How do I install an SSD into my Synology NAS for the best SSD cache performance?
Due to the specification limits of the SATA controllers used in Synology DS415+, DS1515+, and DS1815+, the maximum transmission speed will vary depending on the drive bay. If you need to enable SSD cache on one of these models, please install the SSDs into Drive Bay 1 or Drive Bay 2, each with a transmission speed of SATA 6.0 Gb/s, in order to achieve optimal performance. There are no SSD installation limitations for other Synology NAS models.
If you have already created a storage volume in DS415+, DS1515+, or DS1815+ but the SSDs used as system cache are not installed in Drive Bay 1 or Drive Bay 2, please refer to the following steps to change the configuration:
- Do not modify any system settings. Shut down the system normally.
- Remove all drives from the system.
- Install the SSDs into Bay 1 and Bay 2, and the rest HDDs into other drive bays.
- Power on the system.
- Go to DSM > Storage Manager and confirm the status of the storage volume and SSD cache settings.
What can I do to troubleshoot DSM installation problems?
The common root causes of DSM installation problems usually lie in security/firewall programs installed on a PC, network connection, defective hard drives, or disk partition issues.
To resolve the installation problem, do the following:
- Run an extensive disk scan on all hard drives on a Windows PC using the manufacturer’s diagnostic tool to determine if the disks are healthy. Below are a few tools for your reference:
- WD HDD (Lifeguard)
- Seagate HDD (SeaTools)
- Hitachi HDD (Drive Fitness Test)
- After the scan is completed, try formatting the disks on a Windows PC first, and then place them back in your Synology NAS.
- Connect your Synology NAS directly to your PC using an Ethernet cable without going through a router.
- Install DSM on your Synology NAS with Synology Assistant.
Note: ZoneAlarm and Kaspersky have been known to block the connection between Synology Assistant and your Synology NAS even when the firewall service is disabled. Please make sure any other security software is completely disabled during DSM installation or when the Synology Assistant program is running.
Why do I get the "error 16" message when I try to upgrade DSM?
This error message occurs when Synology DiskStation’s system partition (where DSM is installed) is not large enough for the latest DSM. This issue can be solved by formatting all hard disks on your DiskStation and reinstalling the latest DSM.
Please follow the steps:
- Log in to DSM with the admin account.
- Go to Main Menu > Backup and Restore to back up your data and system configuration.
- Go to Main Menu > Control Panel > Restore Defaults, and choose Format the hard disk and restore to factory default settings.
- Launch Synology Assistant to install the latest DSM. Refer to the “Quick Installation Guide” in the installation disc for more information.
- Log in to DSM with the admin account.
- Go to Main Menu > Storage Manager to create a new volume on your DiskStation.
- Go to Main Menu > Backup and Restore to restore your data and system configuration.
Note: For more information about using Storage Manager and Backup and Restore, refer to their Help document by clicking the Help button (with a question mark) at the top-right corner.