Synology 5-Bay DiskStation DS1525+ (Diskless)
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AI Verdict
A 5-bay NAS with a 2.2GHz quad-core AMD Ryzen V1500B CPU and dual 2.5GbE ports, ideal for data hoarders needing scalable storage and robust software features.
This 5-bay DiskStation is a strong fit for users needing a scalable storage solution with robust software. Its 2.5GbE ports and 1,181/1,180 MB/s sequential read/write throughput make it capable for demanding data transfers, and the 300 TB expansion potential ensures long-term utility.
If you need faster external device connectivity, look for NAS units with USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps) or Thunderbolt ports.
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Pros
- Offers up to 1,181/1,180 MB/s sequential read/write throughput for stable data transfers.
- Includes built-in dual 2.5GbE ports for fast network connectivity out of the box, with support for a 10GbE upgrade card.
- Expandable with two DX525 expansion units, adding 10 extra drive bays for up to 300 TB of raw storage.
- Powered by Synology DiskStation Manager (DSM), providing a user-friendly OS and a large app catalog for data sharing, backup, and surveillance.
- Features a 2.2GHz quad-core AMD Ryzen V1500B CPU and 8GB of DDR4 RAM, capable of running Docker containers and virtual machines.
- Supports various RAID levels including SHR, JBOD, single, RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 6, and RAID 10.
Cons
- Lacks an HDMI port, limiting direct display output.
- Only officially supports Synology-branded M.2 SSDs for caching, restricting user choice and potentially increasing cost.
- The external power supply is a design choice some users find frustrating.
- The 5Gbps USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports are slower compared to other devices offering 10Gbps or faster USB connections.
- The processor lacks a transcoding chip, which complicates remote access for 4K multimedia content.
Dimension Scores
Achieves up to 1,181/1,180 MB/s sequential read/write throughput, which is above average for its category.
Backed by a 3-year limited hardware warranty and Synology's reputation, though some users report enclosure rattling.
The 5-bay design, expandable to 15 bays with two DX525 units for up to 300 TB raw storage, offers exceptional scalability.
Supports 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch SATA drives, but M.2 SSDs for caching are limited to Synology-branded ones, and some USB accessory functionality has been removed.
Best For
- Small businesses requiring scalable network storage for sharing and backing up data.
- Home office users needing a centralized solution for data sharing, synchronization, and backup.
- Users with large video files, 4K footage, and stock assets who need high-capacity storage and potential NVMe SSD caching.
- Individuals seeking a 'set and forget' solution for long-term data archival and media serving, especially with Synology Photos.
Not Recommended For
- Users who frequently stream 4K multimedia remotely and require on-the-fly transcoding.
- Budget-conscious buyers who prefer using non-Synology branded M.2 SSDs for caching or want to avoid potential drive compatibility issues.
- Those needing direct display output via HDMI for media consumption or monitoring.
Watch Out For
- You're stuck with Synology-branded M.2 SSDs if you want official caching support, which can be more expensive.
- The enclosure itself can rattle from drive vibrations, leading to a higher noise level than expected, especially with larger drives.
- Synology has reduced functionality in DSM, removing support for network printers and other USB accessories that other brands still offer.
- The included 8GB DDR4 RAM requires removal if you upgrade to 32GB, meaning you can't simply add to it.
- The USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports are limited to 5Gbps, which is half the speed of 10Gbps USB ports found on some competing devices.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B0C8S6ZZVX |
| Size | 166 mm x 230 mm x 223 mm |
| Brand | Synology |
| Color | Black |
| Series | DS1525+ 28115302 |
| Language | English, English, English, English, English |
| Material | Metal, Plastic |
| Item Weight | 5.89 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Synology |
| Item model number | DS1525+ |
| Product Dimensions | 8.78 x 9.06 x 6.54 inches |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 8.78 x 9.06 x 6.54 inches |
What Buyers Say
Users migrating from older Synology models generally find the DS1525+ to be a significant upgrade in processing power, handling workloads that previously caused older units to struggle. However, there's a recurring complaint about the external power supply and the noise generated by the enclosure itself, which can rattle with drive vibrations. The restriction to Synology-branded M.2 SSDs for caching and the removal of some USB functionalities are also points of frustration for some.
“Man, this thing is fast for backups, but seriously, the noise from the drives rattling in the case is driving me nuts, and why can't I use my own NVMe for caching without a workaround?!”
Common Praise
- The Synology DiskStation Manager (DSM) operating system is user-friendly and offers a wide range of applications.
- The 2.5GbE ports provide noticeably faster network performance out of the box.
- The ability to run Docker containers and virtual machines easily is a major plus for advanced users.
- The extra drive bay compared to 4-bay models provides better longevity and storage flexibility.
- The NAS offers strong performance for data sharing and backup tasks.
Common Complaints
- The external power supply is inconvenient and a step backward for some users.
- The enclosure can be noisy, with reports of rattling due to drive vibrations.
- The lack of a transcoding chip in the CPU makes remote 4K media streaming problematic.
- Synology's restriction to their own M.2 SSDs for caching is seen as an unnecessary limitation.
- The USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports are considered slow compared to modern alternatives.
Ownership Tips
- The external power brick is a bit of a pain for cable management.
- You'll definitely hear the drives working, especially if you have high-RPM ones; the case doesn't dampen vibrations well.
- Setting up Docker containers and VMs is surprisingly straightforward with DSM, making it more than just a file server.
- The 2.5GbE connection is a noticeable upgrade if your network supports it, making file transfers much quicker.
- Even with the M.2 SSD restrictions, the overall system responsiveness for file operations feels snappy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the DS1525+ support non-Synology hard drives?
Yes, the DS1525+ accepts third-party 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch drives. However, M.2 SSDs for caching are restricted to Synology-branded ones.
Can I upgrade the RAM in the DS1525+?
Yes, the 8GB DDR4 RAM can be upgraded to 32GB by replacing the existing modules with two 16GB modules.
Does the DS1525+ have 10GbE networking?
It comes with built-in dual 2.5GbE ports and has a slot to install an optional 10GbE add-on card.
Is the DS1525+ suitable for 4K video streaming?
It can store 4K content, but its processor lacks a dedicated transcoding chip, which might complicate remote streaming of 4K media. Local use is generally fine.
What is the maximum storage capacity of the DS1525+?
The DS1525+ has 5 drive bays, and can be expanded with two DX525 expansion units to add 10 more bays, supporting up to 300 TB of raw storage.
Does the DS1525+ have an HDMI port?
No, the Synology DS1525+ does not include an HDMI port.
Buying Guide
When buying a NAS like this, you're investing in a personal cloud and data center. Think about how much data you have now and how much you expect to have in the next 3-5 years. You'll also need to decide on the type and number of hard drives, as this unit comes diskless. Consider your network setup; to fully utilize the 2.5GbE ports, your router and other devices should also support those speeds.
Drive Bays
This tells you how many hard drives you can install. More bays mean more total storage capacity and more flexibility for RAID configurations, which protect your data from drive failures. A 5-bay unit like this offers a good balance for home or small business use.
Sequential Read/Write Throughput
This is how fast the NAS can move data in a continuous stream. Higher numbers (like 1,181/1,180 MB/s) mean quicker backups, faster access to large files, and smoother streaming of high-resolution media. It's like the top speed of a highway for your data.
Ethernet Ports (2.5GbE, 10GbE support)
These are your network connections. 2.5GbE is 2.5 times faster than standard Gigabit Ethernet, allowing for much quicker data transfers over your network. The ability to add 10GbE means you can upgrade to even faster speeds if your network infrastructure supports it, like adding more lanes to that data highway.
CPU and RAM
The CPU (processor) and RAM (memory) are the 'brain' and 'short-term memory' of your NAS. A quad-core CPU and sufficient RAM (like 8GB) ensure the NAS can handle multiple tasks simultaneously, such as running apps, managing backups, and serving files, without slowing down. It's crucial for smooth operation, especially if you plan to run virtual machines or Docker containers.
Alternatives
If this doesn't fit, look for NAS units with integrated 10GbE ports for maximum speed, or models with HDMI output and dedicated transcoding hardware if remote 4K media streaming is a priority.
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