![]() This method is relativity standard for NAS boxes we have seen it is very straightforward. Slip the HDD into the tray with SATA ports facing away from the front levers and snap in the plastic retaining bars. Installing 3.5” hard drives is entirely tool free. Let us move on to installing our hard drives. Synology DS918+ AccessoriesĪccessories included with the DS918+ include: Now that companies like Synology have focused expanding their software offerings, adding RAM has become commonplace and we now have easy to access SODIMM memory slots. Gaining access to the memory slots is simple, remove the hard drive trays to open up the memory slot area. In older NAS models, one often had to perform extensive disassembly to add additional RAM. This allows for relatively easy expansion. Removing the hard drive trays gives access to the memory slots. ![]() Even though the front bays are key-locked, the M.2 bays are not. Access to the M.2 bays is straightforward, insert the M.2 drive and press down to lock them in place. The M.2 covers just pop off by pressing the tab on the sides of the M.2 covers. One of the main features of the new DS918+ found at the bottom of the unit, bays for the two M.2 NVMe SSD’s. The graphics outline all the functions found on the DS918+. Here is Synology’s view of the features: Synology DS918+ Feature Highlight The rear of the unit has two RJ-45 1GbE ports, a USB 3.0 port and an eSATA port for expansion. We like the dual large fans to provide cooling for drives while maintaining a lower rotational speed. The rear of the unit is dominated by two 120mm cooling fans. We were not a huge fan of the plastic front cover of the DS916+ and found the new design of the DS918+ a welcome change it also looks better for SMB environments. Throw in the disk activity LED’s, USB port and power button from the DS916+, and we now have a hybrid design that blends the two types. The same locking hot-swap drive bays along with the beveled round out the front enclosure. ![]() One of the first things we noticed about the DS918+ is it looks very much like the DS1517+. Now that we have the DS918+ out of the retail box let us take a look at the unit itself. The DS918+ is well padded inside with foam inserts as we have found on all Synology products we have reviewed so far. Labeling on the outside of the retail box shows the model number, IO ports, and short specification list. Packaging for the DS918+ is typical for Synology NAS boxes. For complete system specifications of the DS918+ head over to Synology to find more detail. Some of the notable upgrades include the M.2 NVMe SSD capability that can increase performance with caching and storage tiering to accelerate storage performance. The DS918+ also includes an updated Intel Celeron J3455 Quad Core processor running at 1.5GHz and can Turbo up to 2.3GHz. Here are the key specs from the Synology DS918+ NAS: Synology DS918+ Specifications The unit also has Synology’s excellent software package which means that advanced functionality is made easily accessible via web browser configuration. The DiskStation DS918+ is an improved 4-bay NAS that offers an updated CPU and additional SSD expansion compared to previous models. Shortly after Synologys lastest news release on its product refreshes, we received a Synology DS918+ 4-Bay NAS to review.
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