Synology RAM Upgrade For DS218+ | DS918+ | DS1511+ | DS1512+ | DS1513+ | DS1515+ | DS1517+ | DS1815+ | DS1817+
Synology RAM Upgrade For DS218+ | DS918+ | DS1511+ | DS1512+ | DS1513+ | DS1515+ | DS1517+ | DS1815+ | DS1817+

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If you are planning to a Synology RAM upgrade for your NAS, but you dont know where to start, you have came to the right place!

The Synology NAS devices are compatible with different memory types and have different maximum supported RAM volumes.

The additional memory will be used as a buffer when handling multiple file transfers at once.

Synology Memory Upgrade For 5 and 8 Disc Models

Now let’s take a look at how to add extra RAM for DiskStation DS15xx models.

Synology DS1511+, DS1512+, DS1513+, DS1515+, DS1815+, and DS1517+ network-attached storage devices are some of the advanced NAS devices that DO support memory expansion.

If you are using your DS151x+ NAS in office settings where multiple computers are connected to your NAS, there is a chance it will not have enough power to serve all data requests.

Synology NAS Memory Upgrade Specifications

Model Preinstalled
RAM
Maximum
RAM
Expansion RAM Type
DS1511+ 1GB 3GB 2GB DDR2 800Mhz (PC2-6400) 200Pin SODIMM
DS1512+ 1GB 3GB (4GB) 2GB DDR3 1066MHz Unbuffered SODIMM 204pin CL=7 1.5V
DS1513+ 2GB 4GB DDR3/DDR3L 1600 MT/S (PC3-12800)
Unbuffered SODIMM 204-Pin Memory
DS1515+ 2GB 6GB (16GB)
DS1517+ 2GB or 8GB 16GB

 

DS1511+

Synology DiskStation DS1511+ has 1GB of RAM preinstalled, and total RAM can be expanded up to 3GB.

It has one extra memory expansion slot, so you can add 1GB or 2GB RAM upgrade.

The factory-installed RAM module of 1GB is in fact installed in the regular memory slot.

It theoretically can be replaced with another larger volume module, but you should keep in mind that if you tamper with a preinstalled RAM module, the warranty will be void.

These systems also do not recognize more than 3 GBs of RAM, so adding 4 GB or more will be a waste of money.

At the same time, I have read that people are experimenting with adding a 4GB memory module to the DS1511+ storage device, and they say that their unit is recognizing it.

It is not clear if such an increase will improve the performance even more than adding 2GB memory, and what is the manufacturer’s stance on this.

I still have to investigate this.

Synology DiskStation DS1511+ supports 800Mhz (PC2-6400) 200Pin SODIMM modules that are typically used in laptops.

Two examples of RAM modules that can be used in this storage device are

DS1512+ and DS1513+

These NASes use the same type of RAM with one difference:

  • DS1512+ comes with 1GB RAM preinstalled and expandable to 3GB
  • DS1513+ comes with 2GB of RAM that is expandable to 4GB

Upgrading to 2GB (DS1512+ only)

This device uses a different type of RAM – DDR3-1066 unbuffered So-DIMM 204pin CL=7 1.5V

For example:

Upgrading to 4GB (DS1512+ and DS1513+)

DS1512+

According to DS1512+ users, this machine recognizes 4GB of RAM. To install 4 gigabytes, you will have to remove the 1GB module and replace it with 4GB module.

Here comes the tricky part. If you are planning to install two pieces of 2GB modules, you have to find the specific type of module – Single Rank memory. The quickest way to identify Single Rank memory module is to read its label.
Single Rank has a 1Rx on it, for example, 1Rx4 or 1Rx8.

In other words – if you will upgrade to 3GB, don’t worry much and get the DDR3-1066 unbuffered So-DIMM 204pin CL=7 1.5V. If you will upgrade to 4GB, you should make sure you get Single Rank modules.

Please check out this discussion to learn more about upgrading to 4GB RAM.

DS1513+

Add one 2GB RAM module.

DS1515+ and DS1815+

The Synology DS1515+ and DS1815+ come with pre-installed 2GB of RAM that can be removed from the NAS.

The official guidelines state that you can only add 4GB to get total of 6GBs of memory.

That is NOT true.

One thing you should keep in mind – adding non-Synology RAM stick to preinstalled 2GB likely will NOT work, so you will have to remove it from your storage.

Then you have a choice between adding 1 or 2 8GB RAM sticks:

DS1517+ and DS1817+

The Synology DS1517+ and DS1817+ camee with either 2GB (1x 2GB module) or 8GB (2x 4GB modules) of RAM preinstalled.

Users often replace the preinstalled RAM with 16GB RAM Kit:

DS1618+

Coming soon!

DS1818+

Coming soon!

Synology RAM Upgrades For Home Models

It is possible to add 1GB or 2GB or 4GB DDR3L RAM modules to these storage devices that have 2 GB preinstalled:

  • DS718+
  • DS218+
  • DS418play
  • and DS1817 which has 4GB pre-installed

Synology DS218+ RAM Upgrade

Synology DS218+ memory upgrade is one of the hottest topics in forums where the owners share their experience.

The Synology DS218+ comes with pre-installed 2 GB DDR3L RAM that is expandable up to 6 GB.

Option 1 – Expanding to 6GB

So according to the manufacturer, you can add one 4GB module to the empty expansion slot and get a total of 6 gigabytes.

You can get more expensive branded Synology RAM or cheaper alternative from Crucial:

Option 2 – Expanding to 10GB

I have found out that the J3355 processor built-in this NAS supports 8GB per channel. This means an 8GB module can be added to the expansion slot to get a total of 10 gigabytes.

Here you can learn more – https://www.windowscentral.com/how-upgrade-ram-synology-ds218

Option 3 – Expanding to 16GB

This is an option where you can take the ‘8GB per channel’ idea to the max. You can remove the preinstalled 2GB RAM module and install 2 pieces of 8GB chips.

The tricky part is that the DS218+ should be taken apart to access the preinstalled RAM. So away goes the warranty.

You can learn more about this process here Synology DS218+:16GB RAM upgrade how-to and see the detailed guide with images here.

Here are affordable 16GB RAM Kits:

Synology DS918+ RAM Upgrade

You will get the DS918+ with 4GB installed in one memory slot and one slot free.

According to the manufacturer, you can add another 4 gigs in the second slot, and that’s all. 8GB maximum reached.

This is…

Option 1 – Expanding to 8GB

Option 2 – Expanding to 16GB

Just like I described above in the chapter about DS218+, you can remove the installed RAM module and install 16GB kit. And it works!

Other Models With Expandable RAM

I am working on the additional chapter for this guide which will explain how to add memory to other Synology NAS models that support this feature.

 

Synology Original RAM Modules

Here is a table with Synology RAM modules for NAS listed that are available at the end of January 2019.

Synology SKU Type Size Compatible Models
D3NS1866L-4G DDR3L-1866 unbuffered SO-DIMM 204pin 1.35V 4GB DS918+, DS718+,
DS218+, DS418play
RAM1600DDR3-4G DDR3-1600 unbuffered SO-DIMM 204pin 1.35V/1.5V 4GB DS2015xs, DS2415+,
DS1815+, DS1515+,
DS1817,
RS2416+/RS2416RP+,
RS815+/RS815RP+
RAM1600DDR3L-4GBx2 DDR3L-1600 unbuffered SO-DIMM 204pin 1.35V/1.5V 8GB Kit (4GB x 2) DS1817+, DS1517+,
RS1219+,
RS818+/RS818RP+
RAM1600DDR3L-8GBx2 DDR3L-1600 unbuffered SO-DIMM 204pin 1.35V/1.5V 16GB Kit (8GB x 2) DS1817+, DS1517+,
RS1219+,
RS818+/RS818RP+
RAMEC1600DDR3-2GBX2 DDR3-1600 ECC unbuffered DIMM 240pin 1.5V 4GB Kit (2GB x 2) DS3615xs, RS3617xs,
RS3614xs/RS3614RPxs
RAMEC1600DDR3-8GBX2 DDR3-1600 ECC unbuffered DIMM 240pin 1.5V 16GB Kit (8GB x 2) DS3615xs, RS18016xs+,
RC18015xs+, RS3614xs+,
RS10613xs+, RS3413xs+,
RS3617xs,
RS3614xs/RS3614RPxs

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Other Types Of RAM Be Used?

Sometimes people have extra memory modules at home that they have laying around after upgrading their equipment. They are asking if similar types of notebook memory modules like PC2-5300 can be used?

The answer is NO. Even if the memory module fits in your storage, you will see the performance decrease as the old module will act as a bottleneck.

Always use the memory modules specified by the equipment manufacturer, and your device will function at its best and serve you long time.

How Much RAM Do I Need In My NAS?

Here are the rough guidelines:

      • 1GB is plenty for file storage and transfers
      • 2-4GB for running Plex media server
      • >4GB for transcoding multiple streams

What Are The Synology RAM Upgrade Benefits?

If you are using your NAS for occasional file downloading and sharing among a couple of computers, you might not see an obvious increase in performance.

But if you use your device for resource-hungry applications and multitasking, the expanded RAM will ensure smooth data processing and swift performance. The Synology RAM upgrade benefits will be obvious.

After installing the additional memory first thing you will notice is the improved responsiveness of application user interfaces. And this is only the tip of the iceberg.

How can I do the Synology Diskstation DS1813 memory upgrade?

Coming soon!

How can I do the Synology DS918+ RAM upgrade?

Coming soon!

 

Additional Resources

 

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