Synology NAS Drive Compatibility: What You Need to Know in 2024 & Beyond
Are you building a Synology NAS and wondering about drive compatibility? For years, Synology’s Hardware compatibility list (HCL) has been a sticking point for many users. Recent changes, announced in October 2023 with the release of DSM 7.3, are shifting the landscape. This article breaks down the latest updates, what they mean for you, and how to choose the best drives for your Synology NAS.
The Big Change: Opening Up Drive Choices
Synology has traditionally required users to select hard drives and SSDs from their validated HCL for optimal performance and reliability. This policy aimed to ensure data integrity and system stability. Though, it limited user choice and sometimes increased costs.
As of DSM 7.3, Synology has made a critically important about-face. The company is now allowing the installation and storage pool creation of non-validated third-party drives on select 2025 model-year NAS devices. This provides greater flexibility for builders and users.
According to Synology’s official proclamation (https://www.synology.com/en-us/company/news/article/dsm73/Synology%C2%AE%20Releases%20DiskStation%20Manager%207.3%2C%20Bringing%20Efficient%20Data%20Tiering%2C%20Enhanced%20Security%2C%20and%20AI-Powered%20Collaboration), this decision stems from their commitment to reliable, high-performance storage. Synology emphasizes rigorous testing of both their own drives and those validated through third-party programs.
Which NAS models Are Affected?
The change only applies to the 2025 series of Synology NAS devices. These include:
* DS725+
* DS225+
* DS425+
* DS925+
* DS1525+
* DS1825+
It’s critically important to note that higher-end “xs+” models, like the DS3622xs+, designed for business and enterprise use, will continue to adhere to the existing HCL policy.
What About Older Synology NAS Devices?
Unfortunately, this change does not extend to previous-generation Synology products.If you own an older NAS, you’ll still need to stick to drives on the HCL for optimal compatibility and support.
M.2 Drive Considerations
While the restrictions are loosening for standard SATA drives, there’s a caveat regarding M.2 NVMe SSDs. Pool and cache creation on M.2 disks still requires drives listed on the HCL. this is highly likely due to the higher performance demands and potential impact on system stability.
Why the Change? Addressing User Feedback
Synology’s decision is a direct response to user feedback. the HCL often limited drive choices and could be frustrating for users who preferred specific brands or models not on the list. By expanding compatibility, Synology aims to provide more flexibility and empower users to build NAS solutions tailored to their needs.
Risks and considerations When using Non-Validated Drives
while the new policy offers more freedom, it’s crucial to understand the potential risks:
* Reduced Support: Synology may offer limited support for issues arising from non-validated drives.
* Potential Reliability Issues: Drives not rigorously tested by Synology may have a higher failure rate or compatibility problems.
* Performance Variability: Performance may not be optimized compared to validated drives.
Choosing the Right Drives: Validated vs. Non-validated
So, should you stick to the HCL or venture into non-validated territory? Here’s a breakdown:
* Prioritize Reliability (Business/Critical Data): If data integrity is paramount, and you’re using