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Monday 22 February 2016

How to upgrade memory in Synology DS216+ and DS216+II

UPDATE: This upgrade method applies to DS216+ and DS216+II models


 
Synology recently intoduced new, reasonably priced, 64-bit Intel processor based NAS model: DS216+. What makes it interesting to me is that this model support BRTFS filesystem and it also allow you to run Docker containers (among many other things) however memory is limited by 1 GB.

Synology also offers similar model with double number of CPU cores and double amount of memory (2 GB) for ~50% premium in price: ~$450 for DS716+ vs ~$300 for DS216+.

However, it is possible to upgrade memory in both models for up to 8 GB. Procedure for DS716+ is much simpler but cost of that unit is significantly higher.

Possibility to upgrade memory in DS216+ makes it a very good value for money: ~$335 for DS216+ with 8 GB RAM vs ~$485 for DS716+ with 8 GB of RAM.

Please note that some memory modules may not work with this unit. I strongly suggest to buy following module as it has been tested with DS216+ and DS716+:

Crucial 8GB Single DDR3 1600 MT/s (PC3-12800) CL11 SODIMM 204-Pin 1.35V Notebook Memory CT102464BF160B

Disclaimer: Memory upgrade most likely will void warranty. DS216+ unit disassembly is not as easy as in other models and you may potentially cause damage to it if you will attempt to follow guide below. Don't blame me if you'll break it.

But you will be fine. Just take your time and be gentle. It is not that hard to pull unit apart and then put it back together. It took me about 20 minutes but I spent most time figuring out how to remove various components and taking photos along the way. Again, don't rush. Take your time, be gentle and use common sense (don't apply too much force, etc).

What you need to do first is: power off unit, unplug it, remove plastic cover near hard drives and remove hard drives.

At the back of the unit unscrew 4 screws around fan and an extra screw in lower right corner.


Lay down unit on its side and take a look inside from side where hard drive were installed. See metal bar on top secured by 2 plastic clips? You will need to pull this bar slightly to "unlock it" and then push plastic cover slightly back. You should be able to pull it with just using your fingers. This is the only part in this guide where you need to apply little force but please be gentle. Take your time and be careful.


Red arrows pointing UP but you actually need to pull metal bar DOWN.

Then you should be able to remove that part of plastic cover completely. Just slide it out.

On a side of a chassis you will need to remove metal bracket secured by a single screw.


This is how it looks when removed



Just put it away for now. On other side on the unit you will need to remove plastic bracket which is "attached" to a fan. Again, you will need to unscrew just one screw.


Then you will need to remove fan which is connected to motherboard. Remove (pull) plastic connector from PCB and carefuly remove silver coloured tape attached to a cable. This tape is kind of "fragile" so be careful but its only function is to keep cable secure.


Then you need to remove 4 screw that hold chassis and plastic cover together.



Now is most delicate part. You will need to pull out chassis along with attached motherboard from plastic enclosure. Be careful, take your time and be gentle. Take a look from both sides and see how it is attached to enclosure.


On the back you will find 3 components that "stick out" from enclosure: 1) Ethernet and USB ports 2) eSATA port 3) Power connector. In order to remove motherboard you will need to gently push out all 3 of these components to "release" them from enclosure. Again, be gentle, take your time and be careful.


Pull out chassis along with motherboard. This is how it should all looks like when done

Motherboard still attached to a chassis but that is fine. Take a look at motherboard


Now you can remove Synology 1GB module


and install new Crucial 8GB module


Well done! Now you need to put everything back together in reverse order




Install your hard drives of choice.
 

I've used pair of SanDisk Ultra II 960GB drives. Something that you may also consider as reasonably priced alternative to mechanical hard drives



Power on unit and you should be able to see additional memory available


You may also want to disable memory compression in DSM as it probably no longer required.

Enjoy your new improved DS216+!

Feel free to share this guide and leave comments below.


201 comments:

  1. The system is stable? You are using the docker package?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I guess its too early to tell as I've upgraded memory just few days ago but so far system is stable. Yes, using docker package. I haven't done much yet, just started few containers to test. It works.

      Delete
    2. You did a great tutorial.
      Thank you for sharing.

      Delete
  2. Hay Andriy, thanks for the tutorial! I was wondering if you are planning on upgrading to DSM6.0 RC? I am curious if that goes well with the 8GB memory module. If so, Let me know!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. No worries! I am grad you found it useful. No, I am not planning to use DSM 6.0RC, will wait for final release.

      Delete
    2. Upgraded to DSM 6.0 today - no issues, everything works fine.

      Delete
  3. Hi Andriy, great tutorial. I am thinking of upgrading my DS216+ also. Did you see any seal so that it will be visible that the NAS is opened?
    Not all photos on your blog are shown, but I think I will manage with the ones that are shown and the text you wrote with them.
    Is your system still stable?
    Many thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi greyhead2! I didn't find any "warranty" seals apart from a sticker attached to original Synology memory module which you don't need to remove anyway. However, silver coloured tape which is designed to secure fan cable is very fragile and once removed it will change its "appearance". It won't look "new" anymore and I think that just by looking at it Synology warranty technician will be able to tell if unit was disassembled.

      I am refering to these photos:
      https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S0C26YE6ou4/Vs7Ytg4ys1I/AAAAAAAAUe4/lJjm6Jd5now/s320/2016-02-22%2B20.23.36.jpg
      https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cDBt02wjfuA/Vs7YtRY50CI/AAAAAAAAUe0/fzIBDyLb-sA/s320/2016-02-22%2B20.22.52.jpg

      By the way, I am not sure why you can't see all photos. They all hosted on Google's Blogger. I can send them all to you if you like, just let me know.

      System is very stable, I didn't have any issues so far and I've built bunch of docker containers by now. Everything works as expected. Docker engine is a little outdated but it works fine.

      Good luck with upgrade! :)

      Delete
  4. Hello Andriy,

    Thank you for the very detailed tutorial on this topic. I have ordered my DS-216+ and the 8GB of RAM you recommended. How has the stability been since your upgrade, any issues?

    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Justin,
      Glad you found tutorial helpful. System has been stable so far. No issues at all.

      Delete
  5. Hi Andriy,

    Thank for the great tutorial.
    Juste for say, i did the upgrading on my DS216+ with a Kingston KVR16LS11/8 memory and it works well.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi mate, thank you for testing Kingston memory module and letting me know that it works! I am glad tutorial was helpful. All the best!

      Delete
  6. Thank you for the guide. I opened my brand new DS216+ successfully with these instructions and installed same Crucial RAM module. After that ran Synologys installation wizard and it installed DSM 6.0, no issues or error messages so far.

    In my unit that black plastic bracket had crack when I opened it.

    Amazon.de suggested me that very same Crucial CT102464BF160B memory after I put DS216+ into basket. I suppose some else also bought this combo.


    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. No Worries! Glad you found tutorial useful. I've also upgraded to DSM 6.0 recently - no issues.

      Delete
  7. Hi,

    Just curious as why you went with the SSD? Is there a significant performance increase with a NAS? I just purchased a DS216+ and still trying to decide on which disks to go with.

    Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi! I just didn't want to buy mechanical drives anymore. I've had 3 drives failed on me over last year and I no longer need very large capacity NAS. Instead I would prefer better I/O performance and better reliability. Low noise is also important factor for me. I hope that SSD drives will last longer. They definitely faster and they silent. I also use Docker engine within DS216+ itself so I/O performance is important, especially during docker build process.

      Delete
  8. Works well, thanks!

    WARNING: One thing to be very careful about whe reassembling the NAS is how much to tighten the four screws holding the motherboard in place. If the screws are tightended too much or little, the power button won't "click" any more and will be continually pushing. For me, this caused the NAS to randomly shutdown every 1-2 days.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. No worries. Thanks for the tip!

      Delete
    2. the same happend to me - random shutdowns 2 times a day

      Delete
  9. Hi Andriy, thanks for the write up.

    Could you give us some real-world examples of performance boosts from the memory upgrade?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Jay,

      For me this is more about possibility to run memory intensive application(s) rather than performance boost.

      Here's my example:
      I run 3-node cluster of Apache Cassandra database (via docker). Memory utilizaton is at around ~90%. Each cluster node requires ~2 GB of RAM. Without memory upgrade it would not be possible to run cluster.

      Of course not everyone need this and in real world it is not practical to run Cassandra cluster on Synology NAS but it is inexpensive and effective way for me to learn how distributed databases work.

      This is just one example and there are many other use cases with what you can do on DS216+ with 8 GB of RAM.

      If you need SAN to just serve files over CIFS/NFS, don't bother with memory upgrade. But if you also want to run various applications, memory upgrade is highly recommended.

      Delete
    2. Thanks for the prompt response.

      I have yet to delve into the world of NAS but am keen to start!

      Delete
  10. Perfect Guide! Worked well without any problems! Thank you for this Tutorial!

    ReplyDelete
  11. I've got some issues when I put the auto-off and auto-on enabled due to the fact that sometimes the Nas doesn't boot-up. I set the auto-off at 01.30 and the auto-on at 07.00.
    I only have this problem. Everything else is running well.

    ReplyDelete
  12. @Andriy
    Do you know that in nwe DS216+ll we can also use the same module RAM (crucial)?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. No, I didn't know that new version of DS216+(II) was released. Is there big difference between DS216+ and DS216+(II)? Good to know that it can be upgraded.

      Delete
    2. In spec i only see new processor, one model higher, Celeron N3060. And nothing else.
      It will be this month in Poland.

      Delete
    3. I hear that the DS216+II existence is purely due to the unavailability of the processor as in DS216+

      Delete
    4. You're right, only a new CPU.
      It works with DS216+II with the with same 8 GB RAM
      Andriy, thank's for your help

      Delete
  13. Thanks for the tutorial. All worked very well. I am running the NAS as e-mail server, web server and file station - no issues yet...but I like the new ram-graph (before always about 90% usage, now 15% even without ram-compression

    ReplyDelete
  14. Hi Andriy, what screwdriver did you use to unscrew the extra screw in the first image? Can't unscrew it using PH1 screwdriver..

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Subix,

      I remember I had issues unscrewing it too but I just used different Philips screwdriver I have. If you have difficulties unscrewing it I suggest to check if you can borrow screwdriver from someone else to try if it will fit.

      Delete
    2. Have upgraded the ram. Used PH2 to unscrew it. Thanks for this tutorial!

      Delete
    3. Great! I am glad you got it sorted. Enjoy your upgraded DS216+! :)

      Delete
  15. Would you know if all DS216 models will take the same RAM. I have a DS216play and want to give it a memory boost, however I cannot find any info on the type of module to purchase.
    Any info you have would be greatly appreciated.

    Phil

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Phil,
      I don't think memory in DS216play could be upgraded :(

      Delete
  16. Just did my DS216+, Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  17. Is this memory upgrade possible with Synology DS216se ?

    ReplyDelete
  18. Great Andriy!!!!

    Running without problems.

    Thanks a lot from Spain.

    Your post is really concise and useful.

    Best regards.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Great! Thank you for your feedback

      Delete
    2. And now I remember ... Just one question if you want to include it in his excellent post:

      I could not unscrew the two screws black color without damaging the screw slots: "extra screw in lower right corner" + screw related to "plastic bracket Which is" attached "to a fan". Well, I added a micro-drop of penetrating oil (WD-40, Valvoline, etc.) and screw out almost alone. Sometimes we get using our head what we fail with our hands.

      Best Regards.

      Delete
  19. Hi, thank you very much for this. It looks very useful. Did you consider upgrading to more than 8GB? E.g. 16GB?

    Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. No worries! 8 GB is a maximum amount of RAM supported by CPU installed in DS216+ and DS216+II.

      http://ark.intel.com/products/91832/Intel-Celeron-Processor-N3060-2M-Cache-up-to-2_48-GHz

      Delete
  20. Clear instructions + good pics.
    Like another user above I also added a 8GB Kingston KVR16LS11/8. Working for 3 hours with no issue :)
    Will post another update in 1 week.

    THANK YOU for this great tutorial!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. So after 2 weeks here's the update:

      DS216+II with latest DSM 6.0.1-7393 Update 2. Memory compression disabled.

      Running 7 docker containers, gitlab + mariadb + rabbitmq + 3 debian.
      Mem usage 19% xD

      3TB of transfers later and i found no issue whatsoever. 100% uptime. The speed feels the same. I don't thing it's "faster".

      This is perfect for those, like me, run a lot of docker images and other memory consuming applications. But don't expect a big increase in performance if don't use this kind of stuff.

      PS:
      I think we can mark kingston KVR16LS11/8 as a "certified" memory hehe :)

      Delete
    2. Is that any problem that cause then as shutdown randomly?
      I any searching the ram that is stable for machine~
      Samsung ram cause randomly shutdown and break HDD of my nas
      https://www.amazon.com/Samsung-original-204-pin-PC3L-12800-M471B1G73EB0-YK0/dp/B0173ZBC2E

      Delete
  21. I just did the upgrade with the recommended 8GB Crucial RAM and everything went smooth. I wouldn't have had the nerve to do this without your great tutorial. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Hi, I followed your Howto using a ramdom brand ram of 4Gb, coming from a laptop, works great. Thanks for your help :)

    ReplyDelete
  23. I forgot, I use a DS216+II ^^

    ReplyDelete
  24. Thank you for your tutorial. The question is: does mailplus server works on DS216+ with 8GB?

    ReplyDelete
  25. Hi<
    Do you think there is a problem to make the upgrade after using the NAS? Or should it be done before using it the 1st time?

    Thank you for the answers and tuturial :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I feel like it would be best to power the unit on once to ensure it is not a lemon, then to do the upgrade. I've ordered this unit, and am contemplating doing this upgrade to it off the bat. Once I've made sure it works :)

      Delete
    2. Hi there! I agree with you, it make sense to power on unit first to ensure it is working properly and then upgrade memory. When I did uprade on my unit I did it straight away because I've got both unit and new memory module on the same day.

      Delete
  26. Hi Andriy,

    Thanks a lot for the tutorial! I have DS216+II and consider to perform the memory upgrade.

    You suggest to use following memory:
    - Crucial 8GB Single DDR3 1600 MT/s (PC3-12800) CL11 SODIMM 204-Pin 1.35V Notebook Memory CT102464BF160B

    However, when I click on it - it takes me to amazon with following memory:
    - Crucial 8GB Single DDR3L 1600 MT/s (PC3L-12800) SODIMM 204-Pin Memory - CT102464BF160B

    Please note the difference in DDR3 vs DDR3L & PC3-12800 vs PC3L-12800.

    I found out that the difference between these two RAMs is nothing but the voltage consumption. The DDR3L RAM consumes lesser voltage compared to the DDR3. Also the lower the operating voltage, the faster the memory can theoretically operate.

    My question: Can both of these memory types be used for upgrade? Very likely yes, but what do you think?

    Thanks again.
    Cheers, David

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi David,

      According to Intel N3060 specs (see link below), supported memory type is DDR3L-1600.

      http://ark.intel.com/products/91832/Intel-Celeron-Processor-N3060-2M-Cache-up-to-2_48-GHz

      CT102464BF160B module has been tested and appears to be working fine in DS216+ and DS216+||

      All the best,
      Andriy

      Delete
    2. OK, Thanks a lot Andriy :)

      Delete
  27. All upgraded and working fine. Many thanks for the superbly clear instructions!

    ReplyDelete
  28. https://www.dropbox.com/s/kaov01hwmpjrd2k/Zdj%C4%99cie%2026.08.2016%2C%2009%2008%2022.jpg?dl=0
    It works correctly in the DS216+II
    Hynix 4GB PC3LE HMT451S6AFR8A
    Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  29. DS216+ updated with the recommended 8GB Crucial SODIMM. Everything is working great and many thanks for your comprehensible tutorial.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Thank you for the great tutorial.
    I've just installed HyperX Impact HX316LS9IBK2/8. I did few tests so far and couldn't find any issues.
    The disassembleing was really easy, so it's an easy upgrade for low money.
    Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Great! Thanks for info re HyperX memory module. In theory all DDR3L-1600 modules should work fine.

      Delete
  31. Easy upgrade! Thank you for the tutorial!

    ReplyDelete
  32. Hi Andriy,

    I did this upgrade some months ago (even made a comment on here earlier), but have run into some issues over the past couple months. Whenever there are any DSM updates or I simply restart the NAS, the unit hangs and fails to respond. I will then need to physically remove the power from the unit, then manually power back up.

    I reached out to their "support" and this is the first thing they pointed out to me...the additional RAM. They told me to remove the 8GB stick, replace with the original 1GB and monitor. They claim that the additional RAM can damage the hardware, which I think is crap, but it's an easy out for them.

    Have you, or anyone you know, experienced instability issues of this nature after upgrading?

    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Justin,

      I had issues with DMS upgrade few times as well when system didn't reboot and I had to power cycle it. I was not sure it was related to memory upgrade but after your post I think it might be.

      It may sound strange it is technically possible for vendor to introduce artificial 'issues' on software level for systems with non-standard memory configuration. I don't think Synology will ever do this on purpose ...

      Last DMS upgrade (DSM 6.0.2-8451 Update 1) went well for me and system rebooted automatically as part of upgrade process without any issues.

      Delete
    2. I have had issues on rebooting too even without the ram upgrade, that the 216+ would fail to reboot automatically without physical reset. I got in touch with Synology's support and it seems to be a problem with the BIOS. You can try upgrading it to the latest BIOS from Synology.

      Delete
    3. Thanks, man! I've raised service call with Synology to get latest BIOS version.

      Delete
    4. Thank you very much for this info! I've raise a call with Synology, they sent me 2 files to perform BIOS update. After update my NAS can reboot properly (don't need to powercycle anymore). By the way, I didn't have any issues submitting service call for my upgraded Synology unit.

      Delete
  33. Thank you for this tutorial, it works as well with a Kingston RAM module

    ReplyDelete
  34. Just tried this tonight on my DS216+II tonight. Worked like a charm! Went from ~75% memory usage to 6%. Not sure how that math works, but I'm not complaining.

    Bought the Crucial stick you linked to. Hope that link is providing some nice tips for you :)

    ReplyDelete
  35. Done also today.
    Works fine for the moment.
    Thanks a lot for the tuto :)

    ReplyDelete
  36. Succesful! Works like a charm, and hail to you! may you live long and prosper, etc. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  37. Hi Andriy,

    I just unpacked and then disassembled my new Synology DS216+II NAS, installed the Crucial 8GB memory you recommended and then reassembled the NAS.

    Powered it up and the DSM's Control Panel reports "Total physical memory" of 8192 MB.

    Just installing Docker now ...

    Thanks for the great tutorial.

    Cheers
    Rob



    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. See: http://robferguson.org/2016/11/06/synology-diskstation-ds216ii/

      Delete
    2. Hi Rob,
      I am glad you found this guide useful and thank you for sharing it! :)

      Delete
  38. Hello.
    Great article!!
    Do you know if this procedure also applies to the DS214+?
    I have read in other blog that for the DS215+ is very similar, but I am not sure if it also applies to the DS214+.
    Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Oscar,
      I am not sure if memory in DS214+ could be upgraded. Most likely not (different CPU, memory most likely soldered in).
      Andriy

      Delete
  39. I have two questions. After the RAM upgrade:
    1. Do I have to modify any .conf file in the NAS?
    2. Will I keep having OS updates?
    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Juan,
      No, you don't need to modify config files and Yes, OS updates will work as normal.
      Andriy

      Delete
    2. Andriy, thank you for your confirmation :)

      Delete
    3. i think some people disable memory compression once they up they do this mod

      Delete
    4. Yes! I do recommend to disable the memory compression after the memory upgrade.
      Makes no sense to use CPU in compression, when you have 8GB of RAM. The NAS barely uses the whole memory.

      Delete
  40. Would this apply to the DS216Play as well?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi David,
      Most likely not. I believe memory in DS216Play is non-upgradable.

      Delete
  41. Andriy, any idea whether DS416play kan be upgraded? Only very limited reports on the web. Seem to point to yes. People claim it has the same hardware/mainboard. Any idea?? (Before I go out and buy one... ;))

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Sausmaster,
      Hardware (CPU) appears to be the same, most likely memory is upgradable. However, keep in mind that procedure described above won't apply for DS416Play. It may be easier or potentially more complicated to disassemble DS416Play comparing to DS216+.
      Andriy

      Delete
  42. Thanks for this tutorial. I just finished modding my DS216+II box with 8GB Crucial RAM from Amazon. Very simple to do, hardest part was trying to separate the 2 halves (you have to pull the metal bar down just enough to clear the 2 black plastic tabs and then just push the half back and it will seperate)

    http://imgur.com/a/g7jg8

    ReplyDelete
  43. Great Guide!
    Im thinking about upgrading my +II next week

    Is it possible to upgrade CPU aswell?

    ReplyDelete
  44. Thank you for the great tutorial! I installed a 4GB module that I removed from my iMac when upgrading its memory – it is actually a 1866 MT/s instead of the suggested 1600 MT/s. I use Resilio Sync with my NAS. The app used to struggle with 1GB, but now it works simply perfectly! Thank you again and happy 2017!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Alessandro! Well done and thanks for sharing. Happy New Year!

      Delete
    2. The RAM i pulled out of my NAS said 1600 on it.

      Delete
  45. How did you mount the SSD? Did you use a 3.5 mounting bracket? In the pics it looks like it's just free floating. Thanks for the instructions!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. There's 4 holes on the disk tray that you can use to mount the 2.5" drives.

      Delete
  46. I can see the SSD for better reliability but does it really provide you better througput as the NAS is probably limited by the ethernet link?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. No, I don't think SSD will provide any performance benefits for NAS throughput. However, SSD will definitely outperform mechanical drives for I/O intensive tasks running within NAS unit itself (docker containers, databases, etc).

      Delete
  47. Perfect instructions. Took about 10 minutes. The "most delicate part" is the only place I was stuck a bit. And putting the cover back on. Need to align the groove. Thank you very much for the detailed instructions!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. No worries :) I am glad this guide was helpful.

      Delete
  48. These were perfect instructions. Thank you so much for the level of detail. Awesome! I was able to follow this and upgrade my NAS. I wish everyone could write documentation like this. :)

    ReplyDelete
  49. Great tutorial!

    I'm currently owning a DS216SE and was interested in upgrading to DS216+ II but this tutorial made me wonder if the DS216SE memory is also upgradeable. Synology lists all three models (DS216SE, DS216+ and DS216II) as non memory upgradeable.
    I wanted to ask if you know anything about my unit and its memory.

    Thank you

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Those models don't have memory slots, the chips are soldered to the logic board. In general, only the + models have the slots.

      Delete
  50. Thanks for this quide. Went great. I added the following - Kingston HyperX Impact Black 4GB 1600MHz DDR3L CL9 SODIMM 1.35V Laptop Memory (HX316LS9IB/4)

    No issues. Well overkill for my uses, but it allowed me to turn off memory compression and it's super responsive. Big step up from my 213j!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. No worries, Gordon! Thanks for sharing details of your memory module.

      Delete
  51. Hi Andriy,

    Still works for you? I just made it. Going to check it:)

    ReplyDelete
  52. I confirm it works fine:) Thank You for this tutorial

    ReplyDelete
  53. Thankyou for the info
    Just up'd ram on my MacBook Pro mid 2012 to 16G as it happens the ram is the same as that on DS216+II so i repurposed 1 -4g module to DS216+II seems to be working properly. I am brand new to the NAS world your instructions were easy to follow and all seems to work good. Ram is hynix 4GB 2Rx8 PC3-12800S-11-12-F3.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. No worries, Rick! I am glad you found this guide helpful.

      Delete
  54. Thanks for sharing, worked for me!

    ReplyDelete
  55. Thank you very much. Super easy with your instructions. It could be an illusion, but my NAS definitely feels much more responsive.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. No worries, Mike. I am glad I was able to help :)

      Delete
  56. Great write up Andriy.......went without a hitch thanks to you.

    ReplyDelete
  57. Hi Andriy, thanks for great tutorial...
    I wonder how it works after upgrade to DSM 6.x and all this time in use... Would you do anything different? One more question: where you see benefit of SSD mostly (which use cases), cause buying ˜ 1TB SSD vs 6TB HDD is big difference in capacity, so I wonder if speed difference is really so important here... Thanks

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Ewoks,
      It's been more than a year since I've upgraded memory in my Synology unit. No regrets so far, system is super stable and reasonably fast. For me main benefits of SSD is reliability and I/O performance when I am running services within NAS unit itself (docker, databases). SSDs are silent, very light and they don't generate much heat. 6 TB HDD could be a good choice if you really need that much storage.
      Andriy

      Delete
  58. Just installed Crucial 4GB stick and it works flawlessly. Gitlab went from completely useless to blazing fast.

    ReplyDelete
  59. Excellent guide, just installed an 8Gb stick and all good. Thanks for posting.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. No worries, jw. I am glad I was able to help.

      Delete
  60. I had DS216+ii for work

    Are there any problem that cause then as shutdown randomly?
    Is this model of ram that author recommended stable and able for it?

    I any searching the ram that is stable for this machine~
    Samsung ram that I install past few month cause randomly shutdown and break HDD of my NAS
    ( https://www.amazon.com/Samsung-original-204-pin-PC3L-12800-M471B1G73EB0-YK0/dp/B0173ZBC2E )

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi there, memory module mentioned in this guide has been tested and proved to work without any issues on DS216+ and DS216+II. Thanks for sharing details about Samsung module!

      Delete
  61. Thank you Andriy for this guide.
    I upgraded memory module in DS216+II with Crucial DDR3 4GB 1600MHz (CT51264BF160BJ). It works great and first thing I noticed is that NAS is more responsive now.

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  62. Very clear, very instructive. All went smooth. Thanks so much

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  63. is it possible to run a minecraft server if i upgrade to 8gb ram? or is the cpu too slow?

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  64. Hello There, did anyone know if there is a possibility to upgrade RAM on ds216play ? As this one have STiH412 cpu ?

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  65. Hi,
    Is it possible to upgrade the CPU or memory on the DS415play?
    It would greatly benefit from more.

    Thanks,

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  66. Hey Andriy just wanted to say thanks for posting. Easy upgrade! Appreciate it

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  67. Hi Andrew.
    I read your article and thought about upgrade the memory on my DS716+II. At the beginning of the article it is written that the memory replacement has also been tested on DS716 +, is it possible to replace it with CT102464BF160B on this DS716+II?

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    Replies
    1. Hi Sergio,
      I am 99.9% confident that memory on DS716+ and DS716+II could be upgraded and I think procedure is much simpler in comparison with DS216+ and DS216+II. I don't have DS7* series but I've read somewhere about memory replacement on these models and if I remember it correctly disassembly process was much more straightforward.
      Andriy

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  68. Thanks for the detailed guide in this procedure. I am considering to buy DS216+ii, and this upgrade can definitely boost its performance...

    It seems like it has been more than a year since you upgraded. Any issues so far?

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    Replies
    1. Hi Yo Han,

      My NAS unit still works great. No issues so far.

      Andriy

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  69. Andriy Fedorov - Great work wonderful procedure.

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  70. https://www.kingston.com/EN/memory/search?DeviceType=&Mfr=SYN&Line=DiskStation&Model=95076

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  71. Upgraded my DS216+ II with your guide, you made it pretty easy for me, thank you. Had a SKHYNIX 4GB module laying around from older spare parts laptop. Worked perfectly. It was this module: https://www.skhynix.com/eolproducts.view.do?pronm=DDR3+SDRAM&srnm=HMT351S6EFR8A&rk=20&rc=module

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    Replies
    1. Great! Thanks for sharing memory module details, Glenn.

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  72. Thank you! Did the upgrade with the 4GB module today and it works great.

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    Replies
    1. No worries, Andy! I am glad I was able to help :)

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  73. Hi Andriy,

    Thank you for the detailed tutorial! Great job!
    Quick question - can it be done later, after everything has been installed and configured? Can you think of something that wouldn't 'like' the change and require to reinstall the os?

    Thanks a lot,
    Leo

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    Replies
    1. Hi Leo,

      I am glad I was able to help :)

      Yes, it can definitely be done later. OS re-install not required.

      Andriy

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    2. Thank you, Andriy, for your response. :)

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  74. Hi Andriy,

    Thank you for the great documentation, using that it was easy and clear how to upgrade the memory in the device.

    All the best for you.

    BR. P.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you for your feedback, Peter! All the best to you too! :)

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  75. I'm thinking about updating my DS216+II, I read some problems with re-booting. And updating the bios? Do i need to do so?

    Regards,

    Rick

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    Replies
    1. Hi Rick,

      Some DS216+ units had issues with reboot when manual power cycle was required. Issue could be rectified with BIOS update which is not publicly available and must be requested via support.

      This issue with reboot is not related to memory update. However, because memory update will technically void warranty this may cause some issue with getting warranty support.

      In my case I had no issues with requesting updated BIOS image from Synology support.

      Andriy

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    2. hi Andriy,

      Thanks!!!!

      I will order the Ram and follow youre instructions.

      Regards Rick


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  76. Thanks Andriy!! Great guide... appreciate the effort you put into documenting the steps.. made it very easy. I've book marked this page to go along with my NAS..Cheers!

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  77. Hi Andry,
    I'm thinking about acquiring a ds216 + and upgrading it to memory, in the synology page say that this model is compatible with 6.1 could virtualize a windows 7 with the virtualization option of the new version? please send answer to my email rsoto@rotechrd.com

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  78. I bought a 8GB sitck back in april and finally got around to installing it. Worked like a charm! Thanks Andriy

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  79. The DS216 + II also supports memory : ADATA - AM1L16BC8R2-B1QS - 8 GB - PC-12800 - SODIMM 204-PIN - DDR3

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  80. Removing 4 screws for the vent is totally unnecessary.

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  81. If i'm just using my Synology DS216+II for FTP file transfers would the extra RAM help much.

    I use it as a media server and FTP for my home. I normally have files streaming, ranging from 800MB to 4GB in size and i also host a 12 Page website on my NAS. I also use this for basic FTP to store my work files and so on, typical NAS things.

    I'm just pondering how much overhead or possible extra smoothness this might give me mostly when streaming large data, films and TV Shows with around two to three people using it at the same time.

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  82. Thank you very much for your instruction, Andriy ... my 4 GB RAM module works fine in my DS216+ :-)

    FYI: The data transfer rate didn't increase by that ... that's my feeling ... I assume, purporse of more RAM is available only with parallel processes beside pure data transfer. I'm even not sure, if the new DS218+ (with 2 GB RAM) will improve transfer rates, even the CPU has nearly about double points by cpubenchmark.net. That's what I've I understood from Amazon reviews.

    Thank you
    Joerg

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  83. Quick question, 4GB is more than enough for me and that is what I am going to use. Do you know if I can do it with an already installed system or will I need to format it?

    Cheers

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  84. Hi,
    many thanks, I upgraded my synology to 8 Gbyte with the Crucial 8GB Single DDR3 1600 MT/s (PC3-12800) CL11 SODIMM 204-Pin 1.35V Notebook Memory CT102464BF160B and it is working fine.

    Last question, could I disable the memory compression?

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  85. Worked great on my DS216+II. Thank you Andriy@

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  86. Just upgraded my ds216 II+. Great instructions. Works so much faster now.

    Thank!!

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  87. ASU16D3LS1KFG/4G Kingston 4GB PC3-12800 DDR3-1600MHz - 1 hour withoup problems...

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  88. Upgraded my DS216+II from 1GB to 8GB by installing the Kingston HyperX Impact HX316LS9IB/8 memory module. Upgrade was done within 15 minutes. After installing, successfully started the NAS and disabled the memory compression as well.
    It's operating much smoother now.
    Great upgrade!! :-)

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  89. Thank you for the instructions. DS216+ memory upgraded without an issue.
    For the tricky part, I was a bit hesitant and the following video version helped: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGHxaTT6rgs

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  90. Thank you very much for the instructions. Without them I would not have known about this possibility nor would I have known how to do it.
    I have tried with a memory bought in a well-known Chinese store. Model Kembona DDR3 8 Gb PC3-12800 1.35V KBN16LS11 / 8 Non-ECC CL11 SODIMM Intel Memory Ram (22,85 € postage included). I just installed it and it works perfectly, I have already removed the compression and it shows.
    Thanks again.

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  91. Amazing but Kingston KVR16S11/8 (not ddr3L) works without any problems

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  92. Thank YOU!
    Just thank you!!

    I followed your DIY guide and the video from YetAnotherTechChannel on youtube (link at the end of the post) and upgraded my DS216+ from 1GB RAM to 8GB DDR3L-1600 HyperX HX316LS9IB/8 and it works better than new!
    Like.... 8 times better than new!

    Initially I was looking for a 4GB upgrade, but decided that since I'm opening it, why not max it out.
    And now I'm not sure about what to do with the spare 6GB available

    Thank you again for the very detailed DIY guide!

    youtube: youtube.com/watch?v=LGHxaTT6rgs

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    Replies
    1. No worries! I am glad you found this guide helpful :)

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  93. Dear Andriy, even in 2021 your instructions are very helpful. Just did the upgrade on my DS216+ hoping it does its job for a few more years. Thanks a lot!

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  94. I recently experienced major performance issues with my custom Java application running on my DS216+ as Docker image. HTTP requests took about 200ms/300ms, but with peaks up to 20 seconds. Then I noticed in the DSM resource monitor that it was heavily swapping memory when I started my Java application. Although it seemed to have some free memory space, it was only because most of the memory was stored on disk.
    So I googled and found this article about the possibility of a memory upgrade. I received the memory today and just installed it using this excellent description. The steps involved are described in much detail, so it may look like a lot of steps, but it's really simple. The description is just very detailed, which is good! It took me about half an hour in total.
    After I booted the DS216+ I immedately noticed a big difference. First of all, it boots much faster then it ever did before and also DSM is much faster. And now response times of my Java application dropped to around 5ms, with no high peaks anymore. It now uses around 3GB of the available 8GB wihtout swapping. So I can image why it was 'a bit' slow before.
    Thank you very much for this excellent article, it really saved my day!

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  95. Andriy,

    Many thanks for the detailed notes. You saved my life.

    I just upgraded to 8GB from 1 GB on my DS216+.

    Hopefully I can run DSM 7 now. I upgraded to DSM 7.0 last week and the system is almost unusable with several packages stopped because NOt enough memory.

    Thanks again

    - Hung

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    Replies
    1. No worries, Hung! I am glad I was able to help. All the best!

      Delete
  96. You sir are a bloody genius, just upgraded my ds216+ from 1gb to 8gb and the NAS is now super quick running DSM7, thank you !!!

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  97. Thanks for the detailed walkthrough Andiry! I upgraded my DS216+ to DSM 7 and it was unusable. Following your guide upgrading to 8GB, it's now working great!

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  98. Great thank you! Now everything is so fast, also the phone apps!

    A must after upgrade to DSM7, but also nice for DSM 6 - and very easy

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  99. Beware.

    After upgrading my DS216+II with even an official 4GB RAM module out of an other Synology NAS, according to exact specifications, my volume crashed after a few months.

    The disks were fine, the RAID was fine, the volume just went read-only, and a ton of files became corrupt.

    Because why? Most likely the RAM upgrade.

    Synology support told me this:

    "I think that this has been caused by the RAM module that has been added to your NAS. I see errors indicating a bad leaf key order which is usually caused by memory module issues.

    Sample logs:

    2023-01-10T02:40:33+01:00 Nasi kernel: [2972022.015543] BTRFS critical (device dm-1): leaf bad key order, block=1625560432640, root=458, slot=133"

    I spend 3 days recovering files, just for a small performance boost...

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    Replies
    1. Thanks for sharing your experience, Alexei. I am guessing that you've got a faulty memory module. It has been more than 7 years since I upgraded memory in my DS216 and it is still working fine. I didn't have any issues, did numerous software updates ... Never had to replace any parts, SSD drives still work well.

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