Synology vs A-Tech RAM Upgrade: Is Paying Extra Worth it?

In the network-attached storage (NAS) space, Synology has a strong reputation for producing high-performance and reliable devices. A critical aspect of these devices is their memory (RAM), which significantly impacts performance. But when upgrading the RAM of your Synology device, should you stick with Synology’s official RAM or consider a cheaper 3rd-party alternative?

I decided to put this question to the test using the Synology DS1823xs+ NAS. This device required an upgrade from the standard 8 GB RAM to 32 GB. While Synology offers an official 32 GB upgrade solution, I decided to compare it with a significantly cheaper alternative from A-Tech, a compatible 3rd party RAM vendor.

Test Setup

The comparison involved an exhaustive series of memory benchmarking tests on both types of RAM. These included DMI decode comparisons, SynologyAssistant RAM tests, various internal file duplicating tests, Python large list speed tests, and a series of stress-ng tests, including malloc, memcpy, vm, and matrix.

Comparative Analysis

To facilitate this comparison, I performed a series of tests, including DMI decode comparisons, SynologyAssistant RAM tests, several internal file duplicating tests, Python large list speed tests, and a range of stress-ng tests.

DMI Decode Comparison

SynologyAssistant “RAM Test” Time to Completion

Synology RAM was 1.16% faster, with both finishing in around 4.333 hours.

Internal File Duplicating (cp) Tests

Python Large List Speed Tests

On average, Synology RAM was 2.2% faster.

Stress-ng Tests

A Surprising Discovery

I would like to mention that the A-Tech RAM kit I used might not be currently available. The kit was kindly provided by A-Tech after I mistakenly ordered a 2666 MHz RAM instead of the needed 3200 MHz RAM for the DS1823xs+. The customer service at A-Tech was exceptional, swiftly exchanging it for the right RAM.

The Verdict

Looking at the performance difference and the substantial price discrepancy between the Synology and A-Tech RAM, it’s hard to justify paying extra for the Synology RAM. The A-Tech RAM offered nearly identical performance, sometimes even outperforming the Synology RAM despite its lower “Configured Memory Speed”.

In conclusion, for users contemplating a RAM upgrade for their Synology DS1823xs+ NAS, it’s clear that a 3rd party RAM, like the one we tested from A-Tech, can deliver similar performance to the official Synology upgrade, but at a much lower cost.

While brand loyalty or a specific requirement may justify the purchase of official Synology RAM, our tests suggest that you can achieve similar results with

comparable 3rd-party alternatives without spending a hefty amount.

It is essential, however, to note that while our tests with the A-Tech RAM were promising, your mileage may vary with other 3rd-party alternatives. Always ensure that the 3rd-party RAM you’re purchasing is compatible with your specific Synology model and comes from a reputable manufacturer.

Lastly, the fantastic customer service from A-Tech deserves a mention, making it an excellent choice for those seeking affordable and reliable RAM upgrades for their Synology devices.

Whether you decide to stick with Synology’s official RAM or venture towards a 3rd-party option like A-Tech, ensure you perform the necessary benchmarking and testing on your device. This step is crucial to ascertain your NAS’s capability to run under heavy memory loads and secure optimal system performance.

In conclusion, Synology’s RAM does indeed offer high performance, but our tests suggest that it’s not so vastly superior to 3rd-party RAM (at least in the case of A-Tech) as to warrant paying significantly extra for it. As always, the final decision depends on your specific needs, preferences, and budget.

Author: -Tom