Description
The Synology DX517 is the definitive scaling solution for users who have outgrown their current NAS capacity. Featuring five hot-swappable drive bays that support both 3.5-inch and 2.5-inch SATA drives, this expansion unit connects via a high-bandwidth eSATA cable to ensure maximum throughput. It allows for the immediate expansion of existing RAID volumes or the creation of new independent volumes, providing a flexible path for data growth without the need for reformatting or complex migrations.
This product is for:
- Creative Professionals: Ideal for video editors and photographers needing to expand their high-resolution media libraries without interrupting active projects.
- Small Business Owners: Provides a cost-effective way to scale server storage as company data, backups, and client files grow over time.
- IT Administrators: Simplifies infrastructure management by allowing online volume expansion and plug-and-play deployment for supported Synology models.
- Home Lab Enthusiasts: Perfect for users running Plex servers or virtualization environments who require additional bays for high-capacity SATA HDDs.
- Surveillance Operators: Offers dedicated storage space for long-term retention of NVR footage from Synology DVA and DS series devices.
Detailed specifications:
- Drive Bays: 5 x 3.5" or 2.5" SATA HDD/SSD.
- Maximum Internal Raw Capacity: 50 TB (based on 10TB drives; actual capacity varies by RAID type).
- Interface: 1 x eSATA port for high-speed data synchronization.
- Power Management: 200W PSU with synchronized power on/off with the host DiskStation.
- Cooling: Dual 80mm x 80mm system fans with a low noise level of 21.5 dB(A).
- Dimensions: 157 mm x 248 mm x 233 mm; Weight: 3.91 kg.
Setting up the DX517 is remarkably straightforward thanks to its plug-and-play design. Once connected via the included eSATA cable, the host NAS recognizes the additional bays instantly through the DiskStation Manager (DSM) interface. The hot-swappable trays allow for drive installation or replacement without powering down the unit, ensuring 24/7 uptime. Its synchronized power feature is particularly convenient, as the expansion unit automatically wakes or sleeps in tandem with the main NAS, optimizing energy efficiency and reducing hardware wear.
Compared to purchasing a completely new, larger NAS, the DX517 is a more economical and less labor-intensive upgrade. While a new NAS requires data migration and configuration from scratch, the DX517 integrates directly into the existing ecosystem. Unlike generic USB expansion enclosures, the DX517 uses a dedicated eSATA connection, which provides the reliability and speed necessary for RAID management and high-speed file transfers, making it a superior choice for professional-grade reliability.
Q&A:
- Does the Synology DX517 support online volume expansion? Yes, it allows you to add storage capacity to an existing volume on the host NAS without reformatting drives or stopping services.
- Which Synology models are compatible with the DX517? It supports a wide range of Plus and XS series models, including the DS1823xs+, DS1522+, DS923+, and older units like the DS1817 and DS1517.
- Can I use the DX517 as a separate backup destination? Absolutely; the additional bays can be configured as a standalone volume to serve as a local backup for the main NAS data.
- What happens if the eSATA cable is disconnected? The DX517 is designed for a secure connection, but if disconnected, the volume will crash; however, the screw-locked eSATA cable prevents accidental removal.
- Does it require a separate power management setup? No, the unit synchronizes its power state with the connected DiskStation, turning on and off automatically.
