How do you upgrade Synology with 10GbE LAN and NVMe SSD for caching?

Last updated on 12 Dec 2022 📧 Subscribe
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1 Install 2.5 inch SSD for caching
2 Add an M.2 NVMe SSD caching to Synology NAS
3 Enable cache
4 Add a 10GbE Network Interface Card

My current thoughts and questions are currently:

  • Purchase the Synology DS1821+
  • Purchase 2/4 x HAT5300 Series 3.5” SATA HDD and get more when needed
  • How do exactly do I upgrade it to 10GbE support?
  • How do SNV3400/3500 Series M.2 NVMe SSD work? How do I install them?
  • And how do SAT5200 Series 2.5” SATA SSD work? How do I install them?
Excuse the basic questions, but I dip into NAS territory every 5 years or so when there’s an issue.
I just want a FAST and extendable system.
Synology HAT5300 are Toshiba relabeled drives. New XS series models demand using these drives. The reliability is very good, but the noise is pretty high. But these are good drives. Alternatively Plus series NAS models also support WD Red plus drives that are quieter. Or Seagate Ironwolf which come with free data recovery service.
Adding 10GbE card on your NAS (guide added at the bottom of this post) will improve data transfer speeds. Just make sure your computer has 10GbE port too. Here are a few switches listed to simplify the process https://nascompares.com/answer/cheapest-10gbe-switches-updated/
SNV3400/3500 Series M.2 NVMe SSD is PCIe based SSD that are much faster compared to 2.5inch SATA SSD. Therefore these NVMe SSD are used for caching.  (How to install, described later)
SAT5200 is 2.5 insh SSD. This drive fits in regular HDD bays (how-to, described below). You can use these SSD fo initial volume to install DSM, apps or use it for higher speed demanding purpose such as video editing.
But, sometimes people will use them for caching. It is not as fast as NVMe SSD, but in business environments where NVMe is too expensive or not available in bigger capacities, this is a good compromise to boost HDD RAID performance with some caching.

  1. Is it advisable to use a mixture of HDD and SSD drives?

  2. Do I need any special screwdrivers or tools to do the upgrades?

 

Synology and Qnap both allow multiple RAIDs. This allows you to create two RAIDs/Volumes. One with SSD and another with HDDs. You can not mix SSD and HDD within the same RAID though.

Regarding tools, you will need Philips Screwdriver. https://amzn.to/3WaPNkY

Install 2.5 inch SSD for caching

Add an M.2 NVMe SSD caching to Synology NAS

You can install up to two M.2 NVMe 2280 SSDs on your Synology NAS to create an SSD cache volume. Follow the steps below for SSD module installation and removal.
To install an M.2 NVMe SSD module
1 Shut down your Synology NAS. Disconnect all cables from your Synology NAS to prevent possible damage.
2 Remove the hard drive trays from the drive bays. You will see two empty SSD slots located on the inner left side of your Synology NAS.
3 SSD slots are numbered as shown below.
4 Start from the slot 1. Insert your SSD module into the empty slot:
a Align the small gap between the gold connectors of the SSD module with the notch in the empty slot. Insert the module into the slot. Make sure that the module is properly inserted.
b Push the lever outward as shown below. While holding the lever, push down the SSD module, then release the lever to secure the SSD module.
5 If needed, repeat the steps above to install a second SSD module into the second slot.
6 Insert the drive trays back into the drive bays.
7 Reconnect the cables removed in step 1, then press the power button to turn on your Synology NAS.
To remove the M.2 NVMe SSD module
1 Shut down your Synology NAS. Disconnect all cables from your Synology NAS to prevent possible damage.
2 Remove the hard drive trays from the drive bays.
3 Push the lever outward. The module will pop up and be released from the slot.
4 Hold the SSD module and remove it from the slot. Insert the drive trays back into the drive bays.
5 Reconnect the cables removed in step 1, then press the power button to turn on your Synology NAS.

Enable cache

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qp_rXLH28a4&t=55s

Add a 10GbE Network Interface Card

Your Synology NAS has a PCI Express expansion slot which allows you to install 10GbE or Gigabit network
interface card for LAN port expansion.
To install a network interface card:
1 Shut down your Synology NAS. Disconnect all cables from your Synology NAS to prevent possible damage.
2 Remove the six screws that secure the top cover.

3 Install the network interface card:
a Remove the screw that secures the adapter slot’s cover.
b Remove the adapter slot’s cover.
c Align the card’s connectors with the adapter slot, and insert the card into the slot.
d Put back and fasten the screw that you removed in step 3-a so as to secure the newly inserted card.
4 Put back the top cover that you removed in step 2 and tighten the srcews.


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