8 bandwidth) offers GPU or accelerator card support, effectively bridging the gap between ARM architecture and discrete compute expansion â something still rare in this space. USB connectivity is ample: 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps) Type-A on the rear, 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gbps) Type-A on the front, and four USB 2.0 ports split across the front and rear. Audio is handled via HDMI, the DisplayPort-enabled Type-C ports, and a 3.5mm combo jack. Power is supplied via a 19V barrel-type DC-IN jack rated at 9.47A, and the device is controlled by a front-facing LED-lit power button. Despite its compact 195.6 Ă 189 Ă 48mm footprint, the MS-R1 integrates a surprising breadth of features for ARM-based edge computing in a mini PC form factor.
Why the Minsforum MS-R1 is a Big Deal?
The MS-R1 stands out primarily because it brings ARM architecture into a domain traditionally dominated by x86 processors â compact desktop systems with high-speed networking, PCIe expansion, and broad OS compatibility. ARM chips have long been associated with mobile, embedded, and power-efficient use cases, but they have rarely offered the kind of performance, I/O, and system flexibility seen in x86-based mini PCs. With the CIX P1 SoC, the MS-R1 challenges that assumption. It pairs a 12-core CPU (based on the ARMv9.2-A standard) with a 10-core GPU and an NPU capable of 30 TOPS, totaling 45 TOPS of AI compute. This puts it within reach of edge AI tasks, containerized application hosting, or lightweight virtualization. Itâs also rare to see an ARM system with UEFI BIOS support, which enables compatibility with a wide range of Linux distributions and other OS environments â removing a common barrier for general users or developers.
Another reason the MS-R1 matters is its hardware-level ambition. While many ARM-based devices are limited in I/O and expansion, this system includes two 10GbE ports and a PCIe Gen 4 x8 slot â enabling add-in graphics cards or accelerators, typically absent in ARM ecosystems. Combined with onboard LPDDR5 RAM and NVMe Gen 4 storage, the MS-R1 begins to resemble a standard workstation or edge server in capability. Minisforumâs decision to use the CIX P1 processor, which is likely based on licensable Arm Cortex designs and built for a Chinese market increasingly focused on domestic alternatives, reflects both a strategic and technical shift. It also comes at a time when ARM is being seriously considered for broader computing roles, particularly in energy-efficient high-performance setups. The MS-R1 doesnât just experiment with ARMâit places it in a form factor, price tier, and feature set that could realistically serve prosumers, developers, and small enterprise users.
When will the Minisforum MS-R1 Be Released and Price?
The Minisforum MS-R1 is not just another compact system â itâs a deliberate move into new territory for the brand. By integrating an ARMv9 SoC with high-speed networking, PCIe expansion, and a mature BIOS environment, the MS-R1 challenges preconceptions about what ARM-based mini PCs can deliver. While still in early development, it already positions itself as a potential edge server, AI inference node, or Linux-based workstation. Its soldered LPDDR5 memory, limited to 64GB, and single NVMe slot may limit flexibility in some use cases, but the inclusion of dual 10GbE and PCIe Gen 4 support compensate with substantial throughput potential. It is not yet clear how the market will respond to such a hybrid product â one that crosses lines between embedded computing and traditional desktops â but itâs an important experiment in bringing ARM computing to mainstream deployment environments.
Minisforumâs broader product roadmap at Computex 2025 suggests that the MS-R1 is just one piece of a larger diversification strategy. Alongside it, the company showcased the upcoming N5 Pro â a Ryzen 9-based NAS/PC hybrid with ECC memory support â and the G1 Pro, a small form factor system housing up to RTX 5060-class graphics and 120W CPUs. These products collectively show the companyâs intent to cover multiple tiers of performance and deployment, from ARM-powered edge systems to x86-based content creation rigs.
Likely DDR5 SODIMM (config/details not yet confirmed)
Likely DDR5 SODIMM (config/details not yet confirmed)
Storage Expansion
2 Ă M.2 NVMe (PCIe Gen 4)
2 Ă M.2 NVMe (PCIe Gen 4)
Wireless
Wi-Fi (generation not specified), Bluetooth supported
Wi-Fi (generation not specified), Bluetooth supported
Power Supply
550W Built-in PSU
550W Built-in PSU
Chassis Volume
Approx. 3.9L (small form factor enclosure)
Approx. 3.9L (small form factor enclosure)
Cooling
Likely air cooling with dual-fan or vapor chamber (TBD)
Likely air cooling with dual-fan or vapor chamber (TBD)
Software
Minisforum Control Center app support
Minisforum Control Center app support
Lighting
Adjustable RGB Lighting
Adjustable RGB Lighting
Use Case
Compact gaming / creator PC
Higher-tier gaming / GPU compute mini system
Whether or not the MS-R1 reaches widespread adoption, it represents a notable shift toward ARMâs growing viability outside mobile and embedded contexts. Itâs a signal that the boundary between ARM and x86 in high-performance personal computing may continue to blur in the years ahead.
This description contains links to Amazon. These links will take you to some of the products mentioned in today's content. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Visit the NASCompares Deal Finder to find the best place to buy this device in your region, based on Service, Support and Reputation - Just Search for your NAS Drive in the Box Below
Need Advice on Data Storage from an Expert?
Finally, for free advice about your setup, just leave a message in the comments below here at NASCompares.com and we will get back to you.Need Help?
Where possible (and where appropriate) please provide as much information about your requirements, as then I can arrange the best answer and solution to your needs. Do not worry about your e-mail address being required, it will NOT be used in a mailing list and will NOT be used in any way other than to respond to your enquiry.
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If you like this service, please consider supporting us.
We use affiliate links on the blog allowing NAScompares information and advice service to be free of charge to you.Anything you purchase on the day you click on our links will generate a small commission which isused to run the website. Here is a link for Amazon and B&H.You can also get me a Ko-fi or old school Paypal. Thanks!To find out more about how to support this advice service checkHEREIf you need to fix or configure a NAS, check FiverHave you thought about helping others with your knowledge? Find Instructions Here
Or support us by using our affiliate links on Amazon UK and Amazon US
Alternatively, why not ask me on the ASK NASCompares forum, by clicking the button below. This is a community hub that serves as a place that I can answer your question, chew the fat, share new release information and even get corrections posted. I will always get around to answering ALL queries, but as a one-man operation, I cannot promise speed! So by sharing your query in the ASK NASCompares section below, you can get a better range of solutions and suggestions, alongside my own.
At Computex 2025 in Taipei, PROMISE Technology introduced the Pegasus5 M8, an NVMe-based RAID storage system built around Intelâs Thunderbolt 5 interface. This new addition to the Pegasus5 product line focuses on delivering high-throughput, low-latency performance in a compact form factor tailored for professionals working with data-heavy content. Thunderbolt 5 provides a significant increase in bandwidth compared to previous generations, supporting up to 80 Gbps combined data and video transfer, which the M8 leverages for intensive media workflows. The M8 was presented as part of PROMISEâs wider strategy to address evolving demands in high-resolution video production, AI-assisted processing, and portable high-speed storage. Its debut follows the earlier launch of the Pegasus5 R12 and R12 Pro, which introduced 12-bay and hybrid HDD/SSD tower configurations with RAID capabilities, aimed at larger-scale desktop storage environments.
Promise Pegasus5 M8 Hardware Specifications
The Pegasus5 M8 is a compact, all-flash 8-bay direct-attached storage (DAS) system that exclusively supports M.2 NVMe SSDs. It accommodates both standard 2280-length SSDs and 1.5-inch variants, allowing flexibility in selecting drives based on capacity, endurance, or thermal profile. The system supports a mix of TLC-based drives for high performance and QLC-based drives for increased capacity per dollar, giving users the option to tailor the configuration toward speed, cost-efficiency, or a balance of both. Each M.2 slot is connected via a high-speed PCIe backplane, allowing maximum parallel bandwidth to the controller for simultaneous multi-drive operations.
Specification
Details
Form Factor
8-Bay Portable NVMe Storage System
Drive Support
8 Ă M.2 NVMe SSD (2280 and 1.5-inch supported)
Interface
Thunderbolt 5 (up to 80 Gbps combined bandwidth)
Maximum Throughput
Up to 6,000 MB/s
RAID Support
RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, 60
RAID Engine
PROMISE PromiseRAID with NVMeBoost acceleration
Management Software
PROMISE Utility Pro (macOS and Windows compatible)
Power Delivery
Up to 140W passthrough charging (depends on host capabilities)
Display Support
Dual 6K or single 8K monitor via Thunderbolt 5 DisplayPort tunneling
Thermal Management
Intelligent fan control, internal heat dissipation with SSD thermal pads
Power Supply
Internal, 100â240V AC, 50â60Hz
Compatibility
macOS 13 and above, Windows 10 and later
Dimensions
Not officially disclosed (compact/portable class)
Certifications
RoHS, ErP compliant
The systemâs core connectivity is provided by Thunderbolt 5, which doubles the baseline throughput of Thunderbolt 4. In standard mode, it offers 40 Gbps bidirectional data bandwidth, while the Bandwidth Boost mode enables a combined total of up to 80 Gbps for asymmetric workloadsâideal for video-heavy pipelines. In addition to raw data throughput, Thunderbolt 5 also provides support for DisplayPort tunneling, enabling the M8 to drive external monitors (up to dual 6K or a single 8K display) through the same interface used for data. Furthermore, the port delivers significantly enhanced power, with the system supporting passthrough charging of up to 140W, subject to host-side capabilities and cable specification.
Internally, the M8 leverages PROMISEâs NVMeBoost and PromiseRAID technologies for RAID management, data acceleration, and system diagnostics. RAID levels 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, and 60 are supported across the full NVMe SSD array, providing a wide range of redundancy and performance configurations. PromiseRAID includes advanced features such as Predictive Data Migration (PDM), which periodically checks drive health using SMART telemetry and reallocates data proactively in the event of early failure indicators. This is paired with real-time monitoring, automatic rebuild processes, and background consistency checksâall accessible via the PROMISE Utility Pro software.
From a thermal and acoustic perspective, the M8 is designed with intelligent fan control that dynamically adjusts based on system temperature, minimizing noise during idle or low-load periods. The chassis incorporates airflow paths optimized for side-to-side or front-to-back movement depending on orientation, and thermal pads are used to dissipate heat from the M.2 SSDs to internal heatsinks. The power supply is internal, auto-switching between 100â240V AC, and the unit includes power-saving features such as host-synced sleep/wake, contributing to energy efficiency in extended deployment. The system is compatible with macOS 13 and later as well as Windows 11.
In the context of the PROMISE Pegasus5 series, particularly models like the R12 and M8 that utilize Thunderbolt 4 and 5, itâs important to distinguish between upstream and downstream ports as they serve different roles in device connectivity. The upstream port on a Pegasus5 system is used to connect the storage unit to the host computerâtypically a Mac or Windows workstation. This is the primary data pathway through which the system is controlled, data is read and written, and device management is executed.
The downstream port, by contrast, enables daisy-chaining or peripheral expansion from the Pegasus unit to additional Thunderbolt or USB-C devices. This could include external monitors, additional storage devices, or other Thunderbolt peripherals. On Thunderbolt 4-enabled systems like the Pegasus5 R12, the downstream port supports dual 4K or a single 8K monitor, allowing it to act as both a storage device and a hub for display and accessory connectivity. On Thunderbolt 5 systems like the M8 or R12 Pro, this downstream capability is expanded further, supporting higher display resolutions and bandwidth-intensive devices without reducing data throughput to the storage array. This separation ensures consistent storage performance even when other peripherals are in use.
Promise Pegasus5 R12 and R12 Pro Specifications
The Pegasus5 R12 and R12 Pro are tower-based storage systems designed primarily for desktop environments where higher raw capacity and mixed-drive support are required. The standard R12 model features 12 bays for 3.5-inch SATA HDDs, supporting up to 288TB using 24TB drives. It connects via Thunderbolt 4 and provides sequential performance of up to 3,000 MB/s. The unit includes dual Thunderbolt 4 portsâone upstream and one downstreamâsupporting daisy-chaining and external display connectivity. Internally, it runs on a quad-core 2.2 GHz storage processor with 8GB of DDR4 ECC memory, and supports a wide range of RAID levels including 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, and 60, with optional hot spare functionality. Like the M8, it is managed via PROMISE Utility Pro and includes support for Predictive Data Migration.
Specification
Pegasus5 R12
Pegasus5 R12 Pro
Form Factor
12-Bay Tower
12 + 4-Bay Hybrid Tower
Drive Support
12 Ă 3.5âł SATA HDD
12 Ă 3.5âł SATA HDD + 4 Ă M.2 2280 NVMe SSD
Max Capacity
Up to 288TB (12 Ă 24TB)
288TB HDD + 32TB NVMe SSD (4 Ă 8TB)
Interface
Thunderbolt 4 (40 Gbps), USB4 compatible
Thunderbolt 5 (up to 80 Gbps), USB4 compatible
Maximum Throughput
Up to 3,000 MB/s
Up to 6,000 MB/s
RAID Support
RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, 60
RAID 0, 1, 5, 10, 50 (NVMe), full RAID for HDD
RAID Engine
PromiseRAID
PromiseRAID with NVMe RAID support
Processor
Storage Processor, 4-core, 2.2 GHz
Same
Memory
8GB DDR4 ECC DIMM
Same
Display Support
One downstream Thunderbolt 4 port (dual 4K or single 8K monitor)
Thunderbolt 5 display tunneling for multiple 6K/8K monitors
Power Delivery
Up to 85W (Thunderbolt/USB4 host)
Up to 140W passthrough charging (host dependent)
Management Software
PROMISE Utility Pro
Same
Operating Systems
macOS 13 and above, Windows 10 or later
Same
Hot Swap / Hot Spare
Supported
Supported
Smart Features
Predictive Data Migration, SMART polling, Intelligent cooling
Same
Dimensions (mm)
318 x 227 x 227
Same
Weight
15.5 kg
Slightly higher (exact value not disclosed)
Power Supply
AC 100â240V, 350W
Same
Certifications
EMC: FCC, CE; Safety: cTUVus, CB; RoHS, ErP
Same
The R12 Pro builds upon this foundation by introducing a hybrid 12+4 bay architectureâadding four M.2 2280 NVMe SSD slots alongside the 12 standard HDD bays. This hybrid layout enables users to implement NVMe-based caching or tiered storage to accelerate performance-critical operations while retaining the high capacity of mechanical storage. The R12 Pro is equipped with Thunderbolt 5 connectivity, offering a data rate of up to 6,000 MB/s and compatibility with advanced display and charging protocols. RAID support is extended to NVMe drives, allowing configurations such as RAID 0, 1, 5, 10, and 50 across the SSD layer. The system retains the same internal architecture and management tools as the standard R12 but introduces higher thermal demands and greater performance headroom due to its dual-media architecture.
Who are the Promise Pegasus5 M8, R12 and R12 Pro For?
The Pegasus5 M8, R12, and R12 Pro are each designed to address distinct storage requirements, aligning with varying workflows and user priorities. The M8 is suited for professionals who require high-speed NVMe performance in a compact and portable form factor. Its use of Thunderbolt 5 and full NVMe support makes it particularly effective for high-resolution video editing (4K to 8K), real-time AI model training, and mobile post-production environments. Its small footprint and low-noise design further enhance its usability for users who operate in constrained or shared workspaces, or who regularly travel with their equipment.
The R12 and R12 Pro are more appropriate for stationary, high-capacity storage needs. The R12, with its 12-bay HDD configuration, supports large media libraries and backup repositories, making it suitable for long-term storage in editing suites or enterprise archive setups. The R12 Pro extends this by incorporating NVMe SSD support alongside HDDs, offering tiered storage capabilities that appeal to users who require a balance between high throughput and large volume. This model is targeted at studios or teams managing high-bandwidth workflows such as multi-stream video processing, where simultaneous access to cached and archival data is necessary.
This description contains links to Amazon. These links will take you to some of the products mentioned in today's content. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Visit the NASCompares Deal Finder to find the best place to buy this device in your region, based on Service, Support and Reputation - Just Search for your NAS Drive in the Box Below
Need Advice on Data Storage from an Expert?
Finally, for free advice about your setup, just leave a message in the comments below here at NASCompares.com and we will get back to you.Need Help?
Where possible (and where appropriate) please provide as much information about your requirements, as then I can arrange the best answer and solution to your needs. Do not worry about your e-mail address being required, it will NOT be used in a mailing list and will NOT be used in any way other than to respond to your enquiry.
[contact-form-7]
TRY CHAT Terms and Conditions
If you like this service, please consider supporting us.
We use affiliate links on the blog allowing NAScompares information and advice service to be free of charge to you.Anything you purchase on the day you click on our links will generate a small commission which isused to run the website. Here is a link for Amazon and B&H.You can also get me a Ko-fi or old school Paypal. Thanks!To find out more about how to support this advice service checkHEREIf you need to fix or configure a NAS, check FiverHave you thought about helping others with your knowledge? Find Instructions Here
Or support us by using our affiliate links on Amazon UK and Amazon US
Alternatively, why not ask me on the ASK NASCompares forum, by clicking the button below. This is a community hub that serves as a place that I can answer your question, chew the fat, share new release information and even get corrections posted. I will always get around to answering ALL queries, but as a one-man operation, I cannot promise speed! So by sharing your query in the ASK NASCompares section below, you can get a better range of solutions and suggestions, alongside my own.
If you like this service, please consider supporting us. We use affiliate links on the blog allowing NAScompares information and advice service to be free of charge to you.Anything you purchase on the day you click on our links will generate a small commission which isused to run the website. Here is a link for Amazon and B&H.You can also get me a Ko-fi or old school Paypal. Thanks!To find out more about how to support this advice service checkHEREIf you need to fix or configure a NAS, check FiverHave you thought about helping others with your knowledge? Find Instructions Here
OWC Reveals their new OWC Thunderbolt 5 Docking Station
At COMPUTEX 2025, OWC unveiled its latest leap in desktop connectivity with the introduction of the OWC Thunderbolt 5 Dock, a next-generation expansion solution aimed squarely at creative professionals, power users, and demanding hybrid workflows. Demonstrated live at the companyâs booth in TaiNEX 1, the new dock consolidates high-speed data transfer, multiple display outputs, wide device compatibility, and substantial power delivery into a single desktop hub. Building on OWCâs legacy of designing hardware that blends reliability with real-world flexibility, the Thunderbolt 5 Dock offers users a central point for managing content-heavy projects, transforming USB-C tablets into full production stations, or anchoring a high-performance workstation setup. Its ability to handle up to three 8K displays, daisy-chain multiple devices, and deliver up to 140W of chargingâall while being backward compatible with Thunderbolt 3, 4, USB4, and USB-Câmakes it a standout solution for those needing a streamlined, forward-looking expansion unit. Just as importantly, the inclusion of certified Thunderbolt and Dock Ejector software integration ensures data integrity and safe disconnection, a key consideration for anyone working with volatile assets like live video edits, audio mixes, or large-scale backups.
OWC Thunderbolt 5 Dock â Hardware Specifications and Performance
The OWC Thunderbolt 5 Dock introduces a significant step up in performance and versatility for desktop users, particularly those in content creation and technical workflows. Central to the dockâs appeal is its Thunderbolt 5 controller, which supports up to 80Gb/s of bi-directional bandwidth, enabling simultaneous high-speed data transfers and display outputs without bottlenecking. For visual workflows, the dock supports up to three 8K displays or dual 6K monitors on macOS systems, making it a practical tool for video editors working with ultra-high-resolution footage or multitaskers using panoramic screen real estate. The dock also supports multiple daisy chains, allowing professionals to maintain full performance across chained devices, such as external RAID storage, 10GbE adapters, or A/V capture devices, without sacrificing throughput.
Feature
Specification
Thunderbolt Ports
3 x Thunderbolt 5 (USB-C, up to 80Gb/s, 120Gb/s Bandwidth Boost)
USB-A Ports
2 x USB-A 10Gb/s, 1 x USB-A 5Gb/s
Video Output
Supports up to 3 x 8K displays or dual 6K displays (macOS), up to 540Hz refresh
Ethernet
1 x 2.5GbE RJ45 (MDM-compatible)
Card Readers
1 x SD (UHS-II), 1 x microSD (UHS-II)
Audio
1 x 3.5mm audio combo jack (input/output)
Power Delivery
Up to 140W charging (suitable for high-performance laptops)
Daisy Chaining
Supports up to 3 separate Thunderbolt device chains
Backward Compatibility
Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 3, USB4, USB-C
Software Support
OWC Dock Ejector, Apple SuperDrive Compatibility
Included Accessories
1 x Certified Thunderbolt 5 Cable, External Power Adapter
Certification
Fully Thunderbolt Certified
Dimensions & Weight
[To be confirmed by OWC]
Port selection on the Thunderbolt 5 Dock is deliberately broad, designed to cater to nearly every desktop connectivity requirement. The dock features three Thunderbolt 5 (USB-C) ports, two USB-A 10Gb/s, one USB-A 5Gb/s, and a 2.5GbE Ethernet port that supports remote management protocols like Mobile Device Management (MDM), making it suitable for enterprise setups. For storage and media ingestion, dual card slots supporting UHS-II SD and microSD formats allow fast transfers for photographers and videographers. Additionally, a 3.5mm audio combo jack is present for audio input/output, and the dock retains support for Appleâs SuperDrive, offering legacy compatibility that is often overlooked in newer designs.
Beyond the raw hardware, the inclusion of OWC Dock Ejector software adds a layer of operational safety not often found in third-party docks. This utility ensures that all connected drives are safely unmounted before disconnection, protecting against file corruption and data loss. This is particularly important when working with DAW projects or active NLE libraries. Moreover, thanks to Thunderbolt certification, users can rely on cross-platform interoperability and consistent performance whether theyâre using macOS, Windows, or even supported Linux distributions. For iPad Pro and USB-C tablet users, the dock serves as a conversion point into a full workstationâadding monitor output, keyboard, storage, and audio capability through a single connection.
Power delivery is another area where the Thunderbolt 5 Dock asserts its future-ready stance. Capable of supplying up to 140W of charging power, it can easily handle even power-hungry notebooks like MacBook Pros or high-end Windows workstations, while also distributing power to connected accessories. The dock intelligently manages power distribution across the ports to maintain stability and avoid overdraw scenarios. As more users transition to single-cable workflows for portable performance and desktop-grade expansion, the OWC Thunderbolt 5 Dock stands out by balancing power, speed, and compatibility in a consolidated form factor.
Is Thunderbolt 5 a Big Jump on Thunderbolt 4, REALLY?
Thunderbolt 5 represents a major leap over Thunderbolt 4 in terms of bandwidth, display support, PCIe throughput, and power deliveryâpushing the connectivity standard into a new performance tier. Where Thunderbolt 4 maxed out at 40Gbps, Thunderbolt 5 doubles that with 80Gbps of standard bi-directional bandwidth, and introduces a Bandwidth Boost mode of up to 120Gbpsâa key benefit for multi-display setups and high-frame-rate output. Video support has also improved dramatically: while Thunderbolt 4 can manage a single 8K display at 60Hz or two 4K displays, Thunderbolt 5 enables multiple 8K displays or three 4K displays at 144Hz, and even supports a single 540Hz panelâimportant for ultra-responsive applications like game design, simulation, and high-end color grading.
Specification
Thunderbolt 4
Thunderbolt 5
Maximum Bandwidth
40Gbps
80Gbps (standard), up to 120Gbps (with Bandwidth Boost)
Video Output
1 x 8K @ 60Hz or 2 x 4K @ 60Hz
Multiple 8K or 3 x 4K @ 144Hz, up to 1 x 540Hz single display
PCIe Throughput
32Gbps (PCIe 3.0)
64Gbps (PCIe 4.0)
Power Delivery
Up to 100W (15W accessory minimum)
Up to 240W (140W accessory minimum)
Daisy Chaining
Supported (limited bandwidth headroom)
Enhanced multi-chain support with full performance retention
High-end displays, external GPUs, creative workflows, pro tablets
PCIe bandwidth also sees a doubling, moving from 32Gbps (PCIe 3.0) in Thunderbolt 4 to 64Gbps (PCIe 4.0) in Thunderbolt 5, allowing external SSDs, GPUs, and fast capture cards to perform at significantly higher throughput levels. Similarly, power delivery has increased from 100W to up to 240W, with a new mandatory 140W standard for device chargingâenabling the dock to power even high-performance mobile workstations over a single cable. Despite these gains, Thunderbolt 5 remains fully backward compatible with Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 3, and USB-C/USB4 devices, scaling features based on host and peripheral support. As manufacturers like Apple, Dell, and Lenovo begin integrating Thunderbolt 5 into new devices, docks like OWCâs Thunderbolt 5 model are well-positioned to deliver the full benefits of this next-gen interface, particularly in workflows involving heavy media processing, multi-monitor editing suites, and mobile-first productivity ecosystems.
What else did OWC show at Computex 2025?
OWC Envoy Ultra â This rugged portable SSD is built for real-world use in demanding environments. With integrated cable design and speeds exceeding 6000MB/s, itâs ideal for creatives working on location. Compatible across macOS, Windows, iPad Pro, Chromebooks, and Surface devices, the Envoy Ultra offers high-performance external storage in a bus-powered form factor.
OWC Thunderbolt 5 Hub â Designed for users who need more high-speed ports, this compact hub expands a single Thunderbolt 5 connection into three Thunderbolt 5 ports and an additional USB-A port. It supports full 80Gb/s bi-directional bandwidth and up to 120Gb/s for display tasks, making it a scalable solution for device-heavy workspaces.
OWC ThunderBlade X12 â Aimed at film editors and content studios, the ThunderBlade X12 is a RAID-capable SSD offering peak write speeds of 6600MB/s and sustained write speeds of 5990MB/s. Itâs designed for high-resolution video workflows where real-time editing and transfer speeds are mission-critical.
OWC Jellyfish â This shared storage solution caters to collaborative editing environments, with scalable capacity from terabytes to petabytes. Supporting 4K to 12K media editing, Jellyfish includes management software and robust security, ideal for teams handling post-production and asset-heavy projects.
OWC Memory Cards and Readers â Built with performance and reliability in mind, OWCâs CFexpress and SD card lines offer fast write speeds and integration with OWC Innergize software, which optimizes performance and checks card health for professional photographers and videographers.
OWC Portable SSDs â Models like the Envoy Pro FX and Express 1M2 continue to serve mobile users with cross-platform support, rugged construction, and high throughput, ensuring reliable data transfer in the field or on set.
OWC Desktop Storage â The Mercury Elite Pro and ThunderBay lines offer RAID-enabled storage for desktop users, with Thunderbolt and USB-C interfaces for speed and versatility. These units are designed for high-capacity needs in media production, backup, and archiving.
OWC Archive Pro Ethernet â A robust LTO-based solution for long-term, high-volume data backup over the network. Tailored for enterprise, media, and government use cases, it supports automated workflows and is optimized for data integrity and longevity in cold storage environments.
OWC Thunderbolt 5 Dock â Release Date and Price
The OWC Thunderbolt 5 Dock is now available for pre-order at $329.99 USD, positioning it as a premium but competitively priced solution for professionals seeking cutting-edge desktop expansion. Each unit includes a certified Thunderbolt 5 cable, external power supply, and access to OWCâs Dock Ejector software, with customer support included. Shipping is expected to begin in early July 2025, following its live showcase at COMPUTEX Taipei. With Thunderbolt 5-equipped laptops and devices entering the market, this dock is one of the first fully certified options to deliver the expanded bandwidth, power delivery, and device flexibility that next-generation workflows demand.
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Alternatively, why not ask me on the ASK NASCompares forum, by clicking the button below. This is a community hub that serves as a place that I can answer your question, chew the fat, share new release information and even get corrections posted. I will always get around to answering ALL queries, but as a one-man operation, I cannot promise speed! So by sharing your query in the ASK NASCompares section below, you can get a better range of solutions and suggestions, alongside my own.
Synology Launches RS2825RP+ RackStation NAS for Business Deployments
As Synology continue its large-scale refresh of its solution portfolio, it is finally time to start talking about rackmount solutions! Although many were waiting on the RS1225+, it looks like the brand wants to âgo bigâ with the Synology RS2825RP+ 16 Bay, expandable 10GbE equipped and 25G Ready server solution. Arriving in the PLUS series, and therefore subject to the recent hardline storage media verification changes made by the brand for the 2025 series and onwards, the RS2825RP+ is clearly a very, very different solution and therefore perhaps reaching a target audience who are more receptive to it (maybe). Synology have a phenomenal history when it comes to their rackmount series â for many years it was just the rackstation series â but eventually we saw the UC, SA, FS and XS arrives.. which in turn is now rolling towards the enterprise challengers such as the Active Protect DP devices, the Gridstation (GS) devices and even a long desired and promised NVMe Flash series (the PAS range). So, PLUS series devices like the RS2825RP+ are occupying an increasingly squeezed area of the portfolio where buyers want comparatively affordable, scalable and capable storage. The changes by the brand on drive media support and verification do undercut this somewhat, so with that in mind, what has this new 3U Rackmount got to offer you in 2025 that makes it deserved your money and your data?
The Synology RS2825RP+ is equipped with an AMD Ryzen V1780B processor, offering a quad-core architecture with base and boost clocks of 3.35 GHz and 3.6 GHz, respectively. Designed for enterprise-grade workloads, the system includes 8 GB of ECC DDR4 memory in a single module configuration, which can be expanded up to 32 GB via two available slots. The rackmount chassis conforms to a 3U form factor and houses 16 front-accessible drive bays, supporting both 3.5â and 2.5â SATA formats. Networking capabilities include dual 1GbE ports and a single 10GbE port for high-speed data transfer, with a PCIe Gen3 slot offering further upgrade flexibility for additional NICs or storage controllers. According to Synologyâs internal benchmarks, the unit delivers up to 3,519 MB/s sequential read and 1,790 MB/s write performance, which is suitable for multi-user environments requiring fast data access and sharing.
16 x 3.5âł/2.5âł SATA (expandable to 28 bays with 1 x RX1225RP)
Hot Swappable Drives
Yes
Expansion Slot
1 x PCIe Gen 3 x8 (x4 link)
LAN Ports
1 x 10GbE RJ-45, 2 x 1GbE RJ-45
USB Ports
2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1
Expansion Ports
1 (for Synology RX1225RP)
Form Factor
Rackmount 3U
Dimensions (H x W x D)
132.3 mm x 482 mm x 656.5 mm
Weight
17.3 kg
System Fans
3 x 80 mm
Power Supply
Redundant, AC 100â240V, 50/60 Hz, Single Phase
Operating Temperature
0°C to 35°C (32°F to 95°F)
Storage Temperature
-20°C to 60°C (-5°F to 140°F)
Relative Humidity
5% to 95% RH
Max Operating Altitude
5,000 m
Rack Installation
4-post 19âł rack (Synology Rail Kit RKS-02, sold separately)
Engineered for sustained operation in business-critical environments, the RS2825RP+ incorporates three hot-swappable fans for effective airflow and dual redundant power supplies to mitigate downtime during hardware failures. The hot-swappable drive trays support online volume management, allowing for drive replacement or expansion without system shutdown. The power input is adaptable across 100â240V AC ranges, ensuring compatibility with global power standards. The system is further enhanced by a dedicated hardware encryption engine, allowing encrypted data processing without heavily impacting performance, making it practical for organizations handling sensitive or regulated data.
On the software side, the RS2825RP+ runs Synologyâs DiskStation Manager (DSM), which supports a wide suite of data protection, business productivity, and infrastructure management applications. Included without additional licensing are tools such as Synology High Availability, which enables failover between identical units to ensure service continuity, and Snapshot Replication, which offers near-instantaneous recovery points for shared folders and LUNs. Hyper Backup extends protection to remote servers and public clouds with features like deduplication, data integrity verification, and multi-versioned backup scheduling. For IT environments reliant on virtualization, DSM integrates natively with VMware vSphere, Microsoft Hyper-V, Citrix, and OpenStack, with support for VMware VAAI and Windows ODX to offload and streamline storage operations.
Hyper Backup, Active Backup Suite (PCs, VMs, M365, Google Workspace)
High Availability
Supported (cluster with identical Synology NAS)
Surveillance Station
2 licenses included (up to 90 cameras supported with additional licenses)
Hybrid Share
Yes (C2 subscription required)
Synology Office
Up to 900 users
Synology Chat
Up to 300 users
Synology Drive
1,000 users / 15 million hosted files
MailPlus Server
5 accounts free (up to 1,100 with license packs)
SAN Manager
64 iSCSI Targets / 128 LUNs
VPN Server
12 concurrent connections
Security Features
Firewall, encrypted folders, SMB/FTP over TLS, HTTPS, Letâs Encrypt
Browser Support
Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge
Languages Supported
20+ including English, Français, Deutsch, æ„æŹèȘ, çźäœäžæ, íê”ìŽ
Beyond infrastructure, DSM also serves as a collaboration platform. Synology Drive allows for real-time file synchronization across Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile platforms, with granular permissions for enterprise-grade file governance. Users can collaborate using Synology Office, which provides a shared workspace for documents, spreadsheets, and presentations with unlimited versioning and cross-format compatibility. Communication features such as Synology Chat and Calendar are included, supporting encrypted messaging and team scheduling. Hybrid Share, an optional feature, combines on-premise access speed with cloud-based scalability, enabling multi-site deployments to efficiently manage shared files with a single global namespace.
The RS2825RP+ supports a maximum of 28 drives when paired with the RX1225RP expansion unit, enabling up to 560 TB of raw storage using currently available 20 TB drives. Storage flexibility is provided through support for Btrfs on internal volumes and a range of file systems on external devices. Multiple RAID configurations are available, including Synology Hybrid RAID, Basic, JBOD, and traditional RAID levels 0 through 10. SSD caching is supported via both SATA and M.2 NVMe SSDs, the latter requiring optional expansion cards. Volume sizes up to 200 TB are supported, although configurations exceeding 108 TB require the system to be upgraded to 32 GB of RAM, ensuring memory availability for managing large metadata and file tables.
A key constraint with the RS2825RP+ is Synologyâs enforcement of verified drive compatibility. At the time of release, the system only allows initialization and full access to features when Synology-branded drives or those listed on its official compatibility list are installed. This closed ecosystem policy may limit adoption among users seeking to repurpose third-party or existing storage media. The restriction also affects advanced features such as SSD caching, drive health monitoring, and hybrid volume configurations, which are tied to Synologyâs drive firmware and integration layers. The Synology RS2825RP+ offers a balanced mix of compute power, storage expandability, and data protection features suitable for centralized IT infrastructure in small to medium-sized businesses. Its high-speed throughput, enterprise-grade software suite, and support for virtualization and surveillance make it versatile for multiple deployment scenarios. However, organizations considering this model should weigh the implications of Synologyâs drive compatibility enforcement against their existing hardware procurement policies.
Synology RS2825RP+ vs RS2821RP+ â A Significant Upgrade?
he RS2825RP+ is expected to replace the older RS2821RP+ in Synologyâs 16-bay rackmount NAS lineup, and while both systems share the same 3U chassis size, drive bay count, and expansion support up to 28 bays, they diverge significantly in internal hardware. The newer model features a faster AMD Ryzen V1780B CPU with a higher base clock of 3.35 GHz (vs 2.2 GHz in the V1500B), along with 8 GB of ECC DDR4 memory pre-installedâdouble that of the RS2821RP+. The RS2825RP+ also includes a 10GbE port by default, something absent from the RS2821RP+, which instead comes with four 1GbE ports. While both models support PCIe expansion, the RS2825RP+ uses a newer generation processor with improved encryption offloading and virtualization potential, better suited to modern business applications with higher throughput demands.
Recommended â third-party drives still functional
Default DSM Version
DSM 7.2+
DSM 7.x
Surveillance Support
Up to 90 cameras (with additional licenses)
Up to 90 cameras (with additional licenses)
Warranty
3 years (extendable to 5 years)
3 years (extendable to 5 years)
However, the RS2821RP+ offers greater flexibility in terms of supported drive media. Although Synology recommends its own branded drives for this unit, it does not enforce the same strict hardware lock-in seen on the RS2825RP+. Users of the RS2821RP+ can utilize a broader range of 2.5â and 3.5â SATA HDDs and SSDs, including many from third-party vendors, without encountering initialization blocks or feature restrictions. This openness makes the RS2821RP+ a more attractive option for businesses with existing storage investments or those who prioritize long-term cost control and vendor neutrality. By contrast, the RS2825RP+ requires verified drives at launch, which restricts hardware reusability and may increase TCO for those transitioning from legacy systems.
When Will the Synology RS2825RP+ Be Released and the Price?
Ultimately, the RS2825RP+ represents a forward step in terms of raw performance and integrated networking capabilities, aligning with Synologyâs broader push toward all-in-one systems with deeper integration and control. But that progress comes at the cost of flexibility, particularly in storage media compatibility. The RS2821RP+ may remain relevant for users seeking broader hardware compatibility, even as the RS2825RP+ replaces it in the official portfolio. Buyers will need to weigh the advantages of newer hardware against the limitations introduced by Synologyâs tighter ecosystem approach.
All shared information online and inadvertent slips on the RS2825RP+ appear to indicate that the RS2825RP+ will arrive at a similar price point to itâs predecessor at around $3000-3499, and launching earlier in the eastern regions, but eventually rolling out globally in June.
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Finally, for free advice about your setup, just leave a message in the comments below here at NASCompares.com and we will get back to you.Need Help?
Where possible (and where appropriate) please provide as much information about your requirements, as then I can arrange the best answer and solution to your needs. Do not worry about your e-mail address being required, it will NOT be used in a mailing list and will NOT be used in any way other than to respond to your enquiry.
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If you like this service, please consider supporting us.
We use affiliate links on the blog allowing NAScompares information and advice service to be free of charge to you.Anything you purchase on the day you click on our links will generate a small commission which isused to run the website. Here is a link for Amazon and B&H.You can also get me a Ko-fi or old school Paypal. Thanks!To find out more about how to support this advice service checkHEREIf you need to fix or configure a NAS, check FiverHave you thought about helping others with your knowledge? Find Instructions Here
Or support us by using our affiliate links on Amazon UK and Amazon US
Alternatively, why not ask me on the ASK NASCompares forum, by clicking the button below. This is a community hub that serves as a place that I can answer your question, chew the fat, share new release information and even get corrections posted. I will always get around to answering ALL queries, but as a one-man operation, I cannot promise speed! So by sharing your query in the ASK NASCompares section below, you can get a better range of solutions and suggestions, alongside my own.
If you like this service, please consider supporting us. We use affiliate links on the blog allowing NAScompares information and advice service to be free of charge to you.Anything you purchase on the day you click on our links will generate a small commission which isused to run the website. Here is a link for Amazon and B&H.You can also get me a Ko-fi or old school Paypal. Thanks!To find out more about how to support this advice service checkHEREIf you need to fix or configure a NAS, check FiverHave you thought about helping others with your knowledge? Find Instructions Here
QNAP Tech Summit 2025 â All New Hardware and Software Solutions Unveiled
During Computex 2025 in Taipei, QNAP hosted its annual Tech Summit to unveil a broad array of new hardware and software solutions aimed at addressing evolving demands across creative, enterprise, and edge environments. The event marked a continued shift in QNAPâs product directionâplacing greater focus on hybrid cloud integration, high-speed connectivity, and on-premises AI deployment. With an emphasis on real-time collaboration, secure multi-site operations, and scalable infrastructure, the brand introduced several next-generation NAS systems, networking components, and AI-ready platforms.
Among the standout themes were high-availability architecture with modular redundancy, scale-out storage clusters for petabyte-class expansion, Thunderbolt 5 and USB4-enabled creative workflows, and new AI capabilities integrated directly within NAS environments. Surveillance, backup automation, and cloud services also featured prominently in QNAPâs roadmap for 2025. This article provides a structured breakdown of each individual hardware product and software solution announced or demonstrated during the summit, using verified details from the live showcase and official press releases.
TVS-AIh1688ATX â Thunderbolt, AI Workloads, and Hybrid SSD/HDD Architecture
The TVS-AIh1688ATX is QNAPâs latest high-performance desktop NAS solution designed for creative professionals, AI developers, and hybrid storage environments. Powered by Intelâs 15th-generation Core Ultra processors, this system offers up to 24 cores with an integrated 13 TOPS NPU, making it one of the most compute-capable QNAP NAS systems available to date. Designed for high-throughput workloads such as video editing, AI model inference, and multi-user virtualization, the unit blends storage flexibility with modern I/O and connectivity. The TVS-AIh1688ATX features 12 x 3.5-inch SATA HDD bays and 4 x 2.5-inch U.2 NVMe SSD bays, providing tiered storage suitable for media caching, fast data ingestion, and archival. Although the M.2 slot configuration has not been officially confirmed, the design suggests focus has been placed on high-speed U.2 storage instead. Memory is expandable up to 192GB DDR5 ECC, supporting both VM-intensive and AI-enhanced environments.
On the connectivity side, the system offers dual Thunderbolt 4 (USB4) ports built-in, with optional expansion for Thunderbolt 5 using the QXP-T52P PCIe upgrade card, which utilizes Intelâs JHL9580 controller. It includes 2 x 10GBASE-T Ethernet ports and supports 25GbE/100GbE expansion via available PCIe Gen 4 x4 slots. This makes it viable for multi-user 4K/8K content workflows, fast data offloads, and scalable network integration.
This NAS runs either QTS (EXT4) or QuTS hero (ZFS), depending on user preference, with support for ZFS features like inline compression, deduplication, and near-limitless snapshots. It is also fully compatible with FileTiers, Qsirch with AI-enhanced RAG search, myQNAPcloud One, and VM Station with GPU pass-through for AI workloads. These attributes enable it to serve both as a media production hub and localized AI platform.
Feature
Details
CPU
Intel Core Ultra (up to 24 cores, with 13 TOPS NPU)
Memory
1 x DDR5 ECC (expandable up to 192GB)
Drive Bays
12 x 3.5âł SATA HDD + 4 x 2.5âł U.2 NVMe SSD
Thunderbolt Ports
2 x USB4/Thunderbolt 4 (built-in), 2 x Thunderbolt 5 (optional via PCIe)
PCIe Expansion
Up to 3 slots (2 usable for TB5, 100GbE, or GPU options)
Network Ports
2 x 10GBASE-T, optional 25GbE / 100GbE via PCIe
AI Acceleration
Integrated NPU, supports GPU pass-through via Virtualization Station
Storage Features
RAID 0/1/5/6/10, ZFS/EXT4, SnapSync, FileTiers
Software
QTS / QuTS hero, Qsirch AI Search, myQNAPcloud One
Use Cases
4K/8K editing, local AI inference, VM hosting, media archiving
TS-h974TX â Compact 9-Bay NAS with Thunderbolt 4 and Hybrid SSD Support
The QNAP TS-h974TX is a compact 9-bay NAS aimed at professionals requiring a balance between high-speed external connectivity, internal storage flexibility, and moderate compute performance. It features an Intel Core i3-1215U processor with 6 cores (2P + 4E) and 8 threads, capable of boosting up to 4.4GHz, making it suitable for multimedia workflows, virtualization, and SMB-level AI services.
This NAS includes 5 x 3.5-inch SATA HDD bays and 4 x 2.5-inch U.2 PCIe Gen 3 x2 slots, giving users the ability to combine traditional hard drive storage with fast SSD caching or performance-tier pools. QNAPâs support for E1.S or NVMe M.2 modules in these U.2 slots also enables forward-looking upgrade paths. The TS-h974TX ships with 8GB of DDR5 memory, upgradeable to 64GB, with support for ECC where required.
Key to the systemâs appeal is its inclusion of 2 x Thunderbolt 4 ports, which allow for high-speed DAS-style access from editing workstations or integration into content creation environments. Networking options include 1 x 10GBASE-T and 1 x 2.5GbE RJ45 port, supporting link aggregation and flexible deployment scenarios.
The system runs QuTS hero, taking advantage of ZFS features such as inline deduplication, compression, and SnapSync. Its form factor, combined with its I/O options and high-speed storage lanes, makes it well-suited for use in hybrid video production pipelines, post-production setups, and edge AI inference when combined with GPU-accelerated containers or VMs.
Feature
Details
CPU
Intel Core i3-1215U (6C/8T, up to 4.4GHz)
Memory
8GB DDR5 SODIMM (2 slots, up to 64GB)
Drive Bays
5 x 3.5âł SATA HDD + 4 x 2.5âł U.2 PCIe Gen 3 x2 SSD
Thunderbolt Ports
2 x Thunderbolt 4
Network Ports
1 x 10GBASE-T, 1 x 2.5GbE RJ45
PCIe Expansion
Not specified (non-expandable unit)
AI/VM Support
Container Station, Virtualization Station, Qsirch AI
File System Support
ZFS via QuTS hero
Use Cases
4K editing, SSD caching, SMB NAS, AI inference with external GPU
ES1686dc R2 â Dual-Controller, High Availability ZFS NAS for Enterprise
The QNAP ES1686dc R2 is a 16-bay enterprise-grade NAS built for continuous uptime and operational resilience through a dual active-active controller architecture. Each controller operates independently but in parallel, handling I/O workloads simultaneously to ensure that services remain online even if one controller fails or undergoes maintenance. This makes it well-suited for deployment in industries such as finance, healthcare, and high-throughput virtualization environments where data availability is critical.
Each controller includes 4 x 10GbE SFP+ ports, allowing for high-speed link aggregation and redundant connectivity. The system also includes 2 x PCIe slots per controller, which can be used to expand the unit with additional 10GbE, 25GbE, or SAS expansion cards. Write cache integrity is protected via NVRAM modules, reducing the risk of data loss during unexpected power failures.
The ES1686dc R2 runs QuTS hero, utilizing the ZFS file system for inline deduplication, compression, and end-to-end data integrity. It supports SnapSync for real-time remote replication and near-limitless snapshots, allowing organizations to maintain strong data protection policies and disaster recovery protocols. The system is also designed to be compatible with QNAPâs L3 Lite switch series and AMIZcloud monitoring tools, enabling integration into larger scale-out architectures and hybrid network environments.
This NAS platform also benefits from a modular designâwith field-replaceable PSU and controller modules, administrators can quickly restore service in the event of hardware failure without downtime or full system shutdown.
Guardian (health monitoring), AMIZcloud, QuLog, Qsirch AI
Use Cases
Mission-critical apps, HA clusters, virtualization, regulated sectors
USB4 Network Adapters and JBOD Expansion â High-Speed I/O for Creative and Enterprise Workflows
At the QNAP Tech Summit 2025, several USB4-based hardware accessories were unveiled, aimed at enhancing the connectivity of both NAS and client systems. These include network adapters for 10GbE and 25GbE access, as well as a new 8-bay USB4 JBOD expansion enclosure for extending direct-attached storage capacity.
QNA-UC10G2SF â USB4 to Dual-Port 10GbE SFP+ Adapter
This fanless adapter allows any USB4-enabled host system to connect directly to high-speed SFP+ networks. It features 2 x 10GbE SFP+ ports, includes two transceivers, and connects via a USB4 Type-C cable (included). Designed for creative users and workstation environments, it enables direct 10GbE access from laptops or desktops without PCIe upgrades.
QNA-UC25G2SF â USB4 to Dual-Port 25GbE SFP28 Adapter
This higher-bandwidth model offers dual 25GbE SFP28 ports via a single USB4 connection. Due to increased power requirements, it includes a second USB-C port for PD (Power Delivery). Two 25GbE transceivers are included. This device targets studios and enterprise setups needing ultra-fast file transfer or VM-to-host access from portable systems.
TL-D810TC4 â 8-Bay USB4 JBOD Enclosure
This hot-swappable SATA enclosure provides 8 x 3.5-inch drive bays over a single USB4 40Gbps connection, supporting high-capacity HDDs or SSDs. Designed as an expansion solution for Thunderbolt/USB4-compatible NAS or PCs, it includes smart/manual fan control, and is positioned as a scalable media storage device for video editors, content creators, and backup environments.
All these devices are plug-and-play and designed for cross-platform use (Mac/Windows/Linux where supported), and help bridge the performance gap between traditional NAS systems and direct-attached workflows in hybrid production setups.
USB4 Expansion Solutions â Overview
Model
Description
Ports
Notable Features
QNA-UC10G2SF
USB4 to 2 x 10GbE SFP+ Adapter
2 x SFP+
Fanless, includes 2 transceivers, low power
QNA-UC25G2SF
USB4 to 2 x 25GbE SFP28 Adapter
2 x SFP28
PD support, includes 2 transceivers
TL-D810TC4
8-Bay USB4 JBOD Expansion Enclosure
8 x SATA bays
40Gbps USB4, smart/manual cooling, hot-swap
TS-h1077AFU â 1U All-Flash Rackmount NAS with Ryzen 7 and PCIe Gen 4
The QNAP TS-h1077AFU is a 1U rackmount NAS designed for high-performance, latency-sensitive workloads requiring SSD-only configurations. It is equipped with an AMD Ryzen 7 Pro 7745/7700 processor, offering up to 8 cores and a maximum boost clock of 5.3GHz. This CPU choice allows for substantial multi-threaded throughput, making the unit suitable for containerized environments, virtualization, and enterprise-grade data services. The system features 10 x 2.5-inch SATA SSD bays, optimized for full flash arrays (AFA), which support consistently high IOPS and bandwidth for applications like VDI, database hosting, or video post-production. For expansion, it includes 2 x PCIe Gen 4 x8 slots, enabling the addition of 25GbE NICs, SAS expansion cards, or even GPU accelerators depending on thermal and power constraints.
Networking is built-in with 2 x 10GBASE-T and 2 x 2.5GbE RJ45 ports, providing flexible connectivity options for core and edge deployments. With DDR5 ECC memory support, the TS-h1077AFU can be expanded up to 192GB, ensuring system reliability in mission-critical operations. This system runs on QuTS hero, leveraging the ZFS file system with support for deduplication, compression, inline snapshots, and real-time synchronization. It integrates easily into hybrid storage environments through FileTiers, Hybrid Backup Center, and QuTScloud support.
Feature
Details
CPU
AMD Ryzen 7 Pro 7745/7700 (8-core, up to 5.3GHz)
Memory
DDR5 ECC UDIMM, up to 192GB
Drive Bays
10 x 2.5âł SATA SSD (hot-swappable)
Network Ports
2 x 10GBASE-T + 2 x 2.5GbE RJ45
PCIe Expansion
2 x PCIe Gen 4 x8
Form Factor
1U Rackmount
File System
ZFS (QuTS hero)
Key Features
All-flash performance, ECC memory, Gen 4 expansion, HA-ready
TS-262A and TS-462A â Entry-Level Intel NAS for Home and Small Office Users
The TS-262A and TS-462A are updated tower NAS models designed to serve the needs of entry-level users, home offices, and small businesses. Both systems are built around the Intel Celeron N5095, a quad-core processor running at 2.0GHz (burst up to 2.9GHz), providing modest compute resources for basic file sharing, backups, multimedia streaming, and light virtualization.
The TS-262A features 2 x 3.5-inch SATA bays, while the TS-462A expands this to 4 x 3.5-inch SATA bays, offering greater capacity for RAID configurations and future scalability. Both models support 2 x M.2 2280 PCIe Gen 3 x1 NVMe SSDs, allowing users to create SSD cache or performance volumes for improved access speeds on frequently used files.
Each system includes 2 x USB 2.0 ports, 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (10Gbps), and 1 x 2.5GbE RJ45 port, offering a notable upgrade from traditional 1GbE-only units. However, unlike the 64-series QNAP NAS models, neither of these units includes a PCIe expansion slot, meaning network or port upgrades are not supported beyond what is pre-installed.
These units run QTS, offering features like Snapshot Backup, Hybrid Backup Sync (HBS3), multimedia streaming applications, and Container Station for lightweight container use. Both systems are capable of running Plex Media Server and basic Docker workloads, although limitations in CPU/GPU mean users should not expect real-time 4K transcoding.
Feature
TS-262A
TS-462A
CPU
Intel Celeron N5095 (4C/4T, up to 2.9GHz)
Intel Celeron N5095 (4C/4T, up to 2.9GHz)
Memory
2 x DDR4 SODIMM (up to 16GB)
2 x DDR4 SODIMM (up to 16GB)
Drive Bays
2 x 3.5âł SATA HDD
4 x 3.5âł SATA HDD
M.2 Slots
2 x M.2 2280 PCIe Gen 3 x1
2 x M.2 2280 PCIe Gen 3 x1
Network
1 x 2.5GbE RJ45
1 x 2.5GbE RJ45
USB Ports
2 x USB 2.0, 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2
2 x USB 2.0, 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2
PCIe Slot
Not included
Not included
Software
QTS
QTS
Use Cases
Backup, file server, media playback, Plex (basic)
Backup, file server, media playback, Plex (basic)
QuTS Mega and 60 Bay Scale Out Enclsoure â Scale-Out NAS and Petabyte-Level Expansion
At Computex 2025, QNAP showcased QuTS Mega, its scale-out NAS operating system designed for high-capacity, high-performance deployments. Unlike traditional NAS setups, QuTS Mega enables multiple NAS nodes to operate in a single clustered environment, supporting linear scaling of both capacity and performance. This architecture is ideal for organizations dealing with large datasets over long retention periodsâsuch as media archives, surveillance storage, or AI training sets.
To demonstrate this, QNAP introduced the a 60-bay JBOD enclosure compatible with SAS or SATA drives. Each unit connects via HD Mini-SAS and can be configured using dual-port or quad-port SAS expansion cards, offering 12Gbps throughput per link. In QuTS Mega environments, these enclosures are used to form part of a multi-node clusterâQNAP stated support for up to 96 nodes, scaling total usable capacity up to 45 petabytes with redundancy features like triple parity RAID options.
QuTS Mega is distinct from QTS and QuTS hero in that it is purpose-built for clustered data storage. It supports intelligent data distribution across nodes, node redundancy, and non-disruptive expansion. This eliminates the need for forklift upgrades or data migrations when scaling infrastructure. All nodes in a QuTS Mega cluster operate under a single namespace, simplifying storage management for administrators.
QNAPâs live demo at the Tech Summit included MC-LAG (Multi-Chassis Link Aggregation) between switches, showing seamless failover and uninterrupted iSCSI/SMB connectivity even during network outagesâfurther reinforcing QuTS Megaâs design for high-availability storage backbones.
Feature
Details
OS Platform
QuTS Mega (scale-out NAS OS)
Cluster Size
Up to 96 nodes
Total Capacity
Up to 45PB (with 60-bay JBODs)
JBOD Drive Bays
60 x 3.5âł SAS/SATA
Expansion Cards
2-port and 4-port 12Gb SAS cards available
RAID Support
Includes triple-parity configurations
Networking
Supports MC-LAG and seamless failover between clustered nodes
Use Cases
Petabyte-scale backup, media archiving, AI training, tiered cloud sync
TS-h1655XeU-RP â Short-Depth 3U Rackmount NAS with Hybrid SSD Support
The QNAP TS-h1655XeU-RP is a 3U short-depth rackmount NAS designed for environments requiring high-density storage in shallow enclosures, such as edge data centers or space-constrained AV deployments. It combines large-capacity HDD storage with high-speed SSD caching capabilities, making it suitable for virtualized infrastructure, surveillance archiving, or tiered storage environments. The system is powered by an Intel Atom C5125, an 8-core processor operating at 2.8GHz, which balances efficiency with adequate performance for file services, surveillance management, and backup workloads. It supports ECC RAM and offers two DDR4 SODIMM slots, with expansion support for up to 64GB depending on configuration.
The chassis includes 12 x 3.5-inch SATA drive bays, supporting high-capacity HDDs, and 4 x E1.S or M.2 2280 PCIe SSD slots, ideal for deploying SSD caches or high-IOPS VM storage volumes. This hybrid layout enables intelligent data placement and supports FileTiers for tiered storage strategies.
Networking consists of 1 x 10GBASE-T and 2 x 2.5GbE RJ45 ports, with optional PCIe 3.0 expansion via 2 available slots for additional NICs or storage interface cards. This unit runs QuTS hero, leveraging ZFS features such as inline deduplication, compression, SnapSync, and nearly unlimited snapshots. With its short-depth 12-inch chassis and redundant PSU (RP) support, the TS-h1655XeU-RP is targeted at deployments where rack depth, service uptime, and flexible media configurations are primary considerations.
Feature
Details
CPU
Intel Atom C5125 (8-core, 2.8GHz)
Memory
DDR4 SODIMM (ECC optional), up to 64GB
Drive Bays
12 x 3.5âł SATA HDD + 4 x E1.S / M.2 2280 PCIe SSD
Hybrid Backup Center and myQNAPcloud One â Unified Backup, Immutability, and Multi-Site Control
QNAP used the Tech Summit 2025 to unveil an upgraded version of its data protection ecosystem, anchored by the new Hybrid Backup Center and the expanding capabilities of myQNAPcloud One. Together, these tools aim to provide a unified, policy-driven backup infrastructure for NAS-to-NAS, NAS-to-cloud, and multi-site environments.
The Hybrid Backup Center builds upon the earlier HBS3 platform, providing a centralized dashboard for managing backup tasks across all connected devices. It includes a real-time topology view, allowing administrators to visualize active jobs, destination targets, and data flow between NAS units and cloud services. The system supports local snapshots, remote replication, and cloud synchronization, all of which can be monitored and managed from a single interface.
One of the most significant upgrades is support for immutable backups, which can be enforced on both local NAS volumes and cloud targets. This ensures that backup data cannot be modified or deleted for a user-defined retention period, protecting against ransomware, accidental deletion, or tampering. Integration with QuLog Center also enables alerting and auditing, helping IT administrators track backup success/failure and user interaction with backup sets.
myQNAPcloud One, originally introduced in earlier product cycles, now operates as a full-featured object and file storage platform. Itâs available under a subscription model with transparent pricing tiers that avoid bandwidth or API call surcharges. Designed for enterprise users, it supports tiered archiving from FileTiers, cloud snapshots, and off-site replication of backup tasks. When paired with QTS or QuTS hero NAS systems, it enables hybrid backup strategies with automatic data tiering between local SSD, HDD, and cloud storage.
These platforms are also tightly integrated with AMIZcloud, QNAPâs centralized fleet and lifecycle management portal, which provides global monitoring, health checks, and backup verification reports across large deployments.
Feature
Details
Hybrid Backup Center
Central dashboard for managing multi-site NAS backups
Backup Types
Local snapshot, remote replication, NAS-to-cloud sync
Immutability Support
Enforced on local volumes and cloud backups
Topology View
Real-time mapping of jobs and targets
Cloud Platform
myQNAPcloud One (subscription-based, no API/bandwidth penalties)
Use Cases
Ransomware protection, long-term archiving, distributed site backups
Integration
FileTiers, QuLog Center, AMIZcloud, Qsirch AI indexing support
QBoat Industrial NAS â Fanless M.2-Based System for Harsh Environments
The QNAP QET Industrial NAS is a rugged, compact network-attached storage solution designed specifically for deployment in industrial and factory environments, where environmental conditions may exceed the tolerance of traditional IT hardware. Engineered for wide temperature operation, the unit is rated for -40°C to +70°C, making it suitable for remote monitoring stations, production lines, and embedded data logging systems.
The system is built in a fanless chassis with enhanced thermal design, allowing passive cooling even under load. Internally, it supports 3 x M.2 NVMe SSDs, delivering full solid-state storage performance without the moving parts or vibration concerns associated with HDDs. These M.2 drives are ideal for applications requiring high-speed writes and reliability, such as sensor data capture or control system logging.
Connectivity is handled via 2 x Gigabit Ethernet ports, which are sufficient for industrial deployment scenarios where redundancy or dual-network operations are required. The device is powered via a robust industrial-grade power input, supporting wider voltage ranges and enhanced electrical protection.
The QET Industrial NAS is managed using QTS or QuTS hero, depending on the specific configuration, and supports standard QNAP services such as Hybrid Backup, QVR surveillance integration, and remote management via AMIZcloud. It provides a low-maintenance solution with on-prem AI inference support, allowing local deployment of lightweight AI models using hardware such as Google Coral TPUs or M.2 AI accelerators.
QET Industrial NAS â Specifications
Feature
Details
CPU
Not explicitly detailed (low-power embedded class)
Memory
Not specified (likely soldered or small SO-DIMM)
Storage
3 x M.2 NVMe SSDs
Network Ports
2 x Gigabit Ethernet
Power Input
Industrial-grade (wide voltage range, ruggedized)
Cooling
Fanless passive cooling
Operating Temp Range
-40°C to +70°C
Software
QTS or QuTS hero
Use Cases
MES systems, remote industrial sites, embedded AI, harsh environments
QAI-H1290FX â Edge AI NAS with RTX GPU Acceleration and On-Prem RAG Search
The QNAP QAI-H1290FX is a purpose-built edge AI storage server designed to enable on-premises deployment of large language models (LLMs) and retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) workflows without relying on cloud infrastructure. Positioned as an appliance for enterprises seeking data privacy, lower latency, and full control over their AI infrastructure, the QAI-H1290FX includes pre-installed GPU hardware and integrated AI software capabilities.
Internally, the unit can be configured with either two NVIDIA RTX 4000 Ada GPUs or a single RTX 6000 Ada, providing the CUDA cores and VRAM necessary to host and serve advanced AI models such as DeepSeek, Qwen, Mistral, and LLaMA. These models are deployed using either Virtualization Station or Container Station, and are tightly integrated with QNAPâs AI-enhanced Qsirch engine. The device supports RAG-based natural language search, allowing users to query locally stored documents using plain language and receive contextual, reference-backed answers.
The system includes standard QNAP management utilities as well as GPU monitoring, model download management, and resource orchestration tools accessible via a centralized interface. For businesses with compliance obligations or sensitive data workloads, this appliance offers a CapEx-friendly AI solution that avoids data residency concerns and ongoing cloud inference costs.
The QAI-H1290FX also supports FileTiers, QuTS hero for ZFS storage management, and can offload archived or low-priority data to myQNAPcloud One or external NAS systems, maintaining high-speed access to AI-critical datasets on SSD or NVMe storage pools.
Feature
Details
GPU Options
2 x NVIDIA RTX 4000 Ada or 1 x RTX 6000 Ada
AI Model Support
DeepSeek, Qwen, Mistral, LLaMA, Gemma (via container or VM)
CPU / Memory
Not officially specified (high-performance platform)
AI Capabilities
RAG search integration, LLM inference, local AI pipeline
On-prem AI inference, enterprise document search, private LLM hosting
QNAP SSD 700 Series â Enterprise E1.S NVMe SSDs for NAS and Flash Expansion
The QNAP SSD 700 Series introduces enterprise-grade E1.S NVMe SSDs aimed at delivering consistent performance, endurance, and reliability for QNAP NAS and expansion enclosures, particularly those supporting U.2, E1.S, or hybrid SSD configurations. These drives are designed for deployment in all-flash NAS environments, as well as tiered storage setups requiring high IOPS for AI, virtualization, or database workloads.
Built on PCIe Gen 4 x4 architecture, the SSD 700 drives deliver random read performance up to 900K IOPS, with write performance up to 60K IOPS. These metrics are tuned for mixed-use environments with a DWPD (Drive Writes Per Day) rating of 1, balancing endurance and cost-effectiveness for sustained 24/7 operations.
Drives are available in 1.92TB and 3.84TB capacities, with a 9.5mm E1.S form factor, making them compatible with newer QNAP NAS platforms such as the TS-h1655XeU-RP and TS-h974TX. They include Power Loss Protection (PLP) to protect in-flight data during unexpected shutdowns, and support TCG Opal 2.0 for hardware-level encryption and secure data sanitization.
These drives are warrantied for 5 years, aligning with typical enterprise storage lifecycles, and are designed to operate reliably under sustained load and elevated ambient temperatures often found in densely populated NAS enclosures.
Feature
Details
Interface
PCIe Gen 4 x4
Form Factor
E1.S, 9.5mm height
Capacities
1.92TB, 3.84TB
Performance
Up to 900K IOPS (read), 60K IOPS (write)
Endurance
1 DWPD
Data Protection
Power Loss Protection, TCG Opal 2.0
Use Cases
All-flash NAS, tiered storage, AI caching, VMs, database acceleration
Warranty
5 Years
QXP-T52P â Dual-Port Thunderbolt 5 Expansion Card for High-Speed NAS Connectivity
The QXP-T52P is QNAPâs new Thunderbolt 5 expansion card, designed to bring next-generation 80Gbps connectivity to compatible QNAP NAS systems with available PCIe Gen 4 x4 slots. This card allows NAS units to directly interface with high-bandwidth creative workflows, fast data ingest setups, or multi-user collaborative environments that rely on low-latency throughput.
The card is built around the Intel JHL9580 Thunderbolt 5 controller, and provides 2 x Thunderbolt 5 (USB-C) ports, each capable of handling up to 80Gbps bi-directional bandwidth. It is backward-compatible with Thunderbolt 3, Thunderbolt 4, and USB4 hosts or accessories, ensuring broad interoperability with editing suites, external RAID enclosures, and high-speed JBODs.
Installation is supported in QNAP NAS units equipped with PCIe Gen 4 support and appropriate cooling and power headroom. Once installed, the card enables DAS-style access to the NAS at ultra-high speeds, which is particularly beneficial for large file editing (4K/8K video), VFX production, and real-time content review.
The QXP-T52P is intended to complement QNAP systems such as the TVS-AIh1688ATX, which includes native Thunderbolt 4 ports but can expand further using this card, creating up to four Thunderbolt connections for simultaneous editing stations.
Feature
Details
Interface
PCIe Gen 4 x4
Thunderbolt Ports
2 x Thunderbolt 5 (USB-C)
Controller
Intel JHL9580
Max Bandwidth
80Gbps (bi-directional per port)
Compatibility
Thunderbolt 5/4/3, USB4, USB-C
Use Cases
NAS-to-workstation DAS, video editing, real-time data ingestion
System Requirements
QNAP NAS with PCIe Gen 4 slot and adequate cooling
QVR Surveillance and TVR-AI200 â Unified VMS and Edge AI for Security Deployment
In the surveillance segment of the Tech Summit 2025, QNAP presented an expanded role for its video monitoring ecosystem, centered on the TVR-AI200 NVR appliance and an updated QVR Surveillance platform. These solutions aim to simplify system deployment, enhance video intelligence at the edge, and consolidate multi-site management under a single interface. The TVR-AI200 is a compact, standalone NVR that supports up to 16 IP cameras via built-in PoE+ ports. With a setup time of under 10 minutes and support for offline initialization, it is positioned as a rapid-deployment solution for retail chains, branch offices, and remote sites. Unlike standard NAS-based surveillance, this unit is dedicated solely to VMS tasks, running QVR Pro/Elite natively and optimized for AI-enhanced video analytics such as facial recognition, motion detection, and object tracking.
On the software side, the QVR Surveillance suite has received architectural and interface updates. Key enhancements include multi-channel event playback, real-time timeline navigation, and customizable recording profiles. New AI event triggersâsuch as virtual boundaries, unattended object detection, and license plate recognitionâcan be configured to trigger alerts or backups through myQNAPcloud One or secondary NAS units. Additionally, QNAP highlighted its ongoing partnership with Network Optix, enabling full support for Nx Witness VMS across QNAP NAS models. This integration allows QNAP devices to host both the video management software and the recorded footage, reducing the need for external VMS servers and helping small-to-medium deployments consolidate hardware. Storage management is enhanced with FileTiers, ensuring high-frequency footage stays on SSD or U.2/NVMe volumes, while archival video is moved automatically to slower disks or cloud targets. This helps reduce costs while maintaining fast access to recent recordings.
The QNAP Tech Summit at Computex 2025 presented a broad and structured update to QNAPâs product lineup, with a clear focus on high-speed connectivity, AI integration, and scalable infrastructure. Standout hardware included the TVS-AIh1688ATX, which combines U.2 SSD support and Thunderbolt 4/5 expansion for creative workflows, and the QAI-H1290FX, positioned as a turnkey edge AI platform for private LLM deployment. In the enterprise space, the ES1686dc R2 demonstrated QNAPâs continued investment in dual-controller, high-availability storage for critical workloads.
On the software side, the introduction of QUTS Mega signals a shift toward large-scale, clustered storage, while the enhanced Hybrid Backup Center and myQNAPcloud One provide unified data protection with support for immutability and real-time monitoring. Surveillance applications were also refined with the launch of the TVR-AI200 and expanded support for AI-based event detection and third-party VMS integration. Overall, QNAPâs announcements reflect a strategy focused on modularity, multi-tier storage, and integration across local and cloud environmentsâdelivering solutions for both general-purpose NAS users and specialized professional deployments.
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At Computex 2025, Jonsbo introduced two compact NAS enclosures designed specifically for Mini-ITX systems â the N10 and NV10. These cases mark a departure from the larger, high-capacity N5 chassis revealed at Computex the year before, instead prioritizing a more focused approach for users building flash-based NAS setups or compact home servers.
Both models support FLEX power supplies up to 150mm and include a USB Type-C front I/O, but they diverge in functionality: one favors SSD storage, while the other accommodates low-profile GPUs. With a small footprint of just 205mm x 205mm x 108mm, the N10 and NV10 are part of a broader trend toward highly efficient, minimal-space deployments. As demand grows for quieter, energy-efficient NAS builds and localized AI or media applications, these enclosures reflect Jonsboâs continued push into purpose-built server chassis for the DIY market.
Hardware Specifications for the N10 and NV10
The Jonsbo N10 enclosure is engineered specifically for users building compact NAS systems that rely on SSD storage. It accommodates a Mini-ITX motherboard and includes four internal 2.5-inch drive bays arranged along the base of the chassis. These drive bays do not feature a backplane or quick-release mechanism; instead, drives are mounted using traditional screw-based trays. Users will need to ensure their motherboard or PCIe expansion cards provide the necessary SATA ports to connect all four drives.
The chassis is constructed from a combination of 3.3mm thick aluminum alloy panels and a 1.0mm steel internal frame, contributing to overall structural rigidity while maintaining a lightweight footprint. Cooling is handled by two built-in 40mm fans mounted on the rear panel, operating at 5000 RPM to provide active airflow across the storage bays. The magnetic top panel allows for quick internal access during installation or servicing.
The NV10, while identical in size and base materials to the N10 (205mm wide, 205mm deep, and 108mm high), is tailored to users who require GPU support within a compact chassis. It features two low-profile PCIe expansion slots and supports dual-slot graphics cards up to 190mm in length. There are no dedicated drive bays in the NV10, leaving internal space available for airflow and graphics card installation.
While it does not include internal case fans like the N10, the enclosure relies on ventilation cutouts across the top, sides, and rear to manage passive airflow. Effective cooling in the NV10 will depend on the power supplyâs exhaust fan and any active cooling solution on the GPU. The enclosureâs internal volume is tight, so thermal constraints and airflow direction should be carefully planned during assembly.
Both models support FLEX 1U power supplies up to 150mm in length, which mount at the rear of the case above the motherboard tray. The CPU cooler clearance is limited to 38mm in both the N10 and NV10, necessitating the use of low-profile coolersâsuch as those from Noctua or Dynatron. Neither model includes support for ATX or SFX power supplies, nor is there native support for 3.5-inch HDDs, reinforcing their focus on SSD or flash-only builds.
A single USB Type-C port is located on the front I/O of both enclosures, though no additional USB or audio connectors are present. There is also no onboard fan control or lighting, making these enclosures minimal by design. Weights are modest, with the N10 at 1.6 kg and the NV10 slightly lighter at 1.5 kg, making them easy to transport or integrate into space-limited deployments.
Why Are Jonsbo Enclosures So Popular?
Jonsbo enclosures have gained popularity among NAS and SFF (small form factor) PC builders due to their consistent focus on minimalist design, high material quality, and purpose-built layouts that cater to niche DIY projects. Their use of thick aluminum panels combined with solid steel internals strikes a balance between aesthetics, durability, and thermal performance. Unlike many generic ITX cases, Jonsbo often designs around specific use casesâsuch as flash-based storage, GPU acceleration, or low-noise operationârather than attempting to serve broad mainstream needs. This specialization appeals to enthusiasts who value efficient use of space, passive ventilation potential, and understated external styling. Additionally, the availability of features like magnetic panels, FLEX PSU support, and increasing support for ITX motherboards with NAS features has positioned Jonsbo as a go-to brand for compact, customizable server enclosures.
Where is the Jonsbo N6?
While the N10 and NV10 mark Jonsboâs continued refinement of compact, purpose-driven NAS and SFF enclosures, attention is already shifting to the next model in development: the Jonsbo N6. Although few details have been officially confirmed, early indications suggest that the N6 may attempt to bridge the gap between the high-capacity N5 and the minimal N10/NV10 by offering more drive bays, improved airflow, or even partial hot-swap capabilitiesâall while retaining the small footprint and aluminum-steel construction the brand is known for. If Jonsbo continues to respond to user demands for compact yet scalable server chassis, the N6 could potentially appeal to builders seeking more flexibility without committing to full tower or rackmount designs. Its rumored release later in 2025 will likely determine how far Jonsbo is willing to expand its NAS-focused lineup beyond flash-only configurations.
This description contains links to Amazon. These links will take you to some of the products mentioned in today's content. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Visit the NASCompares Deal Finder to find the best place to buy this device in your region, based on Service, Support and Reputation - Just Search for your NAS Drive in the Box Below
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Where possible (and where appropriate) please provide as much information about your requirements, as then I can arrange the best answer and solution to your needs. Do not worry about your e-mail address being required, it will NOT be used in a mailing list and will NOT be used in any way other than to respond to your enquiry.
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We use affiliate links on the blog allowing NAScompares information and advice service to be free of charge to you.Anything you purchase on the day you click on our links will generate a small commission which isused to run the website. Here is a link for Amazon and B&H.You can also get me a Ko-fi or old school Paypal. Thanks!To find out more about how to support this advice service checkHEREIf you need to fix or configure a NAS, check FiverHave you thought about helping others with your knowledge? Find Instructions Here
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Alternatively, why not ask me on the ASK NASCompares forum, by clicking the button below. This is a community hub that serves as a place that I can answer your question, chew the fat, share new release information and even get corrections posted. I will always get around to answering ALL queries, but as a one-man operation, I cannot promise speed! So by sharing your query in the ASK NASCompares section below, you can get a better range of solutions and suggestions, alongside my own.
The Synology DS425+ arrives as part of the companyâs 2025 refresh of its popular DiskStation NAS lineup, positioned as a 4-bay solution for prosumers, content creators, and small business users who demand reliable private cloud functionality, media handling, and data protection toolsâall in a desktop-friendly chassis. Succeeding the widely adopted DS423+, the DS425+ builds upon the same Intel Celeron J4125 architecture but introduces upgraded network connectivity and improved support for SSD caching, aiming to enhance performance across daily operations like file synchronization, multimedia streaming, collaborative document editing, and surveillance management. Running the latest version of DiskStation Manager (DSM), the DS425+ leverages Synologyâs full ecosystem of services, including Synology Drive, Active Backup Suite, Surveillance Station, and Synology Photos. With this release, Synology is also doubling down on its strict hardware compatibility enforcement, limiting drive support to Synology-verified models onlyâa shift that may influence buyers with preexisting storage investments. Even so, the DS425+ offers a compact yet powerful platform for centralized storage, hybrid cloud collaboration, and secure file access from anywhere.
Synology DS425+ Hardware Specifications
At the heart of the Synology DS425+ is the same Intel Celeron J4125 processor seen in the DS423+âa quad-core, Gemini Lake-based chip with a base clock of 2.0 GHz and a burst frequency of 2.7 GHz. While this CPU has proven competent for basic NAS operations like SMB file serving, lightweight multimedia indexing, and DSMâs collaborative apps, its inclusion in a 2025 NAS release feels increasingly outdated. The J4125 first launched in 2019, and although its low power consumption and integrated hardware encryption engine remain attractive for entry-tier devices, itâs now noticeably behind in areas like video transcoding, AI-assisted tasks, and virtualization performance. For example, when running more demanding DSM features such as Surveillance Station with high-resolution streams, or multiple simultaneous file indexing operations via Synology Photos and Drive, this processor can quickly become a limiting factor, especially in multi-user environments.
2 Ă M.2 2280 NVMe SSD (for Synology SSDs only â cache or storage pool)
LAN Ports
1 Ă 2.5GbE RJ-45, 1 Ă 1GbE RJ-45
USB Ports
2 Ă USB 3.2 Gen 1
Maximum Raw Capacity
Up to 80 TB (4 Ă 20 TB drives)
RAID Support
SHR, Basic, JBOD, RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10
Cooling
2 Ă 92 mm fans
Power Supply
External 90W AC adapter
Power Consumption
28.3W (Access), 8.45W (HDD Hibernation)
Dimensions
166 mm Ă 199 mm Ă 223 mm
Weight
2.18 kg
Noise Level
19.8 dB(A)
Warranty
3 years (extendable to 5 years in select regions)
Drive Compatibility
Synology-verified drives only (HAT3300, HAT5300, SNV3400, etc.)
Memory configuration hasnât changed either, with the DS425+ shipping with 2 GB of DDR4 non-ECC RAM soldered to the board and a single expansion slot allowing upgrades to a maximum of 6 GB. This is a practical ceiling for general useâenough to handle several DSM packages like Synology Office, Drive, or Hyper Backup simultaneouslyâbut itâs insufficient for users looking to run dockerized apps, virtual DSM instances, or advanced services such as Synology MailPlus in a more scalable manner. The non-ECC nature of the RAM also weakens the case for this NAS as a long-term professional solution, especially when handling sensitive or mission-critical workloads.
Networking is where the DS425+ makes a partial step forward, but not without caveats. It features a single 2.5GbE LAN port alongside a 1GbE portâan improvement over the dual 1GbE design of the DS423+âbut a closer look reveals an intentional limitation. Unlike many other brands that now offer dual 2.5GbE ports for link aggregation or seamless failover at full speed, Synologyâs decision to pair a 2.5GbE with a 1GbE appears less about cost or chipset restrictions and more about product segmentation. This asymmetric port setup discourages buyers from choosing the DS425+ over higher-tier units like the DS925+, which offers more symmetrical bandwidth and better expansion paths. From a hardware standpoint, there is no compelling technical reason this device couldnât have included dual 2.5GbEâespecially given its target audience of small business and prosumer users with growing data needs.
Storage connectivity fares better. The DS425+ supports four hot-swappable 3.5âł/2.5âł SATA drives and adds two M.2 2280 NVMe SSD slots for cache accelerationâvaluable for improving read/write IOPS, especially in workloads like media library scanning in Synology Photos or large document syncing in Synology Drive. These M.2 slots do not consume the main drive bays, preserving all four bays for primary storageâa practical advantage for users looking to maintain high capacity while improving responsiveness. However, itâs important to note that, per Synologyâs 2025 compatibility policy, only Synology-branded SSDs (such as the SNV3400 series) can be used for either cache or storage pool creation, cutting out a wide array of affordable third-party options.
In terms of design, the DS425+ remains compact and energy-efficient, measuring 166 Ă 199 Ă 223 mm and weighing 2.18 kg. It uses two 92mm fans for active cooling, and power usage is modestâ28.3W under load and just 8.45W in disk hibernation. Two USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports are available for external drive backups or peripheral support, and the unit is shipped with two RJ-45 cables, a power supply, and a 3-year warranty (extendable to 5 years in some regions). But while the physical build quality is solid, many of the internal hardware choices feel driven more by Synologyâs desire to maintain product hierarchy than by a desire to fully meet evolving user needs in this segment.
Synology DS425+ vs DS423+ NAS â Much of an Upgrade?
On paper, the DS425+ and DS423+ appear remarkably similarâso much so that many users might question whether the DS425+ is a true generational upgrade. Both models use the same Intel Celeron J4125 quad-core processor, support up to 6 GB of non-ECC DDR4 memory, and house four 3.5âł/2.5âł SATA bays alongside dual M.2 NVMe SSD slots. The physical dimensions, weight, fan configuration, and even the power draw figures are virtually identical. For many core use casesâsuch as basic file storage, Synology Drive collaboration, and multimedia backups via Hyper Backupâthe user experience will feel nearly the same. This makes the DS425+ look more like a platform refresh than a reinvention.
Category
Synology DS423+
Synology DS425+
Difference / Notes
CPU
Intel Celeron J4125, 4-core, 2.0â2.7 GHz
Intel Celeron J4125, 4-core, 2.0â2.7 GHz
Identical processor
Memory (Default)
2 GB DDR4 non-ECC
2 GB DDR4 non-ECC
Same default memory
Memory (Max)
6 GB (2 + 4 GB)
6 GB (2 + 4 GB)
Same maximum capacity
Drive Bays
4 Ă 3.5âł/2.5âł SATA (hot-swappable)
4 Ă 3.5âł/2.5âł SATA (hot-swappable)
Identical layout
M.2 NVMe Slots
2 Ă M.2 2280 (cache only)
2 Ă M.2 2280 (cache or storage pool)
Allows storage pools (Synology SSDs only)
LAN Ports
2 Ă 1GbE
1 Ă 2.5GbE + 1 Ă 1GbE
DS425+ adds faster networking but lacks symmetrical dual 2.5GbE
USB Ports
2 Ă USB 3.2 Gen 1
2 Ă USB 3.2 Gen 1
Same
Max Raw Capacity
Up to 80 TB (4 Ă 20 TB drives)
Up to 80 TB (4 Ă 20 TB drives)
Same
RAID Support
SHR, Basic, JBOD, RAID 0/1/5/6/10
SHR, Basic, JBOD, RAID 0/1/5/6/10
Identical
Drive Compatibility
Broad third-party support (with warnings)
Synology-verified drives only
DS425+ enforces drive lock-in
Power Consumption (Active)
28.3W
28.3W
Same
Power Consumption (Idle)
8.45W
8.45W
Same
Noise Level
19.8 dB(A)
19.8 dB(A)
Same
Cooling
2 Ă 92 mm fans
2 Ă 92 mm fans
Same
Dimensions / Weight
166 Ă 199 Ă 223 mm / 2.18 kg
166 Ă 199 Ă 223 mm / 2.18 kg
Identical physical chassis
Warranty
3 years (extendable to 5 years)
3 years (extendable to 5 years)
Same
DSM Version
DSM 7.2+
DSM 7.2+
Same
However, the key differences lie in network connectivity and platform intent. The DS423+ features dual 1GbE ports with support for link aggregation or failover, while the DS425+ trades this for a mix of one 2.5GbE and one 1GbE port. While this technically increases the potential maximum throughput to 2.5Gbps, this hybrid setup seems designed to offer âjust enoughâ improvement to distinguish the DS425+ without cannibalizing interest in higher-tier systems like the DS925+. For users with modern 2.5GbE switches, the DS425+ will offer a slightly snappier file access and faster backupsâparticularly when working with large media libraries or high-frequency synchronization tasks in Synology Photos or Drive. But those with symmetrical link aggregation setups may find the port layout frustratingly limiting.
Another critical shift is in Synologyâs approach to drive compatibility. The DS423+âlike most NAS units in the 2020â2023 eraâoffered relatively open support for third-party HDDs and SSDs, including Seagate IronWolf, WD Red, and enterprise-class models. Users would receive warnings when using non-verified drives, but DSM remained fully functional. In contrast, the DS425+ adopts the same restrictive policy seen in all 2025 Synology NAS systems, outright blocking DSM installation and pool creation with unverified hard drives or NVMe SSDs.
This has broad implications for cost-conscious users or those migrating from older Synology NAS units, as they may find that previously functional media is now flagged and unusable. Even within Synologyâs own ecosystem, only select SKUs (e.g., HAT3300, HAT5300, SAT5200, SNV3400) are accepted without persistent alerts or functionality restrictions. While this change may support long-term system stability and vendor accountability, it narrows the appeal of the DS425+ as a flexible, user-driven NAS appliance.
Ultimately, the DS425+ is one of the smallest refresh/upgrades over the DS423+, largely just in its added 2.5GbE port. But for users already operating a DS423+, the performance incentives to upgrade are limitedâunless specific use cases demand faster network throughput or tighter integration with Synologyâs enterprise-leaning ecosystem. For first-time buyers, the DS425+ makes more sense if you are already choosing only the media the brand recommends and want a relatively low-noise, compact NAS with good multi-user potential, cloud tools, and basic virtualization support.
Synology DS425+ NAS â Software and Services
The DS425+ runs Synology DiskStation Manager (DSM), one of the most polished NAS operating systems available today, offering a blend of enterprise-level tools and consumer-friendly accessibility. Users can configure the device as a centralized file server, hybrid cloud gateway, backup vault, media hub, or private collaboration platformâall from within an intuitive web-based interface.
The system supports the Btrfs file system, enabling advanced data protection features such as file self-healing, quota management, and snapshot replication. With support for up to 256 system-wide snapshots and 128 per shared folder, users can roll back accidental deletions or ransomware-damaged data in seconds. Synologyâs Hybrid Share also allows users to extend storage capacity to the cloud with on-demand file streaming and local caching, balancing scalability with local performance.
25+ languages including English, German, French, Spanish, Japanese, Simplified/Traditional Chinese
Collaboration is another strong point of the DSM ecosystem. Synology Drive provides a private alternative to Google Drive or Dropbox, enabling real-time file synchronization across devices and platforms, with versioning, sharing permissions, and browser-based access. Integrated with Synology Office, users can collaborate on documents, spreadsheets, and presentations with password protection and revision tracking.
These tools perform well even with modest hardware like the DS425+, and are ideal for distributed teams or remote workers. For communication, Synology Chat brings secure instant messaging with support for encrypted channels and message retention policies, while Synology MailPlus offers a fully-fledged private email server with support for up to 20 users (5 licenses included). These services transform the DS425+ from a simple storage box into a multi-role productivity appliance.
Synology also continues to invest in security and monitoring, with DSM 7.2+ adding features like Adaptive Multi-Factor Authentication (AMFA), which intelligently triggers additional login requirements based on user behavior and access patterns. Admins can leverage Active Insight, Synologyâs cloud-based fleet monitoring system, to detect threats and performance anomalies across multiple NAS units, and even enforce policy-based snapshot creation during suspicious activity. For those managing backups, Synologyâs Active Backup Suite covers Windows, Linux, VMware, Hyper-V, and Microsoft 365/Google Workspace, while Hyper Backup supports encrypted, deduplicated, multi-destination backups to local disks, other NAS units, or Synologyâs C2 Storage cloud. Surveillance Station also comes bundled with two free IP camera licenses, and can support up to 40 H.265 1080p streams simultaneouslyâideal for small-scale CCTV installations that want private, license-free storage.
Synology DS425+ NAS â Price and Release Date
The Synology DS425+ is scheduled to launch globally in June 2025, following an earlier rollout across Eastern markets beginning in the second half of May 2025. Based on its positioning and minimal hardware changes from the DS423+, it is expected to arrive with a similar MSRP in the range of $449 to $499 USD. This pricing places it firmly in the upper-middle segment of Synologyâs 4-bay lineup, targeting users who need more performance and features than entry-level models offer, but without the broader expansion and higher price tags of units like the DS923+ or DS925+. However, with the inclusion of the new restrictive drive compatibility policy, buyers will need to factor in the additional cost of Synology-verified HDDs or SSDs, which could notably increase the total cost of ownership compared to similarly priced NAS systems that support a wider range of drives.
Check Amazon in Your Region for the Synology DS425+ NAS
This description contains links to Amazon. These links will take you to some of the products mentioned in today's content. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Visit the NASCompares Deal Finder to find the best place to buy this device in your region, based on Service, Support and Reputation - Just Search for your NAS Drive in the Box Below
Need Advice on Data Storage from an Expert?
Finally, for free advice about your setup, just leave a message in the comments below here at NASCompares.com and we will get back to you.Need Help?
Where possible (and where appropriate) please provide as much information about your requirements, as then I can arrange the best answer and solution to your needs. Do not worry about your e-mail address being required, it will NOT be used in a mailing list and will NOT be used in any way other than to respond to your enquiry.
[contact-form-7]
TRY CHAT Terms and Conditions
If you like this service, please consider supporting us.
We use affiliate links on the blog allowing NAScompares information and advice service to be free of charge to you.Anything you purchase on the day you click on our links will generate a small commission which isused to run the website. Here is a link for Amazon and B&H.You can also get me a Ko-fi or old school Paypal. Thanks!To find out more about how to support this advice service checkHEREIf you need to fix or configure a NAS, check FiverHave you thought about helping others with your knowledge? Find Instructions Here
Or support us by using our affiliate links on Amazon UK and Amazon US
Alternatively, why not ask me on the ASK NASCompares forum, by clicking the button below. This is a community hub that serves as a place that I can answer your question, chew the fat, share new release information and even get corrections posted. I will always get around to answering ALL queries, but as a one-man operation, I cannot promise speed! So by sharing your query in the ASK NASCompares section below, you can get a better range of solutions and suggestions, alongside my own.
If you like this service, please consider supporting us. We use affiliate links on the blog allowing NAScompares information and advice service to be free of charge to you.Anything you purchase on the day you click on our links will generate a small commission which isused to run the website. Here is a link for Amazon and B&H.You can also get me a Ko-fi or old school Paypal. Thanks!To find out more about how to support this advice service checkHEREIf you need to fix or configure a NAS, check FiverHave you thought about helping others with your knowledge? Find Instructions Here
Synology at Computex 2025 â New NAS, Flash, and Surveillance Solutions Unveiled
At Computex 2025, Synology unveiled an extensive range of new hardware and storage solutions across both consumer and enterprise tiers. From compact desktop NAS to high-performance rackmount flash storage systems, the 2025 product line spans diverse use cases in home multimedia, business backups, AI-powered surveillance, and parallel active storage infrastructure. However, a significant underlying theme across this yearâs announcements is Synologyâs strict enforcement of Synology-verified storage media across both the Plus series and enterprise-class devices.
This ongoing shift in policy has raised concerns within the NAS communityâespecially among users who rely on third-party drives for flexibility and cost-effectiveness. Messaging around this storage validation system remains inconsistent, with key technical and strategic details still unclear. Nonetheless, this yearâs lineup confirms Synologyâs intent to consolidate hardware and media under its own ecosystem, even while expanding its presence into flash-first infrastructure and turnkey surveillance platforms.
The PAS7700 marks Synologyâs formal entry into high-performance all-NVMe storage for the enterprise sector. It is the most powerful product in the new Parallel Active Storage (PAS) series, designed with a dual-controller architecture and full end-to-end U.3 NVMe support. Each controller in the PAS7700 is powered by an AMD EPYC processor, supports up to 1TB of DDR4 ECC memory, and is capable of sustaining 30GB/s sequential throughput with over 2 million 4K random read IOPS. This architecture supports true active-active failover, high concurrency, and data consistency across large virtualized workloads or AI/ML pipelines.
Networking options include up to 4x 100GbE and 12x 25GbE ports (via optional NICs), and expansion is achieved using the PAX224, a 24-bay U.3 NVMe expansion chassis connected via HD-SAS 12Gb/s dual-link architecture. The PAS7700âs chassis is built to scale up to 216 NVMe drives for a maximum raw capacity exceeding 1.6PB, though real-world capacity will depend on drive model, RAID configuration, and overhead.
One of the more contentious elements is that, like all of Synologyâs 2025 enterprise lineup, the PAS7700 mandates the use of Synology-verified U.3 NVMe SSDs. The drives shown on the show floor included 8TB Synology-branded U.3 SSDs, though Synology did not confirm their OEM origin, controller model, or endurance ratings beyond stating that they were optimized for sustained IOPS workloads. This storage lock-in policy has drawn criticism from users seeking flexibility in enterprise deployments.
PAS3600 â Hybrid Flash Storage for Cost-Efficient Deployment
Positioned as the mid-range sibling to the PAS7700, the PAS3600 provides a more accessible entry into the Parallel Active Storage series by utilizing SATA drives rather than U.3 NVMe. Designed for hybrid flash deployment, the PAS3600 features dual controllers, each running an Intel Xeon processor and supporting up to 256GB of ECC DDR4 memory per controller. While it doesnât match the raw performance of the PAS7700, it still delivers substantial throughput and redundancy suitable for enterprise virtual machine hosting, storage tiering, and backup environments.
Network connectivity includes support for up to 4x 25GbE and 8x 10GbE ports via optional NICs, with the system capable of scaling out using the PAX212, a 12-bay SATA flash expansion chassis. These expansion units also use 12Gb/s HD-SAS, and maintain redundant power supplies and dual data interconnects to ensure performance stability and non-disruptive scaling. Like the rest of Synologyâs 2025 enterprise systems, the PAS3600 enforces the use of Synology-verified SATA SSDs, understandable in this sector of the industry and in line with this kind fo product.
PAS3600 Specifications
Feature
Details
Architecture
Dual-controller, active-active
CPU
Intel Xeon (per controller)
Memory
Up to 256GB DDR4 ECC (per controller)
Storage Bays
Up to 25 SATA bays (hybrid flash configurations)
Max Network Interface Options
Up to 4x 25GbE, 8x 10GbE
Expansion
PAX212 â 12-bay SATA (HD-SAS 12Gb/s)
Media Compatibility
Synology-verified SATA SSDs only
Use Case
Backup, hybrid flash storage, cost-optimized VM use
DVA7400 â AI-Powered Surveillance Rackmount System
The DVA7400 represents the most powerful surveillance solution Synology has introduced to date. It is the first in the DVA (Deep Video Analytics) lineup to be available in a rackmount form factor, making it suitable for larger, centralized surveillance deployments. The unit leverages an AMD Ryzen processor in combination with a dedicated GPU, enabling support for up to 100 camera streams and 40 simultaneous AI video analysis tasks, such as motion detection, facial recognition, and people counting.
In terms of connectivity, the DVA7400 includes dual 10GbE ports to ensure adequate bandwidth for high-resolution video ingestion and management. Additionally, it features a separate remote management interface, streamlining system oversight in enterprise environments. Internally, the system includes a dedicated AI processor with 190+ TFLOPS FP8 performance and 16GB of VRAM, allowing for real-time video indexing and recognition tasks.
As with most Synology surveillance systems, the DVA7400 includes a limited number of camera licenses by default. However, users deploying Synology-branded cameras benefit from license-free operation. Support for ONVIF-compliant third-party cameras is included but requires standard Synology Surveillance Station licenses. While the hardware is a significant leap forward, the systemâs drive compatibility remains subject questionable, as the brand does not currently have an inhouse branded surveillance optimized HDD (eg comparable to WD Purple or Seagate Skyhawk â designed for much heavier WRITE over READ).
DVA7400 Specifications
Feature
Details
Form Factor
Rackmount (1U or 2U, TBD)
CPU
AMD Ryzen (model not disclosed)
GPU
Dedicated AI GPU (16GB VRAM, 190+ TFLOPS FP8)
AI Video Analytics
40 tasks simultaneously
Camera Streams Supported
Up to 100
Network Ports
2x 10GbE, 1x dedicated remote management port
Camera License Policy
ONVIF supported; Synology cameras license-free
Media Compatibility
Synology-verified storage media required
Use Case
Enterprise surveillance, AI-driven video analysis
FS200T â Compact All-Flash NAS for Quiet Environments
The FS200T, formerly expected as the DS625Slim, is now reclassified under the FlashStation series. This compact 6-bay NAS is designed for SSD-only deployments using 2.5âł SATA drives, and is aimed at users needing high-speed, low-noise storage in home studios or small office environments. Internally, it is powered by the Intel Celeron J4125, a quad-core processor that, while dated, includes integrated graphics. It is paired with 4GB of DDR4 memory, which is not ECC and may limit enterprise use.
Network connectivity includes 1x 2.5GbE and 1x 1GbE RJ-45 ports, a configuration that presents a noticeable bottleneck when combined with a 6-SSD RAID setup. No PCIe or expansion options are available. Despite the performance limitations imposed by its dated processor and limited bandwidth, the FS200Tâs small form factor and flash-focused design make it a viable solution for read-heavy tasks or quiet operation environments where rotational noise from HDDs is undesirable.
FS200T Specifications
Feature
Details
Form Factor
Desktop, ultra-compact
CPU
Intel Celeron J4125 (4 cores, 4 threads)
Memory
4GB DDR4 (non-ECC, upgradable TBD)
Drive Bays
6 x 2.5âł SATA SSD only
Network Ports
1x 2.5GbE, 1x 1GbE
Expansion Options
None
Media Compatibility
Synology-verified SATA SSDs only
Use Case
Quiet SSD storage for home offices, light workloads
DS725+ â Dual-Bay Plus Series NAS with Expansion Support
The DS725+ is Synologyâs latest 2-bay entry in the 2025 Plus series, offering modest upgrades over its predecessor, the DS723+. It features a 2-core, 4-thread AMD Ryzen R1600 processor, 4GB of ECC DDR4 memory (expandable), and includes two Ethernet ports: one 2.5GbE and one 1GbE. Unlike the previous model, the option for PCIe 10GbE upgrade has been removed, marking a notable downgrade in scalability.
Despite its small size, the DS725+ supports expansion up to 7 total drives using the Synology DX525 USB-C expansion unit, allowing users to migrate to larger RAID arrays over time. Internally, it includes two M.2 NVMe slots that can be used for either SSD caching or storage pools, enhancing read/write performance if properly configured. However, NVMe performance may still be limited by the relatively modest CPU and system architecture.
As with all 2025+ series units, this model enforces strict use of Synology-verified drives for optimal compatibility. This includes both the internal SATA bays and NVMe SSDs, aligning with Synologyâs broader shift to a closed hardware ecosystemâan approach that continues to draw mixed reactions from the NAS community.
DS725+ Specifications
Feature
Details
CPU
AMD Ryzen R1600 (2C/4T)
Memory
4GB DDR4 ECC (expandable)
Drive Bays
2 x 3.5âł/2.5âł SATA HDD/SSD
M.2 Slots
2 x NVMe (cache or storage pool)
Network Ports
1 x 2.5GbE, 1 x 1GbE
Expansion Support
DX525 via USB-C (up to 7 total drives)
PCIe Slot
None (no 10GbE upgrade support)
Media Compatibility
Synology-verified SATA & NVMe SSDs only
Use Case
Small business, home backup, scalable 2-bay setup
DS425+ â 4-Bay Multimedia NAS with Modest Refresh
The DS425+ is the 2025 refresh of the DS423+, aimed at SOHO and multimedia users seeking a 4-bay system with enhanced network throughput and M.2 NVMe support. Internally, the DS425+ continues to use the Intel Celeron J4125, a quad-core processor with integrated graphics, and comes with 4GB of DDR4 non-ECC memory. This model includes two Ethernet portsâ1x 2.5GbE and 1x 1GbEâa somewhat disappointing choice that limits link aggregation potential and overall throughput compared to systems offering dual 2.5GbE.
The DS425+ includes two M.2 NVMe slots, usable for either SSD caching or as part of a storage pool. However, given the CPU and system bus limitations of the J4125, real-world NVMe performance may be constrained. There are no PCIe upgrade slots, meaning no pathway to 10GbE or further expansion beyond USB and the DX525 expansion unit.
Crucially, as part of the 2025 Plus series, the DS425+ requires Synology-verified drives for compatibilityâboth for its SATA and NVMe bays. This has led to pushback from users accustomed to broader drive support, especially in the mid-range where cost-effectiveness and flexibility are often more important than validation.
DS425+ Specifications
Feature
Details
CPU
Intel Celeron J4125 (4 cores, 4 threads)
Memory
4GB DDR4 (non-ECC, upgradable)
Drive Bays
4 x 3.5âł/2.5âł SATA
M.2 Slots
2 x NVMe (cache or storage pool)
Network Ports
1 x 2.5GbE, 1 x 1GbE
Expansion Support
DX525 via USB-C (up to 9 total drives)
PCIe Slot
None
Media Compatibility
Synology-verified SATA & NVMe SSDs only
Use Case
Multimedia, Plex, home backups, SOHO storage
DS1525+ â 5-Bay All-Purpose NAS with Enhanced CPU and Expansion
The DS1525+ sits in the middle of Synologyâs Plus series, offering a blend of scalability, multimedia handling, and business backup functionality. It upgrades the CPU from the DS1522+ by moving from the AMD Ryzen R1600 (2C/4T) to the AMD Ryzen V1500B, a 4-core, 8-thread processor that previously powered the DS1621+ and DS1821+. The system comes pre-installed with 8GB of DDR4 ECC memory, double that of its predecessor.
The DS1525+ includes two 2.5GbE RJ-45 network ports and supports the Synology Network Upgrade Module, which provides a pathway to 10GbE networking via a compact add-in module. This model also retains two M.2 NVMe slots for SSD caching or storage pool creation. It supports expansion to 15 total drives when connected to two DX525 expansion units, making it suitable for growing media libraries or multi-user project environments.
However, it still falls under Synologyâs 2025 policy requiring Synology-verified storage media, both for the five primary SATA bays and the M.2 NVMe slots. This requirement continues to stir user debate, particularly in the mid-range segment, where third-party storage flexibility has historically been an expectation.
DS1525+ Specifications
Feature
Details
CPU
AMD Ryzen V1500B (4 cores, 8 threads)
Memory
8GB DDR4 ECC (expandable)
Drive Bays
5 x 3.5âł/2.5âł SATA
M.2 Slots
2 x NVMe (cache or storage pool)
Network Ports
2 x 2.5GbE RJ-45
10GbE Support
Yes, via Synology Network Upgrade Module
Expansion Support
Up to 15 drives with 2x DX525
PCIe Slot
Not full-sized PCIe (uses mini-module instead)
Media Compatibility
Synology-verified SATA & NVMe SSDs only
Use Case
Multimedia, workgroup storage, backup, light VM use
DS1825+ â 8-Bay High-Capacity NAS for Power Users and SMBs
The DS1825+ serves as the high-capacity flagship in the 2025 Plus series, aimed at power users and small to medium businesses that require extensive storage and moderate processing capabilities. Like the DS1525+, it is powered by the AMD Ryzen V1500B (4 cores, 8 threads) and includes 8GB of ECC DDR4 memory by default. The unit offers two 2.5GbE RJ-45 ports, replacing the four 1GbE ports found in its predecessor, the DS1821+.
Storage can be expanded up to 18 total drives by connecting two DX525 expansion units via USB-C. The DS1825+ also includes two M.2 NVMe slots, supporting both SSD caching and dedicated NVMe storage pools. Unlike the DS1525+, it retains a standard PCIe slot, supporting full-sized 10GbE and higher NICsâwith Synology now offering 25GbE and 50GbE upgrade cards, expanding its relevance in virtualization and high-bandwidth media workflows.
However, as with all devices in the 2025 Plus series, the DS1825+ enforces Synologyâs drive verification system. Only Synology-verified SATA drives and NVMe SSDs are supported for optimal operation, and unsupported drives may be flagged or disabled in future DSM updatesâa policy that continues to concern experienced users building mixed-brand NAS environments.
DS1825+ Specifications
Feature
Details
CPU
AMD Ryzen V1500B (4 cores, 8 threads)
Memory
8GB DDR4 ECC (expandable)
Drive Bays
8 x 3.5âł/2.5âł SATA
M.2 Slots
2 x NVMe (cache or storage pool)
Network Ports
2 x 2.5GbE RJ-45
PCIe Slot
1 x PCIe (supports 10/25/50GbE NICs)
Expansion Support
Up to 18 drives with 2x DX525
Media Compatibility
Synology-verified SATA & NVMe SSDs only
Use Case
Virtualization, large-scale media storage, backup
DX525 â 5-Bay Expansion Unit for DS and Plus Series
The DX525 is Synologyâs latest 5-bay expansion unit, designed for use with a wide range of their 2025 DS and Plus series NAS models. It connects via USB-C rather than the older eSATA standard, supporting newer devices such as the DS725+, DS425+, DS1525+, DS1825+, DS925+, and others.
It provides a seamless way to expand storage without migrating to a larger system or creating a new volume, and is fully integrated into DSMâs Storage Manager for volume extension and RAID expansion.
The DX525 supports both 3.5âł and 2.5âł SATA drives, with hot-swappable trays for quick replacement. While no network or processing capability exists on the unit itself (itâs entirely dependent on the host NAS), it can be used for extending existing RAID volumes or creating new independent volumes. This makes it useful for both capacity growth and tiered storage strategies.
DX525 Specifications
Feature
Details
Drive Bays
5 x 3.5âł/2.5âł SATA (hot-swappable)
Interface
USB-C (to host NAS)
Compatible Systems
DS225+, DS425+, DS725+, DS925+, DS1525+, DS1825+
Power Supply
External (built-in PSU)
Expansion Mode
Volume extension, new volume creation (via DSM)
Media Compatibility
Synology-verified SATA drives only
Use Case
Capacity expansion for growing NAS volumes
SNV5420 â Enterprise NVMe SSD for Sustained Caching Workloads
The SNV5400 is Synologyâs newest high-performance M.2 NVMe SSD for caching and sustained-write workloads, positioned above the earlier SNV3400 series. Targeted at SMBs and enterprise deployments requiring high-speed caching, the SNV5400 delivers up to 660,000 random read IOPS and 120,000 random write IOPS, with a rated endurance of 2,900 TBW. It features end-to-end data protection and power loss protection, ensuring data integrity during unexpected shutdownsâessential for cache-tier applications in critical environments.
Unlike previous Synology NVMe SSDs, the SNV5400 also supports in-system firmware upgrades, reducing maintenance downtime during drive management or lifecycle refresh. It is available in at least one confirmed variant, though broader capacity options have not yet been fully disclosed. The controller used is reportedly the IG5636 FAA, believed to be a Gen4 NVMe controller, but Synology has not publicly confirmed full hardware details or OEM sourcing. In addition to the SNV5400 enterprise drive, Synology showed off a new high-performance M.2 NVMe SSD at Computex 2025 that appears to target heavier workloads than the SNV3400. It reportedly uses the IG5636 FAA controller, which supports PCIe Gen4, suggesting significantly higher throughput than their current Gen3 offerings. However, Synology did not publicly confirm specs such as endurance, capacity range, or the NAND type used.
This unnamed SSD is presumed to be part of a future SNV or new series aimed at advanced caching, AI workloads, or even storage pool applications in high-performance Plus and enterprise NAS models. Synology staff on the show floor were unable to confirm OEM origins or whether this model would be mandatory in future NVMe-capable systems.
HAT5300 20TB â Synologyâs Largest Enterprise-Grade HDD
The HAT5300 20TB is the latest and highest-capacity addition to Synologyâs line of enterprise SATA hard drives, extending the HAT5300 series for large-volume and high-workload environments. Designed specifically for compatibility with Synologyâs 2025 NAS and SAN systems, this 3.5-inch SATA drive offers up to 23% higher sustained sequential read performance than previous models, positioning it as a reliable option for high-throughput backup, archival, and surveillance storage tasks.
The drive supports workloads of up to 550 TB/year, making it suitable for 24/7 operation in business-critical storage arrays. It also includes persistent write cache technology, which helps preserve data integrity during power loss events. Like other models in the HAT5300 line, this drive undergoes over 500,000 hours of internal validation on Synology systems and supports in-system firmware upgrades directly via DSM.
This is currerntly the largest hard drive offered by Synology in their existing line up of storage media drives.
HAT5300 20TB Specifications
Feature
Details
Form Factor
3.5âł SATA HDD
Capacity
20TB
Sustained Read Speed
Improved (up to 23% higher than previous HAT models)
Workload Rating
550 TB/year
Persistent Write Cache
Yes
Validation
500,000+ hours of stress testing
In-System Firmware Updates
Supported via DSM
Media Policy
Synology-verified only (required in 2025 series)
Use Case
Enterprise backup, media storage, high-capacity arrays
BeeStation Plus â Preconfigured Private Cloud with Plex and AI Tools
The BeeStation Plus is Synologyâs latest entry in the consumer-grade NAS lineup, positioned as a plug-and-play private cloud aimed at home users, content creators, and families. It comes pre-populated with an 8TB Synology HAT3300 Plus hard drive, sealed within a single-bay enclosure that does not allow for internal drive replacement or expansion. This closed-box approach prioritizes simplicity but removes RAID failover and user-serviceability, relying instead on USB or cloud-based backups.
Internally, the BeeStation Plus runs on an Intel Celeron J4125 processorâan aging but capable quad-core CPU with integrated graphics. It is paired with 8GB of memory, doubling that of the original ARM-based BeeStation. The device ships with Synologyâs BeeStation Manager (BSM) software preinstalled and fully configured Plex Media Server, with media libraries and directories already initialized, enabling fast setup for streaming to smart TVs, tablets, and mobile devices. It also features local AI-powered photo indexing and object recognition via Bee Photos.
Backup support includes USB-A and USB-C ports, as well as integration with BeeProtect, Synologyâs new cloud backup platform. Each BeeStation Plus includes a 3-month free trial of BeeProtect, after which it transitions to a subscription model. While this system offers some of the easiest Plex deployment in Synologyâs portfolio, users should be aware of its limitationsâchiefly, the lack of RAID protection, upgrade paths storage scalability limits.
BeeStation Plus Specifications
Feature
Details
Form Factor
Single-bay desktop NAS (sealed)
Internal Drive
1 x 8TB HAT3300 Plus (pre-installed, non-removable)
Plug-and-play media server, personal cloud, photo archive
DS225+ â Budget 2-Bay NAS for Entry-Level Users
The DS225+ is Synologyâs entry-level 2-bay NAS refresh for 2025, intended for home users, small backups, and basic multimedia needs. It features the same Intel Celeron J4125 processor found in the DS425+ and BeeStation Plusâoffering integrated graphics but limited modern performance. Paired with 4GB of DDR4 memory, the system supports two SATA bays, making it suitable for mirrored RAID 1 setups or small independent volumes.
In terms of connectivity, the DS225+ includes 1 x 2.5GbE and 1 x 1GbE Ethernet portsâadequate for most basic workloads, but still a step behind systems offering dual 2.5GbE or upgradable networking. The system lack the two M.2 NVMe slots that can be configured for SSD caching or used as additional storage pools in the DS725+.
While the DS225+ offers a very approachable route into NAS usage, it is subject to the same Synology-verified storage media policy as the rest of the 2025 series. Users are limited to verified drives for both SATA bays will be especially annying at a device level that is considered very, very âentryâ, which continues to frustrate those hoping to reuse older hardware or source drives independently.
DS225+ Specifications
Feature
Details
CPU
Intel Celeron J4125 (4 cores, 4 threads)
Memory
4GB DDR4 (non-ECC, upgradeability TBD)
Drive Bays
2 x 3.5âł/2.5âł SATA
Network Ports
1 x 2.5GbE, 1 x 1GbE
Expansion Support
None (no DX support confirmed for this model)
PCIe Slot
None
Media Compatibility
Synology-verified SATA & NVMe SSDs only
Use Case
Home backups, light Plex/media, basic RAID setups
SPU7200D Series â Synology Enterprise U.3 NVMe SSD for PAS-Series Systems
The SPU7200D Series is Synologyâs first enterprise-grade U.3 NVMe SSD, introduced at Computex 2025 to support the new PAS7700 and PAX224 rackmount flash systems. This SSD is designed for mission-critical environments where low latency, sustained throughput, and dual-port failover are essential. It conforms to the U.3 (PCIe 4.0 x4) standard and operates as a dual-port SSD, ensuring continuous accessibility in active-active dual-controller setups like those used in Synologyâs PAS architecture.
Performance characteristics of the SPU7200D include up to 140,000 100% 4K random write IOPS, with a design focus on low-latency access patterns for high-concurrency workloads. The drive includes support for TCG Opal encryption, crypto erase, and anti-PSD (power safe data) protections to ensure fast and secure data sanitization in compliance-driven environments.
It also supports in-system firmware upgrades through Synology DSM, reducing maintenance windows during firmware validation or patch rollouts. As part of Synologyâs locked ecosystem, the SPU7200D is required in PAS systems under the Synology-verified storage media policyâa continuing point of contention for enterprise users seeking broader SSD sourcing options.
SPU7200D U.3 NVMe SSD Specifications
Feature
Details
Form Factor
U.3 NVMe (2.5âł, PCIe 4.0 x4)
Ports
Dual-port enterprise SSD
Max 4K Write IOPS (100%)
Up to 140,000
Latency Optimization
Yes â Low latency under mixed and write-heavy workloads
Security Features
TCG Opal, crypto erase, anti-PSD
Firmware Management
In-system firmware upgrades via DSM
Media Policy
Synology-verified only (required in PAS-series)
Use Case
Enterprise flash arrays, PAS7700, high-concurrency VM use
This description contains links to Amazon. These links will take you to some of the products mentioned in today's content. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Visit the NASCompares Deal Finder to find the best place to buy this device in your region, based on Service, Support and Reputation - Just Search for your NAS Drive in the Box Below
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Finally, for free advice about your setup, just leave a message in the comments below here at NASCompares.com and we will get back to you.Need Help?
Where possible (and where appropriate) please provide as much information about your requirements, as then I can arrange the best answer and solution to your needs. Do not worry about your e-mail address being required, it will NOT be used in a mailing list and will NOT be used in any way other than to respond to your enquiry.
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We use affiliate links on the blog allowing NAScompares information and advice service to be free of charge to you.Anything you purchase on the day you click on our links will generate a small commission which isused to run the website. Here is a link for Amazon and B&H.You can also get me a Ko-fi or old school Paypal. Thanks!To find out more about how to support this advice service checkHEREIf you need to fix or configure a NAS, check FiverHave you thought about helping others with your knowledge? Find Instructions Here
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Alternatively, why not ask me on the ASK NASCompares forum, by clicking the button below. This is a community hub that serves as a place that I can answer your question, chew the fat, share new release information and even get corrections posted. I will always get around to answering ALL queries, but as a one-man operation, I cannot promise speed! So by sharing your query in the ASK NASCompares section below, you can get a better range of solutions and suggestions, alongside my own.
If you like this service, please consider supporting us. We use affiliate links on the blog allowing NAScompares information and advice service to be free of charge to you.Anything you purchase on the day you click on our links will generate a small commission which isused to run the website. Here is a link for Amazon and B&H.You can also get me a Ko-fi or old school Paypal. Thanks!To find out more about how to support this advice service checkHEREIf you need to fix or configure a NAS, check FiverHave you thought about helping others with your knowledge? Find Instructions Here
Asustor Rolling Out Gen5 Rackmount NAS â The AS7212RDX and AS7216RDX Lockerstor Pro Gen2
At Computex 2025, Asustor unveils its latest additions to the Lockerstor rackmount familyâthe Lockerstor R Pro Gen2 series, comprising the 12-bay AS7212RDX and 16-bay AS7216RDX NAS systems. Positioned as high-performance, scalable solutions for small to medium businesses and enterprise deployments, these new models mark a notable hardware shift for the brand. Powered by AMDâs latest Ryzen 7 Pro processors and featuring support for PCIe Gen 5, 10GbE networking, and DDR5 ECC memory, this generation is clearly engineered for intensive multitasking, virtualized environments, and high-throughput applications. In addition to core hardware improvements, the systems ship with the ADM 5 software platform, which brings expanded storage and network configuration options, enhanced snapshot tools, and a wide ecosystem of applications. Combined with support for the new Xpanstor 12R expansion chassis and backed by a 5-year warranty, the Lockerstor R Pro Gen2 series is clearly being positioned to compete in the same space as rackmount solutions from QNAP, Synology, and TrueNAS, but with a focus on open upgrade paths and hardware flexibility. In this article, we break down the hardware, software, and overall direction of this release based on what weâve seen firsthand on the Computex show floor.
Lockerstor R Pro Gen 2 Hardware Specifications
The Asustor Lockerstor R Pro Gen2 series, comprising the 12-bay AS7212RDX and the 16-bay AS7216RDX, represents a significant upgrade in rackmount NAS architecture, engineered specifically for small to medium-sized businesses and enterprise-grade environments. At the heart of both systems is the AMD Ryzen 7 Pro processor, based on a 5nm process with 8 physical cores. This processor line, typically used in high-efficiency workstations, delivers balanced compute performance and thermal control, making it suitable for multi-threaded tasks such as virtualization, container deployment, and high-volume file services. The systems ship with 16 GB of ECC DDR5 memory as standard, offering improved memory bandwidth and error correction capabilities vital to maintaining consistent data integrity under sustained load.
Category
AS7212RDX (12-Bay)
AS7216RDX (16-Bay)
Form Factor
2U Rackmount
2U Rackmount
Drive Bays
12 x 3.5âł/2.5âł SATA/SAS
16 x 3.5âł/2.5âł SATA/SAS
Expansion Support
Xpanstor 12R SAS Expansion Unit
Xpanstor 12R SAS Expansion Unit
Processor
AMD Ryzen 7 Pro (8-Core, 5nm)
AMD Ryzen 7 Pro (8-Core, 5nm)
Memory (Standard)
16 GB DDR5 ECC
16 GB DDR5 ECC
Memory (Max)
TBC (likely >96-128 GB, ECC supported)
TBC (likely >96-128 GB, ECC supported)
M.2 Slot
1 x M.2 NVMe (PCIe Gen 5.0 x4)
1 x M.2 NVMe (PCIe Gen 5.0 x4)
PCIe Expansion
1 x PCIe Gen 5.0 x8
1 x PCIe Gen 5.0 x8
Network Ports
2 x 10GbE + 2 x 1GbE RJ-45
2 x 10GbE + 2 x 1GbE RJ-45
Power Supply
Dual Redundant 80 PLUS Platinum
Dual Redundant 80 PLUS Platinum
Hot-Swappable Drives
Yes
Yes
Cooling
Redundant Hot-Swappable Fans
Redundant Hot-Swappable Fans
Chassis Dimensions
TBC
TBC
Weight (Approx.)
TBC
TBC
Warranty
5 Years
5 Years
In terms of storage acceleration and flexibility, both units are equipped with a single M.2 NVMe slot supporting PCIe 5.0, offering a notable increase in throughput compared to earlier PCIe 3.0 or 4.0 implementations. This slot is intended for either SSD caching or as a standalone high-speed storage tier, useful for workflows involving small file I/O, databases, or active archive datasets. Both systems also feature dual 10-Gigabit Ethernet and dual 1-Gigabit Ethernet ports, enabling high-speed networking with support for link aggregation, load balancing, and network redundancy. For those requiring more, a PCIe Gen5 x8 expansion slot is available, compatible with a wide range of enterprise accessories including SAS expansion controllers or additional 25/40/100GbE NICs, offering clear upgrade paths for future network scaling.
Operational resilience is enhanced by redundant 80 PLUS Platinum-certified power supplies, designed to minimize energy waste while providing reliable failover in the event of a PSU failure. The hot-swappable nature of these components, combined with tool-less access to the drive bays and internal fan modules, supports minimal disruption during maintenance or component replacement. Both models use a standard 2U rackmount form factor and support a variety of enterprise-class SATA or SAS drives. Additionally, they are fully compatible with Asustorâs Xpanstor 12R SAS JBOD expansion unit, allowing businesses to scale storage capacity with minimal downtime. Asustor includes a 5-year hardware warranty with these units, placing them firmly in the enterprise support tier and aligning with long-term deployment cycles common in business environments.
Lockerstor R Pro Gen 2 ADM Software
ADM 5, the latest iteration of Asustorâs NAS operating system, is pre-installed on the Lockerstor R Pro Gen2 series and delivers a broad set of administrative, storage, and security features geared toward SMB and enterprise users. The interface is browser-based, with a modular design that separates key configuration areasâsuch as access control, storage, network, and service managementâinto distinct application windows. While this layout may require some initial familiarization, it provides logical compartmentalization that benefits ongoing maintenance and delegation of user privileges. On the storage side, ADM supports both Btrfs and EXT4 file systems. Storage poolsârepresenting RAID arraysâmust be mapped directly to volumes, meaning that each volume corresponds to a single RAID pool, and the OS does not currently support multiple volumes on a single pool. Snapshot functionality is implemented at the volume level rather than on a per-folder basis, which could be limiting for users seeking granular rollback capabilities. Nevertheless, snapshots can be scheduled at hourly intervals, locked to prevent automatic deletion, and restored manually or automatically, including optional pre-restore snapshot creation. The system also includes scrubbing and defragmentation tools for Btrfs volumes.
ADM 5 includes a wide range of file-sharing services, including SMB (with multichannel support), AFP, NFS, FTP, WebDAV, Rsync, and iSCSI. Each of these services can be configured through a dedicated âServicesâ panel, with advanced tuning options such as SMB encryption levels, access control lists, and port customization. iSCSI support includes LUN and target creation, authentication, and snapshot scheduling. The built-in File Manager allows users to open multiple file browser windows simultaneously within the same tab, streamlining operations like drag-and-drop transfers or cross-volume comparisons. Shared folders can be configured with granular access control, write-once-read-many (WORM) settings, and optional encryption. Users can also specify upload/download-only folder behavior for shared workspaces. Drive monitoring tools include support for SMART diagnostics, IronWolf Health Management (on supported Seagate drives), and drive lifespan tracking. However, NVMe SSD management features are currently limited, with no built-in benchmarking or thermal analysis tools. On the system security side, ADM Defender provides firewall configuration, IP blacklisting, and brute-force protection policies. Two-step verification, user session management, and auto-lock policies are configurable for each user account. Remote access can be managed through integrated VPN settings, EasyConnect tunneling, and port forwarding, although some tasks require navigating across multiple panels rather than a unified dashboard.
Asustor Lockerstor R Pro Gen 2 Thoughts and Verdict
Seeing the Asustor Lockerstor R Pro Gen2 series up close at Computex 2025, itâs clear that Asustor is starting to target the upper end of the SMB and mid-enterprise market with a platform that prioritizes performance, scalability, and resilience. The use of AMDâs Ryzen 7 Pro processor, DDR5 ECC memory, and support for PCIe Gen5 across both storage and expansion puts this NAS series in a position to compete directly with more established rackmount offerings. With the added flexibility of the Xpanstor 12R SAS expansion unit and redundant 80 PLUS Platinum power supplies, the platform clearly anticipates long-term deployment cycles and high-availability expectations. ADM 5, preloaded on both the 12-bay and 16-bay models, offers a wide range of file services and storage management tools. Itâs not the most streamlined interface Iâve seen at the show, but its modularity does provide powerful customization if youâre willing to invest time into setup. Snapshot support, folder-level access controls, and multi-gigabit networking options all contribute to a solid enterprise feature set. While thereâs still room for refinement in areas like NVMe SSD analytics and centralized configuration workflows, the ADM ecosystem is evidently maturing in pace with the hardware.
As it stands today at Computex, the Lockerstor R Pro Gen2 looks to be one of the most forward-looking rackmount solutions Asustor has released to date, and one of the most competitive solution at the show! The combination of PCIe Gen5 infrastructure, robust software support, and a competitive warranty makes this system a serious contender for IT environments seeking reliability without stepping into proprietary lock-in or over-complex licensing. Final availability and region-specific configurations are still to be confirmed, but what Iâm seeing here suggests Asustor is closing the gap with its more dominant competitors in the rackmount NAS space.
This description contains links to Amazon. These links will take you to some of the products mentioned in today's content. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Visit the NASCompares Deal Finder to find the best place to buy this device in your region, based on Service, Support and Reputation - Just Search for your NAS Drive in the Box Below
Need Advice on Data Storage from an Expert?
Finally, for free advice about your setup, just leave a message in the comments below here at NASCompares.com and we will get back to you.Need Help?
Where possible (and where appropriate) please provide as much information about your requirements, as then I can arrange the best answer and solution to your needs. Do not worry about your e-mail address being required, it will NOT be used in a mailing list and will NOT be used in any way other than to respond to your enquiry.
[contact-form-7]
TRY CHAT Terms and Conditions
If you like this service, please consider supporting us.
We use affiliate links on the blog allowing NAScompares information and advice service to be free of charge to you.Anything you purchase on the day you click on our links will generate a small commission which isused to run the website. Here is a link for Amazon and B&H.You can also get me a Ko-fi or old school Paypal. Thanks!To find out more about how to support this advice service checkHEREIf you need to fix or configure a NAS, check FiverHave you thought about helping others with your knowledge? Find Instructions Here
Or support us by using our affiliate links on Amazon UK and Amazon US
Alternatively, why not ask me on the ASK NASCompares forum, by clicking the button below. This is a community hub that serves as a place that I can answer your question, chew the fat, share new release information and even get corrections posted. I will always get around to answering ALL queries, but as a one-man operation, I cannot promise speed! So by sharing your query in the ASK NASCompares section below, you can get a better range of solutions and suggestions, alongside my own.
If you like this service, please consider supporting us. We use affiliate links on the blog allowing NAScompares information and advice service to be free of charge to you.Anything you purchase on the day you click on our links will generate a small commission which isused to run the website. Here is a link for Amazon and B&H.You can also get me a Ko-fi or old school Paypal. Thanks!To find out more about how to support this advice service checkHEREIf you need to fix or configure a NAS, check FiverHave you thought about helping others with your knowledge? Find Instructions Here
The Synology DS725+ enters the scene as part of the companyâs 2025 refresh to its Plus Series lineup, targeting power users, small businesses, and edge deployments that require compact, capable storage solutions without stepping into rackmount or enterprise territory. As a successor to the DS723+, it introduces several meaningful updates that improve the systemâs usability right out of the boxâmost notably, a doubling of base memory to 4 GB ECC DDR4 (up from 2 GB) and the inclusion of a 2.5GbE LAN port for significantly faster network transfers, especially when working with high-resolution media or syncing large datasets across offices. These improvements make it immediately better suited for modern hybrid cloud workflows via Synology Drive, smoother multi-user access in Synology Photos and Office, and more responsive local performance in Surveillance Station environments. However, these upgrades come with trade-offs: the CPU remains unchanged, using the same AMD Ryzen R1600 found in the DS723+, and the PCIe slot has been removed, eliminating the popular option to upgrade to 10GbE networking or install additional specialized cards. As a result, while the DS725+ simplifies connectivity by offering faster speeds upfront, it also enforces a more rigid hardware configuration. Itâs a device clearly designed with platform consistency and managed environments in mindâparticularly when paired with Synologyâs increasingly closed ecosystem of verified drives and accessories. For those already aligned with Synologyâs ecosystem, the DS725+ offers a stable and streamlined solution for private cloud deployment that is more about ability than base storage â but with the option to add more later, collaborative data workflows, and secure backup environments. But does it deserve your data? Letâs discuss.
Synology DS725+ NAS â Hardware Specifications
The DS725+ is powered by the same dual-core AMD Ryzen R1600 processor found in its predecessor, the DS723+. This chip runs at a base clock of 2.6 GHz with a boost up to 3.1 GHz and supports hardware encryption acceleration, making it capable of handling simultaneous services like encrypted file access, Synology Drive syncing, and light virtual machine workloads. While itâs a competent processor for this class of NAS, its reuse in the DS725+ may be seen as a missed opportunity for users who were hoping for a newer or more power-efficient generationâparticularly with rising expectations around AI-powered indexing and multimedia transcoding. That said, DSM 7.2âs core apps like Hyper Backup, Snapshot Replication, and Active Backup Suite remain well within the CPUâs performance envelope, ensuring reliable day-to-day operations for home offices and remote workers.
2 Ă M.2 2280 NVMe SSD (Synology-verified only; for cache or storage pool)
Max Drive Bays (with Expansion)
7 (with 1 Ă DX525 expansion unit via USB-C)
RAID Support
SHR, Basic, JBOD, RAID 0, 1; RAID 5/6/10 with expansion
LAN Ports
1 Ă 2.5GbE RJ-45, 1 Ă 1GbE RJ-45
USB Ports
1 Ă USB 3.2 Gen 1
Expansion Port
1 Ă USB-C (for DX525 expansion)
PCIe Slot
None
Cooling
1 Ă 92 mm fan
Power Supply
External 90W power adapter
Power Consumption
21.07W (Access), 8.45W (HDD Hibernation)
Noise Level
20.7 dB(A)
Dimensions (H Ă W Ă D)
166 Ă 106 Ă 223 mm
Weight
1.51 kg
Operating Temperature
0°C to 40°C (32°F to 104°F)
Warranty
3 years (extendable to 5 years with Extended Warranty Plus in select regions)
Drive Compatibility
Synology-verified drives only (HAT3300/5300, SAT5200, SNV3400, etc.)
Where the DS725+ makes a clear improvement is in memory. Unlike the DS723+, which shipped with 2 GB of ECC RAM, the DS725+ doubles the default capacity to 4 GB ECC DDR4, offering more breathing room for multitasking, container workloads, and collaborative apps like Synology Office and Chat. This is particularly helpful for deployments using packages such as Synology MailPlus or managing multiple Surveillance Station camera streams. The RAM is installed in one of two available SODIMM slots, and the unit officially supports up to 32 GB (16 GB x2), making it suitable for heavier use cases like running multiple virtual DSM instances or handling extensive indexing operations in Synology Photos. ECC memory, while not strictly essential for all users, adds a layer of data integrity that reinforces the DS725+âs suitability for professional and production environments.
In terms of connectivity, the DS725+ makes a decisive shift by replacing the DS723+âs dual 1GbE ports with a more modern setup: one 2.5GbE and one 1GbE port. This move improves real-world transfer speeds out of the box without requiring a PCIe network upgrade, as was previously necessary. However, it also reflects a deliberate limitation: the PCIe Gen3 x2 slot from the DS723+ is no longer present, meaning users cannot add a 10GbE NIC or other expansion cards. Storage-wise, the DS725+ retains the same 2-bay SATA layout, supports hot-swappable 3.5âł/2.5âł drives, and introduces M.2 NVMe SSD slots that allow Synology-branded SSDs to be used not just for caching but also for primary storage pools. Users can expand total storage to 7 drives via the DX525 USB-C expansion unit, and cooling is handled by a single 92mm fan in the rear. Power draw remains low, with a 90W adapter and idle consumption under 9W, keeping it efficient for always-on deployment.
Synology DS725+ vs DS723+ NAS â Much of an Upgrade?
At a glance, the DS725+ and DS723+ appear to be cut from the same mold. They share the same AMD Ryzen R1600 dual-core processor, identical physical dimensions, drive bay count, and expansion potential via an optional five-bay unit. However, the DS725+ makes several deliberate design changes aimed at improving out-of-the-box usability, while also signaling a shift toward Synologyâs 2025 platform philosophy. Chief among these changes is the inclusion of a 2.5GbE LAN port, replacing one of the two 1GbE ports found on the DS723+. This upgrade allows users to immediately take advantage of higher bandwidth for file transfers, especially useful for larger datasets handled through Synology Drive or multimedia libraries accessed via SMB. At the same time, the DS725+ sheds the DS723+âs PCIe Gen3 x2 expansion slot, which means users no longer have the option to add a 10GbE NIC or other cards. For users needing maximum future-proofing or high-throughput workloads, this loss may feel restrictive.
Category
Synology DS723+
Synology DS725+
Difference / Notes
CPU
AMD Ryzen R1600 (2-core, 2.6 / 3.1 GHz)
AMD Ryzen R1600 (2-core, 2.6 / 3.1 GHz)
Same processor
System Memory (Default)
2 GB DDR4 ECC SODIMM
4 GB DDR4 ECC SODIMM
DS725+ has double the default memory
Maximum Memory
32 GB (2 Ă 16 GB)
32 GB (2 Ă 16 GB)
Same
Memory Slots
2 SODIMM slots
2 SODIMM slots
Same
Drive Bays
2 Ă 3.5âł/2.5âł SATA (hot-swappable)
2 Ă 3.5âł/2.5âł SATA (hot-swappable)
Same
M.2 NVMe Slots
2 Ă M.2 2280 (cache or storage, Synology SSDs only)
2 Ă M.2 2280 (cache or storage, Synology SSDs only)
Same
Max Drive Bays (Expansion)
7 (with 1 Ă DX517 via eSATA)
7 (with 1 Ă DX525 via USB-C)
DS725+ uses newer expansion method
RAID Support
SHR, Basic, JBOD, RAID 0/1; RAID 5/6/10 with expansion
SHR, Basic, JBOD, RAID 0/1; RAID 5/6/10 with expansion
Same
LAN Ports
2 Ă 1GbE
1 Ă 2.5GbE + 1 Ă 1GbE
DS725+ improves speed, but loses symmetrical LAN failover
USB Ports
1 Ă USB 3.2 Gen 1
1 Ă USB 3.2 Gen 1
Same
Expansion Port
1 Ă eSATA
1 Ă USB-C
DS725+ uses newer standard
PCIe Slot
1 Ă PCIe Gen3 x2 (for 10GbE NIC or other upgrades)
None
DS725+ removes PCIe expandability
Cooling
1 Ă 92 mm fan
1 Ă 92 mm fan
Same
Power Supply
65W external adapter
90W external adapter
DS725+ uses slightly higher-capacity PSU
Power Consumption
21.07W (Access) / 8.62W (HDD Hibernation)
21.07W (Access) / 8.45W (HDD Hibernation)
Virtually identical
Noise Level
20.7 dB(A)
20.7 dB(A)
Same
Dimensions (H Ă W Ă D)
166 Ă 106 Ă 223 mm
166 Ă 106 Ă 223 mm
Same
Weight
1.51 kg
1.51 kg
Same
Drive Compatibility
Broad third-party support (with warnings)
Synology-verified drives only
DS725+ enforces strict hardware lock-in
Warranty
3 years (extendable to 5 years)
3 years (extendable to 5 years)
Same
Another key improvement is in system memory. The DS725+ comes with 4 GB of ECC DDR4 RAM pre-installed, doubling the 2 GB included with the DS723+. This seemingly modest upgrade has real-world implications. Services like Synology Photos, which require more memory for AI-driven facial and object recognition, or Synology Office, which handles collaborative document editing, benefit directly from the added RAMâmaking the system more responsive and able to support more concurrent users from the outset. For users running multiple applications, hosting virtual DSMs, or leveraging Hyper Backup with compression and deduplication, the DS725+ delivers a more capable base configuration without requiring immediate memory expansion. Both systems support upgrades up to 32 GB, but the DS725+ gives a head start where it matters.
However, the most controversial difference between these two models lies in drive compatibility. The DS723+ was among the last in Synologyâs lineup to offer relatively open support for third-party drivesâwith warning banners but no functional blocks in DSM. The DS725+, by contrast, fully embraces Synologyâs walled-garden storage policy. Users must use Synology-verified drives (such as HAT3300/5300 HDDs and SNV3400 SSDs) for core operations like DSM installation, volume creation, and RAID rebuilds. While migrated pools using unverified drives may still mount with warnings, new deployments and expansions are effectively locked down. This shift reflects Synologyâs strategy to control hardware variables for improved stability and long-term supportâbut itâs also a clear trade-off in flexibility and total cost, especially for existing users with stockpiled third-party drives from trusted vendors like Seagate or WD.
Synology DS725+ NAS DSM Software & Services
Like all current-generation DiskStation models, the DS725+ runs on Synology DiskStation Manager (DSM) 7.2, a mature, Linux-based operating system that delivers one of the most refined NAS user experiences available today. DSM combines consumer-friendly accessibility with enterprise-ready tools, making the DS725+ suitable for a wide range of use casesâfrom personal media libraries to business-critical collaboration environments.
Core services such as Synology Drive transform the DS725+ into a fully private cloud, enabling real-time file syncing across devices and platforms, granular access permissions, file versioning, and web-based document previews. The system can support up to 50 Drive users and half a million hosted files, making it a capable solution for small teams managing shared datasets or projects. Meanwhile, Synology Photos leverages the upgraded system memory to provide intelligent media organization, with facial and object recognition that improves as additional photos are indexedâan increasingly valuable feature in creative or archival workflows.
For data protection and business continuity, the DS725+ supports Synologyâs comprehensive backup ecosystem. Active Backup Suite consolidates backup tasks for Windows and Linux endpoints, VMware and Hyper-V virtual machines, and Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace SaaS accounts. Administrators can automate tasks, monitor statuses from a unified console, and execute bare-metal recovery when needed.
Complementing this is Hyper Backup, which allows multi-destination backupsâranging from local USB storage to other NAS units, rsync targets, or Synology C2 Storage. The inclusion of Snapshot Replication provides near-instantaneous versioned recovery with 128 snapshots per shared folder and 256 per system, ensuring protection against data corruption, ransomware, or accidental deletion. These tools can be used together to create a robust, layered protection strategy even in a small-scale deployment.
Beyond file management and backup, DSM turns the DS725+ into a complete digital operations hub. With Synology Office, users can co-author documents, spreadsheets, and presentations in real time within a browserâideal for small teams replacing Google Workspace or Microsoft 365 with a private alternative. Communication tools like Synology Chat and MailPlus offer encrypted messaging and a scalable private email server with support for up to 60 users (5 free accounts included).
For security-conscious setups or compliance-driven environments, these services operate entirely within your NAS, without relying on third-party cloud platforms. Meanwhile, Surveillance Station allows the DS725+ to manage up to 40 IP cameras at 1080p (H.265) with license-free recording for two channels, making it a competent choice for office or home surveillance when paired with Synologyâs mobile and desktop apps. DSMâs inclusion of Adaptive Multi-Factor Authentication (AMFA), Active Insight fleet monitoring, and SSL/TLS support ensures that even this compact 2-bay NAS delivers serious administrative and security capabilities.
Synology DS725+ NAS Release and Price
The Synology DS725+ is set for a phased global release, with initial availability rolling out across Eastern marketsâincluding Japan, Taiwan, China, and Australiaâin late May 2025, followed by a wider international launch in June 2025. While Synology has yet to publish official retail pricing, the DS725+ is expected to arrive in line with its predecessor, the DS723+, placing it in the $449 to $499 USD range. This positions the DS725+ in the upper tier of the compact 2-bay NAS segment, offering a blend of business-capable performance and centralized storage management for prosumers, remote workers, and small teams.
Although its specifications remain similar to the DS723+ in some areasâparticularly with regard to the CPUâthe DS725+ includes default features like 2.5GbE networking and higher base memory, which previously required add-ons or manual upgrades. These improvements may appeal to users who want a more capable system straight out of the box without needing to invest in additional hardware. However, buyers should also be aware of the tightened hardware compatibility policy introduced across Synologyâs 2025 product line. As with other new-generation models, the DS725+ requires Synology-verified drives for key operations such as DSM installation, volume creation, and SSD caching, which could impact overall system cost and drive choice flexibility.
Given these factors, the DS725+ is best suited for users seeking a stable, tightly integrated NAS experience with long-term software support and advanced functionality provided through DSM. While those with existing third-party drives may need to consider compatibility constraints, the DS725+ still represents a focused and modernized solution in the 2-bay NAS categoryâparticularly for those fully aligned with Synologyâs expanding ecosystem.
Check Amazon in Your Region for the Synology DS725+ NAS
This description contains links to Amazon. These links will take you to some of the products mentioned in today's content. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Visit the NASCompares Deal Finder to find the best place to buy this device in your region, based on Service, Support and Reputation - Just Search for your NAS Drive in the Box Below
Need Advice on Data Storage from an Expert?
Finally, for free advice about your setup, just leave a message in the comments below here at NASCompares.com and we will get back to you.Need Help?
Where possible (and where appropriate) please provide as much information about your requirements, as then I can arrange the best answer and solution to your needs. Do not worry about your e-mail address being required, it will NOT be used in a mailing list and will NOT be used in any way other than to respond to your enquiry.
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Alternatively, why not ask me on the ASK NASCompares forum, by clicking the button below. This is a community hub that serves as a place that I can answer your question, chew the fat, share new release information and even get corrections posted. I will always get around to answering ALL queries, but as a one-man operation, I cannot promise speed! So by sharing your query in the ASK NASCompares section below, you can get a better range of solutions and suggestions, alongside my own.
If you like this service, please consider supporting us. We use affiliate links on the blog allowing NAScompares information and advice service to be free of charge to you.Anything you purchase on the day you click on our links will generate a small commission which isused to run the website. Here is a link for Amazon and B&H.You can also get me a Ko-fi or old school Paypal. Thanks!To find out more about how to support this advice service checkHEREIf you need to fix or configure a NAS, check FiverHave you thought about helping others with your knowledge? Find Instructions Here
ORICO is preparing to launch a new range of hybrid and all-flash NAS systems under the CyberData Vault banner, targeting a wide spectrum of usersâfrom content creators and post-production teams to small office environments and AI development professionals. The information, shared directly by the brand ahead of its upcoming crowdfunding campaign, reveals six individual models: CF500, CF500 Pro, CF6 (All-Flash), CF56, CF56 Pro, and the CF1000. Each variant is engineered to meet specific workflow demands, offering a range of storage bay configurations, performance tiers, and connectivity options. Central to all models is the integration of the ZFS file system, providing snapshot-based protection and data integrity checks, alongside Intelâs 12th or 13th Gen CPUs, DDR5 memory, and support for hybrid M.2 + HDD setups. These NAS units are designed for users seeking full ownership of their data infrastructure with no recurring software feesâdelivering private cloud capabilities optimized for speed, scalability, and reliability.
Orico Cyberdata Vault NAS Hardware Specifications
The ORICO CyberData Vault NAS lineup spans a diverse range of hardware configurations, designed to match varying workloads from basic file storage to high-bandwidth, real-time editing and AI processing. At the entry point, the CF500 and CF500 Pro models provide 5-bay HDD storage combined with dual M.2 SSD slots, powered by either a quad-core Intel N150 or an octa-core Intel Core i3-N305 processor. These systems support up to 32GB of DDR5 memory and are well-suited for small studios or home offices seeking an affordable yet capable hybrid NAS.
Specification
CF500
CF500 Pro
CF6 (All-Flash)
CF56 (Mixed)
CF56 Pro (Mixed)
CF1000
CPU
Intel N150 (4C / 4T)
Intel Core i3-N305 (8C / 8T)
Intel Core i3-N305 (8C / 8T)
Intel Core i3-N305 (8C / 8T)
Intel Core i3-N305 (8C / 8T)
Intel Core i5-1240P (12C / 16T)
Memory (DDR5)
8GB (up to 32GB)
8GB (up to 32GB)
16GB (up to 64GB)
16GB (up to 64GB)
16GB (up to 64GB)
16GB (up to 64GB)
Boot/Flash Storage
32GB eMMC
32GB eMMC
64GB eMMC
64GB eMMC
128GB SSD
128GB SSD
Drive Bays
5 x 3.5â HDD + 2 x M.2 SSD
5 x 3.5â HDD + 2 x M.2 SSD
6 x M.2 NVMe SSD (All Flash)
5 x 3.5â HDD + 6 x M.2 SSD
5 x 3.5â HDD + 6 x M.2 SSD
10 x 3.5â HDD + 2 x M.2 SSD
RAID Support
0 / 1 / 5 / 6 / 10
0 / 1 / 5 / 6 / 10
0 / 1 / 5 / 6 / 10
0 / 1 / 5 / 6 / 10
0 / 1 / 5 / 6 / 10
0 / 1 / 5 / 6 / 10 / 50 / 60
Networking
1 x 2.5GbE
1 x 2.5GbE + 1 x 10GbE
1 x 2.5GbE + 1 x 10GbE
1 x 2.5GbE + 1 x 10GbE
2 x 10GbE
2 x 10GbE
USB Ports
2 x USB 3.2 Gen2
2 x USB 2.0
Same as CF500
Same as CF500
Same as CF500
Same as CF500
2 x USB4
2 x USB 3.2 Gen2
2 x USB 2.0
Video Output
1 x HDMI 2.0 + 1 x DP 1.4
1 x HDMI 2.0 + 1 x DP 1.4
1 x HDMI 2.0 + 1 x DP 1.4
1 x HDMI 2.0 + 1 x DP 1.4
1 x HDMI 2.1 + 1 x DP 1.4a (8K)
1 x HDMI 2.1 + 1 x DP 1.4a (8K)
AI & AIGC Features
No
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
Thunderbolt Support
No
No
No
No
Expansion via RAID cabinet
Expansion via RAID cabinet
GPU Dock Support
No
No
No
Optional
Supported
Supported
Cooling Design
Active, efficient air cooling
Active, efficient air cooling
Active, efficient air cooling
Advanced hybrid cooling
Advanced hybrid cooling
High-performance multi-zone cooling
Mid-range models like the CF6 (All-Flash), CF56, and CF56 Pro introduce more performance-oriented features. All three are equipped with the 8-core Intel Core i3-N305 CPU and support up to 64GB DDR5 memory, but differ in storage layout. The CF6 is an all-flash system with six M.2 NVMe SSD slots and no HDD bays, tailored for latency-sensitive applications such as video editing or containerized workloads. The CF56 and CF56 Pro, on the other hand, feature a hybrid designâfive 3.5âł HDD bays plus six M.2 SSD slotsâoffering both capacity and speed. These models also begin to incorporate higher-tier I/O, including 10GbE networking and dual HDMI/DisplayPort outputs.
At the top of the range, the CF1000 model pushes into workstation or rackmount territory with 10 HDD bays and 2 M.2 SSD slots, dual 10GbE ports, and a 12-core/16-thread Intel Core i5-1240P processor. With a 128GB SSD boot drive, up to 64GB DDR5 memory support, and expanded RAID options (including RAID 50/60), the CF1000 is positioned for users requiring serious throughput, redundancy, and application scalability. Across the series, thermal management is maintained through active cooling designs, ensuring stable performance even during sustained workloads.
Orico Cyberdata Vault NAS Software Specifications
All six models in the CyberData Vault lineup operate on CyberData OS, ORICOâs fully self-developed operating system designed for professional-grade data storage and media management. Built around the enterprise-grade ZFS file system, the OS supports features such as inline data integrity verification, native encryption, space-efficient snapshots, and advanced RAID configurations (RAID 0/1/5/6/10 on all models, and RAID 50/60 on the CF1000). The ZFS layer also enables up to a 30% performance boost over EXT4 in typical file access and backup scenarios. Data resilience is central to the platform, with support for deduplication, rollback, and point-in-time recovery, making it suitable for high-stakes environments where data consistency and uptime are critical.
CyberData OS is built with cross-platform compatibility, providing unified access and real-time collaboration between Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and smart TVs. A full set of user and role management tools enables secure file access across teams or departments, while snapshot-based rollback ensures fast recovery from accidental deletions or ransomware incidents. Remote access is handled through P2P networking, allowing seamless file transfers, Office document previews, and collaborative editing, even outside the local networkâwithout compromising on security. The platform also supports one-click file backup and Time Machine integration for macOS, providing tailored backup workflows for both casual and power users.
Beyond core storage functions, the OS serves as a media hub, complete with 4K playback support, automatic movie wall generation, and integration with third-party cloud platformsâallowing users to stream or preview content without full downloads. AI capabilities are deeply embedded, particularly in the CF56 Pro and CF1000, where localized AIGC (AI-generated content) features are available. Users can perform semantic image searches, facial recognition, location-based media filtering, and automatic music/video categorization. These AI tools enhance productivity by minimizing manual sorting and retrieval work in large media libraries.
For developers and power users, the system includes an upgraded FaaS-based Docker environment, allowing microservices deployment, scaling of containerized apps, and remote control of Windows and Linux VMs. Paired with the GPU Dock integration, the NAS can be transformed into a high-performance workstation for offline rendering, design work, or even virtual machine gaming. Additionally, ORICO supports expansion through a Thunderbolt RAID cabinet, offering scalable, high-speed external storage ideal for demanding data workflows or secure long-term backups. Combined, these features elevate CyberData OS from a standard NAS interface to a multi-role private cloud operating environment, capable of adapting to a broad spectrum of home and enterprise tasks.
Who Are Orico?
ORICO Technologies Co., Ltd. is a Shenzhen-based hardware manufacturer known for producing a wide range of consumer and professional-grade storage, connectivity, and power solutions. Established in the early 2000s, ORICO has gained recognition for its extensive portfolio of USB hubs, docking stations, enclosures, and more recently, NAS devices. The company has built its reputation around delivering functional, affordable technology designed for both home and enterprise users, often focusing on modular expandability and compatibility with emerging interface standards like USB4, Thunderbolt, and 10GbE. With the upcoming launch of the CyberData Vault NAS series, ORICO is signaling a shift toward deeper integration of AI, high-performance computing, and enterprise-ready data managementâall within a private cloud framework tailored to small teams and professionals looking to move away from subscription-based storage platforms.
The Orico Cyberdata Vault NAS â Price and Release Date
The ORICO CyberData Vault NAS series is expected to launch via Kickstarter in late May to early June, marking the companyâs formal entry into the high-performance private cloud storage sector. While final pricing has not yet been confirmed, ORICO aims to offer a competitive tiered structure across the six models, reflecting differences in storage configurations, processing power, and expansion options. Positioned as a direct response to a wave of emerging Chinese NAS alternatives, the CyberData Vault lineup is expected to compete with recent and upcoming releases such as the UGREEN NASync DXP series, the Minisforum N5 Pro, and the Aoostar WTR Max. All of these systems target prosumer and professional users seeking hybrid storage, high-speed connectivity, and non-subscription-based private cloud infrastructureâan increasingly active space that ORICO appears intent on disrupting with its multi-model launch strategy.
This description contains links to Amazon. These links will take you to some of the products mentioned in today's content. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Visit the NASCompares Deal Finder to find the best place to buy this device in your region, based on Service, Support and Reputation - Just Search for your NAS Drive in the Box Below
Need Advice on Data Storage from an Expert?
Finally, for free advice about your setup, just leave a message in the comments below here at NASCompares.com and we will get back to you.Need Help?
Where possible (and where appropriate) please provide as much information about your requirements, as then I can arrange the best answer and solution to your needs. Do not worry about your e-mail address being required, it will NOT be used in a mailing list and will NOT be used in any way other than to respond to your enquiry.
[contact-form-7]
TRY CHAT Terms and Conditions
If you like this service, please consider supporting us.
We use affiliate links on the blog allowing NAScompares information and advice service to be free of charge to you.Anything you purchase on the day you click on our links will generate a small commission which isused to run the website. Here is a link for Amazon and B&H.You can also get me a Ko-fi or old school Paypal. Thanks!To find out more about how to support this advice service checkHEREIf you need to fix or configure a NAS, check FiverHave you thought about helping others with your knowledge? Find Instructions Here
Or support us by using our affiliate links on Amazon UK and Amazon US
Alternatively, why not ask me on the ASK NASCompares forum, by clicking the button below. This is a community hub that serves as a place that I can answer your question, chew the fat, share new release information and even get corrections posted. I will always get around to answering ALL queries, but as a one-man operation, I cannot promise speed! So by sharing your query in the ASK NASCompares section below, you can get a better range of solutions and suggestions, alongside my own.
Suite Ă un souci dâaiguillage, le produit devant arriver chez notre ami FX, voici que je me retrouve en test avec un NiPoGi AM06 Pro depuis un peu plus de 2 semaines. Si cette machine Ă un peu moins de 350⏠(pour cette version) semble ĂȘtre parfaite sur le papier, voyons ce que cela donne Ă lâusageâŠ