(Part 2) Best products from r/synology

As a follow up: I'm going to look like a hypocrite here, but I think it's only fair to let you know. I ended up getting 5 of the Easystore 10TB from Best Buy and plan to shuck then when they arrive. They're going into my DS1019+.

The change of heart come after:

• I spoke to a friend who works with big storage arrays for an enterprise vendor, and he also runs servers at home. In the end, I don't really need 7.2k RPM drives since I'm not doing 4k transcoding, or and disk intensive work that required 7.2K drives. Regarding vibration sensors, non-Pro Red drives have vibration tech in them (NASware). WD itself says the non-Pro drives are fine to use in a NAS up to 8 bays. That's fine for me since I only have 5 bays. YMMV.
  

• The price / per TB. The HGST 10TB drives I originally wanted are only sold via 3rd party vendors for around $350-$400. Given that it's just movies and TV, and while it would suck if I lost them, it won't be the end of me. I'm going to use SHR2, so 2 disks of redundancy is enough peace of mind for me. The price difference was more than I was willing to spend. See the chart below:
  

  
  

  Drive|Condition|Warranty|RPM|Price|Price per TB|Total Cost for 5
  

  --|:--|:--|:--|:--|:--|:--
  HGST Ultrastar 10TB Helium Drive (HUH721010ALE604 0F27606)|Refubished|Varies. 90-days from the seller shown at time of post|7200|$249.99|$25|$1,249.95
  HGST Ultrastar 10TB Helium Drive (HUH721010ALE604 0F27454)|New|Varies. Unlisted on Amazon. You have to contact the seller|7200|$309.95|$31|$1,549.75
  WD Red 10TB NAS (WD Red WD100EFAX )|New|3 yrs manufacturer (WD) warranty|5400|$303.99|$30.40|$1,519.95
  WD Easystore 10TB External (WDBCKA0100HBK-NESN, Drive model is most likely WD100EMAZ|New|2 yrs WD warranty (just put it back in the shell)|5400|$159.99|$16|$799.95
  
  

• The warranty gap. I could not find a retail version of those HGST (branded as either HGST or WD) drives on any major marketplace for the $300-$400 range. Most likely those drives on Newegg/Amazon are OEM drives, which means they don't come with a warranty from WD -- only through the 3rd party vendor. I'd be gambling with refurb drives. It'd be less of a gamble with 3rd party OEM drives. But shucking Easystores gives me new drives, and a 2 year warranty directly from WD (so long as I save the encasing to ship back to them).

I just want to point out the links to Amazon.com are not sold by Amazon but third parties like "Technology Galaxy" or "OneDealOutlet Online". It's not that easy to purchase the N0008 variant of this drive, even in the US if you want to go with a well known seller. You're paying $100 premium for the N0008 model, so it's not simply "just go ahead and buy the newer drive". The N0008 variant is currently selling for $389.54, where as you can have the N0004 for $283 sold by Amazon directly. For that premium for the N0008, you could instead purchase a WD Red Pro 10 TB for $20 less. That has a longer warranty, is quieter, and is rated for a higher workload. (The WD Red Pro is the route I took.) If you want to stick with Seagate, it makes more sense to just go with the 12 TB version, which doesn't have the issue and can purchased directly from Amazon for less than the 10 TB N0008 10 TB drive ($368).

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Edit: the new N0008 model is quieter than its predecessor at 18 decibels idle, 28 decibel active (previous: 28 decibel idle, 32 decibels active). Was comparing to WD Red Pro 10TB (20 decibels, 29 decibels) against the old Seagate.

Coming from a guy who bought a DS713+ for exactly this purpose -- get the DS416play. Nobody wants to buy a 3 year old 2-bay Synology when you're ready to upgrade.

Then start to use an off-site backup solution like Glacier or CrashPlan (which uses roughly 1GB of RAM per 1TB of backup which a DS416play can handle much easier than a j series). DSM6 has really solid support for Glacier and Crashplan can be had from the Synocommunity fairly painlessly.

You're going to outgrow the 2 drive capacity and will realistically only ever be able to put 6TB or 8TB in there until you hit your limit. This is especially true if you start using the DS416play as a media station (for SABnzbd, Couchpotato, etc). It's almost criminal not to if you're into downloading your media automatically on a low-power always-on NAS.

Get the DS416play and put your 4TB drives in there. When you're out of space there buy two 6TB/8TB drives and then replace your old 4TB's as you have the chance to.

No sense in restricting your RAID to RAID1. SHR with BTRFS is a really good solution and can take some failures (more so with a 4-bay drive).

Buy a UPS because ~$120 is worth not having to risk it. Get something like this APC 1500 (https://www.amazon.com/BR1500G-Back-UPS-1500VA-10-outlet-Uninterruptible/dp/B003Y24DEU). Costco has a 1500 Cyberpower (which OEM's APC) for ~$120).

/edit: clarifying everything to the DS416play model. It's much, much better.

If you don't find a PoE solution you like, you can use PoE splitters like these: https://smile.amazon.com/ethernet-Splitter-Compliant-Surveillance-ipolex/dp/B078LYW6D7/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1538316115&sr=8-2-spons&keywords=poe+splitter&psc=1

I'm using these with some Foscam cameras and they seem pretty ideal for any remote device that needs PoE power (Arduino, etc.). Make sure the voltage & power connector matches though.

I'm torn on the cache.

I was super excited about it at first, but literally every time you reboot or install a DSM update, the Cache gets emptied to zero. It might be improving some lookup speeds, but it isn't a huge margin for me, and I'm running Plex, and 7 docker containers.

If you are hosting a website with a ton of small files, it would probably help.

tl;dr: It's probably worth doing, but don't break the bank. Get a single 128 or 265gb drive. Write cache is risky IMO.


I'm using this memory without issue. Unless you absolutely need 16gb, I'd avoid it as it is unsupported even via the Intel specifications page. Seen plenty of Synology forum posts saying "16 GB works great" followed by "my volume crashed, help!" I dunno if it's related or not, but it wasn't worth the risk for me.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00VMCU9CO/

Running: Plex, Surveillance Station, Drive, Moments, Hyperbackup, Cloud Sync to B2, VPN Server, DS Note
Docker: Tautulli, Sonarr, Radarr, NZBGet, NetData, PiHole, Transmission

Sitting at 20% memory utilization as of writing this.

I agree that the Crucial kits are identical spec wise, when I looked at them on crucial's site the only difference I saw was that that Mac version was Halogen free, so I purchased the slightly cheaper one at the time (the Mac version), and I can confirm it works without any issues in my new DS1817+

With "for Mac" branding, the one I am using:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008LTBJFW

Without "for Mac" branding:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007B5S52C

Amazon, NewEgg also now carry the 1515+ at comparable prices. Yes there are specific RAM modules that work in it compared to others. Two I know of are this Crucial and this Corsair I have this Forum Thread bookmarked to show you the Upgrade process. This is the same thread I found the RAM modules that are compatible. Hope this Helps.

Thanks for inspiration, all. I was able to replace it with this EVERCOOL fan: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07CZCMK72/

Yeah but if you hook the PFC series up to an oscilloscope it produces a pretty damn good sinewave.

Refer to this review: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/review/B00429N19W/R3RGWTY0YNR57C/ref=cm_cr_dp_mb_rvw_3?ie=UTF8&cursor=3

You plug it into the HDMI socked on your TV, and it runs Amazon's Android version. You can install apps like iPlayer, Netflix Kodi, and Plex Client on it, and use them to stream content from the web and your NAS. https://www.amazon.com/Fire-TV-Stick-4K-with-Alexa-Voice-Remote/dp/B079QHML21 (the older, non-4K versions are cheaper).

The FireStick is wi-fi only, and about £30. If you want wired, you can get the slightly larger FireTV which costs a bit more but has an ethernet connection. TBH, though, I have a fireTV and have streamed 1080p quite comfortably across wifi. It would only be an issue if you wanted to stream full 4K movies, then you'd need wired.

Hey,

I bought this one for my 718+:

https://www.amazon.de/V7-V7149008GBS-LV-Notebook-Arbeitsspeicher-PC3-14900/dp/B01MDPWX7D/ref=sr_1_25?ie=UTF8&qid=1549539877&sr=8-25&keywords=8gb+ddr3+1866+sodimm

Works fine :)

This one should also work if you need 4GB of RAM (according to Amazon Reviews):

https://www.amazon.de/Kingston-HyperX-HX318LS11IB-Arbeitsspeicher-DDR3-RAM/dp/B00VMCU9CO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1549540033&sr=8-1&keywords=4gb+ddr3+1866+sodimm

I actually never saw it for 600. Lust looked at my amazon order history — I bought it in jab 2018 for $529.99. Looking at the price history here it’s always user $550

https://camelcamelcamel.com/product/B075N1Z9LT

The 1618 hovers about $730 https://camelcamelcamel.com/Synology-Bay-NAS-DiskStation-Diskless/product/B07CR8RZYY

So it’s 33 or 25 % difference depending how you look at it

I think what happens is because with synology the majority of the cost is fixed — distribution, software, services, and support — drastically improving hardware results in minor end user cost increase. Which makes low end, a tiny bit cheaper models disproportionally worse value compared to competition where hardware cost constitutes larger fraction of the price. Does it make sense?

Thanks for the tips! Will check them out!

I also found this which seems a reasonable price:
APC Power-Saving Back-UPS PRO - BR550GI - Uninterruptible Power Supply 550VA (AVR, 6 Outlets IEC-C13, USB, Shutdown Software) https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B002RL0CKI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_oR1JDbA4M775S

Think that would be ok?

Power loss can cause data loss if you're in the middle of a write to eight different drives. As far as the power conditioning goes, I don't really know. UPSes are pretty cheap compared to NASes (I have this one and it integrates very nicely with DSM) anyway. It's also nice to plug in your router, cable modem, etc, so you can have a few minutes to an hour of internet time if your power goes.

You know what, spend the extra money and get the 6 bay Synology 6 Bay NAS DiskStation - DS1618+ (Diskless) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CR8RZYY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ELOFDbY603N5T

The 6 bay NAS has 4 gigabit ports. You can plug them all in and use the adaptive load balancing feature and you can ensure good network

One more! I installed this 2x8GB kit the other day, works perfectly:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007B5S52C/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

+1 to this. I used the RCA version which had the extra faceplates (which allows the camera to be angled to the side). Works great with Surveillance Station. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07GN355R6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

You have a different CPU, and it appears your box takes DDR4 memory. So this module won't work for you. It appears you need a DDR4-2400 SODIMM. Maybe something like this one: https://www.amazon.com/Crucial-Single-PC4-19200-SODIMM-260-Pin/dp/B019FRDKWI/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=ddr4-2400+sodimm+4gb&qid=1557636657&s=gateway&sr=8-3

Both of our CPUs have dual-channel memory, so assuming Synology routed both channels, we're also doubling memory bandwidth as well as doubling capacity when we add that second DIMM.

You can add a $15 wifi usb dongle like this https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002SZEOLG/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_Ynd3CbQS8FQ9Y

i don't know about media station apps but all the apps I use are well engineered and updated.

Would you trust buying this?

https://www.amazon.com/Memory-Synology-RackStation-DDR3-1600-PARTS-QUICK/dp/B00TXOY6SG

Oops! I should have been more specific.... Amazon.com (USA) has them in stock for reasonable prices:

$599.99 for 2GB—http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01EMSGNCY/

$649.99 for 8GB—http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01EMZHLZU/

Mine shipped today. :)

Thanks I am going to order this one:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000QZ3UG0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_nuvyDb5VKM0PK

It is on Synology’s website as tested by them.

You'd need a budget of like $450-550 without drives if you want something half decent, so something like this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01EMPW5Z6/ref=twister_B01JRI2Y6S or this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01EMSGNCY/ref=twister_B01JRI2Y6S?th=1

I have an APC -- hasn't failed me yet. This one:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003Y24DEU/

Indeed Amazon how has them for reasonable prices:

2GB—http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01EMSGNCY/

8GB—http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01EMZHLZU/

Keep in mind that none of these stores seem to have them in stock until May 20. I wrote to SimplyNAS to confirm that.

Newegg also lists them via a third-party seller but the prices are $100 higher.

I do plan on getting a UPS in the next month or so. I'm looking at the CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD PFC Sinewave UPS System...

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https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00429N19W/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&th=1

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Synology branded will be more expensive and that's about it. Either check their compatibility site or open up the box and read the specs.

edit: here you go, $100 Crucial 16GB Kit (2 X 8GB) 1600 MT/s (PC3L-12800) 204-Pin SODIMM DDR3L Memory (CT2KIT102464BF160B) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007B5S52C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_z.rezbJAWNX4B

https://www.amazon.com/Crucial-PC3-12800-Unbuffered-SODIMM-204-Pin/dp/B007B5S52C

I think so, or this one is a little cheaper.

Since OP posted twitter for some reason here's an actual link: https://www.amazon.com/Synology-Bay-NAS-DiskStation-Diskless/dp/B07CR8RZYY/

I just purchased this module for my DS918+ and it is running prefect.

>BR550GI

https://www.amazon.de/APC-550VA-Stromsparfunktion-Multifunktionsdisplay-Ger%C3%A4teschutzversicherung/dp/B002RL0CKI (Sorry, in German ;))

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007B5S52C

https://www.amazon.com/Synology-Bay-NAS-DiskStation-Diskless/dp/B07CR8RZYY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1526877597&sr=8-1&keywords=synology+diskstation+ds1618%2B

Have this 4GB stick added, I think it's compatible.

HyperX HX318LS11IB/4 Impact 1866 MHz DDR3L CL11 SODIMM 1.35 V, 4 GB https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00VMCU9CO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_q.ApDbCRZM810

1. Remove the cover like you're replacing RAM in the open slot.
   
2. remove the back panel that holds the fans (you don't need to unplug the fans, just lay the panel down out of the way).
   
3. Unscrew the screws that hold the MOBO to the case (again, no need to actually disconnect any of the wires).
   
4. Lift the bottom of the mobo up and out flipping it over. You'll see the other RAM slot there. It ships with a 2GB from Syno. This is why you're limited to 6GB (a 8GB stick won't play well with that 2GB).
   
5. Replace the stock RAM, and the empty slot with 8GB sticks.
   
   That's it. Just make sure to use the right RAM. Users have reported issues using the wrong type. Here's what I used, and I can confirm it works (I posted pics of it working in another post): RAM