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I went to Synology HQ and Asked About Hard Drives…

Par : Rob Andrews
2 juin 2025 à 18:00

Synology Explain WHY They Changed Drive Support and Verification in 2025 NAS

During a recent visit to Taipei for Computex 2025, I took the opportunity to visit Synology’s headquarters and speak directly with company representatives about one of the most discussed and divisive topics in the NAS community today — the company’s increasingly strict stance on hard drive compatibility. With the rollout of Synology’s latest generation of hardware, users have been met with significant limitations on the use of third-party drives, prompting concern over reduced flexibility, potential e-waste, and the future direction of Synology’s hardware ecosystem. This article provides a can overview of that visit, beginning with the HQ tour, but mainly it is about putting several big questions users have about the brand’s change in support of Seagate, WD, etc on their 2025 devices.

Four core questions — based on direct community feedback — were put forward, addressing the motivation, risks, and future implications of Synology’s current drive support policy. Each answer is presented exactly as delivered. Note, this article is not sponsored by Synology and they have no control over the editorial stance and output! For users, partners, and industry observers alike, understanding these policy shifts is essential for making informed decisions about Synology systems moving forward.

Touring the Synology Headquarters

The Synology headquarters tour took place during a coordinated visit arranged alongside the Computex 2025 trade event. Approximately 30 to 40 individuals were in attendance, a mix that included official Synology partners, resellers, independent media, and technology commentators. The tour began with a structured company overview presentation outlining Synology’s operational history, business units, and market positioning.

While much of this information was familiar to long-term observers, it served to reinforce the company providing integrated storage and data management solutions. The presentation also included a brief overview of Synology’s global distribution and the evolving structure of its enterprise product lines.

Attendees were then guided through various areas of the facility, which covered several floors within a shared building. Synology does not occupy the entire structure, but the portions shown during the tour were substantial, comprising office sections, collaborative workspaces, logistics coordination areas, and support-related operations. Notably, many desks were temporarily unoccupied due to staff presence at Computex’s Nangang Exhibition Center.

Nonetheless, the offices remained populated with active terminals and systems undergoing live testing.

A significant portion of the tour focused on the environmental and durability testing facilities, including designated zones for acoustic profiling, thermal analysis, and dust resilience. The diversity of units being tested suggested coverage across multiple device classes, including both rackmount and desktop models.

The most extensive portion of the tour was the dedicated test and burn-in area. This floor was almost entirely devoted to long-term performance and diagnostic evaluations. Numerous Synology NAS units — some dating back to the early 2010s — were in continuous operation, either running synthetic workloads or undergoing compatibility assessments with the current DSM operating system.

The presence of so many legacy devices in active testing underscored the company’s emphasis on software longevity and cross-generational hardware support. However, it also provided a contrast to Synology’s new strict verification policies, especially given the mixed hardware environments visible during testing. The tour was led by ZP Kao, Sales Director at Synology, and Chad Chiang, Regional Manager for the UK and Germany, who offered clarification and responded to several direct inquiries during the walkthrough.

Why Has Synology Changed Its HDD Support Policy? Questions and Answers

Chad Chiang | NTU Overseas Internship Program 臺大國際引水人計畫

Questions I put to Synology about their change in policy regarding verifying and supporting drive media being used on their 2025 and later series of NAS devices. I based these on the comments and suggestions from videos on the YouTube channel and comments on previous articles. I am under no illusions that these changes by Synology in their drive support policies have financial justifications (ranging from Support efficiency and it’s financial overhead, to the simple profitability of prioritizing their own labelled firmware optimized storage media choices over those of other brands), but I wanted to know if these were the only reasons for this? What other reasons could Synology provide to support this large and unpopular move. Thank you once again to Chad Chiang for taking the time to answer these questions.

Note – for a better understanding of the current DSM Support of Unverified media, as well as test scenarios detailing each setup and how DSM handles it, you can read it HERE in my Test Article.

How has the verification process changed for which drives you can use on Synology systems moving forward? And are there drive options from WD and Seagate currently undergoing support verification?

Answer – At Synology, we constantly reflect on a core question: Why do people choose a NAS? We believe the answer lies in the need for secure, reliable, and hassle-free data storage. This belief has guided our mission for over a decade. When analyzing our support history, the data clearly shows that systems using Synology-branded drives experience 40% fewer issues compared to those with third-party HDDs. This insight underscores the importance of using thoroughly tested drives. As for which third-party vendors are currently undergoing drive verification, we’re unable to disclose details. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, we recommend reaching out directly to the respective manufacturers.

The response positions Synology’s verification changes as a reliability-focused initiative and smooth platform running as the chief reasoning for them, referencing internal data that suggests a 40% reduction in support issues when Synology-branded drives are used. However, as mentioned previously, the statement does not provide supporting metrics such as sample size, timeframes, or specific failure modes, making it difficult to assess the scope or significance of this claim. I do not doubt that it is true, but without the X/Y and details of how this result was achieved, we are only getting half the story here.  The policy shift is framed as a precautionary measure aimed at minimizing user disruption, but the absence of transparency regarding ongoing verifications with WD or Seagate limits clarity for users seeking alternatives – which is why users are seeing this more as a means for the brand to increase profitability in the 2025 series as a bundled utility purchase – not as a means of system stability.

Ultimately, discussing the technical standards or benchmarks involved in the verification process in paramount here. It largely confirms that responsibility for future third-party compatibility lies with the drive manufacturers themselves, effectively shifting the onus of transparency to them. While it is understandable that Synology might want to mitigate support complexity, the lack of specificity about how the verification criteria have evolved or what steps vendors must follow leaves key questions unanswered for both users and third-party storage providers. I reached out to representatives from Seagate and WD to see if they could elaborate further on this new media side verification process with their respective NAS/Server class media – neither was able to provide further details at this time.

UPDATED 07-05-25 = Added Unverified HDD and SSD (Migrated) Storage Pool RAID Repair, RAID POOL Expansion and Hot Spare Tests. Right now, the following is what works and what does not (between pre-2025 Series and the 2025 Series that is releasing now):

Feature / Function Pre-2025 Synology NAS<br>(e.g., DS1821+, DS920+, DS923+) 2025 Synology NAS<br>(e.g., DS1825+, DS925+, DS1525+)
DSM Installation – Verified Drives ✅ Full support ✅ Full support
DSM Installation – Non-Verified Drives ✅ Allowed (with warnings) ❌ Blocked completely
Drive Migration (Non-Verified Drives) ✅ Fully functional, minor alerts ✅ Works, but shows persistent warnings
Storage Pool Creation – Verified Drives ✅ Fully supported ✅ Fully supported
Storage Pool Creation – Non-Verified Drives ✅ Allowed (with warnings) ❌ Blocked
Storage Pool Expansion – Verified Drives ✅ Fully supported ✅ Fully supported
Storage Pool Expansion – Non-Verified Drives ✅ Allowed (mixed arrays supported) ❌ Blocked – drives flagged as incompatible
Hot Spare Assignment – Verified Drives ✅ Fully supported ✅ Fully supported
Hot Spare Assignment – Non-Verified Drives ✅ Allowed ❌ Blocked
RAID Recovery – Verified Drives ✅ Supported ✅ Supported
RAID Recovery – Non-Verified Drives ✅ Supported ❌ Blocked – system will not rebuild with unverified media
M.2 NVMe Cache – Synology SSDs ✅ Supported ✅ Supported
M.2 NVMe Cache – 3rd Party SSDs ✅ Supported ❌ Blocked
M.2 NVMe Storage Pools – Synology SSDs ❌ Not supported ✅ Supported
M.2 NVMe Storage Pools – 3rd Party SSDs ❌ Not supported ❌ Blocked
SMART Monitoring – Verified Drives ✅ Full support ✅ Full support
SMART Monitoring – Non-Verified Drives ✅ Full support ⚠ Limited or blocked (TBC)
Storage Manager Alerts – Non-Verified Drives ⚠ Warnings, dismissible 🔴 Persistent, cannot be cleared
Overall Compatibility Flexibility ✅ High – mix-and-match drives allowed ❌ Low – walled-garden enforcement

Users are able to migrate existing storage arrays that feature Unverified/unsupported drive media in previous Synology systems into 2025 Plus series devices and still use DSM services – however once they do so, they are unable to use the same model ID of drives to perform RAID recovery, RAID expansion or introduced a hot spare, unless that drive is on the verified drive list. Why is this?

Answer- Advanced operations such as RAID recovery, expansion, or hot spare assignment are technically intensive and carry a higher risk of data loss if inconsistencies arise. Drives that haven’t been validated through Synology’s verification process may behave unpredictably under stress, impacting array stability or performance. For this reason, support for these functions is limited to verified drives—a precaution designed to safeguard user data and maintain long-term system reliability.

So, this answer outlines Synology’s rationale for restricting critical RAID operations on unverified drives and It emphasizes the increased risk associated with advanced storage operations, particularly when performed on drives that may not have been tested under stress or fault conditions. The justification focuses on data integrity and system reliability, suggesting that verified drives have undergone stress testing scenarios that others have not. However, the lack of granularity in what defines “unpredictable behavior” makes it difficult to independently evaluate the severity or frequency of these issues. Much like the statistics point earlier, this seems a remarkable stretch in terms of reaction to what many users would consider a very, very low % risk factor. Equally, though there is an argument that some drive media is less suitable for NAS usage (eg the WD Red SMR drives, desktop single drive use media like Seagate Barracuda and high power draw HDDs/SSDs in some cases), these make up a very small % of drive media in the market and using this as a reasoning to effectively bar the continued support of drive media that has been supported/used in Synology server use over the last 2 decades to prevent RAID recovery and Expansion in the latest gen for those carrying them over seems insane overkill.

The policy effectively limits upgradability and flexibility in mixed-drive environments. While it is technically reasonable to restrict risky operations on unvalidated components, the ability to migrate but not expand or rebuild a RAID introduces a half-measure — allowing users to enter unsupported configurations while restricting them mid-cycle. The result is a system state that may appear functional at first but ultimately lacks key functionality unless users conform to the verified list. For long-term users upgrading from older systems, this shift can lead to unexpected limitations without adequate warning, particularly in small or home office deployments. The messaging has been poor and though I made a video about these limitations (embedded above), there is practically no other clear and transparent information about this online (with incongruous detailson the Synology Knowledge base that could stand to be a lot clearer and louder).

HOT TAKE, and hear me out – If Synology do not allow support of RAID repair/Expansion on drives that have been migrated over from older NAS systems where the drives WERE originally supported (unless they use 2025 verified drives) because of reasons of stability, I have a somewhat extreme suggestion. As unpopular as it might have been, Synology should have just BARRED the support of migration from older generation Synology NAS devices with unverified drives entirely. I personally think they should have allowed for RAID repair/Expansion of unverified drives, but if they are going to pursue this for reasons of system stability, they should have committed to this fully and not allowed this grey area with migration. As it just looks bad for the brand, as means of ensuring people can upgrade/remain in the ecosystem, but then have limited scalability when those older drives require replacement/growth.


Were pre-populated Synology NAS devices considered, given the strict verified support stance that this new Synology hardware generation contains?

Answer – Regarding pre-populated NAS solutions, there hasn’t been significant internal discussion or a formal strategy around this model. As such, I don’t have a concrete answer at this time. The focus remains on ensuring that any storage media used—whether user-installed or bundled—is fully verified to meet Synology’s reliability standards.

Not much to unpack here. It makes sense. I imagine they DID discuss this as an option (as they are already engaging with this with systems like the Beestation), but at least for now, it seems off the table. As unpopular as this might have been, in some ways it could have solved a lot of this friction for some users. Provide the 2025 PLUS series as an empty/enclosure-only solution with similar compatibility as the 2024 and earlier generation – but then also supply several pre-populated options that feature Synology drive media as standard. However, that would be a different discussion entirely (eg logistics, SKUs, viability, ROI by offering this alongside flexible options).


Can you provide example(s) of critical system issues that using unverified drives caused, that were the tipping point for this new strict HDD support policy?

Examples of what stepped up our verification process moving forward:

Performance Issues: Unverified drives may function under light workloads but can suffer serious performance drops (e.g., IOPS decline) under multi-user access or when running demanding services like virtualization, backup, or databases. This can lead to poor user experience or service disruptions (e.g., iSCSI timeouts).

Stability Risks: Without thorough testing, unverified drives are more prone to failures under stress conditions such as unexpected power loss or long-duration file transfers—leading to timeouts, reboot failures, or data integrity issues in high-load or long-term operations.

Compatibility Problems: Drives not validated for compatibility may show unstable behavior with certain NAS controllers, resulting in drive drops, RAID instability, or data access interruptions over time.

Advanced Feature Failures: Unverified drives may fail during operations like SMART testing or Secure Erase, especially after unexpected power outages. Some drives may not respond properly under frequent access or specific command sets, affecting system stability.

Drive Failures Under High Load or Density: Some drives may become unresponsive under high data density or I/O intensity, with issues persisting even after a reset.

The examples provided by Synology highlight a variety of operational issues associated with unverified drives, most of which relate to performance degradation, system instability, or failure of advanced features under stress. These scenarios focus on workloads involving sustained I/O, power fluctuations, and controller-level interactions. In isolation, many of the issues described are plausible for lower-tier or unsuitable drive models, particularly in demanding or enterprise-like environments. That said, that are very low margins (eg 0.01% or lower) when you look at the traditional deployment of many Synology NAS solution in the Plus series. Again though, the scale and frequency of these issues remain unclear. There is no indication of how widespread such failures are across Synology’s user base, nor whether they represent rare edge cases or common occurrences. The examples also apply more logically to enterprise or high-density configurations, whereas the same strict policies now affect all tiers — including two-bay and four-bay systems used by home and prosumer users. Without concrete statistics or clearer thresholds, it is difficult to assess whether these issues justify the breadth of the policy. The policy appears to target potential worst-case scenarios, but may have broader consequences for user flexibility than the risk profile necessarily warrants.

Additional Information and Details from the MyBroadband Article

Data is at the heart of every industry's transformation, and this is where Synology has a profoundly important role to play”: Michael Chang - Express Computer

Further context on Synology’s new drive compatibility policy was provided in an interview between MyBroadband journalist Daniel Puchert (click to read) and Michael Chang, Synology’s Regional Sales Manager. The discussion reinforced many of the points raised during the HQ visit, while also offering additional information into the motivations behind Synology’s stricter approach to drive support in their latest generation of NAS systems. Chang explained that Synology’s primary objective was to ensure product reliability and reduce system-level faults that were increasingly traced back to third-party hard drives. According to Chang, complaints received by Synology often involved third-party drive issues, yet Synology would still be held accountable by users due to their role as the NAS provider. This prompted the company to centralize responsibility and tighten control over supported hardware configurations. While Synology-branded drives are currently the only models certified, Chang noted that other vendors are being invited to participate in the compatibility validation program — provided they meet the same testing standards.

(In the case of the NAS drives) “..because Synology’s product would typically facilitate the usage of third-party hard drives, it would also be the scapegoat for any faults with the entire system.”

“..complaints received by Synology regarding issues relating to its NAS devices were most often caused by faulty hard drives.

“severe storage anomalies have decreased by up to 88%” for hard drive models that have adopted its hard drive compatibility policy, compared to older models.”

“We still welcome third parties to join Synology’s ecosystem and have invited vendors to join our validation program,”

Michael Chang, Synology Regional Sales Manager – full article HERE

The article also mentioned that Synology-certified drives undergo over 7,000 hours of testing, and systems using those drives reportedly experience 40% fewer failures than those using uncertified media. Additionally, Synology claims that severe storage anomalies have dropped by up to 88% in systems following its compatibility policy. Although Chang confirmed that third-party compatibility may expand in the future, it will only do so under strict adherence to Synology’s internal benchmarks. These statements align with Synology’s position during the HQ tour, further emphasizing a shift toward a closed, highly controlled ecosystem that prioritizes consistent performance over hardware flexibility.

Synology and HDD Support and Verification – Conclusion and the Long Term

My biggest issue with all this is that, almost certainly, we are going to see Seagate, WD, Toshiba and more slow (slooooooooowly) appear on the compatibility lists for a number of the 2025 generation of devices over the coming months. So, what was all this for? The PR damage and likely early sales damage of the Synolgoy 2025 Series because of this change of support I would estimate is going to be pretty substantial – and all the reports and reactions to this online are not going to go away as soon as a Seagate Ironwolf or WD Red drive appears on the support lists. Also, Synology work on these devices for a very, very long time before launch – why is all this happening now – and not before launch. The cynic in me wants to just assume it was pure profitability and that Synology want to maximize profits, and if when this does begin to U-Trun ,that the brand can say that it was the plan all along. But whether that is true or not, the damage to the brand in the eyes of a substantial % of their long term fans is notable, and with many more players in the market (UniFi, QNAP, UGREEN and more) launching new products in Q3 and Q4 – is this all going to be a gamble by the brand that ends up costing them more than just leaving the support status quo where it was? Only time will tell.

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Synology PS Series Managed 10GbE PoE Network Switches Revealed

Par : Rob Andrews
26 mai 2025 à 10:00

Synology (Finally) Reveals Managed PoE 10GbE Switches – The PS Series

At Computex 2025, Synology formally unveiled its new PS Series of PoE switches—marking the company’s 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 Synology’s 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 Synology’s 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 Synology’s NAS and surveillance solutions have speculated about the company expanding into networking hardware, particularly switches. Given Synology’s 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 deployments—effectively 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 Synology’s 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 Synology’s 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 Synology’s 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 Synology’s 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 Synology’s 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 unmanaged—there 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 doesn’t 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 Synology’s 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 Synology’s Surveillance Station interface. Its role is clearly focused—bridging 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

Synology’s 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 Synology’s surveillance scope. For those seeking a unified Synology environment for NVR deployments, these switches may be a welcome addition—but broader adoption will likely remain limited until Synology delivers more versatile, multi-role networking solutions.

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Synology at Computex 2025 – ALL THE NEW STUFF

Par : Rob Andrews
21 mai 2025 à 02:21

Synology at Computex 2025 – 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 year’s announcements is Synology’s 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 community—especially 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 year’s lineup confirms Synology’s intent to consolidate hardware and media under its own ecosystem, even while expanding its presence into flash-first infrastructure and turnkey surveillance platforms.

PAS7700 – Flagship NVMe Enterprise Rackmount Storage

The PAS7700 marks Synology’s 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 PAS7700’s 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 Synology’s 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.

PAS7700 Specifications

Feature Details
Architecture Dual-controller, active-active
CPU AMD EPYC (per controller)
Memory Up to 1TB DDR4 ECC (per controller)
Storage Bays Native U.3 NVMe (up to 216 drives w/ expansion)
Max Sequential Throughput 30GB/s (64K read/write)
Max 4K Random Read IOPS 2M+
Network Interface Options Up to 4x 100GbE, 12x 25GbE
Expansion PAX224 – 24-bay U.3 NVMe (HD-SAS 12Gb/s)
Media Compatibility Synology-verified U.3 NVMe SSDs only
Use Case Tier-0 storage, virtualization, high-IOP workloads

PAS3600 – 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 doesn’t 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 Synology’s 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 – 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 – 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 system’s 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 – 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 – 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 2.5″ 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 FS200T’s 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 2.5″ 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+ – Dual-Bay Plus Series NAS with Expansion Support

The DS725+ is Synology’s 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 Synology’s broader shift to a closed hardware ecosystem—an 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 3.5″/2.5″ 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+ – 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 ports1x 2.5GbE and 1x 1GbE—a 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 compatibility—both 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 3.5″/2.5″ 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+ – 5-Bay All-Purpose NAS with Enhanced CPU and Expansion

The DS1525+ sits in the middle of Synology’s 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 Synology’s 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 3.5″/2.5″ 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+ – 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 NICs—with 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 Synology’s 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 updates—a 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 3.5″/2.5″ 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 – 5-Bay Expansion Unit for DS and Plus Series

The DX525 is Synology’s 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 DSM’s Storage Manager for volume extension and RAID expansion.

The DX525 supports both 3.5″ and 2.5″ SATA drives, with hot-swappable trays for quick replacement. While no network or processing capability exists on the unit itself (it’s 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 3.5″/2.5″ 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 – Enterprise NVMe SSD for Sustained Caching Workloads

The SNV5400 is Synology’s 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 shutdowns—essential 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.

Feature Details
Controller IG5636 FAA (PCIe Gen4)
Status Prototype / not yet formally announced
Intended Use High-speed caching or NVMe storage pools
Performance Tier Above SNV3400, likely near or above SNV5400
Media Policy Expected to be Synology-verified only
Use Case Advanced caching, potential AI/video acceleration pools
Feature Details
Form Factor M.2 2280 NVMe (PCIe Gen3/4, TBD)
Interface NVMe (likely Gen4 x4)
Max Random Read IOPS 660,000
Max Random Write IOPS 120,000
Endurance 2,900 TBW
Power Loss Protection Yes
In-System Firmware Updates Supported
Use Case SSD caching for DSM volumes, VM storage pools

HAT5300 20TB – Synology’s Largest Enterprise-Grade HDD

The HAT5300 20TB is the latest and highest-capacity addition to Synology’s line of enterprise SATA hard drives, extending the HAT5300 series for large-volume and high-workload environments. Designed specifically for compatibility with Synology’s 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 3.5″ 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 – Preconfigured Private Cloud with Plex and AI Tools

The BeeStation Plus is Synology’s 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 processor—an 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 Synology’s 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, Synology’s 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 Synology’s portfolio, users should be aware of its limitations—chiefly, 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)
CPU Intel Celeron J4125 (4 cores, 4 threads)
Memory 8GB (non-ECC)
Connectivity 1x 1GbE, USB-A, USB-C
Software BeeStation Manager, Plex preinstalled, Bee Photos
AI Capabilities Local facial and object recognition
Cloud Backup BeeProtect (3-month trial, subscription thereafter)
Media Policy Synology-verified internal drive only
Use Case Plug-and-play media server, personal cloud, photo archive

DS225+ – Budget 2-Bay NAS for Entry-Level Users

The DS225+ is Synology’s 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 Plus—offering 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 ports—adequate 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 ‘entry’, 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 3.5″/2.5″ 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 – Synology Enterprise U.3 NVMe SSD for PAS-Series Systems

The SPU7200D Series is Synology’s 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 Synology’s 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 Synology’s locked ecosystem, the SPU7200D is required in PAS systems under the Synology-verified storage media policy—a 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 (2.5″, PCIe 4.0 x4)
Ports Dual-port enterprise SSD
Max 4K Write IOPS (100%) Up to 140,000
Latency Optimization Yes – 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

 

 

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Synology PAS7700 NVMe NAS System

Par : Rob Andrews
14 mai 2025 à 18:00

Synology (FINALLY) has an NVMe Flash Server – The Synology PAS7700 System

Synology are seemingly going ‘all guns blazing’ at Computex 2025 this year, with a wide array of hardware and software solutions being revealed at the event. Many of these we already know about via official and unofficial reveals over the last 6 months or so, how the PAS NVMe flash storage system is one that was actually originally shown last year at the brand’s 2024 Solution Exhibition in Taipei, this was still an early prototype system and was built using an existing 2U chassis and was much more comparable to existing SAS storage systems from the brand. However, the PAS NVMe Flash system has seemingly (and RAPIDLY) evolved since it was first revealed as an early 12 bay prototype 2U rackmount last year into a dual active 4U Behemoth solution that is significantly more focused on leveraging the performance benefits of NVMe, alongside the scale-out, redundancy and failover of other enterprise tier Synology NAS solutions.

Synology already has an existing range of SSD Flash soltuons, in their Flashstation series, but this proposed PAS7700 system is a completely different class of system against those more classic DSM hardware systems. Synology has been somewhat behind the curve when it comes to NVMe flash systems in the last few years (both entry class m.2 NVMe systems at desktop, but also larger business and enterprise class NVMe over U.2/U.3 compared with competitors such as QNAP (and their FX/FU series), but the PAS is hoping to fill this gap in the brand’s portfolio at this higher tier of buyer. So, what do we know so far?

Synology PAS7700 Hardware Specifications

The Synology PAS7700 is a 4U rackmount dual-node NVMe flash storage system engineered for high-performance, mission-critical enterprise workloads. Designed with a non-disruptive architecture, it enables active-active operations across both nodes, ensuring continuous data availability and efficient load distribution without single points of failure. Each node occupies 2U of rack space and operates independently, yet cooperatively, allowing both to concurrently handle client requests and internal processes. This design eliminates the need for manual failover while maintaining performance even during node maintenance or partial outages.

Component Details
Form Factor 4U Rackmount (Dual-node, 2U per node)
Node Architecture Active-Active
CPU (per node) AMD EPYC, 24 Cores
Memory (per node) 64GB DDR4 ECC (Upgradeable to 1TB)
Memory Protection Cache Protection (battery or supercapacitor-based, unconfirmed)
Drive Bays 48 x NVMe (U.2/U.3) total, 24 per node
Drive Interfaces PCIe Gen4 via native AMD EPYC lanes and ASMedia PCIe controller
Networking (per node) 1 x 1GbE Management Port (Copper), 2 x 10GbE Aquantia Ports
Expansion Options Potential PCIe/OCPI slots for additional NICs (details pending)
Chassis Dimensions TBD (Full 4U dual-node chassis, likely hot-swappable)
Power Supply Redundant PSU (assumed, not yet confirmed)
Cooling Enterprise-grade cooling (multi-fan array; details TBD)

At the heart of each node lies a 24-core AMD EPYC processor, optimized for dense, multi-threaded workloads such as data analytics, database transactions, and large-scale virtualization. These processors provide ample PCIe Gen4 lanes to support high-speed interconnects, storage interfaces, and compute operations. Each node is equipped with 64GB of DDR4 ECC memory out of the box, with upgrade support up to 1TB. This high memory ceiling is particularly beneficial for large-scale caching, deduplication, and inline compression tasks in high IOPS environments. Memory cache protection mechanisms are built in to preserve data integrity during unexpected power loss, using supercapacitors or battery-backed modules.

The storage backplane supports a total of 48 U.2 or U.3 NVMe SSDs across the chassis—24 per node—maximizing both performance and density. Drive control is split between the native AMD EPYC-integrated PCIe controllers and additional PCIe switching and management provided by ASMedia Technologies, likely to balance performance across multiple backplanes and mitigate PCIe bottlenecks. This configuration ensures that each SSD can be utilized to its full potential with minimal latency and optimal throughput. Network connectivity includes a dedicated 1GbE copper port per node for management, along with dual 10GbE NICs for data operations. These ports support link aggregation and failover, with options for expansion to higher-speed interfaces expected, though not yet confirmed. The PAS7700 likely supports several PCIe expansion slots internally, allowing future upgrade paths to 25/40/100GbE if required. This flexibility positions the unit for use in diverse network topologies and high-bandwidth enterprise infrastructures.

That said, we should discuss the thorny subject of storage media. Synology has recently implemented a more stringent hardware compatibility policy, mandating the use of Synology-branded or certified storage media in its latest 2025 Plus Series NAS devices. This policy restricts full functionality and support to only those drives that have been validated by Synology, potentially limiting user flexibility and increasing costs due to reduced third-party options. Currently, Synology’s in-house SSD lineup includes SATA SSDs and M.2 NVMe SSDs, with capacities up to 800GB. This raises questions about their plans for higher-performance storage media suitable for systems like the PAS7700, which is designed for demanding enterprise workloads. As of now, Synology has not announced any U.2 or U.3 NVMe SSDs in their product range. Given the PAS7700’s reliance on high-speed NVMe storage, it’s unclear whether Synology will expand its SSD offerings to include higher-capacity and performance options or if they will certify third-party drives for use with this system. The company’s updated compatibility lists will be crucial for users to identify approved drives. Until more information is available, potential PAS7700 users may need to consider the implications of Synology’s hardware compatibility policies on their storage choices.

Synology PAS7700 Services and Flash Protocols

The Synology PAS7700 supports a diverse array of storage access protocols optimized for NVMe over Fabrics (NVMe-oF), ensuring compatibility with modern data center architectures and latency-sensitive applications. These protocols are tailored to support high-throughput and low-latency workloads across both local and remote environments, catering to sectors such as virtualized infrastructure, high-performance computing, and real-time analytics.

Among the supported technologies are NFS RDMA, NVMe-TCP, NVMe over Fibre Channel (NVMe-FC), and NVMe over RoCE (Remote Direct Memory Access over Converged Ethernet). These protocols differ in terms of performance characteristics, implementation complexity, and deployment environments, giving administrators flexibility in aligning the system’s networking stack with existing infrastructure and performance objectives. These include:

  • NFS RDMA (Remote Direct Memory Access):

    • Enhances traditional NFS performance by bypassing the CPU for memory transfers.

    • Significantly reduces latency and CPU usage in environments using NFSv4.x.

    • Ideal for high-performance, low-latency use cases like virtual machines or scientific computing.

  • NVMe-TCP (NVMe over TCP/IP):

    • Extends NVMe-oF across standard Ethernet networks without requiring specialized hardware.

    • Enables NVMe-level performance benefits using existing TCP infrastructure.

    • Easier to deploy in enterprise environments with mixed networking equipment.

  • NVMe-FC (NVMe over Fibre Channel):

    • Combines the speed of NVMe with the reliability of Fibre Channel.

    • Suitable for enterprises already using Fibre Channel SANs.

    • Offers low-latency performance with high stability and established zoning capabilities.

  • NVMe/RoCE (RDMA over Converged Ethernet):

    • Provides near-direct memory access over Ethernet without involving the CPU.

    • Achieves ultra-low latency for applications such as real-time trading or video rendering.

    • Requires a compatible network fabric with lossless Ethernet configuration.

We are still awaiting confirmation on whether this will be running on traditional DSM, a dual controller variation (such as found on the current UC3200 0 Active/Active system), a multinode management variation (as found in the GS/GridStation system, or a brand new splinter of DSM services (as found in the DP series with Active Protect).

Synology PAS7700 Failover and Redundancy

The Synology PAS7700 is designed with full-stack redundancy to eliminate single points of failure and minimize service disruption across hardware, software, and protocol layers. Its dual-node active-active design enables uninterrupted operations even during firmware updates, system maintenance, or unplanned hardware failures. This architecture ensures that both nodes can operate independently while maintaining synchronized data access and state, effectively enabling non-disruptive service continuity in multi-user enterprise environments. Each layer of the system—from networking to storage to memory—is fortified with specific failover mechanisms. Networking is protected via IP failover configurations, allowing services to automatically reroute through a secondary interface or node should a primary link fail. The system also supports Multipath I/O (MPIO) across iSCSI, Fibre Channel, and NVMe-oF protocols, ensuring high availability and load balancing across multiple paths. On the protocol level, persistent handle support in SMB and grace periods in NFS ensure that client sessions remain intact during failovers or server transitions.

Synology further implements failover at the component and data protection level. Memory modules are equipped with cache protection to safeguard in-flight data in the event of power loss, typically via battery backup or capacitor-based retention systems. On the storage layer, support for RAID-TP (triple parity) adds an extra layer of disk fault tolerance, protecting against up to three simultaneous drive failures. Additionally, enterprise-grade SSDs used in the PAS7700 are expected to include power loss protection (PLP), preserving cached writes during sudden shutdowns.

  • Protocols:

    • SMB Persistent Handles: Maintains client file handles during failover events.

    • NFS Grace Periods: Allows NFS clients to re-establish sessions without data loss.

    • MPIO: Multipath I/O for load balancing and failover across multiple transport paths.

  • Networking:

    • IP Failover: Automatically reroutes network services to a standby node or NIC if a primary fails.

  • System-Level:

    • Hardware Failover: One node takes over if the other becomes non-functional.

    • Upgrade Failover: Supports live system or firmware updates without downtime.

  • Memory:

    • Cache Protection: Retains volatile memory contents in the event of power loss using supercaps or batteries.

  • Storage:

    • RAID-TP: Triple parity RAID support for enhanced data redundancy.

    • Power Loss Protection (PLP): SSDs preserve unwritten data during power failure.

Whether other specific SSD/Flash services that are currently available on devices like the Flashstation series (such as RAID F1 for controlled and predicted NAND wearing) will also be integrated here on scale are yet to be confirmed. While the full software environment and feature set of the Synology PAS7700 are yet to be confirmed, its hardware architecture and protocol support position it as a serious entry into the enterprise flash storage segment. With dual-node active-active operation, extensive NVMe protocol compatibility, and comprehensive failover mechanisms, the PAS7700 is clearly designed for organizations that require uncompromising uptime and performance. As more details emerge at Computex 2025, the PAS7700 is expected to clarify its role within Synology’s broader storage portfolio—particularly how it compares to the UC series and where it fits in demanding environments such as virtualized infrastructure, high-frequency transactional workloads, and critical business continuity deployments.

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