Synology 2-Port 25GbE SFP28 PCIe Network Adapter E25G30-F2
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AI Verdict
This is a dual-port 25GbE SFP28 PCIe network adapter purpose-built for Synology systems requiring high-throughput storage applications.
This adapter is a strong fit for compatible Synology systems that are already bottlenecked by 10GbE networking, especially when paired with fast storage like SSD arrays or NVMe caches. Its dual 25GbE ports and link aggregation capabilities directly address high-throughput demands for applications like video editing and large backups.
If your Synology NAS is limited by internal drive speeds rather than network bandwidth, consider upgrading to an all-flash Synology model or adding NVMe cache drives before investing in 25GbE networking.
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Pros
- Provides 25 Gigabits Per Second data rate per port, enabling faster data transfers.
- Features two SFP28 ports, allowing for link aggregation up to 50 Gb/s total throughput for increased bandwidth and redundancy.
- Includes CPU offloading and load balancing technologies to optimize system performance during heavy workloads.
- Backward compatible with 10GbE SFP+ transceivers, offering flexibility for existing network infrastructure.
- Backed by a 5-year warranty, indicating manufacturer confidence in durability.
- Half-height form factor allows installation in compact NAS enclosures.
Cons
- Exclusively compatible with Synology systems, limiting its use in other server or PC environments.
- Requires DSM 7.1.1-42962 Update 5 or above (or DSM 7.2.1-69057+ for AMD Ryzen V1000 CPUs), which might necessitate a DSM upgrade.
- Actual performance can be bottlenecked by the host Synology NAS's internal drive speeds or CPU, especially on models like the DS1621+.
- Both network ports must be configured with the same link speed, preventing mixed-speed link aggregation.
- SFP28 to SFP+ auto-negotiation might not always work, potentially requiring manual speed configuration.
Dimension Scores
Offers 25 Gigabits Per Second per port, with dual ports supporting 50 Gb/s aggregate throughput, placing it at the high end for NAS networking.
Comes with a 5-year warranty and includes features like port failover and load balancing, designed for continuous operation.
Integrates seamlessly with compatible Synology systems and DSM, with users reporting instant recognition after boot.
As a network adapter, its primary role is data transfer; security features are largely handled by the Synology DSM and connected network devices.
Best For
- Synology NAS users performing frequent, large file backups or transfers where 10GbE is a bottleneck.
- Environments with 6K video editing workflows directly from a Synology NAS, demanding high sustained throughput.
- Synology systems hosting multiple virtual machines or containerized applications requiring low-latency, high-bandwidth network access.
- Users seeking to implement network redundancy and load balancing on their compatible Synology NAS with 25GbE infrastructure.
Not Recommended For
- Users with non-Synology NAS or server hardware, as this adapter is purpose-built for Synology systems.
- Synology NAS models with slow mechanical hard drives or insufficient CPU power, where the 25GbE bandwidth cannot be fully utilized.
- Budget-conscious users who do not already possess a 25GbE switch and transceivers, as these add significant cost.
Watch Out For
- The card's PCIe 3.0 x8 interface might be limited to PCIe 3.0 x4 lanes in some Synology NAS models, potentially capping actual bandwidth to around 3GB/sec (24 Gbps).
- You need to ensure your Synology NAS runs DSM 7.1.1-42962 Update 5 or newer; otherwise, the card won't function.
- If connecting to a 10GbE SFP+ port, you might have to manually set the speed to 10 Gbps on the SFP28 side, as auto-negotiation isn't guaranteed.
- The card requires compatible SFP28 transceivers or DAC cables, which are sold separately and add to the total cost.
Full Specifications
| UPC | 846504005055 |
| ASIN | B095PXMJ65 |
| Brand | Synology |
| Color | SFP28 |
| Batteries | 1 Nonstandard Battery batteries required. |
| Item Weight | 6.9 ounces |
| Manufacturer | Synology |
| Item model number | E25G30-F2 |
| Compatible Devices | Synology Systems |
| Data Link Protocol | USB |
| Data Transfer Rate | 25 Gigabits Per Second |
| Hardware Interface | PCI Express x16 |
| Product Dimensions | 17.72 x 11.02 x 9.84 inches |
| Compatible Operating System Family | Linux |
What Buyers Say
Users report a noticeable acceleration in large file operations, with backups that previously took hours now completing in minutes. The card's ability to handle demanding tasks like 6K video editing directly from the NAS without lag is a recurring theme. However, some users point out that the card's full potential might be limited by the Synology NAS's internal drive speeds or CPU, especially if not using SSDs or NVMe caches. There's also a mention of potential issues with SFP+ auto-negotiation, requiring manual speed settings.
“Dude, I slapped this in my DS1621xs+ and my huge backups just FLY now, like, hours became minutes, it's insane for video editing, but seriously, make sure your drives can even keep up or you're just wasting money.”
Common Praise
- Large file backups finished in a fraction of the time after installation.
- Editing 6K video files directly from the NAS is seamless, with no lag or dropped frames.
- Eliminates network bottlenecks, supercharging throughput for demanding workflows.
- DSM instantly recognizes the card after boot, requiring no manual driver installation.
- Dual ports allow for link aggregation up to 50 Gb/s and provide redundancy.
Common Complaints
- The actual bandwidth can be limited by the Synology NAS's internal drive speeds, making the 25GbE overkill for some setups.
- SFP28 to SFP+ auto-negotiation might not work reliably, requiring manual speed configuration to 10 Gbps.
- Some Synology NAS models might not be able to fully saturate the 25GbE ports due to CPU or PCIe lane limitations.
- Requires a specific DSM version, which could mean an update is necessary before use.
Ownership Tips
- Even with 25GbE, the performance ceiling is often dictated by the speed of the drives inside the Synology NAS, not just the network card.
- You'll need to invest in compatible SFP28 transceivers or DAC cables, which are separate purchases and can add up.
- Checking your DSM version is crucial before buying; an outdated version will prevent the card from working.
- Consider the PCIe lane availability and speed in your specific Synology model, as some might limit the card's potential bandwidth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this network adapter compatible with any brand of NAS or server?
No, this network adapter is purpose-built for use with compatible Synology systems only.
What DSM version is required for this card to work?
You need DSM 7.1.1-42962 Update 5 or above. For Synology models with an AMD Ryzen V1000 CPU, DSM 7.2.1-69057 or above is required.
Can I use this card with my existing 10GbE SFP+ switch?
Yes, the SFP28 ports are backward compatible with 10GbE SFP+ transceivers and DAC cables. However, you might need to manually configure the speed to 10 Gbps on the SFP28 side.
Does link aggregation increase individual file transfer speeds?
No, link aggregation increases the total aggregate throughput of the network and provides port failover and load balancing, but it does not increase the speed of a single file transfer.
What kind of cables or transceivers do I need for this card?
The card supports optical SR (Short Range), optical LR (Long Range) transceivers, and DAC (Direct Attach Copper) cables. These are sold separately.
Buying Guide
When looking at a network adapter like this, you're essentially buying speed for your Synology NAS. It's about how fast your NAS can talk to other devices on your network. If you're moving massive files, editing high-resolution video directly from your NAS, or running a bunch of virtual machines, your current network might be a bottleneck. This card aims to remove that bottleneck by offering significantly higher data transfer rates.
25 Gigabits Per Second (25GbE)
This is the raw speed the card can handle. Think of it like a highway with 25 lanes. More lanes mean more data can travel at once, making large transfers much quicker compared to a 10GbE (10-lane) or 1GbE (1-lane) connection.
Dual SFP28 Ports
These are the physical connectors for your network cables. Having two means you can connect to two different network segments or, more importantly, combine them (link aggregation) to get even more total bandwidth, like turning two 25-lane highways into a 50-lane superhighway for your NAS.
Compatible with Synology Systems
This isn't a generic network card. It's designed specifically to work with Synology's hardware and software (DSM). This usually means easier installation and better integration, but it also means it won't work with other brands.
CPU Offloading
When your NAS is moving a lot of data, the CPU usually has to do some work to manage that. CPU offloading means the network card handles some of that work itself, freeing up your NAS's main processor for other tasks, which keeps your NAS running smoothly even under heavy network load.
Alternatives
If this card is too much, look for a dual-port 10GbE SFP+ or RJ45 card for your Synology, which offers a step down in speed but is still significantly faster than 1GbE. If your NAS is not Synology, search for 25GbE PCIe network adapters compatible with your specific server or PC brand.
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