This summary of the video was created by an AI. It might contain some inaccuracies.
00:00:00 – 00:13:35
The video addresses Synology's drive compatibility requirements and policies, particularly focusing on their newer NAS systems. Initially, Synology mandated their branded hard drives for reliability and performance, especially for models with nine or more bays, following firmware issues with Seagate IronWolf drives. This requirement was strict in DSM 6 and 7.0, flagging non-compliant drives as "storage pool critical" and impairing their functionality.
However, with DSM 7.1, Synology made notable improvements, easing restrictions and restoring key features like SMART data monitoring. This made the usage of non-Synology drives more viable, albeit with some remaining caution. For consumer models, particularly those with eight bays or fewer, Synology has become more flexible, not mandating their branded drives and signaling a positive shift towards user feedback and market demands. Despite the easing of policies, the speaker emphasizes the necessity of ensuring drive compatibility, especially for larger units, and the potential need for more transparent communication from Synology regarding their policies.
00:00:00
In this part of the video, the presenter discusses Synology’s requirement for using their branded hard drives in certain models, particularly those with nine or more bays. They clarify previous misinformation they spread, emphasizing that while non-Synology drives can still be used, it would significantly hinder functionality, like the ability to access smart data. The necessity arises from an incident where Seagate IronWolf drives had compatibility issues due to a firmware update, prompting Synology to ensure full control over firmware to prevent such issues in the future. The presenter highlights that this requirement is much more of a strong recommendation aimed at maintaining reliable system performance and compatibility.
00:03:00
In this part of the video, the speaker explains why Synology required customers to use specific drives for their NAS systems, especially for enterprise customers. Initially, this requirement stemmed from companies demanding guaranteed order volumes, and Synology saw a substantial revenue opportunity despite minimal profits. The speaker argues that while Synology products are superior, this policy has removed the “bring your own drives” advantage, mainly affecting enterprise users rather than consumers.
The speaker also details how this requirement was enforced in DSM 6 and 7.0: units flagged incompatible drives with a “storage pool critical” status, depriving users of drive health data and warnings. This heavy-handed approach led the speaker to avoid using non-Synology drives for clients due to cost and compatibility issues, often opting for older units or more affordable alternatives to avoid additional expenses.
00:06:00
In this segment, the speaker discusses the improvements made with DSM 7.1, highlighting that non-Synology drives are now more usable with the system. The storage pool status has improved from critical red to a warning orange, signifying usability despite some remaining annoyances. Importantly, SMART data functionality has returned, allowing for better drive monitoring and failure prediction. Synology has reduced restrictions on using non-Synology drives, making the system more user-friendly.
Additionally, the speaker mentions that Synology’s 2022 lineup, particularly the RS822+ rack-mounted storage system, does not require Synology hard drives, signaling a positive change. This implies that for units with eight bays or fewer, users are not mandated to use Synology drives, which is favorable for home users who typically do not exceed this capacity. This decision reflects Synology’s responsiveness to market demands and user feedback.
00:09:00
In this part of the video, the speaker discusses Synology’s drive compatibility requirements for different units. They clarify that while some smaller units may not require Synology drives, larger units, such as the 60-bay model, likely will. The video highlights the importance of checking language settings on Synology’s site, as wording differences between “English US” and “English Global” can impact understanding. Both versions recommend using Synology drives for reliability and performance, and warn of potential issues and lack of support when using non-verified drives. The speaker expresses a preference for clearer communication from Synology regarding their support policy.
00:12:00
In this part of the video, the speaker discusses the importance of using specific drives to avoid putting the storage pool into a warning state. There’s a method mentioned to bypass this issue by SSHing in and changing the compatibility list, though it’s advised to proceed cautiously and only if comfortable with potential risks. The speaker expresses a desire for clearer communication from the company about drive requirements and concludes by inviting viewers to share their opinions in the comments.