[Deal du jour] Vous souhaitez augmenter le stockage de votre PS5 ? Rien de plus simple avec ce SSD de Lexar de 1 To en promotion.
In late 2025, choosing between Seagate IronWolf and WD Red for a NAS is less about raw performance and more about secondary factors such as noise, power consumption, pricing, and ecosystem. Both brands now offer broadly similar SATA performance in their mainstream and Pro lines once you reach 7200 RPM, 256 MB cache, and CMR recording, and both quote comparable workload ratings and multi bay support for NAS use. Durability claims in MTBF, workload per year, and 24 by 7 operation are also effectively at parity on paper, and the underlying engineering around vibration control, error recovery, and NAS specific firmware has converged to a large extent. Where meaningful technical differences still exist is in the maximum capacities on offer and how they are positioned. Seagate currently leads on headline capacity in the NAS tier with IronWolf Pro drives up to 30 TB, while WD Red Pro tops out slightly lower but overlaps most of the mainstream size points that home and small business users are likely to deploy. As a result, the decision for many buyers is less about which brand is objectively better and more about how each behaves in real deployments in terms of acoustics, energy use, long term running costs, warranty extras such as bundled recovery services, and regional pricing patterns at specific capacities.
Across the HDD industry in 2024 and early 2025, Western Digital and Seagate remain closely matched, with Western Digital holding a slight lead by several common measures. Public breakdowns of exabytes shipped in 2024 put Western Digital at roughly 38.6 percent of HDD capacity shipped worldwide, Seagate at about 37 percent, and Toshiba at around 24.4 percent, confirming that the market is effectively a 2 vendor race with a smaller but still significant third player. Although the exact percentages vary depending on whether you look at units, capacity, or revenue, the pattern is consistent, with Western Digital marginally ahead and Seagate following closely behind.
Recent industry and financial reporting also shows Western Digital gaining momentum in high capacity nearline drives, particularly in data center and cloud deployments, with disk based revenue and shipped capacity outpacing Seagate in at least some recent quarters. At the same time, Seagate retains a leadership position in very large capacity models, including 30 TB HAMR based NAS and nearline drives that are already commercially available and aimed at the same high density markets.
Taken together, these data points indicate a tightly contested landscape where Western Digital currently leads in overall shipped capacity and revenue, while Seagate pushes the capacity envelope and remains highly competitive in large scale deployments.
In late 2025 there is a clear pattern in how Seagate and WD position their HDDs on price, even if individual deals move around constantly. In general Seagate tends to be slightly cheaper per terabyte across many mainstream retailers and regions, particularly for larger 16 TB to 24 TB IronWolf and Exos capacities. WD pricing is often a little higher at like for like capacity in third party channels, especially for newer Red Plus and Red Pro models, although temporary sales can narrow or reverse this gap. Both brands are heavily discounted during seasonal events, so headline price screenshots are only ever a snapshot rather than a permanent rule.
Where WD changes the picture is through its own direct store. WD sells Red, Red Plus and Red Pro drives through its retail site and often undercuts third party resellers by a noticeable margin, especially during promotions. That means in some regions the cheapest way to buy WD is directly from WD, while Seagate relies entirely on partner channels and keeps relatively steady discounting through Amazon and similar outlets. As a result it is common to see Seagate come out cheaper in most general marketplaces while WD can be the lowest price only on its own store, which is not available in every country.
Once you move up into Pro and nearline class drives, such as IronWolf Pro versus WD Red Pro or WD Gold, pricing becomes more fragmented. Seagate keeps a fairly consistent capacity step pricing model where higher capacities scale in a relatively predictable way. WD on the other hand often runs multiple Red Pro and enterprise SKUs at the same capacity with different cache sizes or internal designs, which leads to overlapping prices and large swings between models that appear similar on paper. In practice this means that at the Pro tier Seagate is usually easier to price compare, while WD may offer good value on specific model IDs or capacities but requires more careful checking of part numbers and current discounts before purchase.
In terms of acoustic behaviour, Seagate IronWolf and IronWolf Pro drives are consistently a little louder than their WD Red Plus and Red Pro counterparts at like for like capacities. Manufacturer data sheets show most recent IronWolf and IronWolf Pro models idling in the mid to high 20 dBA range, with seek noise commonly around 30 to 32 dBA. WD Red Plus drives in the same capacities often idle in the low to mid 20 dBA range with typical seek levels in the mid to high 20 dBA band, while Red Pro models generally sit around 20 to 25 dBA idle and 31 to 36 dBA under seek depending on capacity and generation. In practical terms this means that in a quiet room or a small office, Seagate NAS drives tend to be more noticeable both at spin up and during sustained random activity.
| Capacity | Idle Seagate Ironwolf | Idle WD Red Plus | Idle Winner | Seek Seagate Ironwolf Pro | Seek WD Red Pro | Seek Winner |
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| 30TB | 28 dBA (ST30000NT011) | no WD equivalent | Seagate | 32 dBA (ST30000NT011) | no WD equivalent | Seagate |
| 28TB | 28 dBA (ST28000NT000) | 25 dBA (WD281KFGX) | WD | 32 dBA (ST28000NT000) | 32 dBA (WD281KFGX) | Tie |
| 26TB | no Seagate model | 25 dBA (WD260KFGX) | WD | no Seagate model | 32 dBA (WD260KFGX) | WD |
| 24TB | 28 dBA (ST24000NT002) | 25 dBA (WD241KFGX), 20 dBA (WD240KFGX) | WD | 26 dBA (ST24000NT002) | 32 dBA (WD241KFGX), 32 dBA (WD240KFGX) | Seagate |
| 22TB | 28 dBA (ST22000NT001) | 32 dBA (WD221KFGX) | WD | 26 dBA (ST22000NT001) | 32 dBA (WD221KFGX) | Seagate |
| 20TB | 28 dBA (ST20000NT001) | 20 dBA (WD202KFGX, WD201KFGX) | WD | 26 dBA (ST20000NT001) | 32 dBA (WD202KFGX, WD201KFGX) | Seagate |
| 18TB | 28 dBA (ST18000NT001) | 20 dBA (WD181KFGX) | WD | 26 dBA (ST18000NT001) | 36 dBA (WD181KFGX) | Seagate |
| 16TB | 28 dBA (ST16000NT001) | 20 dBA (WD161KFGX) | WD | 26 dBA (ST16000NT001) | 36 dBA (WD161KFGX) | Seagate |
| 14TB | 20 dBA (ST14000NT001) | 20 dBA (WD142KFGX), 20 dBA (WD141KFGX) | Tie | 26 dBA (ST14000NT001) | 36 dBA (WD142KFGX), 36 dBA (WD141KFGX) | Seagate |
| 12TB | 28 dBA (ST12000NT001) | 20 dBA (WD121KFBX), 34 dBA (WD122KFBX) | WD | 26 dBA (ST12000NT001) | 36 dBA (WD121KFBX), 39 dBA (WD122KFBX) | Seagate |
| 10TB | 28 dBA (ST10000NT001) | 20 dBA (WD102KFBX), 34 dBA (WD103KFBX) | WD | 30 dBA (ST10000NT001) | 36 dBA (WD102KFBX), 39 dBA (WD103KFBX) | Seagate |
| 8TB | 28 dBA (ST8000NT001) | 20 dBA (WD8003FFBX, WD8005FFBX) | WD | 30 dBA (ST8000NT001) | 36 dBA (WD8003FFBX, WD8005FFBX) | Seagate |
| 6TB | 28 dBA (ST6000NT001) | 21 dBA (WD6003FFBX, WD6005FFBX) | WD | 30 dBA (ST6000NT001) | 36 dBA (WD6003FFBX, WD6005FFBX) | Seagate |
| 4TB | 28 dBA (ST4000NT001) | 20 dBA (WD4003FFBX), 29 dBA (WD4005FFBX) | WD | 30 dBA (ST4000NT001) | 36 dBA (WD4003FFBX, WD4005FFBX) | Seagate |
| 2TB | 28 dBA (ST2000NT001) | 21 dBA (WD2002FFSX) | WD | 30 dBA (ST2000NT001) | 31 dBA (WD2002FFSX) | Seagate |
The difference becomes more apparent once you move beyond a simple 1 or 2 bay NAS and start populating 4, 6 or 8 bay chassis. Multiple Seagate drives running together produce a slightly harsher mechanical sound profile, with more pronounced click and clunk patterns during head movements, as well as higher cumulative vibration. WD drives, particularly Red Plus and most of the more recent Red Pro helium models, lean toward a smoother background hum with less sharp seek noise and lower ambient vibration. For users placing a NAS in a living room, bedroom or under a desk, this cumulative effect can be significant, even if each individual drive only differs by a couple of dBA on paper.
It is worth noting that not every capacity behaves identically. Lower capacities and some air filled WD Red Plus models idle very quietly and can be comparable with the quietest Seagate SKUs, while some high capacity Red Pro variants with 7200 RPM motors and larger caches approach IronWolf Pro levels of seek noise. However, when you average across the current CMR product stacks in late 2025, WD holds a small but consistent advantage in both idle and seek acoustics, especially in multi bay deployments where background noise and vibration build up over time.
Looking purely at spec sheets, both Seagate and WD publish idle and seek values that cluster in similar bands, typically around the low 20 dBA range at idle and high 20 to mid 30 dBA under seek as capacities and spindle speeds rise. In practice though, the character of the noise differs between the brands. IronWolf and IronWolf Pro models tend to produce a sharper mechanical click pattern during head seeks and a more noticeable spin up profile, while WD Red Plus and Red Pro lines usually present as a smoother hum with less abrupt transitions between idle and active states. In a quiet room this difference in tone can matter as much as the numeric dBA rating itself.
| Capacity | Idle Seagate Ironwolf | Idle WD Red Plus | Idle Winner | Active Seagate Ironwolf Pro | Active WD Red Pro | Active Winner |
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| 30TB | 6.8W (ST30000NT011) | no WD equivalent | Seagate | 8.3W (ST30000NT011) | no WD equivalent | Seagate |
| 28TB | 6.8W (ST28000NT000) | 3.6W (WD281KFGX) | WD | 8.3W (ST28000NT000) | 6.0W (WD281KFGX) | WD |
| 26TB | no Seagate model | 3.6W (WD260KFGX) | WD | no Seagate model | 6.0W (WD260KFGX) | WD |
| 24TB | 6.3W (ST24000NT002) | 3.6W (WD241KFGX), 3.9W (WD240KFGX) | WD | 7.8W (ST24000NT002) | 6.0W (WD241KFGX), 6.4W (WD240KFGX) | WD |
| 22TB | 6.0W (ST22000NT001) | 3.4W (WD221KFGX) | WD | 7.9W (ST22000NT001) | 6.8W (WD221KFGX) | WD |
| 20TB | 5.7W (ST20000NT001) | 2.8W (WD202KFGX), 3.6W (WD201KFGX) | WD | 7.7W (ST20000NT001) | 6.1W (WD202KFGX), 6.9W (WD201KFGX) | WD |
| 18TB | 5.0W (ST18000NT001) | 3.0W (WD181KFGX) | WD | 7.5W (ST18000NT001) | 3.6W (WD181KFGX) | WD |
| 16TB | 5.0W (ST16000NT001) | 3.6W (WD161KFGX) | WD | 7.6W (ST16000NT001) | 6.1W (WD161KFGX) | WD |
| 14TB | 5.0W (ST14000NT001) | 3.0W (WD141KFGX), 3.6W (WD142KFGX) | WD | 7.6W (ST14000NT001) | 3.0W (WD141KFGX), 6.4W (WD142KFGX) | WD |
| 12TB | 5.0W (ST12000NT001) | 2.8W (WD121KFBX), 6.1W (WD122KFBX) | WD | 7.6W (ST12000NT001) | 2.8W (WD121KFBX), 8.8W (WD122KFBX) | WD |
| 10TB | 7.8W (ST10000NT001) | 2.9W (WD102KFBX), 3.0W (WD103KFBX) | WD | 10.1W (ST10000NT001) | 4.6W (WD101KFBX), 6.1W (WD103KFBX) | WD |
| 8TB | 7.8W (ST8000NT001) | 4.0W (WD8003FFBX), 4.9W (WD8005FFBX) | WD | 10.1W (ST8000NT001) | 4.6W (WD8003FFBX), 6.9W (WD8005FFBX) | WD |
| 6TB | 7.1W (ST6000NT001) | 3.7W (WD6003FFBX), 4.0W (WD6005FFBX) | WD | 9.3W (ST6000NT001) | 3.7W (WD6003FFBX), 6.9W (WD6005FFBX) | WD |
| 4TB | 7.8W (ST4000NT001) | 3.7W (WD4003FFBX), 4.0W (WD4005FFBX) | WD | 8.7W (ST4000NT001) | 3.7W (WD4003FFBX), 5.8W (WD4005FFBX) | WD |
| 2TB | 6.7W (ST2000NT001) | 6.0W (WD2002FFSX) | WD | 6.7W (ST2000NT001) | 7.8W (WD2002FFSX) | Seagate |
At lower capacities, especially in the 2 TB to 6 TB range where air filled designs and lower spindle speeds are common, WD Red Plus models are often among the quietest options, with idle noise figures that sit at the lower end of the published spectrum and relatively soft seek sounds. Seagate standard IronWolf drives in these capacities are not especially loud by absolute numbers, but they generally sit slightly higher at idle and under random activity. Once you move into high capacity Pro class drives, WD Red Pro and IronWolf Pro become more comparable, although WD still often maintains a small advantage in idle noise on the newest helium filled models, while seek noise can be quite close on some capacities.
Noise differences increase as you add more bays and drives. A 2 bay or 4 bay NAS with mixed workloads may only expose a modest gap in acoustic behaviour between the brands, but 8 bay and larger systems can amplify any small variations. Multiple Seagate drives seeking at once will create more noticeable cumulative chatter and vibration inside a metal chassis, which can transfer into desks or shelving if the NAS is not well isolated. WD units with otherwise similar specifications and workload ratings usually generate less overall vibration, so the aggregate sound from a populated chassis can be easier to live with in shared spaces.
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For users planning deployments in noise sensitive environments, such as a living room media setup or a small office where the NAS will sit in the same room as desks, these differences can be a factor in the buying decision once capacity and performance requirements are defined. Seagate remains attractive where price per terabyte and maximum capacity are the main priorities, and users are able to position the NAS in a cupboard, loft or separate room. WD drives typically suit scenarios where the system will remain close to people for long periods, sacrificing a small amount of price advantage in favour of lower background noise and a slightly less intrusive acoustic profile at both idle and under sustained activity.
From a technical perspective Seagate and WD now sit very close to one another in most core HDD metrics, particularly in the NAS focused IronWolf, IronWolf Pro, Red Plus and Red Pro ranges. Both brands use CMR recording on their NAS lines, have comparable workload ratings in each class, and converge around similar sustained transfer rates once you reach 7200 RPM and larger cache sizes. The main structural differences are that Seagate currently pushes higher maximum capacities into the consumer and prosumer space and includes bundled rescue data recovery on many NAS models, while WD tends to retain a small advantage in power consumption and acoustic behaviour at equivalent capacities, especially in multi bay systems. Historical issues such as WD Red SMR drives and Seagate high failure rate models at specific points in time are still relevant for older stock, but the current generation NAS ranges for both vendors are broadly aligned in specification and intended workload.
In practical terms the choice between Seagate IronWolf and WD Red often comes down to priority order rather than any single clear winner. Users aiming for the lowest cost per terabyte and the highest capacities available in the near term will usually find Seagate more attractive, particularly in larger IronWolf Pro and Exos class drives, accepting higher power draw and a more noticeable acoustic profile. Users who are sensitive to noise, want marginally lower long term energy usage or prefer WD’s clearer product segmentation may gravitate toward Red Plus or Red Pro, taking care to select the correct CMR models and capacities. In all cases the decision should be made at model level using current datasheets and pricing, not just brand reputation, and should be paired with a sensible RAID plan and an independent backup strategy, since neither vendor can remove the fundamental risk that any individual hard drive can fail.
| Idle Seagate Ironwolf | Idle WD Red Plus | Active Seagate Ironwolf Pro | Active WD Red Pro |
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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 SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER
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En bon geek accro au shopping, vous avez claqué des centaines d'euros dans un SSD NVMe PCIe 5.0 qui promet d'atteindre des vitesses de ouf, mais malheureusement, vous avez l'impression que votre Windows n'en tire pas tout le potentiel... snif... Et ce n'est pas qu'une impression, vous avez raison, et youpi, Microsoft vient enfin de faire quelque chose pour corriger ça.
Le problème, c'est que depuis des années, Windows traite tous les périphériques de stockage comme s'ils étaient de vieux disques SCSI des années 80. En effet, Windows convertit toutes les commandes à destination de votre SSD NVMe ultrarapide, en langage SCSI avant de les exécuter. Un peu comme si vous deviez traduire du français vers le latin puis vers l'anglais à chaque fois que vous voulez dire bonjour. C'est inutilement compliqué et forcément plus lent.
Du coup, Microsoft a décidé de moderniser tout ça avec Windows Server 2025 qui supporte enfin le NVMe natif. Concrètement, plus de traduction SCSI, le système communique maintenant directement avec votre SSD dans sa langue maternelle et les résultats sont plutôt impressionnants !
Car si on en croit Microsoft, en termes de performances, ça représente une augmentation de 80% des IOPS (opérations d'entrée/sortie par seconde) par rapport à Windows Server 2022. Pour vous donner un ordre de grandeur, on passe d'environ 1,8 million d'IOPS à 3,3 millions sur un SSD PCIe 5.0. Et en bonus, le CPU consomme environ 45% de cycles en moins pour chaque opération I/O. Bref, c'est plus rapide ET plus efficace.
Et il y a bien sûr, une raison technique à ces gains massifs. Les SSD NVMe modernes supportent jusqu'à 64 000 files d'attente avec 64 000 commandes chacune. Sauf que l'ancien système SCSI était conçu pour des disques rotatifs avec une seule file et 32 commandes max. Ouch...
Pour l'instant, cette amélioration est disponible uniquement sous Windows Server 2025 et elle est désactivée par défaut. Donc faut l'activer manuellement via le registre avec une commande PowerShell mais Microsoft précise que Windows 11 devrait aussi en bénéficier dans une future mise à jour, une fois que la techno aura fait ses preuves côté serveur.
Voici la fameuse commande :
Connexionreg add HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Policies\Microsoft\FeatureManagement\Overrides /v 1176759950 /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f
Bref, si vous êtes admin système ou que vous avez un serveur qui fait tourner SQL Server, de la virtualisation Hyper-V ou des workloads IA/ML, ça vaut le coup de jeter un petit œil (pensez à le récupérer après, c'est dégueu un oeil qui traine par terre).
Selon Kingston, la pénurie de mémoire flash NAND pourrait s’aggraver dès les prochaines semaines, entraînant une nouvelle hausse des prix des SSD
Cet article Les prix des SSD vont-ils exploser ? Kingston tire la sonnette d’alarme a été publié en premier par GinjFo.
[Deal du jour] Avant que les prix ne s’envolent pour de bon, le SSD portable Crucial X10 Pro passe en promotion sur Amazon.
Transcend prévient d’une pénurie sévère de mémoire NAND, provoquant des hausses de prix jusqu’à 100 % et des délais de livraison prolongés pour plusieurs mois.
Cet article Crise de la mémoire NAND : Transcend alerte sur des hausses de prix massives a été publié en premier par GinjFo.
Vous voulez savoir si votre SSD est sur le point de rendre l’âme mais vous avez la flemme d’installer un énième logiciel ? SMART Report Viewer règle le problème puisqu’il permet d’analyser vos rapports SMART directement dans votre navigateur.
En gros, vous exportez les données SMART de votre disque avec un outil comme smartctl ou CrystalDiskInfo, vous glissez le fichier dans l’interface web, et hop… l’analyse se fait entièrement côté client.
Pour rappel, les données SMART (Self-Monitoring, Analysis and Reporting Technology), c’est ce que votre disque collecte sur lui-même en permanence : Nombre de secteurs réalloués, heures de fonctionnement, cycles d’allumage, erreurs de lecture… Tous ces indicateurs qui permettent de voir venir une panne avant de perdre vos photos de vacances ou votre collection de photos de… enfin bref.
SMART Report Viewer supporte les disques NVMe et SATA, ce qui couvre à peu près tout ce qu’on trouve dans nos machines aujourd’hui, donc que vous ayez un vieux HDD mécanique qui grince depuis 2015 ou un SSD NVMe tout neuf, ça devrait passer.
L’avantage d’un outil web par rapport aux logiciels classiques comme CrystalDiskInfo ou GSmartControl, c’est surtout sa portabilité puisque vous pouvez analyser un rapport depuis n’importe quel PC, y compris celui d’un pote qui vous demande de jeter un œil à son disque qui fait des trucs suspect.
Pour récupérer vos données SMART, le plus simple reste smartmontools. Sous Linux ou macOS, un petit sudo smartctl -a /dev/disk0 > rapport.txt et c’est réglé. Sous Windows, CrystalDiskInfo permet d’exporter les infos et ensuite vous balancez le fichier sur SMART Report Viewer et vous avez votre diagnostic.
Pas de repo GitHub visible donc difficile de savoir comment l’analyse est faite côté code mais vous pouvez vérifier que tout se passe dans le navigateur puisqu’en coupant votre connexion après avoir chargé la page, ça marche toujours.
Bref, encore un petit outil pratique qui ne fait qu’une chose et la fait bien !
Portée par l’IA et les SSD d’entreprise, la demande mondiale de NAND Flash s’envole. Les prix grimpent de 20 % à plus de 60 % en un mois.
Cet article SSDs, la demande et les prix explosent a été publié en premier par GinjFo.
Seagate accélère le développement des disques durs HAMR et annonce un prototype de 70 To. Une avancée majeure qui prépare le chemin vers le pétaoctet d’ici 2040.
Cet article Seagate dévoile un disque dur 3,5 pouces frôlant les 70 To de capacité ! a été publié en premier par GinjFo.
Black Friday 2025 has arrived and this year the reductions cover every corner of the NAS and homelab market. The entire Synology 2025 line including the DS925+, DS1525+, DS1522+, DS225+, and DS1825+ has taken unusually large price cuts, and the QNAP TS x64 series is also sharply reduced. UGREEN and Terramaster have applied broad 15% to 25% discounts across their 2024 and 2025 ranges. Seagate’s 28TB IronWolf Pro is down to $449 at multiple stores, and the Beelink ME Mini N150 bundle has dropped to $279 which makes it one of the strongest compact server offers this year. UnRAID licences are 25% off with an added $15 voucher, and Plex Pass is 40% off across monthly, yearly, and lifetime tiers. UniFi has also rolled out large network hardware reductions including cuts on its gateways, routers, and WiFi 7 devices. Below you will find updated recommendations for NAS systems for backups, Plex, business, and surveillance, along with live links to the best deals as they continue to appear through the day.
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Recommended Deals (so far)
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+ Get a further 5% OFF with this code: NASCOMPARES
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The Unraid Cyber Weekend Sale started on Wednesday November 26th, and will run through Cyber Monday, December 1st, 2025. They are discounting Starter and Unleashed licenses, plus all Unleashed upgrades (so, if you have a monthly or annual license, and want to upgrade to lifetime, you will get a discount of the partial upgrade cost too). Also, every license purchased will come with a $15 voucher good for the Unraid Merch Store included. Click below (or HERE) to get your UnRAID license at 25% off.
| UniFi WiFi 7 2.5G+10G Dream Router | UniFi Gateway Fiber 10G/2.5G Gateway |
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| Category | Details |
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| CPU | Intel N150 onboard (Twin Lake SoC) |
| Motherboard Type | Mini-ITX 170 x 170 mm |
| RAM Type / Maximum | DDR5 SO-DIMM, 1 slot, up to 16GB |
| SATA Drive Support | 6 x SATA 3.0 |
| M.2 SSD Support | 2 x M.2 M-Key (PCIe) |
| Network Connections | 2 x Intel I226-V 2.5GbE, 1 x AQC113 10GbE |
| PSU Type | 24-pin ATX + 4-pin CPU power |
| PCIe Slot Support | 1 x PCIe 3.0 x4 slot |
The Cloud Gateway Max, Cloud Gateway Max NS, and Gateway Lite form the most affordable cluster of UniFi Black Friday gateway offers this year. The Cloud Gateway Max drops from $279 to $179 and delivers full UniFi application support with 2.3Gbps IDS and IPS, 2.5GbE WAN, five 2.5GbE LAN ports, and selectable NVMe NVR storage up to 2TB. The NS model follows the same hardware blueprint but arrives at a lower $159 price while retaining 2.3Gbps inspection performance and 30 plus device management. The Gateway Lite stands out as the entry level option at an aggressive $49, down from $129. It offers 1Gbps IDS and IPS, a compact footprint, full UniFi security features, USB C power, and a simple 1GbE WAN plus 1GbE LAN layout, making it ideal for small networks or for replacing an ageing USG.
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Recommended Deals (so far)
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| Category | Details |
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| CPU | Intel Core i5 12450H onboard |
| Motherboard Type | Mini ITX size one hundred seventy mm by one hundred seventy mm |
| RAM Type and Maximum | DDR5 dual channel up to sixty four GB, two slots |
| SATA Drive Support | Two direct SATA ports plus five SATA via SFF eight six four three JMB585 controller |
| M2 SSD Support | Two M two slots, one PCIe four point zero x four and one PCIe three point zero x one, plus four NVMe via SFF adaptor |
| Network Connections | Four Intel I226 V two point five gig ports |
| PSU Type | Twenty four pin ATX plus eight pin CPU power (standard ITX layout) |
| PCIe Slot Support | One PCIe four point zero x four slot (compatible with x eight or x sixteen cards) |
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| Category | Details |
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| CPU | Intel N5105 (4 cores, 4 threads, onboard) |
| Motherboard Type | Mini ITX (Industrial style) |
| RAM Type / Maximum | DDR4, up to 64GB, 2 slots |
| SATA Drive Support | 6 x SATA 3.0 |
| M.2 SSD Support | 2 x M.2 NVMe (2280) |
| Network Connections | 4 x 2.5GbE (Intel i225 or i226-V depending on board revision) |
| PSU Type | 24-pin ATX |
| PCIe Slot Support | None |
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The Best UGREEN NAS System Offers:
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Devenus abordables et omniprésents, les SSD sont le premier choix pour accélérer un ordinateur. Mais malgré leurs performances, ils ne constituent pas une solution fiable pour l’archivage de données sur le long terme. Il faut ainsi étre prudent sur le long terme. En effet sans alimentation pendant une période prolongée, un SSD peut perdre une …
Cet article SSD et perte de données, pourquoi ce support est dangereux pour vos données ? a été publié en premier par GinjFo.
Black Friday 2025 brings some of the strongest price cuts Terramaster has offered to date, with major reductions across the entire lineup of NAS and DAS systems. Flagship units like the F4-424 Max drop from $899.99 to $629.99, the F6-424 Max sees deep reductions on high-capacity six-bay storage, and the all-flash F4 SSD now sits at $319.99 instead of $399.99. Even the entry models receive meaningful cuts, such as the F2-425 Plus falling to $319.99 and the D1 SSD Plus dropping to $76.99. This mix of discounts spans home users, creative workflows, SMB deployment, and high-speed all-flash storage, setting the stage for one of the most competitive Terramaster Black Friday lineups yet.
The Terramaster F4-425 Plus, F2-425 Plus, and F4-425 form the core of the brand’s 2025 generation Black Friday lineup, each delivering a significant jump in performance over older Terramaster models while receiving sizeable price cuts for the sale period. The F4-425 Plus is reduced to $455.99 from $569.99 and features an Intel N150 processor, 16GB DDR5 memory, dual 5GbE ports, and three M.2 NVMe slots, making it suitable for large Plex libraries, virtual machines, 8K transcoding, and high speed RAID arrays using TRAID or RAID 5 or RAID 6. The smaller F2-425 Plus drops to $319.99 from $399.99 and keeps the same N150 CPU and dual 5GbE networking but in a two bay format with 8GB DDR5 memory and three M.2 slots for SSD caching or high speed all flash pools, which suits creators or compact home labs. The F4-425 sits at a lower price of $313.99 from $369.99 and uses the Intel N5095 processor with 4GB DDR4 memory and a single 2.5GbE port, making it a more affordable entry point for home backups, light Plex streaming, and RAID 5 or TRAID setups while retaining the same push lock drive bays and aluminum chassis design found across the range.
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The spotlight turns to high‐performance SSD-based storage in Terramaster’s Black Friday 2025 lineup with the F4 SSD, the F8 SSD Plus NAS, and the D4 SSD 4-Bay USB DAS—all receiving deep discounts. The F4 SSD 4-Bay All-Flash NAS is offered for $319.99 (down from $399.99) and gives creators and small workgroups fast NVMe caching support, all-flash RAID (0/1/5/6/10) readiness and a desktop form factor suited to demanding media workflows. The F8 SSD Plus 8-Bay NAS, now $639.99 instead of $799.99, scales up that performance into a larger chassis: excellent for high throughput workloads, database hosting, content creation pipelines or consolidation of multiple flash volumes with plenty of headroom and robust NAS services. Rounding out the trio, the D4 SSD 4-Bay All-Flash DAS is discounted to $239.99 (from $299.99) and provides USB-C or Thunderbolt 3/4 (depending on region) direct access to four SSDs, making it a great companion for video editors, mobile creators or anyone who needs ultra-low latency local storage with the ability to archive later to a full NAS. Together, these three systems cover fast all-flash storage needs—from editing bays to fast-access workstations to high-capacity large NAS units—at some of Terramaster’s most aggressive Black Friday pricing.
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Terramaster’s Power Desktop NAS lineup sees serious Black Friday cuts in 2025 for users who need multi-bay capacity and high performance in a compact desktop form factor. The F4-424 Max 4-Bay NAS is offered at $629.99 (down from $899.99) and delivers a strong balance of features: Intel N5095 or equivalent quad-core processor, multiple high speed LAN options, M.2 SSD caching or expansion, and support for large 30 TB+ drives in RAID 5 or TRAID+. The F6-424 (non-Max) drops to $479.99 (from $599.99) and bumps capacity up to six bays while maintaining the compact footprint, offering creators and small offices a six-drive pool with ample headroom for large media libraries or datasets. The F6-424 Max takes it further, combining six-bay mechanics with the “Max” class enhancements—higher memory, faster networking, and premium chassis build—making it a powerhouse for homelab users or prosumers at the reduced Black Friday price (specific price not listed, but expect similar ~20% discount). Together, these three units represent Terramaster’s desktop NAS workhorses—ideal for high capacity, multi-drive setups during Black Friday 2025.
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Here are a few of the other Amazon Black Friday Deals available during this Black Friday event:
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Black Friday 2025 has brought a round of uncommon discounts to Synology’s latest DiskStation models, with Amazon and B&H offering some of the strongest reductions across the current lineup. Synology hardware rarely receives notable price cuts, particularly on recently launched systems, so this is a useful opportunity for anyone planning an upgrade or expanding their storage. Whether you need a reliable home backup platform, a media server, or a compact office solution, several 2025 generation units are now available at lower prices. This guide outlines the best deals currently live and helps identify which DiskStation models offer the most value during this year’s Black Friday period.
Important note: Some users may have heard that Synology’s 2025 generation DiskStation models restrict the use of non-Synology hard drives. This was true earlier in the year, but Synology reversed the policy in October 2025. Current DiskStation units in this lineup now accept third-party HDDs from any manufacturer with no warnings or reduced functionality. However, M.2 NVMe SSD support remains limited to approved models, and the HDD restrictions still apply to RackStation systems and higher tier products in the broader Synology portfolio. Learn More about this HERE
The DS925+ is a compact four bay desktop NAS built for users who want a balance of performance, expansion, and long term DSM support in a small footprint. It runs on the AMD Ryzen V1500B processor with ECC memory, giving it a stronger hardware foundation than most entry tier systems and enough overhead for multi user workloads, backups, and light virtualisation. The unit supports both SATA hard drives and SSDs, while the two M.2 NVMe slots allow users to add cache or create faster SSD volumes without occupying the main bays. Dual 2.5GbE ports provide improved throughput over standard 1GbE models and support link aggregation for higher sustained speeds. With DSM offering SHR, Btrfs snapshots, file sync tools, media applications, and extensive package support, the DS925+ serves as a flexible storage platform for home offices and small teams that need dependable performance without moving to a larger enclosure. BUY HERE
2-bay SATA NAS with Intel Celeron J4125 quad-core 2.0/2.7GHz CPU, 2.5GbE + 1GbE LAN ports, dual USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, 2GB DDR4 memory expandable to 6GB
The DS225+ is Synology’s 2025 two-bay desktop NAS designed for home users, creatives, and small teams seeking a straightforward yet capable storage solution. It supports both 3.5″ and 2.5″ SATA drives, and offers dual network ports—including a 2.5GbE link—for improved throughput in compact deployments. Running DSM, Synology’s mature NAS operating system, it delivers file sharing, backup, photo management, and surveillance features in an easy-to-use package. Its quad-core Intel processor provides capable performance for standard NAS tasks, though the soldered memory and modest expandability may limit its usefulness for heavier workloads or large scale expansion. With its balance of refined software and network capability, the DS225+ is a solid entry point for users focused on dependable, integrated NAS functionality. BUY HERE
4-bay SATA/SSD NAS with dual 2.5 GbE ports, 2 × M.2 NVMe slots, AMD Ryzen V1500B quad-core 2.2 GHz processor, 4 GB DDR4 ECC memory (expandable to 32 GB).
The DS925+ is Synology’s 2025 four-bay desktop NAS targeted at home offices, prosumers, and small teams who want a mature software ecosystem and future-proof networking. It supports both 3.5″ and 2.5″ SATA drives in its four bays, plus two M.2 NVMe slots for caching or fast SSD volumes, and can be expanded up to nine bays using an external unit. Dual 2.5 GbE ports provide better than standard network speed, while the AMD Ryzen V1500B processor (quad-core) and 4 GB of onboard ECC memory (expandable) deliver a solid foundation for multi-user access, backups, file sharing, and lightweight virtualization. It runs Synology’s DSM operating system, offering rich features such as SHR, Btrfs snapshots, file sync, collaboration tools and media streaming. With its blend of hardware and software, the DS925+ delivers a flexible platform for centralised storage and data management in a compact desktop form. BUY HERE
5-bay SATA/SSD NAS with 2 × M.2 NVMe cache slots, quad-core AMD Ryzen R1600 processor, 8 GB DDR4 ECC memory (expandable to 32 GB), four 1 GbE LAN ports plus optional 10 GbE upgrade slot.
The DS1522+ is a five-bay entry in Synology’s Plus series designed for home offices, prosumers, and small businesses that want advanced storage features in a desktop form. It supports both 3.5″ and 2.5″ SATA drives, plus two M.2 NVMe slots for caching or SSD-based volumes, and can expand up to 15 bays using official expansion units. With the AMD Ryzen R1600 quad-core processor, 8 GB of ECC RAM (upgradeable), and four built-in LAN ports, the unit delivers solid performance and reliability for file sharing, backups, and multi-user environments. The optional 10 GbE upgrade slot adds headroom for higher bandwidth workflows, and the included DSM operating system provides mature features such as SHR, snapshots, virtualization support, surveillance, and rich app integration. With its balance of expansion, performance and software depth, the DS1522+ offers a capable all-round platform for centralised data storage and management. BUY HERE
2-bay SATA/SSD NAS with dual 2.5 GbE ports, Realtek RTD1619B quad-core 1.7GHz CPU, 2 GB DDR4 memory (expandable), and dual M.2 NVMe slots for caching.
The DS124+ is a compact desktop two bay NAS aimed at home users and small offices who want reliable storage with Synology’s DSM platform. It supports both 3.5″ and 2.5″ SATA drives in the two bays, and adds dual M.2 NVMe slots for caching or faster storage tiers. Dual 2.5 GbE network ports give it strong connectivity when paired with a capable switch. Running the RTD1619B quad-core processor and with upgradable memory, the unit delivers better performance than many entry level NAS boxes. DSM provides features such as file sync, snapshot protection, collaboration tools, and mobile access. While it lacks some of the more advanced expandability of larger models, the DS124+ offers a balanced mix of hardware and software for users who need a modest sized, efficient centralized storage box under the Synology ecosystem. BUY HERE
8-bay SATA/SSD NAS with dual 2.5GbE ports, 2 × M.2 NVMe slots, AMD Ryzen V1500B quad-core 2.2GHz CPU, 8GB DDR4 ECC memory (expandable to 32 GB), and up to 360TB raw capacity with expansion units.
The DS1825+ sits at the upper end of Synology’s Plus desktop NAS lineup, delivering high capacity and flexibility for serious home users, creatives, and small business teams. With eight hot-swappable drive bays supporting both 3.5″ HDDs and 2.5″ SSDs, and two M.2 NVMe slots for caching or SSD pools, it handles large data sets without needing a rack enclosure. Dual native 2.5GbE ports support modern network speeds out of the box, while the PCIe slot allows optional 10GbE or 25GbE upgrades for future proofing. Its AMD Ryzen quad-core CPU paired with 8GB ECC memory provides a stable foundation for file services, snapshots, VM or container usage, and media streaming. The unit also supports up to 18 drive bays and 360TB raw storage with two DX525 expansion units, offering growth potential as storage needs increase. While it may not push the highest processing power, the DS1825+ blends Synology’s mature DSM software, robust hardware build quality, and flexible storage architecture into a capable all-rounder for users who require capacity, data protection, and software depth in a compact form. BUY HERE
5-bay SATA/SSD NAS with 2 × M.2 NVMe cache slots, quad-core AMD Ryzen R1600 processor, 8 GB DDR4 ECC memory (expandable to 32 GB), four 1 GbE LAN ports plus optional 10 GbE upgrade slot.
The DS1825+ sits at the upper end of Synology’s Plus desktop NAS lineup, delivering high capacity and flexibility for serious home users, creatives, and small business teams. With eight hot-swappable drive bays supporting both 3.5″ HDDs and 2.5″ SSDs, and two M.2 NVMe slots for caching or SSD pools, it handles large data sets without needing a rack enclosure. Dual native 2.5GbE ports support modern network speeds out of the box, while the PCIe slot allows optional 10GbE or 25GbE upgrades for future proofing. Its AMD Ryzen quad-core CPU paired with 8GB ECC memory provides a stable foundation for file services, snapshots, VM or container usage, and media streaming. The unit also supports up to 18 drive bays and 360TB raw storage with two DX525 expansion units, offering growth potential as storage needs increase. While it may not push the highest processing power, the DS1825+ blends Synology’s mature DSM software, robust hardware build quality, and flexible storage architecture into a capable all-rounder for users who require capacity, data protection, and software depth in a compact form. BUY HERE
The DS425+ is a four bay desktop NAS positioned as an accessible entry into Synology’s 2025 Plus series, offering a familiar balance of performance, storage flexibility, and DSM software capability. It supports both 3.5″ and 2.5″ SATA drives in its main bays, with two M.2 NVMe slots available for caching or faster SSD-based volumes. The system runs on an Intel Celeron J4125 processor and includes 2GB of expandable DDR4 memory, making it suitable for everyday multi user file storage, backups, and light media serving. Connectivity consists of one 2.5GbE port and one 1GbE port, giving users bandwidth options depending on their network. DSM provides features such as SHR, Btrfs snapshots, cloud sync, surveillance tools, and a broad library of first-party applications. With Synology’s updated 2025 stance on third-party drive support, the DS425+ now accepts any standard HDD or SSD without warnings, making it a more flexible option for buyers who want a compact, straightforward, and software-rich NAS at this capacity point. BUY HERE
2-bay SATA NAS with dual 2.5GbE ports, 2 × M.2 NVMe slots for caching, AMD Ryzen R1600 dual-core 2.6/3.1GHz CPU, and 4GB DDR4 ECC memory expandable to 32GB.
The DS725+ is Synology’s compact two-bay Plus series NAS from the 2025 generation, designed for home offices and small businesses seeking high performance and flexibility in a small footprint. It supports both 3.5″ and 2.5″ SATA drives in its bays, and includes two M.2 NVMe slots for cache or fast solid state volumes. Networking is enhanced with dual 2.5GbE ports—an upgrade over earlier two-bay models—delivering better throughput for multi user access or file sharing. Powered by the AMD Ryzen R1600 dual-core processor with default 4GB of ECC memory (expandable), it handles standard NAS workloads, backups and light virtualisation with ease. The inclusion of DSM features such as shared folder snapshots, cloud sync, hybrid backup and mobile client integration makes it a strong choice for users who want Synology’s mature software ecosystem in a compact form. With the company’s updated 2025 policy, users can now install third-party HDDs without compatibility warnings, improving the DS725+’s flexibility when sourcing storage media. BUY HERE
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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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Black Friday 2025 has arrived and this year the spotlight is not only on traditional Synology/QNAP upgrades but also on the fast-growing world of alternative NAS platforms (after the PR nightmare that was 2025 for Synology re:HDDs!), DIY server builds, and software licence promos. Synology’s desktop lineup has seen a bunch of refreshes recently in the x25, which means popular models such as the DS423+ and DS923+ may finally see meaningful reductions, while entry-level units like the DS223 and BeeStation series are expected to feature the most aggressive pricing. At the same time, UGREEN is pushing hard with its NASync range and making ALOT of noise in the world of home/prosumer NAS, and several of these systems are already appearing with early Black Friday discounts. DIY NAS enthusiasts also have more choice than ever, with multi-bay chassis and compact servers from CWWK, AOOSTAR, Jonsbo cases, and Minisforum’s N5 receiving notable reductions. UnRAID has confirmed incoming licence promos for Black Friday soon, making it an ideal time for new users to adopt flexible array management and VM workloads. Then you have Terramaster making 10-20% off promos on their 2025 series AND the m.2 focused F4 and F8 Devices! Even newer entrants such as UnifyDrive are participating, with the UT2 receiving one of its biggest discounts to date and now sitting in an extremely competitive price bracket. Below you will find updated recommendations for the best NAS models for backups, Plex, business, and surveillance, along with live offer links for all major NAS ecosystems as Black Friday deals continue to roll out.
IMPORTANT – This page will be updated regularly each day for the next 2 weeks!
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Recommended Deals (so far)
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The Unraid Cyber Weekend Sale started on Wednesday November 26th, and will run through Cyber Monday, December 1st, 2025. They are discounting Starter and Unleashed licenses, plus all Unleashed upgrades (so, if you have a monthly or annual license, and want to upgrade to lifetime, you will get a discount of the partial upgrade cost too). Also, every license purchased will come with a $15 voucher good for the Unraid Merch Store included. Click below (or HERE) to get your UnRAID license at 25% off.
The Dream Router 7 and the Gateway Fiber stand out as UniFi’s strongest Black Friday 2025 offers, especially given their large price cuts. The Dream Router 7 drops to $229 from $279 and brings a full UniFi controller, WiFi 7, a 10G SFP+ WAN port, a 2.5GbE WAN port, four LAN ports with one PoE output, and integrated NVR storage via microSD. It supports the full UniFi application suite and can manage 30+ devices while handling 300+ clients on its 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz radios. Security and routing features include a stateful firewall, L7 filtering, IDS and IPS with 20,000+ signatures through CyberSecure, advanced NAT, SD-WAN, and VPN support for WireGuard, Teleport, IPsec, and OpenVPN. With coverage up to 160 square metres and a compact desktop design, it offers a complete all in one gateway and controller at a much lower cost, making it an easy upgrade for homes or small offices moving to WiFi 7 or multigig internet.
| UniFi WiFi 7 2.5G+10G Dream Router | UniFi Gateway Fiber 10G/2.5G Gateway |
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This Mini-ITX NAS-oriented board features an onboard Intel N150 processor paired with DDR5 memory support and a strong storage layout including six SATA 3.0 ports and two PCIe-based M.2 slots. It includes triple-NIC networking with dual Intel I226-V 2.5GbE ports and a 10GbE AQC113 controller, making it suitable for DIY NAS builds that require high-bandwidth local access. With PCIe 3.0 expansion, ATX 24+4-pin power, and full support for Windows and Linux, it offers excellent value at its discounted Black Friday price of $219.50.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| CPU | Intel N150 onboard (Twin Lake SoC) |
| Motherboard Type | Mini-ITX 170 x 170 mm |
| RAM Type / Maximum | DDR5 SO-DIMM, 1 slot, up to 16GB |
| SATA Drive Support | 6 x SATA 3.0 |
| M.2 SSD Support | 2 x M.2 M-Key (PCIe) |
| Network Connections | 2 x Intel I226-V 2.5GbE, 1 x AQC113 10GbE |
| PSU Type | 24-pin ATX + 4-pin CPU power |
| PCIe Slot Support | 1 x PCIe 3.0 x4 slot |
The Cloud Gateway Max, Cloud Gateway Max NS, and Gateway Lite form the most affordable cluster of UniFi Black Friday gateway offers this year. The Cloud Gateway Max drops from $279 to $179 and delivers full UniFi application support with 2.3Gbps IDS and IPS, 2.5GbE WAN, five 2.5GbE LAN ports, and selectable NVMe NVR storage up to 2TB. The NS model follows the same hardware blueprint but arrives at a lower $159 price while retaining 2.3Gbps inspection performance and 30 plus device management. The Gateway Lite stands out as the entry level option at an aggressive $49, down from $129. It offers 1Gbps IDS and IPS, a compact footprint, full UniFi security features, USB C power, and a simple 1GbE WAN plus 1GbE LAN layout, making it ideal for small networks or for replacing an ageing USG.
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This Mini ITX NAS board features an onboard Intel Core i5-12450H processor and is built for high performance storage, virtualization, and workstation-grade workloads. It supports up to 64 GB of DDR5 across 2 slots, offers 6 NVMe capability through SFF-8643 expansion, includes 2 onboard M.2 NVMe slots, and provides flexible PCIe 4.0 expansion for NICs or GPUs. With 4 Intel I226-V 2.5 GbE ports, HDMI plus DP display support, RAID capability, and a PCIe 4.0 x4 slot, it delivers one of the most capable NAS motherboard platforms in the compact 170 x 170 mm form factor at its Black Friday price of $328.20.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| CPU | Intel Core i5 12450H onboard |
| Motherboard Type | Mini ITX size one hundred seventy mm by one hundred seventy mm |
| RAM Type and Maximum | DDR5 dual channel up to sixty four GB, two slots |
| SATA Drive Support | Two direct SATA ports plus five SATA via SFF eight six four three JMB585 controller |
| M2 SSD Support | Two M two slots, one PCIe four point zero x four and one PCIe three point zero x one, plus four NVMe via SFF adaptor |
| Network Connections | Four Intel I226 V two point five gig ports |
| PSU Type | Twenty four pin ATX plus eight pin CPU power (standard ITX layout) |
| PCIe Slot Support | One PCIe four point zero x four slot (compatible with x eight or x sixteen cards) |
PocketCloud Portable NAS – 20% OFF, NOW $239.99
The U6 Plus, FlexHD, and nanoHD form the most affordable set of UniFi access point offers this Black Friday and each one targets a different type of upgrade. The U6 Plus drops to $99 and brings dual band WiFi 6, 4 spatial streams, 2.4Gbps 5GHz throughput, and a 300 plus client capacity in a compact ceiling or wall mounted design. It suits homes and small businesses looking for a modern AP with strong roaming support, PPSK, captive portal options, and full UniFi WiFi management features. The FlexHD falls to $69 and remains one of the most versatile indoor or outdoor mesh units, offering WiFi 5 with 6 spatial streams, 1.7Gbps 5GHz performance, and multiple mounting options that make it easy to extend coverage. The nanoHD also lands at $69 and provides a compact ceiling mounted WiFi 5 solution with 4×4 MU MIMO on 5GHz, up to 1.7Gbps throughput, and a design that blends into most environments, making it ideal for small offices and meeting rooms.
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This budget Mini ITX NAS board uses the Intel N5105 processor and offers enough performance for Plex, Jellyfin, Docker containers, and lightweight TrueNAS or UnRAID builds. It includes 4 x 2.5GbE ports for multi-NIC routing or link-aggregation and pairs 6 SATA ports with 2 M.2 NVMe slots, making it suitable for large media libraries or mixed SSD cache setups. With DDR4 support up to 64GB, dual display outputs, low power consumption, and fan headers for stable 24/7 operation, it delivers strong value at its reduced Black Friday price.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| CPU | Intel N5105 (4 cores, 4 threads, onboard) |
| Motherboard Type | Mini ITX (Industrial style) |
| RAM Type / Maximum | DDR4, up to 64GB, 2 slots |
| SATA Drive Support | 6 x SATA 3.0 |
| M.2 SSD Support | 2 x M.2 NVMe (2280) |
| Network Connections | 4 x 2.5GbE (Intel i225 or i226-V depending on board revision) |
| PSU Type | 24-pin ATX |
| PCIe Slot Support | None |
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The G5 Pro, AI 360, and G5 PTZ form the front end of UniFi’s discounted camera lineup for Black Friday 2025 and each model targets a different style of coverage. The G5 Pro drops from $379 to $199 and delivers 4K recording with a 3x optical zoom lens, strong daytime clarity, and IR night vision that reaches 25 m or up to 40 m with the Vision Enhancer. It offers people, vehicle, and animal detection, IP65 weather resistance, IK04 impact resistance, and flexible mounting for walls, ceilings, and poles. The AI 360 is reduced from $399 to $249 and provides full 360 degree coverage through a 2K fisheye sensor with pan tilt zoom control handled digitally inside UniFi Protect. It includes two way audio, smart detections, IPX4 weather resistance when covered, and IK08 tamper protection, making it suitable for wide indoor areas, retail spaces, or open office floors. The G5 PTZ falls to $229 from $299 and adds low latency mechanical pan tilt with a 2x optical zoom lens, 20 m IR night vision, and IP66 weather protection, which makes it an option for entry points, driveways, or perimeter paths.
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The Best UGREEN NAS System Offers:
+ Get a further 5% OFF with this code: NASCOMPARES
If you want to skip ahead to the Deal List, just click below:
————– Useful Links —————
US Amazon – Amazon USA Black Friday Official Page – Amazon UK Black Friday Official Page
Amazon Warehouse (20% Off Everything on Black Friday)
Still unsure of what you need – use the Free Advice Section here on NASCompares.
In order for you to get the very best NAS deals this Black Friday, here are some hot tips that I have personally used for the last few years to get the very best deals.
For those that aren’t aware, Amazon has a whole section of their website that is dedicated to pre-owned and opened items. This includes both NAS, hard drives, SSD and more for your storage. During Amazon Black Friday 2024, the discount on these broken-seal items will be increased by an additional 20% and for those looking for an insane bargain, this will be irresistible.
Another tip when buying NAS or Hard Drives from Amazon Warehouse is that although (as they are broken seal/used/returned items) they have a shorter warranty from Amazon, you will almost certainly be able to claim the FULL warranty coverage from Synology, QNAP, WD or Seagate. They just want your serial number and a receipt of purchase – this will not state the amazon reduced warranty.
Amazon Warehouse for different countries can be found below:
If you want to make sure you see the LATEST Black Friday deals for NAS (as new ones are added every hour) then I would recommend checking the official Amazon Prime page regularly. It will also include the very latest Lightning Deals too
US Amazon – Amazon Deals Page
UK Amazon – Amazon Deals Page
The prices listed on Amazon for NAS during the Black Friday event are only available to Prime members. If you are not a member, don’t worry, as you can use the 30-Day free trial to sign up for a Prime, or just pay for 1 month of Prime as a student and get it at 50% off. Then after you finish your purchase, you can cancel your subscription. The other bonus of this is that you will qualify for fast, next day delivery for free. I would recommend however that you do not cancel your subscription until you have received your order and tested your item.
As then you will still be able to take advantage of the fast and free return policy extended to Prime members. This is especially useful when buying NAS Hard Drives and you are worried about broken drives!
It is a well-known fact that Amazon Prime membership includes free next day delivery and Amazon has even upped the stakes by stating that they will be providing the fastest-ever Black Friday delivery of just 14 minutes between the cart and the courier, last year we saw and heard numerous examples of delivery issues with Black Friday deals, adding 2-3 days on supposed next-day shipping.
If any of your Amazon Prime delivery dates are not the 24 hours turn around that they promise, then definitely complain to Amazon after you receive your goods (not before) as they will almost certainly have a deluge of customer enquiries after Black Friday 2024 and in an effort to conclude the matter, you might get an additional discount, a gift vouchers or more. Currently, the trending ‘gesture of goodwill’ gift is a free month of Prime membership.
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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 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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Compact, rapide et compatible MagSafe, le Corsair EX00U a tout pour plaire sur le papier. Que vaut-il dans la réalité ? La réponse dans ce test.
L’article Test Corsair EX300U : un petit SSD portable performant et compatible MagSafe est apparu en premier sur Tom’s Hardware.
Kingston a lancé son SSD Fury Renegade G5 en version 8 To, un modèle PCIe 5.0 atteignant jusqu’à 14 800 Mo/s en lecture et 14 000 Mo/s en écriture, destiné aux utilisateurs recherchant haute capacité et performances extrêmes.
L’article Kingston Fury lance un SSD de 8 To, avec des débits de 14 800 Mo/s est apparu en premier sur Tom’s Hardware.
Synology’s recent reversal on hard drive compatibility has reopened a larger debate about whether its NAS systems remain a trustworthy and sensible choice for both new buyers and long-term users. Throughout most of 2025, the company faced sustained criticism after enforcing strict drive verification checks that prevented users from installing or operating third-party HDDs and SSDs from major brands like Seagate and Western Digital. This policy, applied to the new Plus-series NAS models such as the DS925+, DS1525+, and DS1825+, effectively forced customers to purchase Synology’s own branded media or risk an unusable system. For a company long regarded as the industry standard for dependable and user-friendly storage solutions, the move appeared both unexpected and self-defeating. Although Synology later justified the decision as a way to ensure system stability and reliability, the backlash was immediate and global, with declining sales and widespread frustration among users who saw the change as a form of corporate overreach. Now, with the brand having confirmed a full rollback through the DSM 7.3 update—restoring support for non-Synology drives and removing prior warning prompts—the discussion has shifted. While the reversal is seen as a victory for users, it also highlights how fragile consumer confidence has become, and how a single policy misstep can redefine a company’s relationship with its community.
Below, my original video after the change by Synology after 6 months of their strict HDD media stance:
Synology’s critical mistake was implementing a restrictive hardware policy that undermined one of its key historical strengths: flexibility. For years, the company had built its reputation on offering an intuitive software platform, DSM, that ran on a wide variety of hardware configurations. By deciding to enforce hard drive compatibility restrictions in the 2025 generation of Plus-series NAS systems, Synology effectively turned once-open devices into closed platforms. The systems refused to initialise DSM or create storage pools when non-Synology drives were detected, and even when users managed to proceed, the interface was flooded with persistent warnings labelling third-party media as “unverified” or “at risk.” This move frustrated not only home users who wanted affordable upgrade options, but also small businesses that relied on Synology NAS for their daily operations. It created unnecessary technical and financial barriers at a time when alternative NAS vendors were offering greater compatibility and value. The brand’s own messaging made the situation worse: early statements focused on “system integrity” and “firmware optimisation” but failed to acknowledge that the change mainly benefited Synology’s hardware sales rather than the end user.
The second major error lay in how the company managed the fallout. Synology’s communication strategy throughout the controversy was inconsistent, fragmented, and in some regions almost non-existent. Different regional branches released conflicting press materials, with some hinting that compatibility with Seagate and Western Digital drives would soon return, while others maintained silence. No clear timeline or explanation was given for the testing process or the reasoning behind such aggressive enforcement. As a result, long-standing partners and distributors were left unsure of how to address customer concerns. Meanwhile, the online community—particularly on Reddit, NAS forums, and YouTube—quickly filled the information vacuum, fuelling frustration and speculation. Instead of clarifying the company’s intentions, Synology appeared defensive and disengaged, disabling comments on some of its own videos and refusing to directly address mounting criticism. This combination of restrictive policy and poor communication not only hurt its reputation but also suggested a growing disconnect between the brand’s leadership and its user base.
Many users felt betrayed by Synology’s actions because the company had long marketed itself as the reliable, user-first alternative to more complex or DIY storage solutions. For years, Synology’s systems were praised for their openness—allowing customers to build their NAS setups using widely available components from trusted brands like Seagate, WD, and Toshiba. The introduction of hard drive restrictions in 2025 fundamentally altered that relationship. Suddenly, the same users who had invested heavily in Synology’s ecosystem found themselves unable to upgrade, expand, or even install DSM without purchasing the brand’s own drives, which were often rebranded versions of existing enterprise models sold at a premium. The move was viewed as a breach of trust, and the lack of transparency surrounding it only made things worse. Many saw it as an attempt to create a closed ecosystem that prioritised recurring hardware profits over customer freedom. This frustration was compounded by the timing—during a period when users were already facing higher hardware costs and tighter IT budgets, making Synology’s restrictive approach feel especially tone-deaf.
The Alerts and ‘Warnings’ that users have gotten used to up tll now (i.e pre DSM 7.3 roll out):
Another major source of anger came from how the policy rollout created confusion and inconsistency across Synology’s product lineup. While the Plus-series desktop NAS models received the strictest restrictions, larger RackStation and XS-series devices remained unaffected, creating the impression that Synology viewed its home and small-business customers as expendable. Even after announcing the rollback with DSM 7.3, many users noted that the company’s official compatibility lists still failed to mention Seagate or WD drives, and that public communication about the change was minimal. For those outside tech circles, this meant that the situation looked unchanged—product pages still implied that only Synology drives were supported, and many older negative reviews remained visible online. As a result, even with the restrictions now lifted, the perception of Synology as a brand willing to prioritise profit over user loyalty persists. The long delay in addressing community backlash, combined with inconsistent messaging, has left many customers sceptical that this U-turn represents a genuine shift rather than damage control.
Synology’s eventual fix came in the form of a full policy reversal integrated into DSM 7.3, the company’s next major software update. With this version, users of the 2025 generation of Plus-series NAS devices—including models such as the DS925+, DS1525+, and DS1825+—regained the ability to freely use third-party hard drives and SSDs. The update removed not only the installation barriers but also the persistent “unverified drive” and “at risk” warnings that had previously appeared in Storage Manager. For most users, this restored full functionality, allowing them to initialise DSM, create and expand RAID arrays, use hot spares, and assign SSDs for caching without restrictions. The change essentially returned Synology’s systems to the state they were in before the controversial policy was introduced earlier in the year. The reversal applied primarily to desktop-class NAS systems rather than rackmount or XS-series models, suggesting that Synology wanted to restore goodwill among its core consumer and small-business audience first.
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However, the way Synology implemented this reversal has drawn mixed responses. Instead of releasing a simple compatibility database update, which could have resolved the issue quickly, the company bundled the fix into a full DSM version upgrade. That meant users had to install an entirely new operating system build to regain third-party drive support, even if they were otherwise satisfied with their existing DSM 7.2 installations. For those managing multiple NAS units or enterprise environments, this created complications, especially since DSM 7.3 initially lacked a public beta and required careful validation before deployment.
The company also issued few direct statements about the rollback, opting instead for limited press communications that focused on “listening to customer feedback.” Despite the importance of the change, Synology’s product pages still make little mention of renewed Seagate and WD compatibility, leaving potential buyers to rely on external coverage or word of mouth. While the technical fix was effective, the manner of its rollout showed that Synology’s communication strategy remains cautious, reactive, and focused on damage limitation rather than proactive transparency.
In parallel with the policy adjustments introduced in DSM 7.3, Synology has also begun expanding a series of benefits and incentives aimed at customers who purchase Synology NAS systems together with Synology-branded storage media. These initiatives are part of the company’s ongoing effort to strengthen its vertically integrated ecosystem, ensuring optimal performance and reliability when all components come from the same source. In selected markets, buyers who purchase Synology HAT, HAS, or SAT series drives on the same invoice as their NAS hardware now receive extended warranty coverage of up to five years, administered directly through authorized distributors and resellers. In addition, Synology has introduced an Express Replacement program, allowing for immediate drive swaps during the warranty period without waiting for the defective unit to be shipped and inspected, effectively mirroring the convenience of a premium RMA service. These benefits are available at no extra cost when drives are purchased through approved channels. The initiative is designed to make Synology’s validated ecosystem more appealing to businesses seeking predictable lifecycle management and faster recovery in the event of hardware failure, while also providing an incentive for users to standardize on Synology-branded components rather than mixing third-party storage.
Head over to Blackvoid HERE to read Luka’s great write-up on DSM 7.3 below:
| Drive Type | Listed on Compatibility List | Not Listed (Not on Incompatibility List) | On Incompatibility List |
|---|---|---|---|
| HDD | Fully supported for installation, storage pool creation, migration, and caching | Fully supported for installation and storage pool creation; no warnings or limits | Blocked from installation and storage pool creation |
| 2.5″ SATA SSD | Fully supported for installation, caching, and migration | Fully supported for installation, caching, and migration; no warnings or limits | Blocked from installation and storage pool creation |
| M.2 NVMe SSD | Fully supported for cache and storage pool creation (on select models) | Not supported for new cache or pool creation; supported only if migrated from an existing system | Fully blocked from all operations |
| Warranty Coverage | Full Synology NAS warranty applies | Full NAS warranty applies, but Synology may not provide drive-specific technical support | NAS warranty applies; installation blocked |
Many long-time Synology owners remain sceptical because the company’s pattern of restrictive decision-making has not been limited to hard drives. Over the years, Synology has gradually tightened control over hardware support in other areas, such as M.2 NVMe SSD usage, network adapters, and GPU compatibility. Even though the recent rollback allows full use of third-party HDDs and SSDs in Plus-series models, the same freedom does not apply to NVMe storage. Users still cannot create storage pools or volumes on M.2 drives unless they are Synology-branded, which reinforces the perception that the company is only willing to compromise when it faces enough public pressure. Critics point out that while Synology deserves credit for reversing the hard drive restrictions, it has shown no similar flexibility in other parts of its ecosystem. This selective openness suggests a tactical move designed to repair short-term reputation damage rather than a genuine shift toward more open hardware policies. As a result, many users fear that future DSM updates could easily reintroduce similar restrictions under a different justification.
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Another concern is that Synology has not done enough to communicate these changes clearly to new buyers. Even after the DSM 7.3 announcement, the company’s official compatibility lists for 2025 models still prioritise its own drives, with no explicit mention of Seagate or WD models being supported again. For first-time users who rely on these lists for purchasing decisions, there is no clear indication that the policy has changed.
This lack of transparency undermines confidence in Synology’s commitment to openness. Furthermore, the decision to tie the rollback to a major DSM update rather than a smaller patch raises worries that the company could use similar tactics in the future to control hardware functionality through software revisions. Many see the reversal as a necessary correction rather than an act of goodwill, and that distinction matters. Users may accept Synology’s reasoning for now, but the brand’s reputation for reliability has been replaced by a lingering doubt about whether it can be trusted to keep its platform open and user-focused.
| NAS Series | Drives on Compatibility List | Drives Not Listed | Drives on Incompatibility List |
|---|---|---|---|
| RS Plus (e.g., RS2423+, RS422+) | Supported for new installation, storage pool creation, and migration | Supported only for migration; cannot create new storage pools or caches | Fully blocked from all operations |
| DVA/NVR Series (e.g., DVA1622, DVA3221, NVR1218) | Supported for installation and migration | Supported only for migration; cannot create new storage pools | Fully blocked from all operations |
| Supported Drive Types | HDD and 2.5″ SATA SSD | HDD and 2.5″ SATA SSD (migration only) | All drive types blocked |
| Drive Example Notes | Synology HAT5300/HAT3300 verified; select enterprise drives | Seagate IronWolf, SkyHawk, WD Purple not yet verified for use | Drives failing thermal or firmware tests |
| Use Case | Rackmount and surveillance workloads requiring consistent write throughput | Data migration or backup restoration | Unsupported entirely |
Trusting Synology again depends largely on how much users value its software ecosystem compared to its corporate behaviour. The company’s DSM operating system remains one of the most advanced and stable NAS platforms available, offering a wide range of applications for backup, surveillance, multimedia, and virtualization that are unmatched by most competitors. For those who prioritise reliability, ease of use, and integration over raw hardware flexibility, Synology still provides a compelling product. The reintroduction of unrestricted hard drive support in DSM 7.3 restores much of the practical functionality that users lost earlier this year, and for many, that will be enough to justify purchasing a new NAS. From a technical standpoint, the Plus-series devices are still capable and efficient, with consistent performance, strong data protection features, and excellent long-term support. In short, the hardware remains solid, and the software continues to define Synology’s market dominance in turnkey storage solutions.
Below, references to the change in hard drive support policy are either absent in release notes or severely underplayed on the compatibility pages as of 3rd Nov 2025.
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However, from a consumer trust perspective, caution is still warranted. The brand’s repeated pattern of restricting features, followed by later partial reversals, has left many wary that similar policies could return in future product generations. Even though DSM 7.3 represents a positive correction, Synology has not issued any long-term assurances that it will maintain this open stance. There is also concern about how much influence profit margins and proprietary hardware incentives continue to have over product decisions. For experienced users, the safest approach may be to treat Synology as a premium but increasingly closed ecosystem—one that delivers outstanding software at the cost of long-term flexibility. Whether it is “okay” to buy a Synology NAS now depends on priorities: if you value a polished interface and dependable system behaviour above everything else, Synology is still one of the best options available. But if transparency, open standards, and full hardware freedom matter more, then the company’s recent U-turn should be seen not as a full restoration of trust, but as a cautious and temporary concession to public pressure.
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The Sharge Disk Pro is a compact external SSD and multifunction USB hub aimed at users who need additional high-speed storage and connectivity for their mobile or desktop devices. Measuring roughly the size of a credit card and just 11mm thick, it merges solid-state storage, data transfer, and video output within a single enclosure. The device is equipped with an integrated USB-C cable, a fan-assisted thermal system, and a magnetic mounting design that allows it to attach securely to compatible smartphones, handheld gaming consoles, or laptops. Available in 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB versions, it uses 162-layer 3D TLC NAND flash and supports sustained 10Gbps transfers via USB 3.2 Gen 2. The Disk Pro also includes active and automatic fan modes designed to regulate temperature during extended operation. Unlike a standard enclosure, it has no option for user-upgradeable storage, with Sharge citing the closed design as essential for cooling performance. The product is currently being crowdfunded through Kickstarter, with early pricing beginning at $189 for the 1TB model and scaling to $469 for the 4TB version, and retail availability expected after the campaign concludes.
The Sharge Disk Pro is a compact 10Gbps external SSD and USB hub that stands out for its active cooling system, magnetic mounting, and integrated cable design. It delivers sustained read and write speeds of around 800–900MB/s without thermal throttling, even under prolonged load, thanks to its effective fan-assisted cooling. Its multi-port layout, including HDMI 2.1, USB-C PD, and USB-A connectivity, makes it suitable for both laptops and mobile devices, functioning as a miniature docking station. However, it has several trade-offs: the internal SSD cannot be upgraded or replaced, there is no hardware encryption, and the fixed USB-C cable limits repairability. Noise from the fan is noticeable during heavy use, and while its 10Gbps limit caps peak performance, overall reliability and heat management make it a strong all-in-one solution for portable data and connectivity needs.
Note – The Sharge Disk Pro is NOW LIVE HERE
The Sharge Disk Pro adopts a slim, rectangular chassis with a transparent, cyberpunk-style exterior typical of the brand’s product line. At just 11mm thick and weighing approximately 150g, it remains small enough to slip into a pocket or attach directly to the rear of a device via its magnetic backplate. Sharge provides several self-adhesive magnetic rings that enable mounting on laptops, smartphones, and handheld consoles, including MagSafe or Qi2-compatible models. This mounting flexibility is particularly useful when connecting the device to mobile systems with limited space or single-port connectivity, allowing it to remain flush with the device body during use rather than dangling on a cable.
Internally, the Disk Pro integrates TLC NAND flash storage that is permanently sealed within the casing. It comes in 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB configurations, but does not support user replacement or expansion. Sharge has stated that opening the casing would compromise the structural integrity of the fan-assisted cooling system, which directs airflow directly across the SSD and controller. While this closed design limits user flexibility, it contributes to improved durability and controlled thermals during sustained data operations, addressing a common weakness in other compact SSDs that tend to throttle under heavy load.
Externally, the unit uses an aluminium frame combined with a transparent plastic shell that reveals parts of its internal structure. The materials provide both aesthetic appeal and heat dissipation, with the aluminium core helping to channel heat away from the NAND and controller components. The integrated USB-C cable is short and reinforced, designed for use with laptops, tablets, and mobile phones without introducing unnecessary slack. Although the compactness is one of the Disk Pro’s strongest traits, it does come at the cost of expandability and limited repair potential due to the permanently sealed housing.
From a storage standpoint, Sharge’s choice of 162-layer 3D TLC NAND provides a balance of endurance and sustained performance, suitable for large data transfers, video capture, or use as external storage for gaming devices. Each model is preformatted for exFAT to ensure cross-platform compatibility between Windows, macOS, Android, and Linux systems. The inclusion of integrated power management also means the SSD can draw adequate power even when connected to low-output ports, with the fan and SSD operating efficiently under mobile conditions.
The Disk Pro’s overall form factor and integrated features place it closer to a high-performance portable hub than a simple external SSD. Its sealed construction, integrated active cooling, and additional connectivity are intended to reduce heat buildup, protect data integrity, and simplify on-the-go workflows. For professionals working with large 4K or 8K media files, or gamers seeking extended storage without extra cables, this design approach represents a different balance of portability and utility compared with most standard SSD enclosures on the market.
The Sharge Disk Pro is built around a compact yet functional hub layout that integrates five active ports alongside the internal SSD. These include one HDMI 2.1 output, one USB-C port, one USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 port, and one USB-A 2.0 port, all managed by independent controller chips to prevent bottlenecks when multiple peripherals are in use. The inclusion of an HDMI 2.1 output enables video output up to 8K at 30Hz or 4K at 144Hz, depending on the connected device’s bandwidth. This makes it suitable for use with laptops, tablets, and compatible gaming consoles where both data access and display output are needed simultaneously. The USB-C port provides up to 100W input for power delivery passthrough, while the SSD and downstream ports can output up to 80W, allowing users to charge connected devices while maintaining full data and display functionality.
The built-in USB-C cable is one of the device’s defining physical features. Permanently attached to the chassis, it eliminates the need for separate cabling, reducing potential signal degradation and clutter. The short length ensures a secure connection with minimal strain, making it well-suited for handhelds and mobile phones where portability is essential. However, because it is non-removable, users have no option to replace the cable if it wears out or becomes damaged. The Disk Pro operates entirely over USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps), meaning it cannot exceed around 1GB/s transfer speeds, but remains fast enough for sustained high-volume workloads and video file handling.
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Sharge also includes a 100W USB Power Delivery pass-through system designed for multi-device setups. When connected to a charger, the Disk Pro can simultaneously power a laptop or smartphone and operate as an SSD hub. The system manages current allocation automatically between the SSD, active ports, and the connected host device, maintaining stability under load. Users can switch the SSD off using a built-in hardware toggle to conserve NAND lifespan or operate solely as a docking station. This is a useful inclusion for those who primarily use the Disk Pro as a connectivity bridge rather than as continuous storage.
Despite its small dimensions, the hub’s port spacing and layout are designed for accessibility. Each connection point is positioned to avoid cable overlap, which can be problematic in other compact hubs. The HDMI port sits at the rear next to the USB-C power input, while the USB-A ports are side-mounted to support accessories such as flash drives, keyboards, or game controllers. This arrangement allows the device to function as both a desktop companion and an attachable expansion unit for mobile platforms.
Interface Standard: USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps)
Integrated Cable: Built-in USB-C, fixed length
USB Ports: 1 x USB-C PD (100W input / 80W output), 1 x USB-A 3.2 Gen 2, 1 x USB-A 2.0
Video Output: HDMI 2.1 supporting 4K 144Hz / 8K 30Hz
Power Delivery: 100W input passthrough, 80W total output
Controller Architecture: Three independent controller chips for port load management
SSD Disable Switch: Hardware button to disable SSD for hub-only use
In practical testing, the Sharge Disk Pro delivered performance that closely aligned with its stated specifications. Using AJA System Test on a Windows 11 PC, sustained read speeds averaged between 800 and 900 MB/s, while write speeds remained consistent at around 700 to 800 MB/s across multiple test cycles. These results are in line with expectations for a USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps) interface, which typically caps out at 1,000 MB/s due to bus limitations. During repeated five-minute transfer tests using 256MB file blocks, there was no noticeable performance degradation or thermal throttling, confirming that the integrated fan and heatsink design effectively maintained stable throughput even under extended workloads. Sequential transfers performed best, while random 4K operations showed typical limitations of USB-based external drives, making it more suited for large media file transfers rather than small transactional data.
Thermal performance was a key focus of Sharge’s design, and testing showed the fan to be highly effective at maintaining low SSD temperatures. With the fan disabled, idle temperatures hovered around 35–37°C, rising only slightly during short file operations.
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When the fan was activated in Auto mode, the device maintained temperatures around 34–35°C externally, and the SSD’s internal sensors never exceeded 40°C during prolonged testing. In Turbo mode, which spins the fan up to 10,000 RPM, the system achieved an additional reduction of around 5°C compared to passive cooling. For comparison, typical compact SSDs of similar capacity can reach over 60°C under similar workloads, confirming that active cooling provides tangible longevity and stability benefits for the NAND and controller components.
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Noise measurements taken during operation showed moderate but noticeable levels. With the fan off, the Disk Pro was entirely silent, as expected for a solid-state design. When active cooling was engaged, noise levels ranged between 42 and 43 dBA at a one-meter distance, roughly equivalent to a quiet office environment. Although audible, it was far from intrusive and balanced against the benefit of consistent thermal performance. The fan’s automatic speed curve effectively adjusted to thermal demands, rarely ramping to maximum unless under sustained high-intensity transfers. Users who prioritize silence can manually disable the fan when operating in cooler environments or when using the device primarily for intermittent transfers.
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The internal SSD uses 162-layer 3D TLC NAND with a proprietary controller tuned for consistent throughput rather than peak burst speeds. The design choice ensures reliable operation across mixed workloads such as 4K video capture, game installation, and system backups. The integrated power delivery circuitry also maintained stability under simultaneous port loads, allowing the SSD and connected peripherals to perform consistently without power drops. While the lack of hardware encryption may be a drawback for enterprise or security-focused users, the drive remains fully compatible with software encryption solutions available on Windows, macOS, and Android.
Interface Speed: USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps, ~1,000 MB/s theoretical)
Measured Read Speed: 800–900 MB/s sustained
Measured Write Speed: 700–800 MB/s sustained
NAND Type: 162-layer 3D TLC NAND (BiCS6)
Cooling System: Active fan with Auto (7,000 RPM) and Turbo (10,000 RPM) modes
Operating Temperatures: 34–40°C under sustained load
Noise Levels: 42–43 dBA under fan operation, 0 dBA passive
Power Draw: 60W power input for device and fan operation, 100W passthrough charging support
The Sharge Disk Pro represents a deliberate departure from conventional external SSDs, offering a hybrid approach that merges high-speed storage with full USB hub functionality in a portable form factor. Its sealed, magnetically mountable chassis and integrated fan system address the common issue of heat buildup in compact SSDs, maintaining reliable performance over long transfers. While its 10Gbps interface limits absolute throughput to around 1GB/s, the consistent sustained speeds and controlled thermals make it suitable for demanding use cases such as 4K editing, live data capture, or console game storage. The fixed internal SSD and integrated cable limit upgradeability and repair potential, but they also contribute to its streamlined design and compact efficiency.
For users seeking a versatile storage expansion that also replaces a traditional docking station, the Disk Pro’s multi-port setup and cooling design provide clear practical benefits. However, those wanting modular storage or hardware encryption will find its closed system less appealing. Ultimately, it’s a well-engineered portable hub that balances mobility, temperature management, and performance more effectively than most devices in its class. If the retail version maintains the same build and stability demonstrated in testing, it will fill a distinct niche for creators and professionals needing fast, thermally stable external storage in a highly compact form.
Note – The Sharge Disk Pro is NOW LIVE HERE
| Sharge Disk Pro PROS | Sharge Disk Pro CONS |
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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 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
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Ko-fi or old school Paypal. Thanks!To find out more about how to support this advice service check HEREIf you need to fix or configure a NAS, check Fiver
Have you thought about helping others with your knowledge? Find Instructions Here
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DSM 7.3 represents Synology’s final major release under the DSM 7 platform before the expected transition to DSM 8, and it introduces a mix of refinements, policy reversals, and new enterprise tools that signal both the maturity and the approaching end of this software generation. The update arrives after an extended rollout period that began in mid-2025 and has been deployed gradually across supported NAS models to ensure stability. It brings several notable changes, most prominently the revision of the company’s restrictive hard drive policy under the new HCL 5.0 standard, allowing a broader range of third-party drives on 2025 Plus series systems. Other additions include the Synology Tiering package, designed to automate storage management between multiple NAS devices, and the introduction of the AI Console, a framework that integrates external AI and LLM providers into Synology’s productivity applications. Alongside these new components, DSM 7.3 also adds incremental updates such as native exFAT support, more flexible encryption handling, improved domain and directory management, and several kernel-level security patches.
However, for most existing users running DSM 7.2, the decision to upgrade should not be automatic. Many of the most visible features in DSM 7.3, including Synology Drive 4.0 and early versions of Synology Tiering, can already be accessed through separate beta packages on DSM 7.2 without performing a full system upgrade. Moreover, DSM 7.3 has arrived without a public beta phase, leading to mixed community feedback on compatibility issues and minor application regressions reported during early adoption. The release is stable for general use, but it represents an incremental refinement rather than a fundamental reinvention of Synology’s operating environment. For many users, DSM 7.3 serves as both a capstone for the current platform and a preparatory step toward the next-generation DSM 8 ecosystem expected to follow in 2026.
For most existing Synology users, DSM 7.3 is a cautious, incremental update rather than a transformative one. It refines several areas—particularly in data security via vulnerability patches, encrypted storage handling, and drive compatibility—but few of these changes are critical for stable systems already running DSM 7.2. The improved drive policy on 2025 Plus models is a welcome reversal of the restrictive compatibility introduced earlier, yet older systems benefit little beyond quality-of-life improvements. Similarly, the new Synology Tiering and AI Console frameworks show potential but are limited in scope, requiring multi-system deployments or external AI integrations that do not suit typical home or small business users. In short, DSM 7.3 is reliable and functionally solid, but it introduces no must-have feature for those already content with DSM 7.2. Users with newer 2025 Plus series hardware, or those who need to take advantage of the new tiering, encryption, or administrative tools, can confidently upgrade once their model is supported. However, administrators running mission-critical workloads, media servers, or older legacy devices may prefer to wait until early 2026 for further stability updates or the initial DSM 8 previews. The release feels transitional—a final, polished step for the DSM 7 generation rather than a defining milestone—so unless your deployment directly benefits from one of its headline features, remaining on DSM 7.2 remains a perfectly reasonable choice.
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Upgrading to DSM 7.3 does not remove hardware transcoding support on systems that already possess compatible integrated graphics or dedicated GPU functionality. The removal of hardware transcoding drivers occurred earlier, during the rollout of DSM 7.2.2, and affected only specific 2025-generation NAS models where Synology chose to disable HEVC (H.265) hardware acceleration for licensing and driver maintenance reasons. For all older devices—such as the DS920+, DS423+, and DS224+—the upgrade to DSM 7.3 preserves existing transcoding capabilities, including both H.264 and H.265 conversions, assuming these were functional in DSM 7.2. Users can continue to use hardware-assisted video conversion in applications such as Synology Video Station (if you still have it!), Plex, and Jellyfin without additional configuration. No drivers are removed or replaced by the DSM 7.3 upgrade process, and GPU-accelerated workloads remain fully accessible. The only cautionary point applies to future NAS models that will ship with DSM 7.3 preinstalled, as these may already reflect Synology’s newer driver policy, but existing systems upgrading from DSM 7.2 retain their transcoding performance entirely unchanged. Just remember that Synology 2025 series devices that have an integrated graphics CPU do NOT have the graphics driver by default. Watch the video below to learn more:
For most users, upgrading to DSM 7.3 will not cause any change to M.2 SSD functionality. Systems that already have existing cache or storage configurations using M.2 NVMe drives in DSM 7.2 will continue to operate normally after the upgrade, with no data loss or drive disconnection. The update does not remove support for previously installed third-party NVMe SSDs, nor does it alter existing caching or volume structures.
However, DSM 7.3 maintains Synology’s restrictive stance on creating new NVMe-based storage pools (i.e only their own bradned drives currently) or caches using unverified drives. While the broader HCL 5.0 policy restores open drive usage for SATA HDDs and SSDs on the 2025 Plus series, it does not extend to M.2 NVMe media, which still require official validation to be initialised in new roles. Users upgrading from DSM 7.2 who already have third-party M.2 drives configured will see no functional difference, but those attempting to add or reassign new NVMe devices after the upgrade will remain subject to the same compatibility enforcement introduced in DSM 7.2.
Synology Drive 4.0 introduces a collection of small but practical improvements that enhance team collaboration and file management, but none of these changes require DSM 7.3 to function. The new version adds improved file labelling and categorisation tools, making it easier for teams to assign colour-coded or custom tags to shared content.
It also refines file request functionality, allowing users to specify reasons for requesting access and to track these submissions more transparently. File locking has also been expanded, now supporting manual control in addition to automatic version locking, which prevents conflicts when multiple users are editing the same document.
Together, these updates improve workflow precision and traceability, particularly in shared office environments or remote teams using Drive as a private alternative to cloud collaboration platforms such as OneDrive or Google Drive.
Beyond these refinements, Synology Drive 4.0 also brings stronger integration with Synology Account authentication, a requirement for accessing its newest collaborative features. This includes cross-user label sharing, improved audit tracking, and the option to enforce identity binding for Drive users in larger deployments.
However, all of these capabilities remain accessible to DSM 7.2 users via Synology’s beta package program, meaning there is no requirement to upgrade to DSM 7.3 to test or use them. Unless you specifically need tighter Drive account linkage or plan to adopt other DSM 7.3-only features such as Tiering or AI Console integration, the Drive 4.0 update alone does not justify upgrading your NAS operating system.
Synology Tiering is one of the most significant new features in DSM 7.3, introducing an automated data management system designed to move infrequently accessed files from fast “hot” storage to lower-cost “cold” storage across multiple NAS devices. The concept is similar to hierarchical storage management in enterprise systems, but unlike QNAP’s QTier, it does not operate within a single NAS.
Instead, it requires two or more Synology NAS units running DSM 7.3, with the hot tier hosting the primary, frequently used data, and the cold tier configured as a secondary vault where less active files are migrated. Administrators can create tiering plans that determine how long a file remains in the hot tier based on modification or access frequency, with policies ranging from one day to several years. Transfers occur automatically over encrypted HTTPS connections, and stub files are left behind in the hot tier to preserve accessibility, allowing users to recall files seamlessly when needed.
However, despite its potential, Synology Tiering remains a beta-stage feature with limited configuration depth and hardware support. Not all NAS systems qualify for hot-tier deployment, and the supported model lists are inconsistent. For example, the DS425+—a system without M.2 slots—supports hot-tier operation, whereas the DS923+, which features greater performance and expandability, does not. Likewise, several older Plus-series models and most rackmount units are limited to cold-tier functionality only.
The service currently lacks integration with Synology Drive, encrypted folders, or other key DSM services, meaning many shared folders cannot participate in tiering policies. While the feature offers promise for businesses managing distributed sites or large archives, it is still early in development and unsuitable as the sole reason to perform a DSM 7.3 upgrade. It can also be tested independently on DSM 7.2 via the beta package, allowing administrators to evaluate its practicality before committing to a full system migration.
It is worth noting that Synology’s allocation of which NAS systems qualify as hot-tier and cold-tier devices under DSM 7.3 results in some unusual distinctions between models. Several systems with similar or even higher technical specifications are listed only as cold-tier devices, while others with more modest hardware are fully approved for hot-tier functionality.
For example, the Intel Celeron-based DS225+, which supports only SATA HDDs and lacks M.2 NVMe or 10GbE connectivity, is officially designated as a hot-tier system. In contrast, the AMD Ryzen R1600-based DS923+, which includes dual M.2 NVMe slots and 10GbE upgradability, appears only on the cold-tier list.
This creates a noticeable mismatch between capability and feature assignment across both desktop and rackmount systems, suggesting that Synology’s tiering support matrix has been determined on a per-model basis rather than by hardware class.
Model Listings (as defined under DSM 7.3):
Hot-tier supported systems:
FS6400, FS3600, FS3410, FS3400, FS2500, FS200T, HD6500, SA3400D, SA3200D, SA6400, SA3610, SA3600, SA3410, SA3400, RS4021xs+, RS3621xs+, RS3621RPxs, RS2825RP+, DS3622xs+, DS1823xs+, DS1621xs+, DS1825+, DS1525+, DS925+, DS725+, DS425+, DS225+.
Cold-tier supported systems:
HD6500, FS6400, FS3600, FS3410, FS3400, FS2500, FS200T, SA3400D, SA3200D, SA6400, SA3610, SA3600, SA3410, SA3400, RS4021xs+, RS3621xs+, RS3621RPxs, RS2825RP+, RS2423RP+, RS2423+, RS2821RP+, RS2421RP+, RS2421+, RS1221RP+, RS1221+, RS822RP+, RS822+, RS820RP+, RS820+, RS422+, DS3622xs+, DS1823xs+, DS1621xs+, DS2422+, DS1825+, DS1821+, DS1621+, DS1525+, DS1522+, DS1520+, DS925+, DS923+, DS725+, DS723+, DS920+, DS720+, DS620slim, DS425+, DS423+, DS420+, DS225+, DS224+, DS220+, DVA1622, DVA3221.
The division between these two groups highlights some unexpected choices, where NAS models with more advanced configurations—such as integrated NVMe storage or faster network options—are limited to cold-tier participation, while smaller, SATA-only systems are permitted full hot-tier operation.
The Synology AI Console is a new administrative framework introduced in DSM 7.3 that allows NAS administrators to connect external artificial intelligence and large language model (LLM) services, such as OpenAI, Azure OpenAI, Google Gemini, and Amazon Bedrock, directly into select Synology productivity applications. Its purpose is to enhance tools like Synology MailPlus and Synology Office with text summarisation, translation, and content generation capabilities.
Rather than hosting AI workloads locally, the Console acts as a bridge between the NAS and third-party AI providers through user-supplied API keys. Administrators can control who can access these features, set daily or per-minute token limits to manage consumption, and monitor all requests via detailed transaction logs.
A privacy-focused de-identification mechanism can also be enabled to mask sensitive data—such as names, IP addresses, or account details—before it leaves the NAS for external processing, restoring it upon return.
While these controls demonstrate a well-considered security approach, the AI Console remains divisive. Because all AI requests are processed externally rather than on-device, the system sends portions of MailPlus and Office text content to third-party cloud providers for analysis and response generation.
Even with encryption and masking in place, this design conflicts with the expectations of users who adopt a NAS precisely to maintain full local control over data.
Moreover, the Console currently supports only text-based functions and does not provide local inference, on-device LLM hosting, or GPU-accelerated processing, which limits its appeal to professional or privacy-conscious users. For most home and small-business owners, the AI Console is an optional enhancement rather than a compelling reason to upgrade.
It may benefit organisations already running MailPlus or Office in a collaborative environment, but its dependence on external AI infrastructure means its inclusion in DSM 7.3 is unlikely to justify a system-wide update on its own.
While DSM 7.3 restores third-party hard drive flexibility on the 2025 DiskStation Plus range, this policy change does not extend to RackStation (RS) or DVA/NVR systems. These models continue to enforce Synology’s restricted compatibility framework, requiring officially verified HAT, HAS, or SAT series drives for full SMART monitoring, health data reporting, and warranty-backed operation. Unverified drives may still function but typically appear with degraded status indicators, limited temperature or lifespan data, and persistent “incompatible” warnings within Storage Manager.
This limitation remains particularly relevant to surveillance deployments, as Synology has yet to certify common NVR-grade drives such as Seagate IronWolf, Seagate SkyHawk, or WD Purple series models. At the time of writing, only one 2025-generation RackStation has been released under this policy, but Synology is expected to expand the line-up significantly into Q1 2026, with new models such as the DVA7400, DVA3000, and additional 4- and 8-bay RS systems all expected to ship with DSM 7.3 pre-installed and to follow the same verified-drive enforcement. As such, administrators planning future rackmount or surveillance deployments should confirm drive support in advance, as Synology shows no signs of relaxing its enterprise compatibility standards for these product tiers.
For most existing Synology users, DSM 7.3 stands as a careful, incremental evolution of the platform rather than a major overhaul. It introduces refinements in data protection, encryption handling, and administrative control while restoring a more open stance on third-party hard drive use under the new HCL 5.0 policy. These adjustments address several long-standing user concerns, particularly on the 2025 Plus series, where Synology has finally reintroduced full flexibility for HDD and SSD compatibility. However, outside of that reversal, DSM 7.3’s core updates—such as minor kernel improvements, user interface refinements, and system efficiency tweaks—represent evolutionary stability rather than innovation. The release also marks Synology’s first attempt to integrate AI-based administrative tools and multi-tier storage, but both features remain optional, niche in scope, and better suited to advanced users or multi-NAS deployments. For those running stable DSM 7.2 environments, the upgrade is beneficial but not essential, as few of the new capabilities materially alter day-to-day operations.
That said, DSM 7.3 remains a worthwhile step forward for users who want to align their systems with Synology’s next-generation framework before DSM 8’s eventual release. Owners of newer 2025 models such as the DS925+, DS1525+, or RS2825RP+ will likely find the update unavoidable, as it forms the baseline for upcoming package releases and extended security support. Administrators managing large data environments may also appreciate the improved directory integration, enhanced file versioning, and native exFAT support included in this release. Still, those relying on older Plus or XS-class devices for media, backup, or general storage tasks may prefer to wait for a few minor revisions before upgrading, allowing early adopters to expose any unforeseen issues. DSM 7.3 is polished and well-structured, but it feels transitional—a bridge between legacy DSM 7.2 deployments and the more modern, AI-aware infrastructure Synology is preparing for DSM 8. Unless you specifically require its new storage policies, tiering capabilities, or AI integration, remaining on DSM 7.2 remains a stable, low-risk option for the foreseeable future.
The DSM 7.3 (version 7.3-81180) update is available as a manual download for an extensive range of Synology NAS systems, spanning the Plus, XS, SA, FS, HD, Value, and J series. Rollout continues in stages, meaning some users will not yet receive an automatic update notification. Once installed, DSM 7.3 cannot be downgraded to a previous version, and for many older models, it will be the final feature-bearing update, with future maintenance limited to security and stability patches.
The complete set of DSM 7.3 installation files, as listed in Synology’s October 2025 release, confirms support for virtually all NAS models released between 2016 and 2025. Key model families include:
DiskStation desktop systems:
DS1019+, DS116, DS118, DS119j, DS120j, DS124, DS1517+, DS1517, DS1520+, DS1522+, DS1525+, DS1618+, DS1621+, DS1621xs+, DS1817+, DS1817, DS1819+, DS1821+, DS1823xs+, DS1825+, DS216+, DS216, DS216+II, DS216j, DS216play, DS218+, DS218, DS218j, DS218play, DS220+, DS220j, DS223, DS223j, DS224+, DS225+, DS2419+, DS2419+II, DS2422+, DS3018xs, DS3617xs, DS3617xsII, DS3622xs+, DS416, DS416j, DS416play, DS416slim, DS418, DS418j, DS418play, DS419slim, DS420+, DS420j, DS423+, DS423, DS425+, DS620slim, DS716+, DS716+II, DS718+, DS720+, DS723+, DS725+, DS916+, DS918+, DS920+, DS923+, DS925+.
RackStation and enterprise systems:
RS1219+, RS1221+, RS1221RP+, RS1619xs+, RS18016xs+, RS18017xs+, RS217, RS2416+, RS2416RP+, RS2418+, RS2418RP+, RS2421+, RS2421RP+, RS2423+, RS2423RP+, RS2818RP+, RS2821RP+, RS2825RP+, RS3617RPxs, RS3617xs+, RS3617xs, RS3618xs, RS3621RPxs, RS3621xs+, RS4017xs+, RS4021xs+, RS422+, RS816, RS818+, RS818RP+, RS819, RS820+, RS820RP+.
Data-centre and performance platforms:
FS1018, FS2017, FS2500, FS3017, FS3400, FS3410, FS3600, FS6400, HD6500, SA3200D, SA3400, SA3400D, SA3410, SA3600, SA3610, SA6400.
Video analytics and surveillance models:
DVA1622, DVA3219, DVA3221.
Virtual DSM package:
VirtualDSM 7.3-81180.
This dataset confirms that DSM 7.3 has been compiled for almost every currently supported platform, with file sizes ranging from roughly 300 MB for entry-level systems (such as the DS120j and RS217) up to 430 MB for enterprise and FlashStation devices. Users operating 2025-generation systems such as the DS225+, DS425+, DS725+, DS925+, DS1525+, DS1825+, RS2825RP+, and SA3410 will receive DSM 7.3 pre-installed or as part of first-release firmware. For older devices dating back to 2016–2018, DSM 7.3 will act as the final major update before DSM 8 arrives in 2026.
The DSM 7.3 (version 7.3-81180) update is available for a wide range of Synology NAS models, though rollout is staged and certain older systems will remain on DSM 7.2 or earlier. It is important to note that DSM 7.3 will be the final major upgrade for many devices, after which they will continue to receive only security and maintenance patches. Users should also be aware that once installed, DSM 7.3 cannot be downgraded.
Models eligible for DSM 7.3 upgrade:
FS Series: FS3017, FS2017, FS1018
XS Series: RS18016xs+, RS4017xs+, RS3617xs+, RS3617xs, RS3617RPxs, RS18017xs+, DS3617xs, DS3617xsII, DS3018xs
Plus Series: RS2416RP+, RS2416+, DS916+, DS716+II, DS716+, DS216+II, DS216+, DS1817+, DS1517+, RS2818RP+, RS2418RP+, RS2418+, RS818RP+, RS818+, DS1618+, DS918+, DS718+, DS218+, RS1219+
Value Series: DS116, DS216, DS216play, DS416, DS416play, DS1517, DS1817, DS418play, RS217, RS816
J Series: DS216j, DS416j, DS416slim, DS419slim, DS418j, DS218j, DS119j
For these devices, DSM 7.3 represents the end of the feature update cycle, effectively marking the transition point toward DSM 8, which will accompany newer 2026 and later hardware. Users operating 2025-series NAS systems that are produced by Synology in 2026 (the DS225+, DS425+, DS725+, DS925+, DS1525+, DS1825+, and RS2825RP+) will receive DSM 7.3 by default and will likely be among the first to transition to DSM 8 once available.
As this change in unverified hard drive support policy by Synology seems to be rolled out in the DSM 7.3 update, that means that currently if you buy and deply a Synology x25 generation NAS, you will still be subject to the restricted HDD deployment status of DSM right now (i.e cannot initialize, cannot RAID build, Rebuild, hot spare, etc unless using a Synology labelled drive or one that eventually might arrive on the compatibility list). So, if you buy the new Synology DS925+, DS1825+ or DS1525+ – unless you were already going to buy Synology hard drive and SSD media, you won’t be able to do very much out the box! So, if you are only considering a Synology NAS right now IF it can be used with 3rd party and/or unverified storage media – DO NOT BUY until the DSM 7.3 update rolls out! You will just be wasting some of your 3 year included warranty whilst you wait!
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Below are further videos from over the course of the last 6+ months that cover the evolution of Synology and this controversial hard drive support policy.
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